Issue 10 November 2016
“ TO INFORM, INTERPRET AND INSPIRE…”
Special points of interest:
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From the Minister’s Desk
Notes from Session
Discipleship
Worship
Mission
Fellowship
Management
FYI
LETTER FROM THE MINISTER
November 20, 2016
It’s mid-November; yet I look out my window and still see leaves on the trees; and as yet, no
frost. But we all know that winter is coming. Personally, I love all four seasons, except the dirty,
disappointing month of March. Now I’m well aware that as winter approaches, we’re tempted to
batten down the hatches and keep warm in our homes. Fair enough! I too feel like staying
home some mornings, or some chilly evenings, instead of heading down to Knox. But I don’t;
and I don’t want you to do that either, especially on Sunday mornings.
In the last few years, it’s been so good to see the pews at Knox fill up again, something that
gives us all hope. I’m convinced that God is present in our community, renewing faith, and
speaking His Word into our lives. But true as that may be, the church in Canada lives in
uncertain times, such that we ought never to become complacent. Week after week,
congregations close - 4000 a year in the USA, I hear - and discouraged Christians wonder if
God’s church is doomed. It isn’t! God has always had His people as witnesses. In fact, as the
church in the secular West weakens, the church in other parts of the globe is booming. But as
Dr. John Bowen reminded us at a recent seminar at Knox, that doesn’t guarantee the perpetuity
of any specific congregation.
So, will Knox Church be here in 50 years? None of us know. What I do know is that I’m here
as your pastor right now, eager to help Knox flourish at the heart of our city. The enthusiasm of
many at Knox matches mine in this holy pursuit. Yet I wonder if we sometimes take the future
of the congregation for granted, assuming that it will always be here, and always financially
viable. Which leads me back to Sunday mornings, even winter ones. Your interest in and
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support of this congregation is expressed most clearly by what you do on Sunday morning. If
being here is a priority, then protect that weekly commitment from being encroached on by other
commitments, even good ones, unless, of course you’re out of town, ill, or kept home by a
horrendous winter storm. I want you to be here, to enter into the worship of God, in the company
of the faithful, and to so hear God’s voice speaking that your life is changed. I also want you here
to encourage everyone else by your presence, prayer, and financial support. When you’re not
here, you’re missed, for on Sunday afternoons I look at the Congregational Directory, noting who
was and wasn’t present on Sunday morning. That sounds like I’m a petty attendance checker.
Correct!
If what I’ve just written isn’t demanding enough, I ask you to take another step: invite others to join
you at Knox, whether family, friends, co-workers, fellow club members, or neighbours. We have a
fine congregation here, a community of which I’m proud, but most of all, a congregation where God
is alive! So share the joy! Use one of the beautiful Advent/Christmas Invitation Cards to invite
someone to Knox over the next month.
Of course there are things that Knox needs to do differently, and there are those in the city whom
Knox or some other congregation has somehow hurt in years gone by. Be assured that the
Session is aware of this, and at its Retreat last Saturday, began to think of various ways in which
we might more faithfully and creatively be witnesses for Christ. It will mean taking a few risks, and
mean contemplating that dreaded word, change! But let’s face it, life is all about change; and if
we’re not changing, we’re already dead!
But let’s leave future plans until the New Year. Right now, I call you to enter the hope and joy of the
Advent and Christmas season, which begins next Sunday, November 27. Come, reflect on God’s
promise to send us a Saviour, and begin the season with Holy Communion.
DISCIPLESHIP
Currently, five young high-schoolers from Knox are taking
Confirmation. Dr. Ervine leads the class each Friday evening.
part in
preparations
for
At the present time, Pat Stinson, our Director of Discipleship, is recovering from surgery. She
hopes to be back at Knox very soon. To that end, we pray for Pat's full recovery.
Four Home Groups have been meeting this Fall and will continue into the New Year. You will have
an opportunity in January, if you do not currently attend a Home Group, to join one.
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WORSHIP
Once again, the Worship Committee is selling 2017 Presbyterian Church Calendars during
coffee hour for $5.00 each. They will be available in the Church Hall for the next few Sundays.
Knox Church is always beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, not least with
poinsettias. Poinsettias in memory of loved ones will be placed in the Sanctuary on Sunday,
December 11 and can be taken home after the service on December 25. They are $15.00 each,
and cards can be filled out and placed on the offering plates. Poinsettia cards can be found in
the narthex or downstairs during coffee hour.
We're so pleased that music from the late David Sagert, some of it written by him, has been
donated to the Choir Library. David was a former organist and choir director at Knox.
You may be interested to know that the Search Committee for a Director of Music has received a
number of applications and will very soon be conducting interviews.
At the morning service on December 18, we will pay tribute to our Director of Music, Brenda
Carile, who is leaving us at the end of the year. Cake will be served during coffee hour. Please
read the letter that Dr. Ervine has sent to the congregation to prepare for this occasion.
Please take note of the Advent and Christmas worship schedule printed on the back page. Note
especially the Festival of Carols on December 18th at 7.00 pm. And also note that, with
Christmas Day falling on a Sunday, a worship service will be held that morning at 10.30 am, with
no late 11.00 pm Christmas Eve service.
Looking into next year, our Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2017. At this
service, we remember those in our congregation who have passed away during the past year, as
well as friends and loved ones of the members of the congregation.
Margaret Stewart, Convener
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From the Archives Department
If you haven't taken a good look at the memorial plaque listing the names of those members of
Knox Presbyterian Church who fought "For King and Country" during World War II, you might
want to do so.
The Honour Roll is of interest not only because it recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of
Knox men and women, but also because the format's design is believed to be the work of A.J.
Casson of the Group of Seven. Casson, who worked for the Toronto design firm of Sampson Matthews from the 1920's to the '50's, designed the original scrolls which featured the names of
members from particular churches, schools, etc. These were then mass produced. The
calligraphy would have been done by one of the many commercial artists at Sampson –
Matthews.
Submitted by Margaret Dieleman, Knox Archivist
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How We Came To Look As We Do
Some years ago, the Board of Managers
proposed to install new carpeting in Knox. At
that time, carpeting extended not only up the
aisles but across the front, (on the platform if
I remember correctly), and even some in the
choir. At about that time, Chris Teeuwsen,
George Hannahson's star organ pupil (who
had gone on to get his doctorate in organ
and had been installed as Professor of
Organ at Redeemer College in Ancaster)
had also been given the position of
organist at Centenary United Church in
Hamilton. Centenary had the biggest organ
in Hamilton, and the acoustics were so good
that the church was commonly used as the
preferred concert hall for concerts before the
Hamilton Concert Hall was built. They had just installed new carpet which was so thick that it
destroyed those acoustics so effectively that Chris resigned! He was asked to speak to our Men's
Breakfast group about this experience, with the result that the Board decided to rip out the existing carpeting to see if it would change the sound in Knox.
They were so impressed with the result that they used low pile carpeting in the aisles
and changed the flooring around the platform to the present hardwood — thus
preserving and even enhancing our already excellent acoustics. Because of this, when Paul van
Dongen was looking for a place for his Mercredi Musique Orchestra to practice, he was so
impressed that all the orchestra's concerts are still given here.
- submitted by Dr. Edgar Peer
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MISSION
REFUGEE FAMILY
It is hard to believe that the Lotshakas have been with us here in the Niagara Region for a year
now! We thank God for the opportunity to walk with this family as they search for stability,
freedom from persecution, and a safe place to raise a family. Alas, the Presbytery is nearing the
end of its official sponsorship of this wonderful family.
The family is moving on! Steve and Rachel along with their six children will be moving to
Ottawa on November 28th. In early spring, Steve will be pursuing educational upgrades to his
nursing credentials. Commitment to Refugee Sponsorship with the Presbyterian Church in
Canada means that the Presbytery has guidelines to follow. Accordingly, members of the
Sponsorship Committee are working with Steve and Rachel to assist them in all the details that
are involved in their move to Ottawa.
A Presbytery-wide farewell afternoon tea in honour of the Lotshaka family is scheduled for
Nov. 20th at Drummond Hill Church in Niagara Falls, 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Here, at Knox we will be
recognizing them on Nov. 27th during and after the Worship Service.
“This is a time of thanksgiving and praise. We have had so many blessings along this
wonderful and sometimes challenging journey together. We will miss the Lotshaka family very
much, and yet we are excited that God has given them the confidence and strength to take their
next big step to a good and fulfilling life here in Canada. Let’s keep them in our prayers as they
head into this time of transition”. (The Presbytery Sponsorship Committee)
ADVENT MISSION PROJECT
On Oct. 4th, the strongest hurricane in nearly a decade hit the island nation of Haiti, killing more
than 900 people, destroying homes and crops, and leaving a flooded ruin in its wake. This is a
country that is still rebuilding from the 2010 earthquake that killed over 100,000 people and
caused major damage to the city of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
PWS&D contributed an initial $50,000 to
the emergency response by ACT Alliance, a
coalition of 143 churches and church-related
organizations with partners in the country.
PWS&D is calling for financial support for the
region. Special envelopes will be available
during the Advent Season, November 27 December 24. Let’s take this opportunity to
help those who are truly helpless.
Grace Notes
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FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR LOCAL MISSIONS
The Mission Committee wishes to thank everyone who participated in and supported the Grape
& Wine Parade BBQ and the Congregational Harvest Dinner. The proceeds from these two
events ($900.00) will go towards the two local missions we support, The RAFT & Hospice
Niagara.
OUT OF THE COLD
The Out of the Cold Program has begun its 20th year at Knox. The annual fundraising Concert in
support of the program is on December 7th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets ($10.00) are now available
during Coffee Hour on Sundays or at the door, the night of the concert.
A friendly greeting at the Out of the Cold
Marilyn Clarke, Convener
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FELLOWSHIP
We are pleased to have a number of Sunday morning
visitors who are new to Knox, as well as new members
who have recently joined our church family, or who will be
joining on November 20th. Thank you to every one of
you who go out of your way to greet new people, offer to
sit with them, or invite them to join you for coffee hour.
Thank you for distributing the Advent/Christmas cards to
friends and neighbours. These cards invite people to
worship with us and serve as a reminder of the special
place Knox continues to hold in the community.
Our dedicated Sunday Morning Outside Greeters (James
Sawatsky, Paul Hicks and Jennifer
Pullin-Donato)
welcome you and, when needed, offer assistance to
help you exit your vehicle and enter the church. We
also welcome a number of new Lift Operators Louise
Overweg, Lydia Norder, Anne and Ken Thompson,
Suzann Cumming and Ruth Wedderspoon. We
encourage others who are also interested in taking a turn
to submit their name to the Fellowship Committee.
On Sunday, January 24, the Fellowship Committee will host a Newcomers’ Gathering in the
Pummell Room at noon. A Newcomer’s Gathering is what it sounds like: a gathering of those
who are relatively new to the life of Knox, but not yet members. It’s an opportunity to meet each
other, and to hear a little from Dr. Ervine about the ministry of Knox, with some pointers about
how to get more involved.
We welcome Linda Ker, Rennie Cuthbertson and Suzann Cumming to our Fellowship
Committee.
Betsy Partington, Convener
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The Bazaar and Craft Show, held on October 29th, was a huge success. What a team of
volunteers we have, both women and men; not a grumble was heard!
A sincere THANK-YOU to all who participated.
Micki Lowderman, Convener, KPW
P.S. Circle this date on your 2017 calendar: Saturday, April 8th, and consider what you might
donate for the KPW's "Treasures For You" sale.
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Who’s Who At Knox
Jane Pierre
I was born in Hamilton and raised in Grimsby before moving to St. Catharines in the ‘70’s. I come
from a family of sailors – my father was in the Navy during World War II, and he taught us to love
being on the water and sailing. We sailed most of Lake Ontario on the Canadian side and part
of the American side. Some of my best memories are of sailing – it’s a very calming experience.
Music has also played an integral role in my life. I have sung in choirs
since I was 12. I find for me it is the best way to express my thanks in
praise to God for His unspeakable gifts. I now enjoy singing in the Knox
Church choir (they are such a fun group of people!). I have also been
singing with Chorus Niagara (formerly Niagara Symphony Chorus) for
over 25 years. This is a choir that sings under the tutelage of Robert
Cooper, a master in choral music and voice training - where I am able to
fulfill another dream of singing some of the most beautiful music by an
array of classical composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, Verdi, Mozart,
Mendelssohn (one of my favourites), and Handel – to name just a few.
I love Knox Church and all the congregation – they have been so warm and inviting, and I am
enjoying getting to know them, especially as I now serve as an elder.
Myrtle and Dick Sawatsky
Myrtle Sawatsky (nee Horrocks), originally a member of St. Andrew's
Presbyterian Church in Thorold, has been attending Knox for 63 years.
Before coming to Knox, Dick (Dietrich) Sawatsky attended the United
Mennonite Church. An active member and familiar face of Knox, Myrtle
was involved in Circle 7 (later C Circle) and participated in the Out Of
The Cold program for many years. Myrtle and Dick have been married
for 63 years this month (November 14th), and have four children:
Bryan, Allan, Lorne and James. Dick recently celebrated his 88th
birthday on November 7th. Myrtle, an avid mystery novel reader, is well
known for her outstanding culinary skills -- she even prepared truly
home-made soup every day for the first years of Café Amore (son
Allan's restaurant)...and Dick delivered each delicious batch! Dick loves
his sports, and until recent years was an avid golfer...but he still knows the scores of all the
games and matches on TV! Both Dick & Myrtle are retired employees of the Ontario Jockey Club.
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James Sawatsky
James Sawatsky, the youngest son of Dick and Myrtle, you will recognize as one of the friendly
faces outside greeting and helping folks into church on Sunday
mornings. James grew up attending Sunday school at Knox and
participated in the youth group. He's one of the most recent additions to
the group of elders, is an usher, sits on the Fellowship Committee, and
helps coordinate the Transportation Team. A graduate of Sir Winston
Churchill Secondary School, James went on to Sheridan College and
Niagara College, studying various design disciplines, as well as
business and French. After living in Toronto working for Dior, and 11
years as National Brand Manager representing the (Louis Vuitton Moët
Hennessy) LVMH group of cosmetics & fragrances, James started a new
venture of his own a year and a half ago: a floral and gift boutique in Port
Dalhousie, called Stems Etc.
MANAGEMENT
Your Management Team at work:
A gentle reminder that if you are unable to secure a parking spot near the church, feel free to use
the Algoma parking lot, located at the corner of James and Church. There is no fee for parking
after 4 pm.
Do you have a safe at your home that you are no longer using? Please advise Paul Hicks or the
Church office if you can donate.
A shout out for church and lock box keys: If you are no longer on a designated committee or have
no real reason to be in possession of keys, please return them to the Church office.
Please share your email address with the Church office so that we might keep you informed with
special messages, events, etc.S The Church values your privacy and will not share your
address.
Don't forget to check your family mailbox in "the Hub" area, located outside of the Church
Hall. Please help the church to save money by avoiding the cost of mailing these items to your
home.
The good news - this year we have had remarkable weekly attendance, and our numbers and
offerings have increased. The Management Team has paid special attention to our budget, and
with the help of various groups within the church we are making strides at reducing the
deficit. Please consider making a special gift (large or small ) in the next few weeks that might
be directed to this effort. Your support is greatly appreciated !!
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More good news - If you can’t hear the pitter-patter of little feet in the Sanctuary any more it’s
because those little squirrel friends of ours have hit the road, thanks to some ingenious
carpentry by Management.
• A new toilet was installed in the women’s washroom to replace an older leaky one.
• Exterior work repairs to wood trim are being looked into.
• Two rooms in the youth zone were repainted this past summer.
• A new fire plan for the Knox building has been prepared.
Kelly Neill, Convener
Tuesday, November 8th - Sweet Life hosted C Circle and friends
Photographs courtesy of Kelly Neill
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MAJOR CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS, JANUARY TO JUNE, 2017
The following event table represents plans being made for the first half of 2017. Those entries in
red are not yet nailed down; which means that they may or may not happen on the proposed
date!
Sun Jan 8
The Annual Memorial Service and Communion
10.30 a.m.
Sun Jan 22
Newcomers’ Gathering
Noon
Sun Feb 19
Annual Congregational Lunch and Meeting
11.45 a.m.
Sat Mar 4
A Pastoral Care Workshop [TBC]
10.00 a.m.
Sun Mar 5
1st Sunday of Lent and Communion
10.30 a.m.
Lenten Pancake Brunch
11.45 a.m.
Sat Mar 22
A Knox Planned Giving Seminar [TBC]
10.00 a.m.
Sun April 2
Youth Confirmation Service [TBC]
10.30 a.m.
Sat April 8
KPW’s Treasures for You Sale
Sun April 9
Palm Sunday Communion
10. 30 a.m.
Thurs April 13
Maunday Thursday Communion Service
7.30 p.m.
Fri April 14
Good Friday Downtown Church Walk
10.00 a.m.
Sun April 30
The Festival of Praise
7.00 p.m.
Sun May 7
176th Anniversary Service
10.30 a.m.
Sun May 28
Reception of New Members
10.30 a.m.
Sun June 4
Pentecost Communion
10.30 a.m.
Sun June 11
Downtown Churches Picnic
Noon
Sun June 18
Youth Sunday Service
10.30 a.m.
Sat June 24
Doors Open at Knox-Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday
The information on this sheet, which deals only with major congregational events, is subject to
addition, subtraction, and confirmation!
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Reminder:
If you are unwell, and especially, if you or a family member is hospitalized, Dr. Ervine would very
much like to know. Keep him in the loop.
Does the Church office have your current ‘phone number, address, e-mail (if applicable)?
FYI, the office e-mail address is [email protected]
Thyra Evans: [email protected] — Paul Marquis: [email protected]
Knox Presbyterian Church, 53 Church St., St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3C3
Church office telephone: 905-641-8868 Check out the Knox web site at www.knoxchurch.com
Knox News staff (Thyra and Paul) welcome and invite reflections on Knox Church`s special
events. This is your newsletter, and we want to hear your Impressions and experiences. Some
notices may have to be edited because of space considerations, and some may have additional
information added by the Editor.