FROM OUR STUDENT MINISTER Fri., Dec. 15, 2017 Inside this issue: Council Corner 2 Knox Café Advent Calendars Choirs Advent Devotional Community Caroling Poinsettias 3 4 ADVENT GREETINGS from the UNITED CHURCH MODERATOR I was listening today to the Advent message from Jordan Cantwell, United Church Moderator. She reminds us that amid tumult, chaos, and uncertainty, God is always among us. But, sometimes we do not always see God. If we turn on the news, we focus instead on the pain and the suffering of people around the world living in poverty and hunger; as streams of refugees leave their homes we see the fear and violence that is a reality for many; we witness political uncertainty in places not too far from home; and we worry about the environmental global warning and threat of natural disasters as fires burn in California. Sometimes we may find ourselves asking where is God in all of this? I think that is a question that we need to ask ourselves daily. Where is God in everything we do? I know that God is always present, but sometimes we need to look more closely. We need to train ourselves to look for God. To allow God s light to shine through, and to see the beauty that is always before us. This week I was overwhelmed as boxes and boxes of toys were delivered to Knox from an anonymous donor. It was an outpouring of love. It was a joyful example of God s Spirit among us. Advent, is a time when we celebrate the inbreaking of God s Spirit into the world, a time when we see God as human. It is time when we celebrate God among us. Let us then, each day, in everything we do and say, celebrate that God is with us, and let us always look for God s light. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toey4qmohag&feature=youtu.be Peace, Gail. Advent Services 5 Food Bank Neighbours Helping Shoes for Africa Service Schedule Volunteer Schedule Office Hours This Week at Knox 8 Next Week at Knox 9 Scripture Reflections Prayers for The Week 6 7 10 Knox United Church Student Minister: Gail Fricker Church office Tel: 519-632-7461 Email: admin@knoxuayr.com Webpage: knoxuayr.weebly.com Office Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Page 2 THE COUNCIL CORNER There's nothing like a beautiful, sparkling white blanket of snow like we see today and a community carol sing like we heard last Sunday to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. With that special feeling tingling inside, we enjoy a time for all our favourite Christmas traditions. Like many of you, decorating in my home is complete once I have carefully placed a couple of treasured nativity scenes. At this time of year, it is said that they can be seen in homes and churches all over the world. In some countries in Europe, singing children walk through the streets in groups each carrying a little box with a small nativity scene. It was Francis of Assisi who introduced the idea of nativities in Italy and then it was adopted by Christians everywhere. In Southern Europe, there were few evergreens and boughs for decorating so hand-carved nativities were a growing tradition in the 18th century. There are interesting legends associated with the animals often included in the nativity. Tradition says that many animals were forever altered by witnessing Christ in the stable. Living most of my life on a dairy farm, I am aware that cattle are the only domestic animals to lie down by bending their front legs first as in kneeling. It is said that this is because cows kneeled in adoration of Jesus and laid down forever after by kneeling. The nightingale is said to have one of the sweetest songs of all birds because it learned to sing to baby Jesus when Mary's song could not soothe Him. The rooster is said to have crowed at midnight only once in all the ages and that was the night of Jesus' birth. One of the reasons we decorate with wreaths is because of the legend of the straw and hay. It seems the holy presence of the Christ child caused the hay to come to life and form a wreath of blossoms for Jesus' head. Mixed with the hay were some dried ferns. Unmoved by Jesus' presence, they did not blossom. Because of this apathy, the fern was condemned to a life without colourful flowers in the darkest, coolest places of the forest. Although legends are interesting, all our beliefs and traditions celebrate with great joy the birth of the Saviour - our newborn King. May we truly celebrate in the spirit of Christianity with our traditions giving meaning, hope, love and joy. See you at Knox Cafe on Friday evening for a fun-filled evening of entertainment and fellowship in the spirit of the season! Blessings to all, Betty Butcher Chair of Council
Page 3 Friday, December 15, 2017 ADVENT CALENDARS Does anyone have any interesting Advent Calendars (ie. made of wood or material, with drawers or pockets etc.)? Would you mind bringing it in to the church for me to use during the Christmas Eve morning service? If so, please bring to the office either during the week before Christmas Eve or on the morning of Christmas Eve before the Worship service. Thank you. Gail
Page 4 ANGEL VOICES Knox s Children s Choir Practice Saturday, December 16th 3:00 p.m. All Children Welcome! Join The Choir For Christmas! The choir will be celebrating the Christmas story through song During the Christmas Eve 10:30 am service. They will be learning 4 songs (NOT too difficult). The last practice will be held after church in the music room, Dec. 17th, 11:45am-12:30pm. Come and join the choir for Christmas! Advent Devotional Advent is wonderful time of the year to reflect on God's word. As we rush getting ready for the season, please take time mid-week to pause & reflect on God. Join me each Wednesday of Advent for a half hour devotion. Wed. Dec. 20th, 10:00-10:30am. In the Prayer room. No registration necessary. Cover the Community with Christmas Blessings! Community Carolling Thursday, December 21st Meet at Calvary at 5:45 p.m. Will be back at Calvary by 8:00 p.m. Intergenerational fun event. All are welcome. A chance to share the Blessings of Christmas. KNOX POINSETTIAS Once again this December I will have poinsettias in the sanctuary for all to enjoy. If anyone is interested in donating towards a poinsettia In Honour of or In Memory of a loved one, please feel free to call me at home (519-632-7878)or speak to me at church. And, if possible, please have your information down on a piece of paper so I won t make any mistakes on names for the bulletin. Thanks so much, Janet Furlong
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Page 6 CHURCH IN ACTION CAMBRIDGE SELF-HELP FOOD BANK Items should be placed in the boxes provided under the coat rack outside of the Fellowship Hall. Items are weighed by Laura Johnson before they are put in the cupboard. Suggestions for DECEMBER Personal Care items (Shampoo / Conditioner / Razors, etc.) NEIGHBOURS HELPING NEIGHBOURS Knox is collecting cleaning supplies for the Community Christmas Hamper program. If you wish to help out, please bring in 1 bottle of dish soap, laundry soap and an all purpose cleaner on or before December 17th. There are collection bags available by the coat rack. Neighbours Helping Neighbours is a community group that collects food and donations throughout the year to assist families in the community. Created in 1990, it is a combined effort of the four churches in Ayr (Ayr Ministerial), collecting food, doing the yearly Christmas baskets, and even assisting with gas cards to help families get to hospital when needed. Contact: Ivan Bell: 519-571-4281 UPDATE! I delivered the Shoes for Africa on Monday to the lady in Paris that was collecting them, and Betty took another load on Wednesday. She was so excited to see us bring 140 pair from our Knox friends. THANKS so much everyone! Another successful campaign to help others less fortunate. Kate Cressman
Page 7 Friday, December 15, 2017 December 17th Service Schedule Big News Story December 24th 10:30 a.m. The Christmas Story through song (Communion) 7:00 p.m. Stories from the Stable (Family service) Sunday Volunteer Schedule Date December 17 December 24 10:30 am December 24 7:00 pm December 31 Sanctuary / Church Decor Kate Cressman Christine Cochrane Kate Cressman Christine Cochrane Kate Cressman Christine Cochrane Kate Cressman Christine Cochrane Audio / Visual System Diane Bartle Reg Cressman Reg & Kate Cressman Bob & Glenyce Maus Musicians Mike & Merry Schmidt Carol Ditner-Wilson Gavin Yeomans Scripture Reader Kate Cressman Advent Christmas Eve Richard Kleri Minute for Mission Reader Sherri Johns Advent No Reading Christmas Eve Tiffany Julls Adventures with God Christmas Pageant Linda Davidson Heather Raby Christmas Eve Family Service Intergenerational Counters Rob Wittke Harry Humphrey Jeremy Wright Anne Lovett-Hutchinson Christmas Eve Don Davidson Christine Cochrane Coffee Time Kate Cressman Christmas Eve CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Christmas 2017 Tuesday, December 26th to Friday, December 22nd - CLOSED Tuesday, January 2nd - CLOSED Wednesday, January 3rd - Friday, January 5th 9:30 am - 12:30 pm OPEN
KNOX UNITED CHURCH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 - Children's Play 9:00 AM Praise Team Practice Sanctuary 9:30 AM Choir Practice Choir Room 10:30 AM Worship Service Sanctuary 11:30 AM Coffee Time Fellowship Hall 11:45 AM Christmas Choir practice Sanctuary This Week at KNOX OFFICE CLOSED 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool Fell Hall / 6:45 PM Cubs Fell Hall 9:30 AM OFFICE OPEN 12:30 PM 9:30 AM - Fell Hall / 12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool 7:00 PM Finance Meeting Library Lounge NO Gym Jam Fell Hall 9:30 AM OFFICE OPEN 12:30 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool 10:00 AM Advent Devotional Prayer Room 3:30 PM Fell Hall / Choir Room / MP Room The Art of Music Academy 5:30 PM St. Brigid practice Sanctuary 9:30 AM OFFICE OPEN 12:30 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool Fell Hall / 5:45 PM Community Carroling Calvary Church 4:00 PM The Art of Music Academy MP Room 6:45 PM Beavers Fell Hall 9:30 AM OFFICE OPEN 12:30 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool Fell Hall / 6:00 PM Wedding Rehearsal Sanctuary NO FCC "Young at Heart" Seniors Lunch Fell Hall / Kitchen Page 8 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 COMMUNITY PARTNERS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Eve SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas. 9:30 AM Choir Practice Choir Room 10:30 AM Worship Service Sanctuary Communion 11:30 AM Coffee Time Fellowship Hall 4:30 PM St. Brigid Service Sanctuary 7:00 PM Worship Service Sanctuary Family
Page 9 Friday, December 15, 2017 Next Week at KNOX KNOX UNITED CHURCH NO Cubs Fell Hall NO Gym Jam Fell Hall 12:00 PM Cambridge Self-Help Food Fell Hall / Kitchen Bank NO Choir Room / MP The Art of Music Academy Room NO The Art of Music Academy MP Room NO Beavers Fell Hall NO FCC "Young at Heart" Seniors Lunch Fell Hall / Kitchen 2:30 PM Wedding Sanctuary. 9:30 AM Choir Practice Choir Room 10:30 AM Worship Service Sanctuary 11:30 AM Coffee Time Fellowship Hall COMMUNITY PARTNERS MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 MONDAY, JANUARY 1 MONDAY, JANUARY 1 TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
Page 10 SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS December 17 th 3 rd SUNDAY of ADVENT Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 December 24 th 4 th SUNDAY of ADVENT 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 PRAYER REQUESTS: As a church we are called to pray for each other and for our mission in the world. Throughout the week of December 17, 2017 We pray for the churches and their pastors in Ayr Ministerial: Cedar Creek Community Church (Pastor Ian Elliot) We pray for the churches in the Hamilton Conference: First United Church, Cambridge (Waterloo Presbytery) As we participate in the Monthly Prayer Cycle: (December) Erie Presbytery Pray for Our Church (Conferences): Our Aboriginal Ministries Prayers for our members: Jack, Betty Butcher s brother-in-law Anne Carroll