K NOX
T ALKS
N EWSLETTER
OF
NOVEMBER, 2016
K NOX P RESBYTERIAN C HURCH , M ILTON
OUR FAMILY FROM MYANMAR
Van Kim, Hoih, Ester and Ruth
It was about a year ago that some members from Knox met
with a group from Grace Anglican and formed a Refugee
Sponsorship Committee. Our initial concern was for the people
of Syria who were in dire straits and needed help to start a new
life in Canada. For the first few months our focus was on
bringing a Syrian family to Milton. Gifts came pouring in to
both congregations and we were able to forward them with our
application through the Anglican Synod.
Then the waiting began. Due to government red tape, there
was a delay in bringing in more Syrian refugees; so the
committee was asked if we would be willing to sponsor a family
from another part of the world. Our decision was not a difficult
one. There are people in need all over the world. Shortly after
agreeing to sponsor any family who needed support, we were
given the names of a family from Myanmar who has been waiting
in a refugee camp in Malaysia for the last seven years. We were
told to expect them within 8-12 weeks. We were ready and
anxious to have them with us. Karl and Helen Reichert had
offered their home for their initial time with us. We waited in
anticipation of meeting them soon.
However, we had not understood the complexity of the
process.
... continued, P. 2
1 OUR FAMILY
FROM MYANMAR
3 HISTORY BYTES
4 REMEMBERING THOSE
WHO GO BEFORE US
5 LOVE ONE ANOTHER
(STEPHEN MINISTRY)
6 OBSERVATIONS OF A
NEWCOMER TO KNOX
8 SMALL GROUPS BIBLE STUDY,
LEARNING
11 FROM THE PASTOR'S
DESK
12 UPCOMING EVENTS
OUR FAMILY FROM MYANMAR
(continued from Page 1)
Their current status is "Travel Requested". This means that the International Organization
for Migration has been contacted and has been requested to make the travel arrangements
for the family, from Malaysia to Canada. This involves difficult interplay between the
Government of Canada (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada), the International
Organization for Migration (who organize the travel), and the Malaysian government (Exit
visas and any other bureaucratic necessities). Cases such as this can take anywhere from
three to six months from submission of initial paperwork. The application for our family was
submitted in August. This means that we can hope to meet our family sometime between
now and February.
In the meantime, we have been able to contact Van Kim and Hoih through another family
from Myanmar who were sponsored by Mount Forest United Church. This is what we know so
far. They are anxiously waiting to hear from the UNHCR about their status. They had medicals
last April. They were so happy to hear from us because it makes it easier for them to believe
that it’s really going to happen. They are Christian. They do not speak any English. They speak
Chin (Matupi dialect) and Myanmar. They come from a village called Lunglei. They are rural
people who have led very simple lives. They have two girls, Ester and Ruth, who are 21/2 years
and eight months old. Van Kim and Hoih are very thankful and excited to be coming to Canada.
They have worked in construction and babysitting but are not working right now and are having
financial difficulties.
Please continue to pray for our family! We look forward to meeting them soon.
Beth Gunding
-- 2 --
HISTORY BYTES
The Robertson Memorial Window
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This lovely memorial window is located on the east side of the church, and was dedicated
to the memory of Donald Stewart Robertson (1868-1931) and his wife Katherine Maud
Dewar (1878-1953) by their eight children in 1954. The family resided at 159 Martin Street.
The Robertson family operated the Robertson Lime Co. and quarry located at Milton
Heights which was located just to the north west of Milton.
They also quarried building stone for
many homes in the Milton area. Once the
business was sold it was renamed
Dominion Tar and Chemical Co. Ltd. and
later Domtar Ltd. The plant was closed in
1960 and the lime kilns were demolished.
Donald was an elder for many years
serving our congregation at Knox, while
Katherine became involved in a number of
church groups. Mr. Robertson also served
in a number of community groups such as
our curling club, member of the Milton
Board and Trade Finance Committee,
trustee of Milton High School Board, VP of
the Milton Children's Aid Society, to name
but a few. In fact, all the children
portrayed in the window reflect Donald's
life and long service with the Children's
Aid Society.
Both Katherine and Donald are interred
in Evergreen Cemetery.
Marsha Waldie, U.E.
Knox Historian
-- 3 --
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO GO BEFORE US …
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One of the responsibilities of a good
pastor is to gather the community together
when life is over and celebrate in thanksgiving the blessing that God has provided
through the person that has died. In the past
few months two very faithful women in our
congregation went home to be with the
LORD. I am referring to Billie Marshall and
Joanne Early. Each of these women were
strong matriarchs in their families providing
leadership: through example, strong
teaching, and discipline. Both were lovingly
remembered by children, grandchildren and
family members who were deeply influenced
by their grace, love and faithfulness.
We at Knox were blessed to have Billie
and Joanne worship amongst us supporting
our community faithfully for many years.
They were well known and loved by their
peers. In memorial we remember them and
give thanks.
Coupled with this sense of historic
contributions and faithfulness, we acknowledge as the year draws to a close an
incredible blessing this year realizing that
Knox has witnessed ten baptisms in 2016.
This is a remarkable statistic that reminds us
that God’s Spirit is moving in our midst
drawing young families back to hearing the
Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. We
are delighted that so many young families
are looking at the world they live in and are
turning to Jesus for the strength, courage,
and hope that is necessary to thrive in that
world.
Each time we share the sacrament of
baptism our whole congregation hears the
vows we make to our children, to turn away
from evil, to accept Jesus Christ as Lord, to
look to him as our Saviour… to be nourished
at His table. When these promises are being
repeated again and again before God in our
sanctuary they have a cumulative effect
upon our lives. We experience the power of
the Holy Spirit delivering the strength to turn
away from evil, the need to accept Jesus
Christ, the hope of our Saviour… we hunger
for the nourishment at His table.
The Christian life entails a lot of
remembering… the problem we must seek
to overcome is a life without memory! If we
haven’t invested in knowing the Christian
story (reading the Bible) how will we
remember? Let us renew our commitment
to nine infants baptized this year and the
memory of our two beloved matriarchs; a
commitment to know the LORD. Then when
need arises, when crisis comes, “we will
remember.”
Thanks be to God for his Word.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Howard
-- 4 --
Love One Another
Knox chose Stephen Ministry in response to God's love
and Jesus' command to "Love one another, even as I have
loved you." Stephen Ministers answer this call in a special
way by "being there" for people in crisis or people who need a Christian presence
amid the struggles of life. Our Pastor is not able to minister to every person
who needs care, so Stephen Ministers try to be Jesus to people in need.
Everyone needs Christian care at some point in his or her life. By listening, being
there, and ministering through Christian resources such as prayer, blessing, and
sharing Scriptures, Stephen Ministers can help in a unique way.
Stephen Ministers have twice-a-month meetings, linking our service with our
prayers. We are reminded that spirituality enables ministry; and that someone
who attempts ministry without being spiritually grounded is like someone who
builds a house upon the sand, or like a branch that attempts to grow independently from the vine.
We ask that you, as members of the congregation, pray especially for our
Stephen Ministers. Prayer has done such wonderful things for this church.
We pray for each of our brothers and sisters in Christ that "...the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
For further information on receiving care, or if you are interested in
knowing more about serving as a Stephen Minister, please call …
Lise Simmons . . . . . . (905) 878.2377
Karl Reichert . . . . . . . . . . (905) 854.9897
Beth Gunding . . . . . . (905) 876.4971
Pastor Howard Sullivan . . (905) 878.6066
-- 5 --
OBSERVATIONS
OF A
NEWCOMER
TO
KNOX
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rose Agbor and Emmanuel Eseme were
born in Cameroon and met in October 1995 as
undergraduate students at the University of
Buea, Cameroon. Rose had just started year
one as a law student while Emmanuel was a
final year Geology student. They interacted
periodically while focusing on their studies
until Emmanuel graduated in June 1996.
Emmanuel moved to another city after
graduation but they continued to meet as
frequently as their schedules and activities
could permit until Rose graduated in 1998.
After graduation, Rose moved to another city
and worked as a pupil bailiff until 2001 when
she travelled to Germany. Emmanuel returned
to Buea in September, 1988, to work as a
research assistant at University of Buea until
December, 2002, when he left for Germany.
Rose studied the German language after
moving to Germany and found a job soon after
completing the language course. Emmanuel
joined Rose in the city of Wuppertal, Germany,
in 2002, but shortly after, moved to Aachen.
They continued to live in different cities and
met as frequently as possible until Rose left
Germany for Canada in September, 2005.
Emmanuel stayed in Germany till August,
2006, then moved to Oklahoma (USA).
After arriving in Canada, Rose settled in
Etobicoke and later pursued the
Developmental Service Worker program at
Humber College. Emmanuel moved to Canada
in January, 2008. They lived together in
Etobicoke with Emmanuel briefly working in
Mississauga while Rose completed the
program at Humber College, then moved to
Milton in the summer of 2009.
Rose works full time as Residential
Counsellor for Community Living Oakville and
part time as an educational resource facilitator
for the Peel District School Board. Emmanuel
has worked since June 2009 as a Geochemist
at Activation Laboratories (a testing
Laboratory serving the Mineral, Agricultural
and Pharmaceutical Industries) in Ancaster.
Rose and Emmanuel have been blessed
with four kids: Max, who was born in
Cameroon in April, 2001; Edith, born in
Toronto in November, 2005; Chantelle, born in
Oakville in January, 2010; and Ethel, born in
Milton in March, 2013. Max was sent to
attend secondary school in Cameroon back in
September, 2014. Edith is currently in Grade 6
at Chris Hadfield Public School and Chantelle is
in Grade I at Robert Baldwin Public School.
Ethel attends daycare. The kids love playing
games, watching television, dancing,
gymnastics and other sports. The family loves
to travel to visit friends and family as well as
touristic or recreational sites.
While in Etobicoke, the family worshipped at
Presbyterian Church Islington. After moving to
Milton, they still worshipped intermittently at
Rexdale Presbyterian Church in Etobicoke, as
well as at Harvest Family in Mississauga. In
2014, the family was led by the Lord to Knox
Milton. They were particularly attracted by the
warmth encountered at Knox from the first
day service was attended. The congregation
reflects the diversity encountered in the
-- 6 --
OBSERVATIONS
OF A
NEWCOMER
TO
KNOX
continued
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
community in Milton and elsewhere in
Canada. The presence of members in the
congregation who have been worshipping at
Knox for over 25 years is a testament to true
faith and speaks volumes about how
wonderful a place Knox is.
The structure of the church provides room for
everyone to worship, from the youngest to the
most elderly. The nursery enabled us to
worship from the outset without worrying
about Ethel, who was a baby at the time. At
Knox, the congregation is caring, engaging and
always willing to assist. Knox is blessed with
extraordinary staff who ensure things run
smoothly from week to week throughout the
year. Sermons can be characterized as lectures
that have been helping us gain a better
understanding of the bible and the Lord,
strengthen our faith and improve our lives.
We believe the church is doing so much for
the congregation, and as such each member of
the congregation should endeavour to
volunteer in activities or events at the church
as much as he or she can. We are very grateful
for the assistance the church has been
providing as we attempt to introduce our kids
to godliness, love for one another, sharing,
peace and helping to make the community a
better place. Our kids are having a great time
in the congregation and we hope they will
continue rapid spiritual development. We
hope to participate more in other church
activities as the days go by, as we continue to
regain some freedom from “babysitting”.
Love and Peace to all as we approach the
end of another year.
-- 7 --
SMALL GROUPS - BIBLE STUDY, LEARNING
SMALL GROUPS - BIBLE STUDY, LEARNING
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are a few Bible study and learning Small Groups at Knox. Please select one and try it
out. There are no prerequisites of Bible knowledge. Each group is a ‘new beginning’ for
everyone. We come to know our Lord Jesus Christ, whether as a first experience or getting to
know Him better than before. An added benefit is that we come together in community, as a
family, caring for one another as we learn the meaning of love from our Lord.
Men’s Breakfast
Several men gather every second Tuesday for Bible reading, learning and breakfast, at
Martindale Gardens Retirement Residence (45 Martin St.) at 7:30 am. Cost for breakfast is $7.00.
The usual pattern is to select a book of the Bible and to read it, one chapter at a time at each
breakfast, with open discussion around the table about that text -- both its original meaning, and
its application in our lives today. Normally, each session concludes about 9:00.
Mid-Week Bible Study
Meets on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month, except during the summer, at 7:00 pm.
Currently we are meeting at the home of Helen and Karl Reichert, 8073 Appleby Line. As a group
we select a topic to study.
Our current title is "12 'CHRISTIAN' BELIEFS THAT CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY", taught by Henry Cloud,
using the Right Now Media Christian web page. This study exposes the false assumptions that
people may develop from misreading the Bible and listening to someone teach who
misinterprets God's truth. Each session includes a video presentation (about 30 minutes)
followed by discussion and responses to questions presented by the author. A light snack is
included with tea and coffee, along with good fellowship, personal sharing and support. Cost for
current study is free, though sometimes we purchase low cost study material. Food is shared.
This group welcomes couples and singles.
Moms and Tots
Meets every Thursday morning at 9:00 at Knox, with Moms in the Nursery and small children
in the Lower Level play area. It normally wraps up at 11:00. This is guided Bible learning, using
various Right Now Media, personal sharing and support. A light snack is provided. This group
includes Moms from the Knox family and also friends. Moms and loving Grandmas care for
little children. Participants really enjoy this special ‘coming together’ to learn about Jesus. The
group recesses for the summer.
(continued from Page 8)
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Son Risers
Men meet alternate Saturdays at Knox from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The usual pattern is a
reading of the current lectionary texts, followed by discussion on those texts as they relate
to our everyday life. Light snacks with coffee are provided.
This group sponsors a child through Compassion Canada. Tommy lives in Nicaragua.
We collect $5.00 at each meeting to support this outreach.
Sunday Morning
This group meets at Knox before service every Sunday, 9:00 to 10:00 am, to examine and
learn about the Bible’s teachings as they relate to current events. Recent topics have
included: All that terror teaches: have we learned anything?; Character in Leadership: Does
it Really Matter Anymore?; and Do Christians Sin? The current subject is 12 Theses on a
Christian Understanding of Economics.
These gatherings have followed a pattern of reading a topical paragraph on the subject,
along with reading supporting Biblical texts, and ongoing open discussion.
WOW – Women Of Worship
Women meet alternate Saturdays at Knox from 9:00 to 10:00 am. A discussion topic
may be followed through the teaching from a study guide, or, as at present, the reading of a
book of the Bible and studying its application to our lives. The current session is completing
the reading of the book of Revelation, which has not only offered some challenges, but has
also enabled a new and better understanding of the prophecies in that book.
The group normally recesses for the summer months.
So why this focus on Bible study?
Now a further observation, that comes from the recent MacLean’s and Globe and Mail
publications, which are referenced by Pastor elsewhere in this Knox Talks. If one enters:
the Mainline Church Growth Study as a search topic in Google – the result includes many
topics and links that one can access, some as recent as only a few days ago. They all point
to remarks like: For years the Canadian mainline Protestant church had withered.
Churches were closing down, their buildings being co-opted into businesses, all of it
following the narrative that Christianity was increasingly irrelevant to secularized Western
countries. But hiding in the wreckage of the mainline collapse were a few thriving
(continued on Page 10)
(continued on Page 9)
-- 8 --
-- 9 --
SMALL GROUPS - BIBLE STUDY, LEARNING
(continued from Page 9)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
churches who were experiencing explosive growth. The answer published by Maclean’s, an
influential Canadian magazine, was that pastors who preach and practise a theologically
orthodox faith are more likely to see growing churches. When it came to the timelessness
of biblical truth, the historicity of the Gospels, miracles and evangelism, pastors who
affirmed orthodox Christian teachings were coupled with congregations that agreed. The
articles contain many statistical presentations of data that one can study all pointing in the
same direction as noted.
And so we encourage everyone to join one of these Bible study groups, or contact us to
seek to arrange a new time as was done this past summer, a new member asked about a
Sunday 9:00 am study having focus on current events with reference to Biblical
explanations or teaching. So we have responded. Our prayer is for everyone to participate
in a group setting to learn more about the Bible and the importance of a salvation
relationship with Jesus Christ. And then to experience the indwelling peace that captures
all who believe despite what is happening in the ‘real world’. You can leave a message
either by email or phone to our Knox contacts, or contact Karl – [email protected],
(905) 854-9897.
Karl Reichert
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK ...
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pastoral Visiting
This fall we launched the Pastoral Visiting Initiative to provide the ongoing care we
desire to provide for some of our less mobile members. At first, we had to proceed slowly,
as we encountered a number of complications with our matches. However, we have now
begun to roll out the program more fully. Initial feedback has been very favourable, with
both care receivers and visitors reporting they have found the experience to be very
rewarding.
At this point in time we are anticipating reviewing the implementation early in 2017,
with the objective of considering our effectiveness as well as provision of care to those not
yet provided for. If you would like to be involved in this church-wide initiative, either as
one who is visited or as a visitor, please contact the church office (905-878-6066) or
[email protected] for more information.
In the next issue of Knox Talks we hope to profile one of our visitor/receiver pairs to give
you an insight to how this initiative works.
The State of Today’s Protestant Churches
A recent McLean's magazine article highlights some revealing research regarding the
mainline Protestant Churches in Canada, illustrating the correlation between orthodox
belief and congregational health. There are many aspects of this report that might surprise
even the casual reader, the most significant being the publication of this academic research
in a secular magazine which has recently disparaged much of orthodox Christian belief.
What is particularly encouraging from my perspective is to see the results in the survey
regarding the importance of Scripture, the re-affirmation of Christian doctrine, and the
primacy of basing community on these cornerstones. In a time of conflicting world views it
is essential that we understand what a Christian purports to believe, and build our selfunderstanding on this basis.
For the curious, here is a link to the referenced article. We invite you to read the
material here:
http://www.macleans.ca/society/nine-interesting-data-points-on-the-state-of-todaysprotestant-churches/
Pastor Howard
-- 10 --
-- 11 --
UPCOMING EVENTS AT KNOX
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday
December 4
10:30 am
Sunday
December 4
3:00 pm
Scott Woods "Old Time Christmas" Concert
Saturday December 24
6:30 pm
Knox Family Christmas Eve Service
Saturday December 24
8:00 pm
Knox Traditional Christmas Eve Service
10:30 am
Sunday School Christmas Pageant
Sunday
December 25
Christmas Sunday Worship
Sunday
January 29
Knox Rox Concert/Sing-along
following worship and lunch
Sunday
February ??
Annual Congregational Meeting
following worship and lunch
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
170 MAIN STREET EAST
MILTON ON L9T 1N8
(905) 878-6066
[email protected]
www.knoxmilton.com