Friday, December 15, 2017 Inside this issue: Fri., Dec. 15, 2017 Council Corner 2 Knox Café Advent Calendars 3 Choirs Advent Devotional Community Caroling Poinsettias 4 Advent Services 5 Food Bank Neighbours Helping Shoes for Africa 6 Service Schedule Volunteer Schedule Office Hours 7 This Week at Knox 8 Next Week at Knox 9 Scripture Reflections Prayers for The Week 10 Knox United Church Student Minister: Gail Fricker Church office Tel: 519-632-7461 Email: [email protected]Webpage: knoxuayr.weebly.com FROM OUR STUDENT MINISTER 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 suffer- ing 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 re- ality 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 de- livered 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. Office Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Transcript
Friday, December 15, 2017
Inside this issue:
Fri., Dec. 15, 2017
Council Corner 2
Knox Café
Advent Calendars 3
Choirs
Advent Devotional
Community Caroling
Poinsettias
4
Advent Services 5
Food Bank
Neighbours Helping
Shoes for Africa
6
Service Schedule
Volunteer Schedule
Office Hours
7
This Week at Knox 8
Next Week at Knox 9
Scripture Reflections
Prayers for The Week 10
Knox United Church Student Minister: Gail Fricker Church office Tel: 519-632-7461
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 suffer-ing 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 re-ality 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 de-livered 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.
There's nothing like a beautiful, sparkling white blanket of snow like we see today and a com-munity carol sing like we heard last Sunday to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. With that spe-cial 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 carry-
ing 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 ani-mals 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 blos-soms for Jesus' head. Mixed with the hay were
some dried ferns. Unmoved by Jesus' presence, they did not blossom. Be-cause of this apathy, the fern was condemned to a life without colourful flow-ers 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 tradi-tions 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 dur-
ing 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 Friday, December 15, 2017
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
ANGEL VOICES Knox’s Children’s Choir
Practice Saturday, December 16th
3:00 p.m. All Children Welcome!
Page 5 Friday, December 15, 2017
Page 6 Friday, December 15, 2017
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 do-nations 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
Service Schedule
December 17th “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)
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
Sunday Volunteer Schedule
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
Page 8 Friday, December 15, 2017
This Week at KNOX
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
OFFICE CLOSED 9:30 AM -
12:00 PM North Dumfries PreschoolFell Hall /
Classrooms
6:45 PM Cubs Fell Hall
9:30 AM OFFICE OPEN 12:30 PM 9:30 AM -
12:00 PM North Dumfries Preschool
Fell Hall /
Classrooms
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
Fell Hall /
Classrooms
10:00 AM Advent Devotional Prayer Room 3:30 PM
The Art of Music Academy
Choir Room / MP
Room
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 /
Classrooms 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 PreschoolFell Hall /
Classrooms
6:00 PM Wedding Rehearsal Sanctuary
NO FCC "Young at Heart"
Seniors Lunch Fell Hall / Kitchen
. 9:30 AM Choir Practice Choir Room
10:30 AM Worship Service Sanctuary
Communion11:30 AM Coffee Time Fellowship Hall 4:30 PM St. Brigid Service Sanctuary
7:00 PM Worship Service Sanctuary
Family
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Eve
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
KNOX UNITED CHURCH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 - Children's Play
Page 9 Friday, December 15, 2017
Next Week at KNOX
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
NO Cubs Fell Hall
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
NO Gym Jam Fell Hall
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
12:00 PM Cambridge Self-Help Food
Bank
Fell Hall / Kitchen
NO
The Art of Music Academy
Choir Room / MP
Room
OFFICE CLOSED
NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms NO The Art of Music Academy MP Room
NO Beavers Fell Hall
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
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
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
OFFICE CLOSED NO ND Preschool Fell Hall /
Classrooms
MONDAY, JANUARY 1 MONDAY, JANUARY 1
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
KNOX UNITED CHURCH 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
Page 10 Friday, December 15, 2017
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
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)
