Knox Waterloo. In This Issue. The youth at LOGOS are spreading the word of Jesus Christ through mission this Christmas season.

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1 Issue 11 DECEMBER/JANUARY Knox Waterloo ~ the church with a smile! Photo: Glenda Ribey ACross the Pews Knox Waterloo In This Issue p. 2 Sundays in December/January p. 3 Activities & Events p. 4 & 5 Ministers Messages p. 6 Christian Education Update p. 7 Global Partners p. 8 Transitions p. 9 Knox College Distinguished Leadership Award p. 10 From the Library Book Release: Enid Maize p. 11 The Changing Face of Worship p. 12 Knox s Place in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights p. 13 Knox p. 14 December Calendar of Events p. 15 January Calendar of Events p. 16 Knox Photo Gallery Please send articles, announcements and photos for the November edition of ACross the Pews to Sue Senior, Editor acrossthepews@gmail.com Due: January 15 th for COMBINED February/March edition Note: Content that is referenced or reproduced from other sources must be properly cited and credited. The youth at LOGOS are spreading the word of Jesus Christ through mission this Christmas season. Mark your calendars for Dec. 6 th as the Sr. Highs are hosting a babysitting night from 6:30 to 12. The money raised from a free will offering will support the ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) milk fund and the Winnipeg Anishinabe Christmas gift baskets. The Jr. Highs will be going shopping to support the Angel Tree using the money they have raised from the Cookies and Brownies in a jar sales. A LOGOS tradition is a Christmas service after dinner on the last evening we meet in December. With youth and adults leading us, we will stand in a circle to light each other s candles and sing Silent Night. Family, friends and members of Knox congregation are invited to join us in the Sanctuary at 6:45 on Dec. 11. From all of us at LOGOS to the entire Knox Community, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May your home be filled with God s peace, love and joy this Christmas and in the New Year. Lisa Dougall LOGOS Director Knox Waterloo CKWR FM 98.5 Sunday 10am Photo submitted by Kathleen Forde LOGOS Annual Christmas service (2013)

2 Knox Presbyterian Church 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: Shirley Carter LOGOS Director: Lisa Dougall 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 Monica Blake Lawrie Carter Shirley Carter Heather Cawsey Tupper Cawsey Gordon Coyne Sharon Feldmann David Matthews Clerk of Session: Deb Schlichter Ruling Elders: John McBride Ian McLean Cheryl Meyer David Ogram Barb Prysnuk Vaughn Sauve Greg Sennema Ken Vander Vleuten SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER Advent and Christmas at Knox Church November 30 th 10 am Advent 1 - Lighting the Candle of Hope Community Connection Sunday December 7 th 10 am Advent 2 Lighting the Candle of Peace Children s Christmas Pageant December 14 th 10 am Advent 3 Lighting the Candle of Joy Christmas Choir: Were you there on that Christmas Night? December 21 st 10 am Advent 4 Lighting the Candle of Love Service of Lessons and Carols Fellowship gathering for University Students December 21 st 7 pm Longest Night Service: quiet night of music and reflection Speaker: Rosemary Redshaw - former chaplain at the Grand Valley Institute for Women Vocalist: Mary-Catherine McNinch-Pazzano singing Bridge Over Troubled Water and You ll Never Walk Alone Reception afterwards with light refreshment. Radio CKWR FM 98.5 and web live streaming December 24 th - Christmas Eve 5 pm Service for families with young children 7 pm Candlelight service 9 pm Candlelight service 11 pm Candlelight service with Communion and Readings from Iona SUNDAYS IN JANUARY January 4th 10 am Epiphany Sunday Celebrating the Beginning of a New Year January 11th 10 am The Baptism of Jesus January 18th 10 am Let there be Light! January 25 th 10 am Community Services Sunday: Being Part of a Healthy Community The Global Partners Committee hosts our annual special service where agencies and organizations in the KW region share stories of their ministry. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 2 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

3 Activity & Event Announcements FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Resumes Sunday night, Jan. 4th, 2015 at the Matthews'. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm, followed by our continued study of Revelation. Everyone university age (whether you're a student, working or inbetween). See for details. CALLING ALL COOKS for FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The sign-up sheet for winter term (Jan-Mar 2015) is on the Knox bulletin board and you are invited to provide a meal for our university-aged group, Food for Thought. Questions? Contact Nancy Matthews (lighthousenm[at]gmail.com). Many thanks! January Knox Nite! Skating and Pot Luck intergenerational event is planned for Saturday January 31 st. Mark your calendars and watch the bulletin for more details. book study group: Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfections For we are God s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 This past fall, as we worked through the first part of Brene Brown's book, The Gift of Imperfections, we found a lot of power in this verse from Ephesians. Through great discussions, laughter, a few tears, and art we explored the first guideposts to wholehearted living. It was thought provoking and challenging, but also really enlightening as we built a place of trust where we could feel God at work. In January, we're going to begin the next part of the book. If you're thinking this is something you'd like to do, we would welcome you to join us! On January 11, 2015, please come up to room 205 at 11:30 and we'll have an introductory session for those who didn't attend the first sessions. The next week, we'll continue reviewing the remaining guideposts to wholehearted living. So put the book on your Christmas list and consider joining us. Please let Kathy Sauve (kathy.sauve@sunlife.com) know if you're interested in the sessions starting in January. There will be an introductory session and then an additional six weeks to finish the book. Calling knitters of all skill levels & ages! Beginning in January on Wednesdays at 9:30am join other knitters to work on your own projects, or make a prayer shawl or pneumonia vest to donate. Enjoy hot drinks and great conversation, and maybe even learn or teach a new stitch! Contact: Hannah Carter (hannah.carter[at]gmail.com) or Rebecca Cameron St- Pierre (r2camero[at]gmail.com). COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 3 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

4 Minister s Message Brooke Ashfield Christmas and New Year can be magical times for many of us. We see family, we join in community celebrations and we taste rich foods. We are more likely to feel warm about our family and our world at this time of the year. These are good things. Those of us who are Christian take these times a little deeper. It is an occasion for generosity to others, a time for singing praise, moments to appreciate Christmases past, perhaps when we were young. For some, we are reminded of who is not here to share these moments. Our Longest Night Service at 7 pm on Sunday December 21 always speaks of hope in the midst of darkness. This year Rosemary Redshaw shares stories of 17 years as chaplain at the Grand River Institution for Women. Beautiful music from Jazz Vocalist Mary- Catherine McNinch-Pazzano will feature Bridge Over Troubled Waters and You'll Never Walk Alone. You do not need to be sad to be touched by hope at this service. the occasion of our 25 th anniversary of ministry with you. The years went by fast and are rich with deep affection for so many wonderful people. As always, I want to say again what a privilege and honour it is to be in ministry at this time and with you. This is an unprecedented time for mission and ministry. As I gaze out our huge windows each Sunday I am able to see the place where thousands of new residents will move in. Some will come and worship, some will come and serve, and some will simply visit one of the many community events hosted at Knox. All are our neighbours and fellow citizens of this region. In deep fondness, I wish each one of you the very best of Christmas and a New Year that brings healing, hope and love in to your life. Mystery is part of the story. The Magi were of a different religion from Jesus s family, yet they too worshiped and gave gifts. Mary was far from home and a new mother. She had met an angel who had shocking news for her. Her response is so understandable. She said; How can this be? (Luke 1:34) As the year approaches its end, we also reflect on life. For Linda and me, we have deep gratitude for the outpouring of affection on Photo: Sue Senior COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 4 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

5 The Season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany all tell the story of God s wonderful love for this world. Regardless of the specific traditions, Christians all over the globe will be making the same journey to Christmas day. I have always thought it would be great fun to celebrate Christmas in a different country each year, to attend worship in a church where the local customs and traditions may be a bit different. Of course the story will be the same. The story of Joseph and Mary making their journey to Bethlehem where baby Jesus was born in a stable and laid in the manger. The story will include a star and angels and shepherds and mysterious visitors from afar. The story begins with a messenger telling the young couple what is about to take place and the messenger tells them both not to be afraid. It takes us from Nazareth to Bethlehem and then to Jerusalem and Egypt before coming back to Nazareth in Galilee. We meet many wonderful people along the way some like the inn keeper and shepherds are unnamed; while others have names like Elizabeth, Zechariah, Anna and Simeon. It is a lovely story that invites us in. To hear the surprise and shock of the young couple, to journey with them and worry when they cannot find shelter; to be filled with joy at the safe arrival of the child and be awed and filled with wonder (and perhaps fear) along with shepherds when the angels appeared. We are invited to go and find the child with them and then to joyfully tell the parents what had been seen and heard in the night sky. We too feel pride as they bring their new baby for dedication to the Temple and nod in understanding when the seniors give their blessing and prayers. We sense the mystery of the guests from the east who speak about a star and present strange baby gifts. And, we can see the clouds darkening and jealousy spilling into anger when Herod speaks to them. And perhaps a collective sigh is heard when these travellers make a wise decision to go home another way. It is our prayer and hope that as we celebrate Advent, Christmas and Epiphany together we will experience the hope, the peace, the joy and the love that we declare. Minister s Message: Linda Ashfield Pat Bennett wrote in Hay and Stardust: Incarnate Christ, be born in me this Christmas! May my will be as Mary s, saying Yes to your ways; my mind as Joseph s, opening to your unfolding revelation. May my voice be as the angels, joyfully proclaiming Good News; my knees as the animals, quietly bent in adoration. May my feet be as the shepherds, running eagerly to find you; my hands as the wise men s, offering up all that I have. May my heart be as the manger, poor yet containing heaven s great t treasure; my life as the stable, hallowed and expanded by your presence. Incarnate Christ, be born again in me this Christmas. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed season and a very happy new year. Note of Thanks from Brooke and Linda: Many thanks to everyone who made our 25th Anniversary at Knox such a wonderful celebration. We are so very grateful to those who organized and helped with the lunch afterwards - complete of course with cake for everyone. The flower arrangements were spectacular - both those in the sanctuary, the atrium and the tables in the hall. Thanks to those who located some old pictures of us and our families and projected them up on the screen! Many thanks to our Clerk of Session for her eloquent words of encouragement and many thanks for the lovely messages in the card. We are humbled by the wonderful Anniversary Gift and look forward to purchasing our first new set of living room furniture together. Twenty five years as your ministers here at Knox Waterloo has been a great joy and we give God thanks for the ministry that we share with you. Thank you again for all your support and good wishes. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 5 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

6 Photo: Sue Senior A CROSS THE PEWS DECEMBER/JANUARY Christian Education Update: Laura VanderVleuten Senior High Christmas Party Thursday Dec 18 All Knox senior high youth are invited to Laser Quest at 6:30pm followed by ice cream sundae making. More information is on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board beside the lounge or call the church office. Junior High Christmas Party Monday Dec 22, 6-10pm at Knox More information and a sign-up sheet are posted on the bulletin board outside the Lounge or call the church office. Christmas Reception for University/College Students Welcome home to students who are back in Waterloo for the Christmas break! Our reception will be held on Sunday Dec. 21 after worship in the Knox Room. Students, please join us for a time of fellowship and refreshments while you chat with friends who are also home for the holidays. Please contact Femmy Birks for more information. Knox University/College Student Ministry The Knox University/College Student Ministry continues to look at ways to invite students to be a part of our community. Starting in 2015 we hope to offer fellowship evenings twice per month where students can meet for coffee and discussion in the Lounge/Atrium at Knox. If you are a student or know of anyone studying in Waterloo, please contact Laura V for information on the evenings and how you can get involved. Upward Ball Hockey Tuesdays January 20 to March 31, 6-8pm for kids in Grades 1-6. Cost is $75. All players need a helmet with face protection and hockey gloves. Sticks are provided. Register on-line or call the church office. Furthermore, if anyone would like to coach this season, please contact Laura VanderVleuten. ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) is a KW agency that has made a commitment to providing the safety, support, and overall well-being of youth (age 12-25) experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in the Waterloo Region. Last summer at Vacation Bible Camp a visitor from ROOF told us about the work they are doing to try to keep kids off the streets. We were inspired and so Vacation Bible Camp, Sunday school, and LOGOS decided to support ROOF by collecting donations of gift cards, personal hygiene items and clothes. Many thanks to all of you who made a donation. We will continue to support ROOF in 2015 by collecting milk money ~ used to buy bags of milk for baking muffins and cookies (part of ROOF s catering initiative which trains youth in business and skill development). If you would like to support our fundraising, please bring a grocery gift card to the office in January marked ROOF milk money. Thanks to all families who are supporting the Dec. 6 th Baby-sitting Fundraiser. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 6 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

7 White Gifts Here at Knox we have a long standing tradition of collecting white gifts during Advent. White Gifts are a practical way for us to share the spirit of Christ and the love of God with our community. We give gifts of love to people in need. This year we will be donating the white gifts to St. Monica House and Marillac Place. When: bring your white gifts from Nov. 30 th to Dec. 14 th Where: place your white gifts in the large box near the Caroline Street entrance What: some ideas for white gift items include new, unwrapped personal hygiene items, toiletries, Christmas cards, greeting cards, brush sets, newborn to age 2 clothes and toys, chocolates, Tim cards, other gift cards. Global Partners: Kathleen Forde & Ellen McIntosh Alternative Giving Alternative Giving is a form of gift giving where you make a donation to a charitable organization in honour of your gift s receiver. Global Partners has expanded that idea to include gifts that avoid consumerism, protect the planet, and spread good cheer all at once! Consider some of these great ideas: Homemade gifts PCC Gifts of Change Fair Trade Coffee Fair Trade Chocolate Chichiri Prison CCAP Choir CD A gift to support Knox s Outreach Projects and mission. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 7 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

8 Transitions Thinking of You and Prayers for Dorothy Fletcher, Ed Fowler, Evelyn Hayes, Chan Lutcham, and Heather Ross. Baptisms: Lauren Mackenzie Widmeyer, daughter of Joel and Melanie Widmeyer baptized on October 26, Sydney Elizabeth Monteiro, daughter of Eric and Stacey Taylor baptized on November 2, 2014 Weddings: Congratulations and best wishes to Janet Denbeigh and Arvin Forghanian-Arani who were married on November 1, Congratulations to Greg Linforth and Corey Cotter-Linforth for baby girl Rose Marie born on October 20/14 sister to Theo. Betty and Jack Geddes: Diamond 60 th Wedding Anniversary. Karen & Glen Kimmel: Gold 50 th Wedding Anniversary. Emily Kozlowski received the KD Fryer Gold Medal for High Academic Standing in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo together with Good Student Citizenship. Note of Thanks From Nancy & David Matthews: Many thanks to Knox for marking 30 years since the start of Food for Thought! We were overwhelmed by your kindness on that Sunday and by the gift of the lovely PEI lighthouse painting -- West Point Light is even a B&B we've stayed in! The letters by former FFTers brought tears to our eyes -- special thanks to Linda for collecting them and for transporting the painting home! We are so grateful for all the support through the years by those who introduced students to us and were guest speakers or led studies in our absence. We especially appreciate the many, many people who've provided meals through the years. We couldn't have done it without all of you! We really feel that we're the ones who've been blessed by the wonderful people who've attended FFT, as together we've learned more about following Christ. Thanks again to everyone! From Hugh Simpson: I have heard that it takes a village to raise a child. I believe, at least in my case, that it takes a community to support a student even an aging one such as me - to research, write and defend a dissertation. I am happy to say that on October 14, 2014, I received my Doctorate from the University of Waterloo. It was not an easy road, taking more than six years, but I want to thank the members of my Knox family who have helped me to be able to complete this task. I have greatly appreciated your interest, suggestions, and support, while listening to me through the throes of the research process. Simpson family: Post-convocation reception hosted by Faculty of the Environment, University of Waterloo. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 8 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

9 Knox College 170 th Convocation 2014 Distinguished Leadership Awards Presented to Brooke and Linda Ashfield for their creative work in congregational ministry, individually and together, focused on intercultural engagement, community partnerships, international mission, congregational renewal, and programs for all ages with a particular emphasis on children and youth. The following is an excerpt from the 170 th Anniversary Convocation Program Wed. Nov. 5, Brooke and Linda have the distinction of being the first clergy couple in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. They were ordained together, first as ministers in neighbouring congregations, and since 1989, have served together at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo. While each brings strong singular gifts to ministry, their collaborative style demonstrates three key components of leadership: i) ability to use one's own talents and abilities; ii) the skill of freeing up the talents and abilities of ministry teams; and iii) the ability to understand the organizational and environmental context. Brooke brings key strengths as a visionary and strategic thinker while Linda contributes her strong relational skills and ability to stay in touch through social media. Together they have created an environment of trust and sustained commitment to the vision of making Knox Presbyterian Church a "Destination for Inspiration." The effectiveness of their collegial team ministry has been a model and is mirrored in the congregations they have led. Fourteen years ago, under their leadership a long range planning committee identified that the church building presented a barrier to their mission. In 2006, the congregation made the courageous decision to risk and commit to the Waterloo downtown core. The intention was 'to go for excellence'. Four years ago, a new facility that invites the congregation to look out and the community to look in was dedicated. A well run stewardship campaign surpassed the initial pledges, bearing witness to Brooke and Linda's abilities to inspire. Under their leadership the congregation has demonstrated that generosity follows mission. Children and youth are a priority. The LOGOS program, in its 22nd year, consistently attracts 60 to 80 children and functions with a team of 70 adult leaders. Tuesday evening's Upward Sports attracts mostly non-church youth from the elementary schools close by and is led by a team of adults and young adults. At the W@K (Wednesdays at Knox) program, 50 to 70 people are served lunch and are motivated by community speakers. Their intergenerational mission trips have also inspired many young people. One example saw Brooke leading a team to China and Linda serving six weeks teaching English in China with Amity International. Message from Linda and Brooke We were honoured to have been selected to receive this award on Wednesday, November 5th and were very grateful for the members from our church who came to the Anniversary Convocation held in the Chapel of Knox College, Toronto. We so appreciated that you took the time to be with us. If you are interested in seeing the award and program from that night, you can see them in the Church Office. Photo supplied by Knox College, Toronto COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 9 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

10 From the Library: Femmy Birks Recent acquisitions that have been added to our library include: Reflections on the Lord s Prayer, edited by Susan Brower. This book presents a walk through the Lord s Prayer with a selection of reflections excerpted from poems, Scripture and other writings. Taken together, they show us the richness of this timeless prayer. Landscapes of Prayer. Finding God in your World and your Life, by Margaret Silf. Illustrated with beautiful photographs this book presents each landscape (garden, mountain, desert ) with a personal reflection, an adaptation of a Bible passage, and some guided questions to encourage further reflection by the reader. Called to be Human. Letters to my Children on Living a Christian Life, by Michael Jinkins. In letters to his adult son and daughter the author explores the Big Questions of life. Naked Spirituality. A Life with God in 12 Simple Words, by Brian McLaren. McLaren is well-known in the emerging church movement. Here he describes spiritual practices of the Christian life, making them relevant in today s postmodern world. Enid Maize celebrates publication of Wind-Free Agnes Steffy & Sue Senior Enid Maize, who is currently active at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Aurora, was a member and elder at Knox for many years. Always active in music, she also had particular interest in ministry to seniors. With her theological training as background and with the help of many volunteers (recruited by Enid) she started the Knox Retirement Home Ministry. Enid contacted individual retirement and nursing homes in K-W to explore their interest in this work, finding six homes that were welcome to this service. Enid wrote most of the worship services and led in several each month. Since Enid's move to Aurora, the Retirement Home Ministry continues under the leadership of Ellen Yessis. Enid has lived a life full of challenges and successes. Forced to leave school at a young age to care for her ailing mother, she later went on to complete two university degrees, a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Theological Studies. She then served as a United Church minister. Before going back to school, an ardent musician, she founded three musical theatre companies, started her own dramatic production company and created a school for the performing arts - all while raising five children, mostly as a single parent! Now, she reveals the unique blend of faith, humour and intelligence that has sustained her through her creative writing. "It is a mirror to my soul," she says. "It has taken me a lifetime to become wind-free. Although I have occasionally strayed from traditional Christian values, I am proud to be where I am today. I went through a lot to get here." This collection is an insightful, intimate glimpse into the life a truly exceptional woman. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 10 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

11 Worship is what we do. Worship is the centre of our community. Worship leads and supports our mission, compassionate outreach and our discernment of where to go in following the leading of our Lord. Worship is dynamic and ever changing, yet invokes our Creator who is changeless in love. In the early months of 2015, a project upgrading our visual resources will be completed. New cameras will be installed in areas that were pre-wired during construction. A mixer will be added. Knox will begin Live-Steaming our service on the internet each week. This faculty will also be available to support concerts that take place in our sanctuary, and will provide a unique ability to live stream weddings and funerals to selected people in far places who are not able to attend such important events in family life. The private broadcasts will only be available to those who are contacted to receive it, and will not be available to all on the internet. The Changing Face of Worship: Brooke Ashfield the marvelous power of music to portray God s presence. As we become more conscious of our visual impact, a few things might be modified. The faces of our children during the children s story are lost to most of us not brave enough to sit in the first few rows. Our Praise Band is hard to see. We may begin projecting some parts of worship on the big screen. Photos: Eric Gaudet Why is this important? Because more and more worshippers each Sunday are located far away, or are not otherwise able to attend. Our radio broadcast is only available on Sundays and is limited to South Western Ontario. The radio broadcast must end at 11 am. Computer literacy is wide and deep in our world. Each Sunday Marg Kuehl, who is 95, worships via her computer in Gibsons B.C. and would love to see the action and community of worship. Many others would join her in this worship. The visual impact of worship communicates the organic flow of the drama of God s presence with us. This compliments the spoken word and In making our worship more accessible to people far and near, we are moving forward in our value of accessibility. We will share our time together on a Sunday morning with more people who experience the warm glow of the community that is Knox Waterloo. Welcoming those who worship from afar will not diminish the worship of we who come and participate directly and in person. Our brilliant Tech Team coordinator Eric Gaudet is overseeing this project. His skill, improvisational genius and organizational ability will make this happen. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 11 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

12 Anne Edgar Photography A CROSS THE PEWS DECEMBER/JANUARY Canadian Museum for Human Rights (cmhr) From the Editor The Knox connection at CMHR The Canadian Museum for Human Rights recently opened in Winnipeg as a place to explore and enhance our understanding of human rights. One of the 12 permanent galleries at the museum, called Canadian Journeys, covers themes from democracy to language rights, from freedom of conscience to freedom from discrimination. Stories are conveyed across a 29-metre digital screen as well as in exhibits located throughout the space. Included in this massive gallery is an exhibit featuring the attainment of marriage equality in Canada. On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize samesex marriage with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act which provided a clear genderneutral definition of marriage. This exhibit is in the form of a multitiered wedding cake and includes the photos of many joyful couples on their wedding day. Marriage Equality Exhibit Photo: Dawn Charlton One of the photos features the wedding of Dawn Charlton and Sue Senior which was held at Knox, Waterloo on Nov. 26, 2011 with the full support of session and the generous participation of Reverends Brooke and Linda Ashfield. Reverend John Lougheed, Associate Minister at Westminster United, officiated. While it was not possible for Presbyterian clergy to officiate and bless same-sex marriages, the session and congregation at Knox demonstrated their love in action by following Jesus example of acceptance and hospitality for all. They made it possible for two members of Knox to join in the covenant of marriage before God and in their home church. It is fitting that the photo recording that special occasion have a permanent home at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Somethings Group Reflection: Sonia Laposi The group studied what it means to do something in Jesus name. Key passages on this theme included: John 5:19 (NIV): I tell you the truth, the son can do nothing by himself, he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son does also. [5:22] Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son. [5:30] By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. [5:45] I have come in my Father s name, and you do not accept me, but if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. We learned that in Hebrew, judgement means to do justice, that is, to do what is right. Christ was hearing from the Father when he judged. In addition, the Father judges no one, but gives all judgement to the Son. Christ s humbleness is framed in a cyclical way, as someone mentioned, He empties himself and receives it all back from God and what Christ is doing, God has done always. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 12 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

13 A CROSS THE PEWS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 ~Wednesdays at Knox~ Snow!! We got our first taste of winter in mid-november, and now we brace ourselves for the real thing. Winter involves many preparations for inclement weather. At our policy is to be open when schools are open, and closed when schools are closed. Listen to CKWR or CBC radio for their early morning updates, and, as always, err on the side of safety! We continue with our menu of soup, delicious home-made tea biscuits, cheese and crackers, and other offerings. 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 for coffee and fellowship starting at 11:30 every Wednesday, followed by devotions, lunch for $5, and a different presentation each week. Tell your friends! Bring your own lunch if you prefer; we'll provide the beverages and dessert at no cost. We adjourn at 1pm. For regularly updated information, see the bulletin and newsletter, the website and the bulletin board by the lounge. If you have any questions or need a ride, phone Ellen McIntosh (519) , or e mail emcintosh1130@rogers.com. Gordon Coyne: A Walk on the Camino Photo: Sue Senior Dec. 3 rd Sue Senior: Somewhere Over the Rainbow Sue is a facilitator & director at spectrum: Waterloo Region s Rainbow Community Space and a recently retired high school teacher. She will share information and experiences from an LGBTQ perspective including the development of Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in schools, community Pride events, and the evolution of inclusive spaces for all. Her discussion will highlight how Canada is a leader in protecting the rights of all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Dec. 10 th Christmas Lunch (tickets $10- in advance) and Christmas Carols This will be a traditional Christmas meal, catered by Angie's Kitchen. See the bulletin board by the lounge for the menu. Tickets will be sold at the Welcome Desk or through the office until December 7th. Jan. 14 TH Linda Ashfield and Shirley Carter: China Trip I Linda and Shirley made up half the team who were part of a Mission Trip to China this past summer. What are schools like in China? What is the role of teachers and students? What is happening in the churches in China and how do Christians reach out in service to their communities? They will talk about Amity (Christian organization) who sent teams of teachers to various parts of China. They will also share personal stories about teaching English to teachers for three weeks in Weifang, Shandong Province, China Jan. 21 ST Linda Ashfield and Shirley Carter: China Trip II After four weeks with the Amity Foundation in China (including orientation in Nanjing, teaching in Weifang and debriefing in Shanghai) Shirley and Linda had the opportunity to travel to other parts of China. Their trip included places such as the ancient water towns of Zhujiajiao and Zhouzhuang, Guilin and its famous Li River, Yangshuo, Xian and the terra cotta warriors, and Beijing (Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall of China). Jan 28 th Dave Blake: Home Energy Efficiency & Conservation - Call to Action Dave Blake is the Business Development Manager and Manager of Energy Programs at REEP Green Solutions, an environmental charity and social enterprise that focuses on energy, electricity and water sustainability programs for Waterloo Region. Dave's presentation will provide us with knowledge, resources and incentives to help us make our homes more comfortable, lower our consumption, and save money. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 13 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

14 DECEMBER 2014 Universal Human Rights Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30 Advent 1 Worship10am Food for Thought 6 :00pm at Beechwood Manor then dinner 1 World AIDS Day 1 2 Quilters 10am Daughters of Christ 1:30pm Upward Basketball 6pm Praise Band 7pm Sounds of Christmas Sun. 2 & 7pm Mon/Tues. 2pm 7 Advent 2 Worship10am Waterloo Concert Band 2pm 8 9 Quilters 10am Circle of Care 7:30 3 Day of Disabled Persons 2 W@K 11:30am *RHM Clair Hills 2pm 10 Human Rights Day 4 W@K 11:30am Erb & Good Community Memorial Service 7pm 4 Fitness and Fellowship 9:30 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 11 Fitness and Fellowship 9:30 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm Somethings 6:30 AA 8pm 12 Logos Steering Committee 10am *RHM Beechwood Manor 2pm AA 8pm 6 National Day of Remembranc e & Action on Violence Against Women 3 LOGOS Sr, High Babysitting Night Fundraiser to support ROOF 6:30 pm 13 Grand Philharmonic Choir 3pm 14 Advent 3 Worship10am KW Chamber Orchestra 3pm Hanukkah 5 (sundown to 24 th ) Quilters 10am 17 *RHM Lanark Heights & Pinehaven 10:30am Book Club (Lunch) 12 noon 18 Chancel Choir 7:30pm 19 *RHM Waterloo Heights 10:45am Somethings 6:30 AA 8pm Winter Solstice & Yule 6 Advent 4 Worship10am *RHM Bankside 2pm Longest Night Service 7pm *RHM Terrace on the Square 10am 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 pm 7 pm 9 pm 11 pm 25 Christmas 26 Boxing Day Kwanzaa 7 AA 8pm 27 *RHM ~ Retirement Home Ministry Multicultural Observances & Festivals: 1. World Health Organization 2. United Nations 3. Canada 4. United Nations 5. Judaism 6. International & Wicca 7. African- American/Canadian COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 14 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

15 JANUARY 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 28 Worship10am New Year s Day Temple Day 1 2 AA 8pm 3 Mawlid Al- Nabi (Sunni) 2 4 Worship10am Food for Thought 6 :30pm 11 Worship10am Gifts of Imperfection Bible Study Intro. 11:30am Food for Thought 6 :30pm 5 6 Epiphany Daughters of Christ 1:30pm Quilters 10am Praise Band 7pm Finance Committee 7pm Presbytery of W loo-wellington 7pm Circle of Care 7:30 7 Knox Knitters 9:30am *RHM Clair Hills 2pm 14 Knox Knitters 9:30am W@K 11:30am 8 Mawlid Al- Nabi (Shia) 3 Fitness and Fellowship 9:30 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 15 Fitness and Fellowship 9:30 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 9 Logos Steering Committee 10am *RHM Beechwood Manor 2pm AA 8pm Somethings 6:30 AA 8pm World Religion Day 4 Worship10am Gifts of Imperfection Bible Study 11:30am *RHM Bankside 2pm Food for Thought 6 :30pm 25 Worship10am Gifts of Imperfection Bible Study 11:30am Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo- Wellington 2pm 19 Dr. Martin 20 Luther King Jr. S Birthday Quilters 10am 5 Praise Band 7pm Session 7:30pm Upwards Ball Hockey 6pm *RHM Terrace on the Square 10am Praise Band 7pm Upwards Ball Hockey 6pm 21 Knox Knitters 9:30am *RHM Lanark Heights & Pinehaven 10:30am W@K 11:30am 28 Knox Knitters 9:30am W@K 11:30am Book Club 1:30 22Fitness and Fellowship 9:30 11:30am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 29 *RHM Parkwood Manor 10am 23 *RHM Waterloo Heights 10:45am Somethings 6:30 AA 8pm Knox Nite Potluck and Skating Party Watch for details Knox Stampers 7pm *RHM ~ Retirement Home Ministry Multicultural Observances & Festivals: 1. Buddhist 2. Islamic (Sunni) 3. Islamic (Shia) 4. Baha i 5. American COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 15 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

16 A Cross the Pews DECEMBER/JANUARY Cookies in a jar Assembly Teams Photos: Kathy Sauve Photo: Brad Tucker Photo: Kathy Sauve Remembrance Day 2014 Choir & Praise Band Distinguished Leadership Awards 170 th Convocation Knox College, Toronto Photos: Barb Prysnuk LOGOS Sr. High Bible Time Photo: Glenda Ribey knoxwaterloo.ca 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo ON. N2L 1T1 (519)