ACross the Pews Travels. 1. Cairn Knox Campers Smokey Mountains, North Carolina Wendy Anderson

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1 Issue 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 Knox Waterloo ~ the church with a smile! Directory Sunday Worship Themes Cairn Silent Retreat Transitions Ministers Messages Christian Education Update The Brobergs Experience Save the Dates Events! Supporting Others Jeff-a-Thon Brian Johnston Retires Winnipeg Mission Trip Food for Thought Roots & Wings LOGOS Women Together Fall Events Crieff Hills Retreat Marching with Presbyterians Knox September Calendars Photo Gallery 5 ACross the Pews Travels 6 1. Cairn Knox Campers Smokey Mountains, North Carolina Wendy Anderson Sundays 10am CKWR FM 98.5 Livestreaming 3. B.C. Pacific Coast Newsletter goes hiking! 4. P.E.I Thanks for the great recommendation Brooke. Janice & Mark Harper 5. St. Martaan Cheryl David-Rangoonanan 6. Disneyland, Arnheim California Beth, Jack, Dan, Allison & Danielle Knox Waterloo 7. Vancouver Island, Tofino Sue Senior & Dawn Charlton 7

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 Looking ahead Sunday Worship September 11 The 15 th Anniversary of 9/11 Beginning of Fall Session Sunday School October 2 October 9 October 23 November 6 December 4 December 11 World Communion Sunday Grades 3+ will stay in worship and celebrate Communion with congregation Intergenerational worship Thanksgiving Sunday Anniversary Sunday Guest preacher: Rev. Dr. Bob Faris, St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church, Toronto Remembrance Sunday Holy Communion Sunday School Christmas Pageant Christmas Choral Presentation SILENT RETREAT AT CAIRN Mon., Sept. 26 th through Wed., Sept. 28 th "Be still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10 Tired of all the noise? Need an escape from the everyday? You're invited to Cairn Camp in Baysville for an adult, mid-week Silent Retreat from Sept. 26th to 28th (beginning Monday evening and ending after Wednesday lunch). There will be opportunities for prayer, meditation, journalling, walks in the woods and by the lake, and time to just be. Get away from the busyness and join others as you unplug, centre yourself, and listen for God's quiet voice. The retreat will include 24 hours of silence and will be led by an experienced guide. People from Knox have attended in past years and really appreciated this very special time away. I'm planning to return and hope you'll consider joining me! The cost is $175 per person for housing (in cabins), meals, and the retreat itself. To register, go tohttp://gmi.ilovecamp.org/ ~ Nancy Matthews ~ 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 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

3 Transitions In Remembrance Our condolences to: Sandra & Wayne Berlet and family. Sandra s father George Watson passed away on June 15 at the age of 92. We will all miss George s lively presence. Liz & Paul Fryer and family. Liz s father Art Jones passed away on June 22 at the age of 94, her brother Alan Jones on July 5 at the age of 72 and her mom (and beloved retired Elder from Knox) Anna Jones passed away on July 29 at the age of 92. Carol Hallman. Carol s husband Roger Hallman passed away on July 2 at the age of 62 Peter & Annette Braid and family. Peter s mother Barbara Braid passed away on July 29 at the age of 85 Cheryl Meyer. Cheryl s mother Doris Denham passed away on June 25 at the age of 89. Margaret Johnston, Sydney and Allie Piatkowski. Marg s father and Syd & Allie s grandfather, Art Johnston passed away peacefully on August 1 at the age of 82. Thinking of You and Prayers for Jan Hayward, Sharon & Blake Kelly, Ruth Larsen, Bill MacKenzie, Ann Morgan, Win Sanders, Mildred Seibel, and Barend Van Veldhuizen. Weddings Congratulations to: Gail Mitchell and Robert Syer - May 14, 2016 Stephanie Robb and Christopher Gardwell - June 25, 2016 Amanda Cullen and Matthew Jones - June 23, 2016 Emily Kozlowski and Jeffrey Baer - June 11, 2016 Stacey Xu and David Putman - July 1, 2016 Laura Graham and Rob Butcher - July 2, 2016 Hannah Carter and Stefan Janhunen - August 3, 2016 Baptisms Blessings to: Asher Hare, son of Andrew and Jayna Hare baptised on June 12, 2016 Markus Fagan, son of Matt and Helen Fagan baptised on July 10, 2016 Elliot Nunnamaker, daughter of Neil Nunnamaker and Alexandra Maw baptised on July 10, 2016 Knox Community News Best wishes to: Dorothy Aitken who has moved to Mount Forest Mark, Patti and Lisa Jackson who have moved to Victoria, B.C. Seunggon, Jiyoung, Angela and Sam Baek who have moved to Ottawa. Mike, Christy and Simon den Haan who have moved to Burnaby, B.C. Chanmi Park and her daughter Eunsung Kim who have moved back to Korea. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

4 Minister s Message Brooke Ashfield The start of a school year is the start of a year s cycle of activities in the church. This year we begin a new chapter in our life and work. Every five years it seems as if Knox Waterloo goes through an evolutionary process of adapting. This September is the sixth year in our current facility. It is not a new building anymore. Many of you who are new to this community, have never been in the old structure that used to be located in what is now our parking lot. We will discover new ways of reflecting God s ever affirming love for us in this new chapter. I do not have a blue print of what this will look like. I do have confidence that we will together discern the pathways that God is leading us to over the next months and years. This is what it means to be a faithful people. we never know for sure what is in store for us. We do know who is leading us in Jesus Christ. We are a daring, bold and courageous congregation. We face the future, and ask God to be in our planning, worship and prayer. We do not fear change. It is more important to be faithful than it is to seek success. God honours our faithfulness: past, present, and future. We are so very blessed here in vital ministries in the evolving core of one of Canada s fastest growing urban centres. The LRT construction will end eventually. We will get our streets and sidewalks back. We will welcome new worshippers who travel on the ION. We will!... Eventually. In the mean time we endure like so much of Kitchener-Waterloo during this period of infrastructure building. This may not be a comfort to any of us, but when our family spent a weekend in my home city of Ottawa, they seemed to be suffering just as much as we are during the LRT construction. (At least we did not have a sinkhole 1 gobble up vehicles just a block from the Canadian Parliament buildings.) One of the gifts of being in church is awareness of our world. Each week we pray for parts of our world that are hurting through civil war, climate change, economic collapse, or natural disaster. We also remember hurting people in our families and in our church home. We do this because we are called to care. And we are called to make a difference. We do make a difference in many lives by our ministries in compassion, program and mission. We have a wonderful capacity for compassion, and for mission. We listen to the stories of injustice done to people and then we cannot remain on the sidelines. When we care, then we are called to action. The longer I serve in ministry the busier I get. I know more people, I have a longer to-do list and the more hectic life seems to get. The precious days of vacation are an important reminder to me, that God will continue to inspire ministry without me. This is comforting. This is reality. This is life. All of our gifts, all of us, are needed as we seek to discern the way forward. I hope that we have had time for rest this summer. God has great things in store for us. 1. Image: Twitter@itzCJ_C COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 4 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

5 Minister s Message Linda Ashfield But the fruit of the Spirit is love; joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness Galatians 5:22 I am always delighted to hear how members of our congregation are involved in the life of the community: here at church and here in the city. Young and old, we are truly responding to Christ s call to be the salt, light and yeast of our world. When people reach out to help, it creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond the actual project. When others see people opening their hearts to help another, it plants a seed that maybe they could do something similar. And we become more open to other opportunities to use our God given skills and talents for others. 1 As people of faith we are called to put love into action, to show generosity, to do good deeds, to make a difference, to be kind to others. While there are ways to do this each and every day by our words and action, often people like to volunteer their time to worthwhile causes. However, like many others, in the wake of our busy schedules, work, household chores, and family needs we feel we don t always have the extra time, energy or money to devote to give more time. I believe we have a built-in urge to connect with others. Here at Knox, there are many ongoing ministries as well as one time opportunities for us all. The fellowship, pastoral care, programs, ministries, mission and outreach at Knox would not happen without so many people being involved. This fall as we begin a new season is a great time for you to ask Where would you have me be Lord; where are you calling me; what can I offer; what do you want to accomplish at Knox through me? Choose something that interests you. It s okay to think small; even modest acts make a difference and don t always require much time or effort. Remember, when you do a good deed for someone, you ve potentially set in motion a long chain of kindnesses. It s amazing how offering what we can produces such a positive attitude, enhances our well-being and self-esteem and invigorates our relationship with God. As we rekindle our ministries and programs at Knox, may you find that God is calling you and encouraging you to participate, to offer yourself in service. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phillipians 4:8) Thank you for prayerfully considering this call from Christ. 1. Patrick Carr, Hillsborough N.B., pg. 71 Reader's Digest December 2010 excerpt from The Science of Being Nice: Good deeds aren't just good for the soul - they may be key to our survival. Lisa Bendall. 2. Image: John Wesley Quote 18 th C: (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2016, from GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

6 Christian Education Update Laura Vander Vleuten Sunday school for children in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 is offered every Sunday morning at 10am after children s time in worship. All are welcome to participate. There is a nursery and preschool room for toddlers and infants. We rely on volunteers each week to provide caring and educational spaces for our children and youth. If you would like to lead a class or be a helper, please see Laura Vander Vleuten for more information. Parents are welcome to sit in on classes any time! The curriculum we are using this year is SeasonsENCORE which, like Whole People of God, is accessible via the internet at In September we will be celebrating Earth as a sacred planet filled with God s vibrant presence. Watch the bulletin each week for theme and scripture verses. Senior High Retreat to Cairn September Students in Grades 9-12 Anyone interested in attending please sign up on the bulletin board beside the lounge. Drivers are needed. Please see Laura V if you can help. Collective Kitchen is an outreach program to university and college students who want to share fellowship while making meals to take home. Join us in the Knox kitchen on Monday September 12, Tuesday October 4 and Wednesday November 9 at 4pm. We ll be making soup, main dishes and dessert which we will eat together before packing up the extras which you can take home for the freezer. Join us on Facebook and let us know you are coming or contact Laura at laurav@knoxwaterloo.ca Volunteers are welcome to come and help prepare meals too, contact Laura for information. Thanksgiving Host Program Is there room at your Thanksgiving table for a student guest this year? Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to assemble and give thanks. Some students at local universities and colleges who are far from home can t return for holidays or long weekends. Please consider hosting students at your table this October 7, 8 or 9 th. Information pamphlets are available behind the Welcome Desk or contact Laura Vander Vleuten (laurav@knoxwaterloo.ca) for more information. Knox Ministry Fair Sundays September 11, 18, 25 Church hall after worship Come for coffee and browse the various ministries and programs Knox has to offer this year. There will be information about children s and youth ministry, young adult ministry, music ministry, women s and men s ministry, opportunities for serving others, worship teams and congregational initiatives. All are welcome! Student Card Ministry Femmy Birks Well, it s back to school! By now, about thirty students from our congregation will once again be settling into classes at their respective colleges and universities. For these young people it can be an exciting time of anticipation. It can also be a time of nervousness, and wondering what the next few months will bring especially for those students who are in their first year. Please remember them all in your prayers and let them know that, as members of our church family, we care about them and wish them well. If you have a family member who is starting postsecondary education this fall we would appreciate knowing where they are going and how we can keep in touch with them; we like to send them a small note at various times throughout the year. Please contact the church office or Femmy Birks at femmy.birks@sympatico.ca or at COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 6 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

7 Knox Student Ministry The Brobergs Experience I have been asked if I would share our story of friendship that began almost a year ago. While we were attending church one Sunday last September an announcement was made that Knox was looking for families to open their homes and welcome foreign students to share Thanksgiving with them. We thought, what a great idea, sounds like so much fun. For anyone who knows me, you know I love to entertain. However, we also seriously wondered if we could pull off a big Thanksgiving dinner just six weeks after my surgery to remove a brain tumour. We decided that if we all chipped in to help, we could do it. It then became a goal I was determined to accomplish. This was a huge undertaking for me as up until then my goals had been simple, yet challenging: walking around the cul de sac in front of our house, sitting at the table for dinner, getting myself a snack. Fortunately, I would have a couple more weeks to recover before Thanksgiving. The decision to host was one of the best we have made. We hosted a lovely couple from Poland, Paula and Poitr (Peter). It was an evening of laughter, conversation and fellowship. We got as much out of the evening, if not more, than our new friends did. I truly mean friends. We have stayed in touch, and have received them back to our home several times, along with family members that were visiting them from Poland. We were thrilled when we heard the news that they were expecting a baby, and in May, my daughters and I hosted a baby shower for Paula. Our house was full of young ladies from all over the world. Most had no idea what to expect at a baby shower. We ate, we played silly games, and I had so much fun watching all the young women have so much fun. As one of the young ladies was leaving she said, I think I need to have a baby! Rob drove Paula home after the shower and helped Peter set up our crib and cradle, which they borrowed from us, both made by my dad. Their daughter will be the 16 th baby to sleep in the cradle. We will add a brass plate with the baby s name and birthdate to the cradle, as has been done with all the little ones who have slept in it. When Paula was two weeks from her due date we told them to call anytime day or night if they needed anything. Paula said we have already done so much, they could not ask for more. I then told her my story (she had known when she came for Thanksgiving that I had recent surgery, but she did not know the details). I told her how we relied on our friends over and over again for several months; it is what friends do for each other. Well, my phone rang at 1am on June 5th. They had given birth to a beautiful little girl and needed a ride home. Off to the hospital Rob and I went. Shortly after, our friends and their little girl, Melania, were settled in the van. The midwife made sure we would help them up to their apartment and we headed off. Poitr, Paula & Melania Mandy Broberg & Melania Everyone was tired, but adrenaline was flowing. Though it was 2am, Peter was hosting us like it was midday. I was sitting in their living room, holding Melania, drinking tea and eating cake! The baby was only 3 hours old. It was such an amazing moment and we were both thrilled and honoured to be a part of their special time. This is a wonderful story of friendship that is a result of Knox s wonderful student ministry. We never expected that we would develop an ongoing friendship with the students we hosted when we opened up our home last Thanksgiving. We thought we were giving back; however, we have received so much more in return. So, thank you Knox and all you do for students not just for our own kids who are away at school, but for those who have come from near and far to study in our community. We look forward to opening up our home for students again this Thanksgiving and we encourage all of you to prayerfully consider doing the same you will not regret it. Blessings, Kim Broberg GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

8 SAVE THE DATE! Events & Activities at Knox LOGOS ENCOUNTER Saturday September 17, :30 4:30 Interested in the LOGOS Ministry? Then come to the LOGOS ENCOUNTER! It is an opportunity for adults to walk through the key elements of LOGOS, focusing on relationships and relevance. Parental/Adult commitment from each family is one of the BONES of LOGOS. This Encounter will reinforce, reintroduce and enhance our skills to make LOGOS a positive experience for everyone involved. Plan to attend the Encounter. Register now online Lunch will be provided. Contact Glenda logosknox@gmail.com or Laura laurav@knoxwaterloo.ca for more information. upword SPORTS: Do you want to learn and play basketball and ball hockey in an environment that stresses values and sportsmanship as much as skill development? UpWord Sports at Knox provides a fun environment built around healthy competition for kids, teaching skills for the sports arena and values for life. Our goal is to bring out the winner in every child, regardless of skill level. Each athlete gets valuable instruction as well as game-time experience that improves skills and builds self-confidence. When: Tuesdays beginning September 27 to December 6, from 6 to 8pm. Where: Knox Waterloo Church, 50 Erb St W. Waterloo : Evaluation Night, Basketball (4 weeks) and Ball Hockey (4 weeks) and Celebration Night on December 6. A devotion is shared at half time each week Cost: Only $75.00! Includes a t shirt, water bottle, game day incentives & a Celebration Night Who: For all children in grades one to six How: Register on-line or call the church office. KNOX STAMPERS Starts Wednesday September 28 at 7pm Again we are calling anyone who is interested to come and help us out with creating cards for use in our congregation. There is no long term commitment; you are welcome to join us for a month or for all eight. In the fall we focus on Christmas cards which brighten the season for our shut-ins and remind our students that we are thinking of them. The cards are designed and prepared for you with lots of room for creativity. Each of us makes eight cards per month, four are donated to the church and four you get to take home with you. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Heather Purdy hpurdy333@yahoo.ca HYMNS & HOPS at the huether hotel Monday October 3 rd 7 pm You re invited to raise your voices and glasses as we sing classic hymns and drink beer (or perhaps your favourite non-alcoholic beverage). We ll gather from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Malt Room at the Huether Hotel (59 King Street, Waterloo you can park at Knox and walk over). Leaders for the evening are: Jonathan Massimi and Linda Ashfield. This is open to anyone who would like to come. Bring your friends. You are not obligated to drink beer, BUT you must SING! Hoping to make this a monthly event (the first Monday of each month) From man s sweat and God s love, beer came into the world. Saint Arnulf of Metz COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 8 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

9 SAVE MORE DATES! APPLEFEST The Women s Circle of Care will once again be hosting an Applefest this Fall! Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 16th, following the church service for this event. A yummy apple crisp made with fresh, local apples will be served. Tickets will be available for purchase from WCC members, Sundays in October, during coffee hour. Do plan to attend and celebrate our bountiful harvest. FRIENDSHIP FUNDRAISING DINNER Saturday October 22 th, 2016 Proceeds to benefit House of Friendship s service to those in need. Tickets available mid-august at: or contact Sharon Feldmann at sharonfel@gmail.com or KNOX CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Count Down is on! At the time of writing this there are 97 days until the 5 th annual Knox Christmas Bazaar. That means that by the time you are reading this there will be less than three months before yet again - Knox plays host to a community of crafters who rent our space to sell their hand crafted items. They are all busy at work as we speak, building up stock and preparing for a wonderful day. In the meantime, we are working hard organizing contracts, planning floor plans and preparing the venue. We are still looking for help with advertising. We are organizing at least one baking day to bake Eula Mae s famous Christmas cakes (watch for a pre-order to come out) and other treats to boost the bake table; watch the bulletin for further details. We will also have both the White Elephant table and Knox craft table again this year; details will follow as we get closer to the event. The bazaar funds support many behind the scene needs at Knox, such as the Easy Worship computer, outdoor power for the crèche lighting, televisions for the upstairs classrooms, and much more. The Knox Bazaar will be on November 19. Please prayerfully consider what role you can play to help support it. Volunteer by contacting Heather and Lynelle and watch the bulletin for more details, knoxcraftsale@gmail.com HO! HO! HOLD the DATE(s)! The Sounds of Christmas 2016 at a NEW VENUE (WMB Church) If you would like to be a part of the team, (ushers, concession help and backstage runners) please contact Nicole Guse at johnic@rogers.com or at Your continued support for this community outreach programming is greatly appreciated as The Sounds of Christmas supports KidsAbility in Waterloo Region. Performances: Nov. 25 [2 & 7pm], Nov. 26 [2pm], Dec. 2 [2 & 7pm], Dec. 3 [2pm] GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

10 Knox supports our local & global communities House of Friendship Sharon Feldmann Opening Up Food Hampers House of Friendship is expanding and updating the current warehouse and surrounding site at 807 Guelph St, Kitchener to ensure people in need of food assistance can safely access the site, improve the delivery of crisis support assistance by improving efficiencies in deliveries and food storage, and increase privacy and dignity for program patrons in a more welcoming space. On average, 120 families rely on the program each weekday to help them have food on the table while they struggle to make ends meet. Please join with us and support Opening Up Food Hampers. We have reached the initial fundraising goal of $530,000 which has enabled us to start renovations. We need $100,000 to complete the project by fall. Together, we can finish this project and continue to serve our community with dignity and hope. 145 kids around the campfire - thanks to YOU! Knox supported our team of Knox Trekkers who participated in Trek 4 Kids in May. As a result of the funds raised by all Trek supporters and camp donors, HoF stepped out in faith and sent 145 kids to life-shaping summer camp this year!! Thank you for all the ways you have supported kids in need of opportunity. We still have a little way to go ($8,500) to reach our goal but we are confident that with caring neighbours, like you, who will continue what has been started, we can make even more memories for a lifetime! Food for thought Nancy & David Matthews Can you provide a meal for Food for Thought? Please consider supporting our university-aged ministry by providing a meal this term. The sign-up sheet is on the Knox bulletin board, across from the water fountain. Many thanks!. Refugee Sponsorship Waiting Until Autumn Grant Birks By July we had finally made our way to the top of the Presbyterian Church in Canada s waitlist for a Syrian refugee family. Because the government s late July release of refugee cases contained 18 Syrian cases, we expected that we would get a match but such was not to be since all the families were distributed to other agencies. It now seems that the next release of cases won t happen until late September, but we don t know for certain. Perhaps this timing is actually better since it will be after the summer vacation period and our volunteer group will be back to full strength. We ll keep the congregation informed of any new developments. Many thanks for everyone s support and patience. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 10 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

11 The Presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington invites you to participate in The Jeff-a-thon at Crieff Hills Community Centre Sun. Oct. 16 th The Presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington is sponsoring a walk/run in support of the PWS&D initiative of Child & Maternal Health in Malawi and Afghanistan in memory of The Rev. Jeff Veenstra (former minister at St. Andrew s Hespeler who passed away from cancer on May 2, 2015). The event is scheduled for Sunday October 16, 2016 with a 2pm start (registration to begin at 1:30 pm). Join us for a 5km walk/run or a 10km run and get folks to sponsor your attempt so that we can raise money for a wonderful cause and in memory of a wonderful guy! Following the walk/run, stick around for food, fun and fellowship. There is a minimum $35.00/single participant or $50.00/family. You can get a registration form and pledge forms at our church office, along with a map of how to get to Crieff Hills. For more information, please talk to Rev. Linda Ashfield or contact Joni Smith ( , jeffathon [at] standrewshespeler [dot] ca). We hope that a group from Knox will participate in this worthwhile event. If you don t wish to run or walk, but want to make a pledge for someone, please sign the pledge sheet on the bulletin board and/or contact our church office. Brian Johnston retires as missionary to the Hungarian Reformed Seminary in Cluj, Romania. A special concert was organized on May 20th at the Lutheran Church in Cluj. The male choir of the theological institute celebrated 20 years of existence and there were 33 participants in the alumni choir. Brian s official retirement was also honoured as it coincided with his 65th birthday. Brian has conveyed his great appreciation to everyone for their ongoing support as he now prepares for the next stage of life. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

12 Winnipeg Mission Trip 2016 Greg and Christy Sennema In the early morning mist of Tuesday August 2 nd, 15 Knox youth and adults climbed aboard a yellow school bus in the Knox Waterloo parking lot, and began our weeklong mission trip to Winnipeg. At the Toronto airport we met 6 fellow team members from Armour Heights Presbyterian Church. While this was only the third time the two groups met together, it did not take long for us to become one cohesive team. visited Rev. Margaret Mullen at the Winnipeg Inner City Mission (WICM, who introduced us to the WICM work and provided some context for our work of the week. Upon arriving in Winnipeg and securing four rental minivans, we received a very warm welcome at St. John's Presbyterian, our home for the week. It is easy to simply list the events and activities that team members contributed to: painting the WICM church sanctuary; sorting clothing donations at Siloam Mission; bagging rice at Winnipeg Harvest; chaperoning Flora House children on day trips; helping host the WICM annual fun day (and clean-up); and gardening at St. John's. Before having a delicious dinner prepared by St. John's volunteers, we COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 12 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

13 However, it is less easy to describe how these activities affected each of us, and the changes to our perception of what it means to live in privilege in Canada. Many Aboriginal individuals and families face a host of obstacles that quickly become overwhelming. Seeing these challenges first-hand, and hearing stories from several WICM leaders and other aboriginal elders often brought us all to tears. But there was lots of laughter too as the team found time to play at the local park, enjoy a pizza and chocolate fondue night, sing along with the radio in the van on our daily shower runs, and find ways to keep cool other than drinking Slurpees at the local 7-Eleven! There is need in K-W, and Knox is involved in supporting our community in many ways. However, there is unique need in the community served at WICM, and we are proud to be part of the Knox tradition of supporting this ministry in Winnipeg. It will take time to digest all that we have learned and we look forward to sharing these things with the Knox community in the months ahead. FOOD FOR THOUGHT ARE YOU COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY-AGE (a student, working or in-between)? Food for Thought runs on Sunday nights, beginning Sept. 11th, 6:30-9 pm, at the Matthews' (774 Belmont Ave W, Kitchener). A free meal at 6:30 pm is followed by a time of study and discussion. Join the food and laughter around the table! Questions? Check or Nancy Matthews (lighthousenm [AT] gmail.com). Winnipeg Mission Trip photographs submitted by Greg Sennema, August GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

14 Roots and Wings Being Church in the 21 st Century: Presbyterians in Ontario in the Nineteenth Century Linda Ashfield A group of eight Knox members had a wonderful day with Dr. John Bowen at Crieff Hills Retreat and Conference Centre for their Manna Day on May 26 th. John Bowen who taught evangelism at Wycliffe College in Toronto, is an author and served for 25 years with Inter- Varsity Christian Fellowship in universities and camps. Dr. Bowen asked the question What does it take for the church to thrive and grow in this post-christendom culture? He believes we need to recover our roots; to declare that Christianity is about good news. Churches need to find new ways to reach the wider community with the gospel. It might mean creating new Christian communities, sometimes called fresh expressions of church, which reach people traditional ministries can t. These are our wings. At one point during the day, he gave us thirteen guideposts to consider: 1. Don t beat yourself up (too often we are negative about decline in our churches) 2. Preach the gospel (remember the good news we are called to share) 3. Ask God what you can do (be open to the Spirit s guidance, have a missional discernment for our community) Listen (to God s leading, scripture and prayer; community leaders; community members, our own church and other churches) 4. Have a budget line for outreach (even if it s small; have some fun sharing ideas about what outreach in our community could be and create some seed money) 5. Serve the needs outside the church (what needs do we see in our community? How do we love and serve those outside the church?) 6. Be generous with our space (open our doors to the community, share our building) 7. Be welcoming (How do we welcome from our website to those coming to church? What does hospitality look like? ) 8. Preach a sermon series (what attracts people to hear a sermon? How can we connect our sermons to the questions people have and what they are seeking?) 9. Teach the Basics of our Faith 10. Start something for those outside the church; the de-churched and the unchurched. 11. Stop doing things that do not serve the gospel. (what do we do that s church but really doesn t serve the gospel of Christ?) 12. Free up leaders for ministry, especially ministry with non-church people. (rather than put them onto committees etc. encourage them to do the ministry that God is calling them to and celebrate it) 13. Find supportive networks and partnerships. (This might be other churches, other faith groups, partnerships that make sense for what you want to do.) We were reminded that the Church is the only organization that exists for its non-members; and that we need to remind ourselves that we are called to love, to serve and to share the good news. What new expressions of the gospel is Knox being called to? May God s Holy Spirit encourage us as we dream and vision and listen to that call. COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 14 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

15 logos Glenda Ribey Rozomiak LOGOS is a weekly intergenerational experience for children and/or youth and adults that creates an intentional arena where all ages together can learn about, experience and practice the art of Christian relationships. In these cross generational gatherings everyone eats together, plays together, studies together and prays together. Come out Thursday nights 4:30-7:30 starting September 22 nd to experience this amazing ministry here at Knox. Students participate in 4 sessions each night: Worship Arts: we offer our gifts to God through vocal, and other performing arts Recreation: crafts and gym time Bible Study: explore the messages of the Bible and how they relate to our lives Family Time: everyone joins together for a mixture of food, fun and friendship LOGOS Registration is available online Paper registrations are available at the KNOX Welcome Desk. LOGOS Themes Sept.22 In the Beginning Sept.29 Construction Zone Oct. 6 Mamma Mia Italian Feast Oct. 13 Thankful for LOGOS Oct. 20 Pajama Party bring a friend Oct.27 Hotel Knoxylvania Nov.3 Hey Sports Fans Nov.10 Pharoah, Pharoah Nov.17 You re One in a Minion Nov.24 Polar Opposites Dec. 1 I AM CANADIAN (eh?) Dec. 8 Go Tell it On the Mountain Christmas Break NO LOGOS Jan.12 Mexican Fiesta Night Jan.19 Ugly Sweater Jan.26 Chinese Food Take Out Feb. 2 Around the Campfire Feb. 9 For the Love of Chocolate Feb. 16 #WETHENORTH Feb. 23 Mardi Gras Mar. 2 F.R.O.G (Fully Rely On God) Mar.9 Under the Sea (Finding Dory) March 16 March Break NO LOGOS Mar.23 Luau Mar.30 The Sap s Running Apr. 6 Dr. Seuss The Places You Will Go Vacation Bible Camp 2016 GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE Images submitted by Ruth Song

16 Women Together Sue dickieson After a great first year, we are looking forward to spending more time together. Women Together is held once a month (September to March) on a Monday night 7:30-9:00. This year there will be a cost of $5 (unless otherwise noted) to defray costs. Women of all ages (yes ALL AGES) are welcome to come anytime. There will be laughter, refreshments, fun, conversation, and learning and hopefully moments of grace and joy that will uplift us. SEPTEMBER 19 If you want to walk on water; first you have to get out of the boat! Rev. Gale Macdonald Gale is minister at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church (and Kathy Sauve s sister). How can we control our fears so they don t control us? How do we recognize and embrace God s call in our lives? What does it mean to walk on water? What is God able to do through us? The evening will be based on the book/study of the same title by John Ortberg. This fun and interactive evening will explore what it means to leave the comfort and safety of our boats and to follow Jesus. OCTOBER 17 In the bulb there is a flower: Where do we find hope in our lives? 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 NOVEMBER 21 Unmentionables Women s Under Garments through 150 years of history and fashion. Kevin Thomas Kevin is a member at Knox and a public programs specialist at the Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village. This will be an evening of laughter as Kevin shows us (and some of us might even try on) some of the devices that women have used in the last 150 years in order to keep up with fashion trends. A great evening to bring a friend! DECEMBER 12 Creating a Christmas Table Decoration Ingrid Harman from IC Flowers Waterloo will teach us how to assemble a fresh flower arrangement for our Christmas table. Join us for an evening of creativity and conversation. Christmas goodies will be served and everyone takes home their own creation. Cost is $25 per person and space is limited. Please sign up on the bulletin board beside the lounge or call the church office ( ) to register for this particular evening. CRIEFF WOMEN'S RETREAT November 11-13, 2016 (Friday Sunday) A "Testimonial" from Nancy Matthews: Imagine a weekend away, with opportunities to sit quietly outdoors or to explore hiking trails, to sip a cup of tea while chatting with interesting women from across SW Ontario, to hear a thought-provoking speaker, to walk a labyrinth or pray silently in a rustic chapel, to sing songs old and new, and to eat great meals that you don't have to prepare or clean up after! If this sounds appealing, consider attending this year's Women's Retreat at Crieff, Friday evening, Nov 11th, through Sunday afternoon, Nov. 13th - A Weekend to Wonder, led by the wonderful speaker, Dr. Tori Smit, who's no stranger to Knox. I've attended a number of these events and have really enjoyed myself. It's particularly fun to attend with a number of other women from church, so I'd love to see a group go from Knox this fall. You'll find brochures on the bulletin board or check online htm). Send in your registration and prepare to have a great time! Walking the labyrinth at Crieff Hills Photo: Sue Senior COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 16 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

17 Marching with Presbyterians, Marching with Pride Kathy Kiggins If anyone had asked me a few months ago if I would be going down to watch the Pride parade in Toronto, my answer would have been, No. I really did not need (or was it want?) to attend. It was definitely not on my bucket list. After all, I THOUGHT that I was very accepting of anyone regardless of race, religion, physical and mental disabilities, sexual orientation, etcetera. Last spring the Knox Inclusion Initiatives Committee hosted Three Evenings of Conversation about Human Sexuality and Sexual Orientation. In one of the sessions Sean Jackson, while explaining the role that science and reason play in sexuality and gender identity, introduced us to the Riddle Scale, a scale that measures attitudes towards differences in sexual diversity. I was very concerned when I realized that I had a long way to go before I could reach the Nurturance end of the scale. And then there was Orlando; the carnage there on June 12 th was devastating and senseless the result of yet another hate crime against a loving community of individuals killed just for being honest about who they are. We are extremely fortunate to live in Canada, a country where we have the freedom to be honest about who we are: a country where we profess to be inclusive and accepting. However, there continues to be prejudice and hatred, some blatant and, more concerning, some subtle. On Sunday, July 3 rd, 2016, I proudly marched with Presbyterian Pride in the Pride Parade in Toronto I marched for friends; for my family members; for the new friends I met who have so bravely told their stories; for the people watching who were celebrating the freedom that Pride brings; for the parents who were there celebrating and supporting their children; for the community of onlookers who were attending to express its support; and for the individuals who were watching with tears rolling down their cheeks. Perhaps their stories and truths were untold or, perhaps, like me, they were just overwhelmed by the entire experience. In retrospect I can say that, while initially I was marching for all of the aforementioned people, by the end of the day I realized that I was marching for me! On that Sunday I felt affirmed, instead of affirming. People cheered as we made our way along the crowded streets to our marshalling site for the parade. Near the Yonge Dundas Square there was a small antigay Christian group with signs of condemnation and protest. We held our signs high PRESBYTERIAN PRIDE GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE. The roars of support from the crowd were deafening! The Pride experience has reinforced the importance of the work of the Knox Inclusion Initiatives Committee. It has affirmed us in our need to keep working. Hopefully soon the Presbyterian Church in Canada will be truthfully able to profess that God s Love Includes Everyone. Photography: 1. Dawn Charlton 2. Miriam Smit 4. Alex Fensham Sue Senior 6 GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

18 ~Wednesdays at Knox~ Welcome back!! As we look forward to our sixth year at it's exciting to begin preparing for all our friends to join us again on Wednesdays for lunch and more of our wonderful presentations! Whether you are a familiar face or will be attending for the first time, we can't wait to see you and have time to visit. 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. Brooke Ashfield: Christian Ethics 101: What Makes Ethics Christian? Sept 14 This is a confusing world. Extreme views seem to be becoming more prevalent. We look to the Bible and to Ethics in the Christian tradition to advise us. Each person makes ethical choices every day. Informing our choices with timely advice from Jesus can help us be more aware of ourselves and our world. Brooke is cominister at Knox and will be starting us off on our new season at W@K. Glenda Ribey Rozomiak: Building Christian Intergenerational Relationships Sept 21 The LOGOS ministry has been going strong at Knox Waterloo for 23 years; Thursday nights from September to April. Glenda, the Director of LOGOS, along with some LOGOS friends, will help create a LOGOS experience during the W@K lunch hour. Join us to learn about this intergenerational ministry, as we discover what it means to live our Christian faith together through themed dinners, games, music, and drama, engaging Bible study and recreational play. Sept 28 Carol and Bill Baxter: Feeding a Hungry World with Surplus Produce Ontario Christian Gleaners is an interdenominational Christian charity that partners with relief and development agencies to feed orphans, refugees, and natural disaster victims in the developing world. Using surplus produce donated by growers, distributors, and retail chains, volunteers help to make a dehydrated soup mix to feed hungry people in over forty nations worldwide. Carol and Bill are retired and volunteer with Ontario Christian Gleaners. Oct 5 Thanksgiving Meal Join us for our traditional Thanksgiving meal, turkey and all the fixings, catered by Angie's Kitchen. Tickets ($12-) will be sold on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Welcome Desk until September 28th. Oct 12 David Marskell: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters David is CEO at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. His presentation will reflect the current exhibit that is being shown there. GOD S LOVE INCLUDES EVERYONE

19 SEPTEMBER 2016 National Hispanic Heritage Month & Muscular Dystrophy Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 Worship 10am 5 Labour Day 6 Back to School 8 9 Hajj Eid Al-Adha 3 Worship 10am Food for Thought 6:30pm 18 Terry Fox Run Worship10am Sunday School Sundae Sunday 11am *RHM Bankside 2pm Food for Thought 6:30pm 25 Worship10am Food for Thought 6:30pm 2 Worship10am World Communion Sunday *RHM University Gates 2pm KW Chamber Orchestra 3pm Food for Thought 6:30pm Ganesh Chaturthi 1 12 Collective Kitchen 4pm Knox Combo 8pm 19 Women Together 7:30pm 26 One Book, One Community 7pm 3 Hymns & The Huether 7pm 13 Knox Quilters 10am Daughters of Christ 1:30pm Presbytery of W loo-wellington Coffee 6:30pm Meeting St. Andrew s PCC in Arthur Circle of Care 7:30pm 20 Knox Quilters 10am Finance Mtg 7pm 27 Knox Quilters 10am UpWord Basketball 6pm Session Meeting 7:30 4 Knox Quilters 10am Daughters of Christ 1:30pm Collective Kitchen 4:30pm UpWord Basketball 6pm Rosh Hashanah 6 7 *RHM Clair Hills 2pm 14 *RHM The Westhill 10:30am W@K 11:30am 21 *RHM Lanark Heights 10:30am W@K 11:30am Inclusion Initiatives 7pm 28 W@K 11:30am Book Club 1:30pm Global Partners 7pm Knox Stampers 7pm 5 W@K 11:30am *RHM Clair Hills 2pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 15 Harvest Moon Festival 4 Chancel Choir 7:30pm 22 Autumn Equinox 5 LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 29 *RHM Parkwood Mennonite 10:00am LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm 6 LOGOS 4:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm *RHM Beechwood Manor 2pm AA 8pm 16 AA 8pm DEADLINE Sept.15 th for ACross the Pews Oct/Nov Edition 23 AA 8pm 30 *RHM Waterloo Heights 10:45am AA 8pm 7 AA 8pm 17 Men s Calvin 8am LOGOS Encounter 9am 3pm 24 October 1 *RHM ~ Retirement Home Ministry Multicultural Observances & Festivals: 1. Hindu 2. Islam 3. Islam 4. China, Taiwan, Korea 5. Change of Seasons 6. Judaism 8 COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED JOYFUL 15 WELCOMING PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUAL

20 Women s Circle of Care preparing the Strawberry Social: submitted by Wendy Anderson Celebrating Jean Shantz 90 th Ellen Yessis Asher s Baptism: Jayna Hare Winnipeg Mission Trip WICM Annual Fun Day Submitted by Greg Sennema Cairn work weekend: Jill Tremblay Canadian Museum for Human Rights (Winnipeg) Dawn Charlton Sue Senior Presbyterian Pride : Alex Fensham Please send photos to acrossthepews@gmail.com Share all the good news here at Knox Waterloo! knoxwaterloo.ca 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo ON. N2L 1T1 (519)