Pumpkin Fundraising! ACross the Pews Travels

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1 Issue 5 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2016 Knox Waterloo ~ the church with a smile! In This Issue After church treats! Helen Fagan Directory Sunday Worship Themes Transitions Reflections from the Editor Ministers Messages Christian Education Update Introducing the Music Scholars Save the Dates Events! Supporting Others 128 th Anniversary Celebration Appeal from Session Joining Knox as a Member Knox Oct Nov Calendars Mercy Book Launch Hymns & Hops! Pumpkin Fundraising! The Waterloo Region Food Bank tells us that 1 in 20 households need food support. Half of these households are families with children. Knox Waterloo Junior High youth challenge you to end hunger by supporting their annual Pumpkin Fundraiser in October. Some of the youth and leaders collected pumpkins in September from the fields at Mosborough Farm Market who in turn donated pumpkins to Knox. They will be for sale on Sundays after worship in the Hall (Oct 9, 16, 23, 30). Please help the Jr. High youth make a difference in our community by supporting the Pumpkin Fundraiser! All proceeds will support the Food Bank. Sundays CKWR FM 98.5 Livestreaming ACross the Pews Travels 1. Clementsvale, outside Beaver River, Nova Scotia Barbara MacAskill, Wendy Anderson and George MacAskill [Jim Anderson photographer] 1 Knox Waterloo 2. St. Paul s Cathedral: London, England Shirley Carter with digital copy of Knox s newsletter [Lawrie Carter: photographer]

2 Knox Waterloo 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 1T1 (519) Ministers: Rev. Brooke Ashfield Rev. Linda Ashfield Ministers in Association: Rev. Walter McLean Rev. Mary Whitson Office Administrator: Ruth Song Finance Officer: John Scace Christian Education Director: Laura Vander Vleuten Music Director/Organist: Terry English Coffee Hour Coordinator: [Vacant] Greeter Coordinator: Gordon Coyne LOGOS Director: Glenda Ribey Rozomiak Multimedia Coordinator Andrew Church Retirement Home Ministry: Ellen Yessis Tech Team Coordinator: Eric Gaudet Usher Coordinators: Barb & Brad Tucker Knox: contact Ellen McIntosh Welcome Desk Coordinator: Nancy Matthews Website Administrator: Trevor Bain Clerk of Session: Deb Schlichter Ruling Elders: Lawrie Carter Heather Cawsey Gordon Coyne Sharon Feldmann Marg Johnston David Matthews Ian McLean David Ogram Barb Prysnuk Vaughn Sauve Sue Senior Greg Sennema Ken Vander Vleuten Jennifer Yessis Sunday Worship Please consider inviting others to Sunday worship with you. October 9 Thanksgiving Sunday October 23 October 30 November 6 November 20 Looking ahead December 4 December th Anniversary Sunday Guest preacher: Rev. Dr. Bob Faris, St. Andrew s P.C. Toronto Dreaming Dreams on the Journey to Inclusion Grades 4-6 Tone Chimes & Jr. High LOGOS participating Music Scholars Sunday Special music from our scholars; solos, duets, quartet Remembrance Sunday Holy Communion Knox Winnipeg Mission Team Sharing stories and learnings about Truth & Reconciliation Sunday School Christmas Pageant Christmas Choral Presentation KNOX HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIP Our Adult Mission Trip is now confirmed to do a build in Esteli, Nicaragua, February 18-26, [University/College spring break week] open to adults of all ages over 18 years full cost of the trip, which includes everything will be around $3,000 large portion can be considered as a charitable giving registration is NOW OPEN and the first payment is only $250 we will be booking our flights soon, so need to know final numbers very soon if you are interested, please contact: Stuart McTavish smctavish@sympatico.ca TEAM MEETING Wednesday, October 26 th - 7:30pm at Knox Across the Pews six editions published each year Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June/Summer, Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan Deadline for articles, photos, news, reports & more is the 15 th of the month prior to distribution. Send to Editor, Sue Senior: acrossthepews@gmail.com COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 2 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

3 Transitions In Remembrance Brian Hamill who passed away peacefully on September 9 th at the age of 65. Thinking of You and Prayers for Joan Campbell, Dorothy Fletcher, Grace Flewelling, Sharon & Blake Kelly, Pat Lorimer, Ruth MacDonald, and Barend Van Veldhuizen. Weddings Congratulations to: Melina Cormier and Allanah Pinhorn - September 2, 2016; Brock Reinhart and Shannon Todd - October 1, 2016 Knox Community News From Tia Tu, Knox Music Scholar Pianist Currently, Tia is studying to speak German and waiting for her visa as she has been accepted for a Master's Degree program in Economics at Nuremburg University. After leaving Knox, Tia spent some time in Berlin enjoying concerts and student recitals. Now back home where it is very hot - especially after the typhoon Tia shared that, "I also miss the life in Waterloo and my parents said that they [would] really love to visit Canada again! So do I! All the best to everyone in church!" From the Editor It takes a village to produce a newsletter! Knox is a thriving, growing, vital ministry that extends well beyond its walls at 50 Erb Street West in Waterloo. Communicating with one another as well as the larger community (locally and globally) has evolved over our 128-year history. Conversation and word of mouth would have been essential to sharing news of events, celebrations and happenings in our earliest years. Printed announcements required painstaking letter by letter typesetting, so posters or handouts would not have been readily available. In many ways, much has not changed. We gather at coffee time after church and share news, reflections and chat about happenings at Knox as well as our own lives. Ultimately, community is still best built face to face. However, over the decades, advancements in technology including typewriters, word processors, computers, digital images and internet access have allowed individuals and organizations to extend their reach to the entire globe in a matter of milliseconds. Even the printing process was revolutionized with digital technology, so that high quality full colour pages are produced quickly and affordably. Many of us at Knox enjoy the convenience of receiving information verbally, electronically and in hard copy. It is impossible to predict what the future holds with the evolution of technology such as 3D printing and quantum computers. For now, our newsletter is assembled six times per year with the support of many individuals who contribute articles, stories and personal reflections to ACross the Pews. There are behind the scenes volunteers who provide GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE copy editing and proof-reading for all of the content as well. Agnes Steffy, Beth Thorsen, Ellen McIntosh, and Ellen Yessis are the eagle eyes behind the production. They look for run-on sentences, dangling participles and pronouns matching their antecedents! Additionally, Knox s staff provide great insight for fact checking, proofreading and content copy. As we all know, pictures tell a thousand words. Thanks to the many photographers who submit their images; our stories are more vibrant and provide a documented visual history of the life and mission of Knox Waterloo. Just imagine looking back at these editions ten years or even 128 years later! Hopefully, the history that is revealed is that of a congregation that was and still is compassionate, engaged, joyful, inclusive, progressive and spiritual. Sue Senior ACTP Editor since 2014

4 Minister s Message Brooke Ashfield October is the month that leads us to Christmas! Yes, October. Most of our Christmas is already planned. (Full disclosure, we will be singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve!) Now the ministers and staff are looking into the spring as Easter (which is on April 16 th ) will happen just as the crocuses and daffodils appear in our gardens. Church follows the school year in our activities. The autumn quickly leads to Christmas. This year I saw the first Christmas items in a store in the last week of August. (Like other years, I will wait until the desperation of December falls to do my Christmas preparations.) Our Anniversary on October 23 rd will bring an opportunity to reflect on 128 years of worship in Waterloo. The changes have been dramatic. The church built in 1888 had a shelter in the back for the horses to rest while the people worshipped and participated in Sunday School. It will not be long before worshippers step off of the ION light rail train and walk up the ramp on Caroline street to enter Knox Waterloo. Every innovation in our culture and city has provided an opportunity for this congregation to participate more deeply and meaningfully in the life of Waterloo Region. We are truly blessed with outstanding leadership in this congregation. I am grateful every day for the amazing ministries that happen through the generosity, wisdom and compassion of the people of Knox. The ministries are so varied and numerous that it is difficult to even list all of the mission and ministry happening here. John Scace, our Financial Officer, did a review of the past five years of mission participation at Knox and we had 52 different missions that impact people outside of the Knox worshipping community. During these five years over $600,000 has been generously given to these mission projects as well as countless hours of donated time. I am gratified that we care so deeply for one another, but I am uplifted and heartened that we are doing so much to help others in the name of Jesus. I have been asked: Why is Knox not fixing the roof leak in the atrium? I wondered that myself, so I asked. Like usual, I got an answer that shows we are well cared for and are in good hands. I offer you now the answer to this question as I understand it. The reason that the roof leak is not being fixed, is that it is not a roof leak. Yes, that is not rain getting in. It is condensation from the air-conditioning. This can be fixed, but to do this would mean going without air-conditioning for up to two weeks as the big units on the roof are moved and technicians look underneath to diagnose and fix the problem. As there is no harm in a few drops of water coming in, it makes great sense to wait until the airconditioning season is over before fixing this. Now we know. Comic Artist: Elmer Parolini COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 4 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

5 Minister s Message Linda Ashfield While many in our community do not attend worship, people still talk about religion. It comes up over coffee, or at work, by the school door or standing in your driveway. When they ask you what you think, don t panic and don t argue, but see the comment or question as an opportunity. Some people are wary of church and/or people of faith. But an open, thoughtful conversation where you are able to express yourself will probably be received with gratitude. Do your friends know you go to church? Do they know what your faith means to you? If the conversation comes up do you offer your comments or shy away from saying anything? What does it mean to be part of a community of faith to you? What does believing in God and following Christ mean for you? Does going to church deepen your outlook on life? Would you know how to talk about it? Often our friends are not looking for a deep theological answer, just a simple, honest answer. How did you start coming to Knox Waterloo? Were you a child, a teen, an adult? Have you been part of Knox your whole life? Have you just started coming or have you been here now for a few years? Do you come alone or with family members or friends? Has it ever occurred to you to invite someone else to come with you to church? A good time to invite someone to church is when people move into the area. Maybe there s a new family at school or you have new neighbours in your apartment building or neighbourhood. Feel free to tell them about our programs and ones they might be interested in. Another time is when people are going through some other kind of transition or crisis. There are many people going through a difficult time. An invitation to join you at worship needs to be sensitive and not offered as a solution to their problems. But attending worship, growing in faith and connecting to a church community helps in hard times. Another good time to invite someone is for special occasions like an Anniversary Sunday or Remembrance Day. Perhaps you have a friend who loves music, why not invite them to the Choir s Christmas Cantata service. You have a friend who loves children; why not invite them to church when you know the children will be participating; like our LOGOS groups, Youth Praise Band or Children s Christmas Pageant. Each week I try to send out an about the sermon title and the choir s music as well as ministries such as Women Together and Wednesdays at Knox. Why not invite a friend to attend one time when you know they would be interested in the topic and/or speaker? Research tells us that 86% of new people in a congregation came because of an invitation from a friend or family member. Someone just like you invited someone just like you! Wisconsin Humor. Accessed September 27, GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

6 Christian Education Update Laura Vander Vleuten Collective Kitchen is an outreach to University/College students that combines fellowship with cooking. Once a month we meet in the Knox kitchen and make a nutritious meal which we share together before packing up the leftovers which students can take home. In September we made chicken/broccoli casserole, roasted tomato soup and peach cobbler for dessert. Students bring their own containers and fill them up to take home. The next Collective Kitchen (CK) is Wednesday November 9 at 4pm. In December we choose a date to make Christmas cookies and treats to enjoy while studying for finals. Join us on Facebook and let us know you are coming or contact Laura (laurav@knoxwaterloo.ca) for more information. Tuesdays 6-8pm For kids in Grades one to six September 27 th - December 6 th Thanksgiving Host Program Thanks to all of you who are hosting students at your Thanksgiving tables. We are blessed to have university and college students right here in our neighbourhood and we are happy to be able to extend hospitality to them at Collective Kitchen, Food For Thought and at holiday times when they cannot be at their homes. The students are very grateful for a home cooked meal with people who are interested in their studies and what s happening in their lives at a time when they are away from family. If you would like to stay connected to our students, you can volunteer once a month at Collective Kitchen (contact Laura V) or you can write notes/cards to Knox students who are studying away from home this year (contact Femmy Birks) or you can make a dinner for Food For Thought (contact Nancy Matthews). Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without know it. Hebrews 13:2 Sunday School Christmas Pageant Sunday December 4 th If you are able to help please contact Laura (laurav@knoxwaterloo.ca). We need people to practice scripts with the children, make sets/costumes, coordinate the worship service, help with logistics and more. Come and learn how to play basketball and ball hockey from youth coaches. We encourage fair play and teach life skills to use on and off the court. A devotion is shared at half time. The cost is $75 and you can register online at Images submitted by Laura VanderVleuten COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 6 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

7 Introducing The Music Scholars of Knox Waterloo Terry English & Autumn Wascher Brian Johnston was our Music Director in That was the year we began to bless our worship and music with Music Scholars. We started with one tenor. The gift of having leadership and inspiration from voices of music scholars is deeply appreciated by all. So much so that over the years this has been well supported by the special gifts of many of our worshippers. Now we are blessed with five scholars who are an integral part of our music and worship. Two or three times a year, we ask for gifts to support the music scholar program. Our choir and Praise Band have benefited greatly by sharing the talent and encouragement of each scholar. We are very fortunate that our music director Terry English is so well connected to the music scene in Kitchener-Waterloo that she is always able to find the perfect scholar to fit our needs. We provide modest honorariums to each scholar. Gifts to support this ministry are welcome at any time. Autumn Wascher Autumn is currently in her fourth year at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has performed with the Maureen Forrester Singers for two years as well as the Laurier Chapel Choir for one year under the direction of Elvera Froese. She is currently studying voice with Marianne Bindig as well as regularly with Dr. Michael Warren. She will be performing with Opera Laurier this Fall, performing the roles of Senta in Der Fliegende Hollӓnder, Prima Donna in Ariadne auf naxos, and Kitty Hart in Dead Man Walking. She has enjoyed her time as a Knox Choral Scholar and is so grateful for the enriching opportunities she has been given. Eli Sokoloff Harris Eli is currently attending Wilfrid Laurier University for Opera and Classical voice performance, however he has been singing and performing for the better part of his life. In his free time, he is a writer, thrifter and an avid proprietor of high style. He greatly appreciates all the performance Knox has given him, and the warmth he has received from the attendees of Knox. Daniel Quintia- Plamenco Daniel is a third year voice performance student from Brampton. He is currently studying at Wilfrid Laurier University, having trained under soprano Leslie Fagan, and is part of the Laurier Singers, training under Dr. Lee Willingham. Daniel has a background in jazz and gospel and is excited to begin his first church scholar job here at Knox. Bowen You Bowen is a second year mathematics student at the University of Waterloo. Having over ten years of experience playing piano, he has gone on to become an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and Licentiate Diplomas with the Royal Conservatory of Music. In his spare time, he likes to improvise, watch movies, and reading. He is very excited about working with all of the members of the choir this year. Joanna Loepp Thiessen Joanna is thrilled to be the alto choral scholar at Knox Presbyterian Church this year. Currently, Joanna is in her second year of honours music at Laurier, majoring in voice, under the instruction of Marianne Bindig. She has been an active member of many different choirs all of her life, including Inter-Mennonite Children's Choir, Menno Youth Singers, and choirs at her former high school: Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Joanna is currently singing with the Maureen Forrester Singers at Laurier and teaches piano students on a part time basis. Joanna has achieved grade 10 piano and grade 8 voice with the Royal Conservatory of Music. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

8 SAVE THE DATE! Events & Activities at Knox FITNESS & FELLOWSHIP Beth Thorsen Fitness & Fellowship resumes Thurs. Oct. 6 th at 9:45am in the hall. Like W@K, we are beginning our 6th year! We are a group of women who join in physical activity and enjoy each other s company every Thursday morning. Activities include those for balance, joint mobility, muscle strengthening using free weights and Thera-Bands, relaxation AND a time of refreshment. New participants always welcome. Do come and see what we are about. MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! APPLEFEST Judy Charie Sunday, October 16th following the church service. Tickets will be available for purchase from Women s Circle of Care (WCC) members, at the entrance to the church hall, on Sundays in October. $5 Adult (16 & over) $3 Youth (5-15) and free to children under five Don t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a delicious dessert of apple crisp with ice cream and help support the fundraising initiatives of the WCC. Bring your spouses, children/grandchildren, and friends and enjoy the fellowship of our wonderful Knox church community. Women Together Laura Vander Vleuten A ministry for women of all ages and stages. Next gathering is Monday October 17, 7:30-9pm in the church hall. In the Bulb there is a Flower: Barb Prysnuk As women of faith, what does it mean to hope? While the dictionary says hope is to expect with confidence, we often find that hope is difficult for us when crisis looms. Barb will share with us stories from her own personal journey reflecting on moments when, there was a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. Nancy Matthews will lead us as we plant daffodil bulbs to take home. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. There is a $5.00 charge for this event. Monday November 21 Unmentionables: Women s Under Garments through 150 years of history and fashion with guest speaker Kevin Thomas. Join us for an evening of laughter as Kevin shows us some of the devices that women have used in the last 150 years in order to keep up with the fashion trends. Cost is $5.00 COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 8 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

9 Supporting our local & Global Communities House of Friendship Sharon Feldmann Friendship Dinner Saturday October 22 nd Rockway Mennonite Collegiate This year's event is sure to be both inspiring and entertaining as we hear about the work of House of Friendship and listen to the wit and humour of guest speaker, Author Terry Fallis, as he reflects on the topic of "belonging". Tickets are $75.00 with maximum allowable tax receipt. available. Purchase tickets at or by contacting Sharon Feldmann at or (519) Let's get a Knox table together and show our continued support. Proceeds to benefit House of Friendship's service to those in need. Join us and support Opening Up Food Hampers, House of Friendship's expansion and upgrades to the existing Food Hamper warehouse at 807 Guelph St, Kitchener. This will improve safety and efficiencies as well as increase privacy and dignity for program patrons. There will be lots of opportunities to help out with your gifts of service in December - packing or delivering Christmas Hampers or handing out Turkeys. Keep an eye on the House of Friendship website for updates. Support the Tree of Angels Cookies-in-a-Jar make a great gift too! Only $8.00 per jar! Once again the LOGOS Jr High will be making and selling cookies & brownies in a jar at a cost of $8. Money raised will go to buy gifts for the Tree of Angels. You can also support by donating money to purchase ingredients/jars or toys. Pre-order by (vaughnsauve@gmail.com) or phone/ text (519) to guarantee your jars. Please provide your name, type of jar (brownie or oatmeal chocolate chip) and quantities of each. A table will be set up to take orders for a few weeks starting Sunday, October 30 after each service. Jars will be available for pick up on Sunday, November 27 Thank you in advance for your support!! Vaughn, Kathy and the LOGOS Junior High youth! Refugee Sponsorship Grant Birks & Kathleen Forde Still Waiting By July, we had finally made our way to the top of the PCC s waitlist for a Syrian refugee family. Although a list of Syrian, Iraqi, Iranian and Liberian cases was sent by the government near the end of July, PCC sponsors did not get a match out of that list. Since then, no new list from the government has been sent. We are hoping that a new list will come in October. Despite the uncertainty of the wait, we need to continue to prepare. Once a match has been received and we have accepted, the arrival of the family in Canada could be a matter of weeks! If you would like to help out in any way, please contact Grant Birks or Kathleen Forde. We ll keep the congregation informed of any new developments. Many thanks for your continued patience and support. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

10 128 th Anniversary of Knox Waterloo Sunday October 23 rd Rev. Dr. Bob Faris Dreaming Dreams On the Journey to Inclusion We are delighted that our Anniversary Speaker this year is the Rev. Dr. Bob Faris, Associate Minister at St. Andrew's Church on King Street in Toronto [across from Roy Thompson Hall]. Historic St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church in Toronto ministers in the heart of the city and is known for their Out of the Cold program, the Better English Café, The Heart of the City Speaker series and various Intercultural Ministries. Bob was invited by Knox s Inclusion Initiatives Committee to come and speak. Session supported this and suggested that we invite him to be our Anniversary Speaker. In the late 1970 s St. Andrew s created SAGA [St. Andrew s Gay Association] to provide a safe and supportive place in the church for gay and lesbian people and their friends and families. For many years, SAGA published A New Network, a journal for the Presbyterian Church to discuss issues of inclusion and they hold gala fundraisers to support the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto. The Chaplaincy is a Christian voice, rooted in the traditions of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and The United Church of Canada which offers worship and prayer, small group bible studies and fellowship, pastoral care as well as programs on campus in areas such as ecology, peace, gender, and sexuality and scripture study. Bob began his ministry at St. Andrew's in 2011 after serving as the Executive Director of the Council on Theological Education Presbyterian Church of Mozambique in southern Africa from 1989 to 1994 and was also Executive Director at Camp Kintail. Currently Bob is a member of the Committee on Church Doctrine of the PCC which as you know is one of the committees looking at the various Overtures on Inclusion in our denomination. What does it mean to be a church in an increasingly diverse urban setting? How can we grow in our hospitality and be a welcoming and inclusive church? The Inclusion Initiatives Team and Knox Session feel that we can learn from St. Andrew s and from Bob. This is an opportunity for discovery, conversation and celebration. Dreaming Dreams on the Journey to Inclusion ~ the worship service will also feature the Grades 4-6 LOGOS Tone Chimes, Junior High LOGOS and our Chancel Choir providing music. Following worship, we will enjoy Anniversary Cupcakes and refreshments. For those who wish to join Bob, we ll gather at 11:30 in the Knox Room for a time of conversation. Come and celebrate another year in the life of our Community of Faith as we give God thanks for the past and look to the future with hope. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 10 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

11 An Appeal from Session to the Congregation Deb Schlichter: Session Clerk The Session of Knox Waterloo met on Tuesday September 27 th. Our Finance Committee apprised us of a deepening shortfall in congregational givings in There have been some good months, but more where our shortfall exceeded $20,000. We are now in a position of concern. Our reserves have been used up, and our line of credit is at the $85,000 level. This cannot continue. The Session resolved to make an immediate appeal to the congregation to raise $85,000 by the end of this year over and above our regular givings. We at Knox have a tradition of responding generously to appeals. Session is determined to do more than meet this immediate need. We are examining opportunities to move forward in We seek the heartfelt and immediate generous response from those of us who are able to make an additional donation. The collective goal is $85,000. Knox Session September 2016 Dr. Kennon Callahan, who preached at Knox on April 3 rd of this year, also met with the Session. He is one of the most respected church consultants in North America. His analysis of our congregation over six separate meetings in Orillia and here in Waterloo gave him excellent insight into our congregation. He affirmed that we are a strong, vibrant congregation with a bright future. He offered Knox several avenues to examine as we plan specific steps for our future. It is important to know that the Session is working hard on future plans. But that is for October is a month of thanksgiving, inspiration and gratitude. We seek the heartfelt and immediate generous response from those of us who are able to make an additional donation. The collective goal is $85,000. There is recognition that some people are already giving at sacrificial levels and cannot give more. This message is not for you if you are in that situation. We are a family. Those who are able, are being asked to give more during the last few months of the year. We, as a Knox family, need to do this. If we do not take steps now, then we will run out of cash to operate. There is urgency to this ask for help, but this is not an emergency. Not yet. Currently minus $ Goal by Dec = $0 Session members are supporting this appeal by making extra donations to our church. We invite you to join with us. Not everyone is able to make a gift. Please give if you can. More information will be shared as events develop. Thank you. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

12 Are you a member of Knox? Brooke Ashfield Are you sure? As a congregation in the Presbyterian family, we have some requirements for membership. Not many, but a few. In order to be a member of Knox you need to want to be a member. In some traditions, such as the Roman Catholic and Anglican, a person is put on the parish roll by showing up and giving a name and address. In the Reformed/Presbyterian system, we need to ask to be a member. This way you have a choice. At Knox we have 526 members and 830 adherents (this does not include children). Many people do not choose to be a member for reasons that make sense to them. This decision is always respected. Some of the most faithful worshippers each week are not members. We celebrate each and every child of God who joins together to worship. What is required of church membership? When people are confirmed into membership, often, but not always, as teens, they state, By God s grace, I am a follower of Jesus. This is called a statement of faith. The word confirmation means to personally confirm the vows taken by parents or God-parents given at the time of baptism. In confirmation there is a promise to be faithful in our journey of faith and live, always with God s grace. Some will join the membership of a congregation with the act of adult baptism, which includes the same promises as confirmation. At Knox we receive new members every year. Some by confirmation, many by transfer from another congregation. We accept your previous membership and participation in congregations of diverse denominations. This does not mean that everyone who is a member has all the answers to life and faithfulness. It does indicate a desire to follow a spiritual path towards integrity, compassion and service to our world in the name of Jesus. Leadership in our church is provided by elected elders. We elect elders by democratic vote of all members. Only members can vote for, or serve as elders. We look for wisdom, leadership and compassion in those people who are to direct the entire working of our church. At Knox we have 15 elders, five elected every second year. Our next election is held in the spring of 2017 where we elect at least five new elders. At Knox there will always be consultation and decision making open to all stakeholders. At our AGM meeting in February of each year, all voices are heard. There is no difference between a member and an adherent at this meeting. When people from Knox move to another city, or to another church, a transfer certificate is freely offered and is a good way to introduce you to another congregation. If you feel that membership is something that you might wish to consider, watch for the upcoming new member s orientation. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 12 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

13 ~Wednesdays at Knox~ Thanks to all the people who make this ministry possible, we had another good start this fall. If you d like to offer to help by making soup for us to enjoy, please see the greeters at the Welcome Desk, choose a date, and sign up. We love homemade soup! This weekly event is open to everyone (although we don't provide child care), so if you find you have a lunch hour free, please join us in the church hall, starting at 11:30 on Wednesdays, for coffee and fellowship, followed by devotions, lunch for $5, and a different presentation each week. We adjourn at 1:00. If you have any questions, phone Ellen McIntosh (519) or e mail: emcintosh1130@rogers.com. Oct 12 David Marskell: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters David is CEO at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. He will walk the audience though the THEMUSUEM s mission and history before sharing details about the newest exhibit, Nature Unleashed. It will also feature a series of speakers at THEMUSEUM including storm chasers, weather experts, survivors and more. Oct 19 Kevin Thomas: The Inner-workings of the Time Machine Kevin will give a behind-the-scenes tour of Doon Heritage Village, detailing its history and how it runs. The beautiful 60 acre village is a living exhibit of 20 historic buildings set in the year There are period furnishings, farm animals, heritage gardens and demonstrations of daily chores. Kevin is the Interpretation Specialist for Public Programming and is a much sought after speaker each year at Wed@Knox. Oct 26 Music Therapy with The Band of Friends The Band of Friends will offer an overview of the effectiveness of music as a mode for healing and enrichment for individuals who have developmental limitations, physical limitations or who have acquired injuries at some point in their lives. Music is also an excellent therapy for keeping us young and young at heart. Participation will be encouraged through singing or toe tapping! Nov 2 Mark Vuorinen: Music Matters This presentation will explore ways in which music reaches into our social and community fabric to promote peace and strengthen relationships. Mark Vuorinen is the Artistic Director of KW s Grand Philharmonic Choir and Assistant Professor of Music at Conrad Grebel University College/University of Waterloo. Nov 9 Jonathan Massimi: United Way Kitchener Waterloo and Area Most of us have heard of the United Way, but are we aware of the work that they do? Jonathan is Manager of Community Development at the KW United Way and will share with us the vision, the mission, the values and generally what the United Way KW and area is all about. Come and learn about how the United Way strengthens our community through their partnerships, programs and initiatives. Nov 16 Knox Winnipeg Mission Trip This past summer, Knox Waterloo adults and youth traveled to Winnipeg to support the ministry at Winnipeg Inner City Mission. We will hear about the ministry at the Anishanabe Fellowship Centre, Flora House and The Place of Hope which are all Presbyterian First Nations Ministries. This year our team partnered with youth from Armour Heights Presbyterian Church. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about healing reconciliation. Nov 23 John DeBoer: Nature Treasures John has been a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast all his life and loves to daytrip throughout southern Ontario looking to capture nature and wildlife photos to share with the public. Many of his photos and stories end up in the Kitchener Post, a small weekly newspaper where John has been a columnist for the past five years. He will share photos and stories of his adventures from hikes on and off the trails of our beautiful province. Nov 30 Brian Banks: Nutrition for Learning Nutrition for Learning provides breakfasts and morning meal programs to students (both elementary and secondary) within Waterloo Region to ensure all students have access to the proper nourishment to enhance their ability to succeed. Brian, the Community Development Officer for Nutrition for Learning, will be talking about the importance and impact of nourishment for students while attending school. Dec 7 Fireside Singers Deb Lacoste, an active member of Knox and the KW Chamber Orchestra, leads this choral ensemble. Come ready to enjoy some beautiful music! Dec 14 Christmas Luncheon Join us for our traditional Christmas meal, turkey and all the fixings, catered by Angie's Kitchen. Tickets ($12-) will be sold on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Welcome Desk from November 30th to December 11th. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

14 OCTOBER 2016 Breast Cancer, Learning Disabilities, LGBT History & Islamic History Awareness Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9 Thanksgiving Ashura 3 12 Yom Kippur 4 Thanksgiving Chung Yeung Festival 1 Worship World Mental Health Day 2 Knox Combo 7:30pm Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Praise Band Circle of Care 7:30pm *RHM The Westhill 10:30am W@K 11:30am 13 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am Manna Day Crieff Hills 10:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45pm 14 *RHM Beechwood Manor 2pm AA 8pm 15 Men s Breakfast at Knox Waterloo 8am 16 Worship Applefest after worship *RHM Bankside Terrace 2pm Jeff-a-Thon Crieff Hills 2pm Benefit Concert 3pm Food for Thought 6:30pm 23 Anniversary Sunday Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Bob Faris Wellington Winds Concert 3pm Food for Thought 6:30pm 17 Sukkot 5 > 23rd Women Together with Barb Prysnuk 7:30pm 24 United Nations Day 6 Waterloo Region Nature 7:30pm 18 Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Praise Band Finance Mtg 25 Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Praise Band Session Meeting 7:30 19 *RHM Lanark Heights 10:30am W@K 11:30am 26 W@K 11:30am Book Club 1:30pm Knox Stampers 20 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45pm 27 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am *RHM Parkwood Mennonite LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45pm 21 AA 8pm 28 *RHM Waterloo Heights 10:45am Social Venture Partners 8 x 10 Speaker Night AA 8pm 22 House of Friendship Annual Fundraising Dinner: Rockway Collegiate 6:00pm Junior High Retreat Diwali 7 Worship Featuring Knox s Music Scholars Food for Thought 6:30pm 31 Hallowe en 1 November All Saints Day Knox Quilters Daughters of Christ 1:30pm UpWord Sports Praise Band 2 W@K 11:30am *RHM Clair Hills 2pm 3 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45pm 4 AA 8pm 5 *RHM ~ Retirement Home Ministry Multicultural Observances & Festivals: 1. China, Taiwan, Hong Kong 2. International 3. Islam 4. Judaism 5. Judaism 6. United Nations 7. Hindu COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 14 INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

15 6 Remembrance Sunday Communion Food for Thought 6:30pm NOVEMBER 2016 Movember (Men s Health Awareness) & Osteoporosis Awareness Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 7 8 Knox Quilters 9 10 Fitness & Hymns & Hops W@K 11:30am Fellowship Remembrance Huether Hotel UpWord Sports 9:45am Day 1 13 World Kindness Day 2 Worship Food for Thought 6:30pm 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance 4 Worship Winnipeg Mission Team *RHM Bankside Terrace 2pm KW Chamber Orchestra 3pm Food for Thought 6:30pm 27 Advent 1 Worship Food for Thought 6:30pm 14 Knox Combo 7:30pm 21 World Day of Tolerance 5 Women Together with Historian Kevin Thomas 7:30pm 28 Waterloo Region Nature 7:30pm Presbytery of W Preston Praise Band Circle of Care 7:30 15 Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Praise Band DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS Nov.15 th ACross The Pews Dec/Jan Edition 22 Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Finance Mtg Praise Band Session Meeting 7:30 29 Knox Quilters UpWord Sports Praise Band *RHM The Westhill 10:30am Collective Kitchen 4pm 16 Day of Tolerance 3 *RHM Lanark Heights 10:30am W@K 11:30am 23 W@K 11:30am Book Club 1:30pm Knox Stampers 30 W@K 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45 17 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45 24 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am *RHM Parkwood Mennonite LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45 1 December World AIDS Day 6 Fitness & Fellowship 9:45am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:45pm *RHM Beechwood Manor 2pm AA 8pm 18 AA 8pm 25 *RHM Waterloo Heights 10:45am Sounds of Christmas 2 & NEW VENUE at WMB Church AA 8pm 2 Sounds of Christmas 2 & NEW VENUE at WMB Church AA 8pm Crieff Hills Women s Retreat th 19 Men s Breakfast 8am at Calvin P.C. 4th Annual Knox Craft Bazaar 9am 2pm KW Community Orchestra 8pm 26 Mercy by Grace Ibrahima Book Launch 2pm Sounds of Christmas 2pm NEW VENUE at WMB Church 3 Day of Disabled Persons 7 Sounds of Christmas 2pm 2pm & NEW VENUE at WMB Church *RHM ~ Retirement Home Ministry Multicultural Observances & Festivals: 1. Canada 2. International 3. United Nations 4. International 5. United Nations 6. International 7. United Nations GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

16 Knox Community News Grace Ibrahima MERCY: One Life, Many Stories Grace is originally from Trinidad where her story begins. Child labour, if it could be justified, was not a crime where she lived, yet the deprivation of love and the disregard for a human soul sent the young Grace whirling into a world of abuse, neglect and heartbreak. Even though she had little formal education, there was just something brave and courageous about the little girl with the mighty spirit. Years later, Grace determined to get out of her situation. She had heard stories. She planned to leave; to save up what little coffers she could and move to England to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. And she did. Later life took some twists and turns and Grace found herself in Canada and lured into a world of false promises and life threatening addiction. Grace speaks about a Divine Being; a Creator of sorts; a god; God. Her journey continues and so does her search for forgiveness and complete healing. Book Launch Knox Waterloo Saturday November 26 th 2pm Refreshments provided & signed copies of MERCY: One Life, Many Stories available. knoxwaterloo.ca 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo ON. N2L 1T1 (519)