SUNDAY CELEBRATION 10:00 AM KNOX UNITED CHURCH CELEBRATION OF HOLY BAPTISM

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1 SUNDAY CELEBRATION 10:00 AM KNOX UNITED CHURCH Rev. Jennifer Ferguson, Minister Jane Williams, Administrator 345 Pym Street, Parksville, BC, V9P 1C8 (250) Rev. Dr. M. Bruce McIntyre, Minister Emeritus Jenny Vincent, Music Leader Colleen Welsh, Facility Coordinator Jan & Bill Laurie, Music Team Kathleen Howard, Relief Administrator Shirlene Donnelly, Co-chair, Worship & Arts DECEMBER 17, 2017 Please note that our sanctuary is equipped with a loop system for the hearing impaired. If you wear a hearing-aid, please turn it to the T position. Thank you for remembering that Knox strives to be a SCENT FREE ZONE In body or in spirit, please stand as you are able where indicated (*) SERMON SERIES: Jesus the Mystic WORSHIP THEME: The Awe and Mystery of God with Us PRELUDE (HANDBELLS) Angels We Have Heard on High Arranged by Lloyd Larson WELCOME & LIFE AND WORK OF THE PEOPLE *PASSING OF THE PEACE *Good Christian Friends, Rejoice CENTERING PRAYER KIDS ZONE A TIME OF REJOICING THIRD ADVENT CANDLE OF JOY Jeffrey Kotecki, Arielle and Renee Small UNISON PRAYER: 35VU *CHILDREN S HYMN: Hope is a Star 7VU v.3 One: All: 2. CELEBRATION OF HOLY BAPTISM Brothers and sisters, we gather now to celebrate the gift of blessing and grace given to us through the sacrament of baptism. Out of the waters of baptism we rise with renewed life. PRESENTATION OF THOSE BEING BAPTIZED DECLARATION OF INTENT: One: Do you desire to have your children baptized? Parents: I do by the grace of God. One: Will you accept the responsibility for acting and speaking on your children s behalf? Will you endeavour to show your children the ways of Jesus and to grow also with your children in faith? Parents: I will, God being my helper. PROFESSION OF FAITH: Do you believe in God, the Source of Life, in Jesus, God s love made known, and in the Holy Spirit, love s power? Response: I do by the Grace of God. In the presence of this community of faith, do you commit yourself to follow the ways of Jesus Christ in your public and private life? Response: I do by the Grace of God. Will you join with your brothers and sisters in the mission and ministry of Christ s church? Response: I will by the Grace of God. Congregation s Vow: One: As a baptized and baptizing community of faith,

2 3. do you commit yourselves to support and nurture these children and their family within a community which honours God and seeks to follow the ways of Jesus. As you encourage them in their faith, do you promise to continue to grow in your faith also? Congregation: We will, with God as our helper! We welcome into our family of faith Juniper and Jude Brocklebank, their parents Josh and Shilo, brother Finnley and grandparents Carl and Dixie Weiss. Presentation of the Child Blessing and Pouring of Water Act of Baptism Anointing of Oil Laying on of Hands Receiving the Gift of Light Presentation of Certificate Welcome into the Community of Faith Halle, Halle, Halle 958VU Choral Blessing The Lord Bless You 965VU (Children are now invited to participate in a time of fun, food and learning in our Sunday school area) NIGHT OF THE FATHER S LOVE (THE AWE AND MYSTERY OF GOD WITH US) A CHRISTMAS CANTATA Words and music by Pepper Choplin NARRATORS: Anne Ward, Al McLean, Megan Hurd Narration 1 The Coming of the Lord- choir Narration 2 Waiting choir Narration 3 Angels are Making their Rounds choir Narration 4 Night of the Father s Love choir Narration 5 Pat-a-Pan Handbells Narration 6 We Three Kings v.1,5 congregation Narration 7 Away in the Manger handbells Narration 8 Christ is Born, Nowell - choir PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and LORD S PRAYER The Singing Bowl invites us to center. 4. Sung Response: Gloria 37VU The Lord s Prayer (sung) 959VU A TIME OF RISING *HYMN Joy to the World 59VU BLESSING POSTLUDE Carol of the Bells Arranged by M.L. Thompson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WEEKLY OFFERING We are grateful for your financial gifts to our 8 ministries. Please place your offering in the baskets provided on the communion table or on the table inside the main sanctuary doors before or after the worship service. WELCOME Welcome To Our Service of Worship at Knox! We extend a warm welcome to all who may be visiting with us this morning. Please know that visitors are welcome to participate in every part of our worship service. If you are visiting from near or from afar, thank you for finding your way to Knox. Together we seek God s grace; it is God who welcomes you. A nursery is available in Room 4 for children 0-3. There is a time of fun and learning for children 3-11 years in our Sunday School area after the Children s Hymn. Changing table is located in the nursery. Please note that our sanctuary is equipped with a loop system for the hearing impaired. If you wear a hearing-aid, please turn it to the T position. Thank you for remembering that Knox strives to be a SCENT FREE ZONE

3 5. THANK YOU Thank you to the congregation for the heart-warming send-off last Sunday morning!! Thank you to Caroline Hammill for her message which included some of the activities that I was involved in and for the good wishes on behalf of you all. I was humbled by the many people who came up to participate in the blessing by Jennifer and the laying on of hands. Thank you so very much!! The many hugs and well-wishes were very much appreciated. So many worked with me on various projects the Knox Cookbook, the Strawberry tea and fashion show honouring the 100th anniversary of this congregation, the Fall Fair entertainment, the Progressive Christianity books and discussions, the Guess Who s Coming to Dinners --- this congregation is a wonderful community. I enjoyed the opportunity to provide music leadership on occasion over my 17 years here music has always been one of my passions. I will miss you but am looking forward to getting to know three of my families who live in Chilliwack better children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visiting Parksville and Knox occasionally will be part of my plan! Thank you all so much. Sandra Veenstra. kalaveen@shaw.ca WORSHIP AND ARTS PRESBYTERY PRAYER CYCLE - Prayers this week to Rev. Foster Freed and the congregation at Trinity United Church, Nanaimo. BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE - Sunday, Dec 17 th Knox Church at 3:00 pm. A worship service of loss and healing for those who are having a difficult time this season and need a quiet, contemplative place to remember and honour a loved one, or grieve another form of loss. This service will include a time of sacred music, encouraging words, a time of prayer and silence and a time for hands on healing and a slideshow to honour loved ones who have died. Light refreshments to follow the service. MILNER CHRISTMAS MAGIC - The Knox Retro Hand Bell Ringers will be ringing their bells on Monday, Dec.18th between 6 and 8 pm. This annual family festival of lights and music in the garden is a wonderful experience, sure to rekindle in you the feeling of the awe and mystery of Christmas. NOON HOUR ORGAN CONCERT OrganWorx is proud to present a Noon Hour concert featuring soprano Skye Donald accompanied by organist Jenny Vincent at 12:15 pm on Thursday. Dec.28 th at Knox United Church in Parksville. Come and hear this special Christmas performance highlighting music of this festive season. There will be a free will offering. Eat your lunch & enjoy some extraordinary music! 6. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OUTREACH ZATOUN OLIVE OIL -Thank you for your support of the Palestinian farmers. Zatoun Oil, Soap and Spices have all been sold! If you would like to learn more about this organization there are leaflets at the Outreach bulletin board. THE SOCK TREE - Has been set up in the narthex, a tradition started several years ago by Bob and Merry Rae. Once again this year the gifts will be given to the Parksville Qualicum Haven House which provides safe haven, comfort, shelter, and understanding in emergency circumstances for women and children in the Oceanside area. Suggestions include new socks, underwear and pajamas for women and children. These items are used at the safe house and throughout the year in children s and women s programs. During the year 23 women and 18 children were accommodated and 390 crises related calls were received. Thank you from the Knox Social Justice and Outreach ISLAND CRISIS CARE SOCIETY UPDATE Violet Hayes, Executive Director of ICCS, was a recent speaker during a Sunday service at Knox. She reported that their homeless shelters are overflowing and people are being turned away. A campaign for expansion to a Women s Shelter is in progress ( Information on an Oceanside Outreach Worker program can be found at ( ICCS also sponsors The Coldest Night of the Year Walk on February 24, hosted by Knox. Watch for information about that! ICCS offices are located at #-1200 Princess Royal Ave., Nanaimo, BC Phone: DO YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR JUSTICE EDUCATION? The Social Justice & Ministry Team are looking for a couple of people to coordinate a guest speaker film series for We have lots of ideas, we just need a couple of people to organize the monthly series from February to June. Please contact Jennifer or Marilou Paterson if you are interested.

4 7. FUN, FAMILY & FRIENDS YOU ARE NOT Are you thinking you might be on your own for Christmas Day? Think again! We are organizing a Christmas Day celebration on Monday, December 25 th from 2 5 pm complete with a turkey dinner and board games for everyone to play. A special invitation has been extended to young adults who were foster kids and LGBTQ youth without families, but anyone who finds themselves on their own are welcome. Please RSVP to the office by Dec 20th if you plan on attending. Bring a veggie, salad or dessert to share. Contact Jan du Monde at jandumonde@gmail.com. SACRED SPACES MISSING WHITE TABLE Small white table approximately 46 x 26 was misplaced following our craft fair. We should have seven tables this size. Presently, there are four in room #3 and two in the lounge cupboard. If you see this missing table please let me know. Thanks, Margaret Warburton STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE CHRISTMAS OFFERING - It has been a tradition at Knox to use the Seasonal Special Offering envelopes to support deserving charities. In light of our current financial situation, your Council Executive has decided that we will use the Christmas and Easter Special Offerings as appeals for the Knox Operating Fund. This is a dramatic shift for Knox, which has been a strong supporter of local, regional and international agencies for many years. Our involvement in and support of the community goes beyond the Special Offerings, and that will continue. The Finance Team, Council and Executive will continue to work on resolving this situation. Your support and understanding are appreciated. 8. ORGANWORX AT KNOX Subscriptions for the next two concerts featuring Jenny Vincent on organ with guests: 1) Janelle Nadeau on Harp, January 14/18; and 2) Elroy Friesen, Conductor with Choir, May 27/18, are available for purchase at $50 from the Knox Office or Mulberry Bush Bookstores. Individual tickets at $30 are also available for the January 14 th concert. HEALING AND PASTORAL CARE COOKIES CUZ WE CARE - Such a generous bunch you are! On behalf of UCW and Pastoral Care, heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you who baked, packed or delivered cookie trays for Cookies Cuz We Care. The sun shone and smiles were in abundance! Kindness and reaching out to others is what this day was about! -Mary- Anne Slack WHEN THE HOLIDAYS ARE HARD THURSDAY DEC 21st 6:30 pm 8:30 pm This is an opportunity to meet with others experiencing loss to share stories, draw strength from one another and glean comfort from our faith. This loss might be the death of a loved one, a relationship, family difficulties or loss of employment or health or any other loss you might be experiencing. Facilitated by Jennifer Ferguson. Please register with the office MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL Rev. Jennifer Ferguson: 10:00 am 5:00 pm (Please note: Jennifer s schedule varies with meetings etc. If you would like to meet with her for pastoral care, please call her to make an appointment at or leave a message in the office.) NOTE: Jennifer has a new address: minister@kucparksville.ca Church Office: The Knox office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm (closed for lunch between 12 and 1pm). ATTENTION! NEW ADDRESSES IN EFFECT NOW! Please update your contacts for the following staff members:

5 9. Jennifer Ferguson: Jane Williams: Colleen Welsh: Ken Fanning: Kathleen Howard: Jenny Vincent: Carmen Corbet: Tech: Note: s sent to the previous addresses will be forwarded to the new addresses, but it is a good idea to update your contacts to prevent any confusion. SPIRITUAL FORMATION DROP IN BIBLE STUDY - With Jennifer Wednesdays at 10:00 am. With those gathered, we will delve into the scripture to be discussed in Worship for the upcoming week and discover how it applies to our own lives. All perspectives and insights are welcome. 10. DIALOGUES FOR PEACE & NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATIONS You are what you speak. Dialogues for Peace is the lost language of humankind; the language of a people who care about one another and long to live in harmony. Speaking peace and compassionate listening dissolve differences, create connection, heal everything and changes reality. This 6-week course, presented by Morganne Pickering, begins January 17, 2018 and runs for six consecutive weeks, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. To register and for additional info: harmonybreezes@shaw.ca or JANET DESAUTELS BOOK Dancing with Differences is available for $20 if you didn t get a chance to purchase one when she spoke in October during Worship on Joy. Janet is a Joy Coach who lives in Calgary. See Jennifer if you are interested in purchasing a book. LET THE SPIRIT OF GOD LEAD - Study Group led by Bruce McIntyre and Carmen Corbet on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. We are studying the book We Make the Road by Walking, by Brian D. McLean. This is an opportunity to grow spiritually. Participants will find seeds of meaning that they can let take root in their souls. People will be offered a positive, practical, open opportunity to improve and articulate the Christian faith that is suitable for people in our dynamic times. The study is based on the normal daily life of ordinary people like us. Our spiritual faith was never meant to be a destination or to be in a holding pattern, but is a vital part of our ongoing creative growth. This study group will be an opportunity for all who attend to walk on the road of creative spiritual growth together. Please let us know if you are interested in becoming a part of this book study. There is a sign on the bulletin board. The cost of the book is between $15 and $20. If you have any questions, contact either Bruce McIntyre or Carmen Corbet

6 11. KNOX CALENDAR December 17 December 24 Sunday, December 17 Night of the Father s Love... 10:00 am 10:30 am... Sanctuary Blue Christmas... 3:00 pm 5:00 pm... Sanctuary Monday, December 18 Knox Line Dancing... 10:00 am 12:00 pm... Rooms 1 & 2 In This Together (Mental Health Support Group)... 1:30 pm 2:30 pm... Room 6 Creative Worship Team... 2:00 pm 4:00 pm... Lounge Milner Christmas Magic... 6:00 pm 8:00 pm... Milner Gardens Tuesday, December 19 Healing Ministry... 9:30 am 11:30 pm... Room 6 Wholeness Meeting... 10:00 am 12:00 pm... Room 5 Healing Ministry... 1:30 pm 3:30 pm... Room 6 AA... 7:00 pm 8:30 pm... Rooms 1 & 2 Council Meeting... 7:00 pm 9:30 pm... Lounge Let the Spirit of God Lead... 7:30 pm 9:00 pm... Room 6 OA... 7:30 pm 8:30 pm... Room 5 Wednesday, December 20 Drop in Bible Study... 10:00 am 12:00 pm... Room 5 Knox Choir... 7:00 pm 9:00 pm... Sanctuary Thursday, December 21 When the Holidays Are Hard... 6:30 pm 8:30 pm... Room 5 Friday, December 22 OA... 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm... Room 5 Sunday, December 24 Worship Service... 10:00 am 11:00 am... Sanctuary Family Carol Service... 7:00 pm 8:00 pm... Sanctuary Candlelight Service... 9:00 pm... Sanctuary 12. Knox United Church Officers Executive Chairperson Gerry Garnett ggarnett@telus.net Vice Chair Cathy Stewart cathyverastewart@hotmail.com Past Chair Wayne Larson larsonw@shaw.ca Secretary Linda Nelson lindanelson@hotmail.com Stewardship Ian Ward ward.ian.m@gmail.com & Finance Minister Jennifer Ferguson minister@kucparksville.ca Communications Jo Dunn jo_dunn@telus.net Members at Large Shane Conn msconn@shaw.ca Bob McInnes r.j.mcinnes@shaw.ca Treasurer Ken Fanning acct@kucparksville.ca Trustee Rep Wayne Larson larsonw@shaw.ca Presbytery Rep Rick Roberts rick.roberts@shaw.ca 1 Youth Rep vacant Spiritual Formation Margo Pearson Stewardship & Finance Ian Ward ward.ian.m@gmail.com Ministry & Personnel Mary Ellen Campbell mecampbell@shaw.ca Social Justice Alison Stewart ab.stewart@shaw.ca & Outreach Donna Kennedy Healing & Pastoral Care Mary-Allison Bell m.allison.bell@gmail.com Maureen Loudon maureenloudon@shaw.ca Sacred Spaces Margaret Warburton warburton59@shaw.ca Worship & Arts George Pearson pearsong@sasktel.net Shirlene Donnelly shirlene_donnelly@yahoo.com Fun, Family & Friends Carol Ross rosscaa@hotmail.com Healing Lois Grill, coordinator loisgrill@shaw.ca Ministry and Personnel Mary Ellen Campbell, Chair Kathy Grand Lois Grill Bev Hrenewich Bob Therriault Ron Schiefke mecampbell@shaw.ca

7 NOTES SERMON SERIES: JESUS, THE MYSTIC WORSHIP THEME: THE AWE AND MYSTERY OF GOD WITH US Ministry Focus: Worship & Arts Sunday, December 17, 2017

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9 Christmas Poinsettias Christmas Poinsettias In Memory / In Honour of: Our wonderful, fabulous children Clara Caldwell Rod Fraser Spouse Lorne Spouse Beth & Al Machan Gran Therriault, Merv Therriault And Aline Sheena Parents - Anne & Vern Eisler In Memory of those passed Trian Lascu Allan Mack and Gordon & Edith Hay Maryalice O Hagan Helen Paterson Alex Parents Alex & Rose Cmikiewicz And Doug & Rose Harding Family & Friends Ron Reynolds Ethel Cunningham Our Parents By: Ron & Colleen Butler Higgins Family Eileen P. Fraser Marion Barclay Carol Ross Therriault Family Mary-Anne Slack Ken & Gail Armstrong Chris & Elaine Dauncey Buffy da Silva Lois Grill Marilou & Bob Paterson Lorna Kobelak Tom & Marlene Cmikiewicz Larry & Nancy Newland Wendy Reynolds Joan Harrison Gorge & Vicky Sheard In Memory / In Honour of: By: Len - Husband Maureen Wilson Mother- Kay & Sister - Gayla Lynne Ross Grandchildren Joanne, Jamie, Hope, (Gratitude for their health & love) Caleb, Andrew & Russel Bruce & June McIntyre Our Parents John & Jeanne Brownell Son Warren Lillian Baker Dr. Robert Kelly Donald & Cathy Kelly Our Parents Keith & Gayle Haughn Al & Beth Machan / Jack & Belle Potier Sandra Machan Our Great Grandson Ethan Smith Norm & Dulcie Spice 4 months old Cynthia Dabb s 100 th birthday Sallie & Les Dabb Our 50 th Wedding Anniversary Ken & Phyllis Fanning Family & Friends Ken & Phyllis Fanning All who work for Peace in our Jo & Sandy Dunn World Gerry Harrison Ann Harrison Peter, Norma, Gary, Ted Gord & Kathy Grand Lil and Fred

10 YOUR GREEN TEAM CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Make some changes to how you wrap your gifts so that the wrapping will not have to go to the garbage. Here are some ideas from the Regional District of Nanaimo Most gift wrap cannot be recycled because of its high ink content and blending with materials such as metal, wax or plastic lamination. Instead choose reusable gift bags, tea towels, cloth napkins or even reusable shopping bags for gift wrap that can be reused. YOUR GREEN TEAM CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Make some changes to how you wrap your gifts so that the wrapping will not have to go to the garbage. Here are some ideas from the Regional District of Nanaimo Most gift wrap cannot be recycled because of its high ink content and blending with materials such as metal, wax or plastic lamination. Instead choose reusable gift bags, tea towels, cloth napkins or even reusable shopping bags for gift wrap that can be reused.