May June Newsletter - Knox Church

8/12/2019 May June Newsletter - Knox Church

1/16

MAY AND JUNE2 14


2/16

Dear people of Knox Church,

They say: you are what you eat. And I think those words are so true. Our body is

supported (or challenged) by what we put into our body. It is good to ask questions like:

What did I eat and drink today? What did I serve to the ones I love?

One of the things I enjoy very much is making oatmeal. You could say that its one of my

talents. I enjoy oatmeal with fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or pineapple. And my not

so-secret-ingredient is Maple Syrup. It is a gift that the maple trees in our area have

produced a positive crop. However, what makes it even more special is the effort of thos

who make that maple syrup. It takes forty gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple

syrup!

What are the recipes that you enjoy putting together? Are there ingredients that you get

to add that are connected to the season we are in?

Many of us have stories of making something special that was enjoyed by loved ones. A

request is made: Would you please make that special main dish or dessert that we

love? And when it is presented at a gathering of family or friends, the people give great

thanks.

As we journey together as a congregation, let us look for opportunities to join in

friendship, to share food with one another, and to work on positive projects with oneanother. When we have the Lords Supper together, we remember the love that Jesus

showed to his disciples at a Passover meal around 30 A.D. in Jerusalem. At the same

time, we also share in a sacramental meal of friendship and support today. Communion

an invitation for us to make all of our gatherings one where our Saviour Jesus Christ is

our host. His love inspires us to actions of kindness, courage and support for those in ou

care.

Let the love shine forth as we get ready for special events like the congregational retreatat Kintail (June 21 / 22) and Kintail on the Road (July 7 to 11). Lets take the time to

express our gratitude for the faithfulness shown by so many individuals in our

congregation.

Thank you!

Mark Gedcke


3/16

WELCOME HOME (photos taken by Pat Scott)Pat Scott has returned from a

wonderful memory-making 6-

week trip to Australia to visit his

daughter, Colleen and her family.

He enjoyed a 3-day road trip with

his oldest granddaughter, Sophie

and was at the beach when hisother two grandchildren, Nicola &

Callum, volunteered for their Surf

Life Saving Beach Patrol.

When you see Pat, ask to see his beautiful photos taken while on this trip

They are absolutely amazing!

Just wondering when Pat is going to open his own coffee shop to try his han

at the decorative finishes!?

ALLEY SUPPORT FOR CAMPERS

The Alley is once again offering financial support to children from the church who are attending churc

camp. If you have a need for financial assistance please complete the form and submit it to the office n

later than June 2, 2014.

(form attached at end of newsletter)

FUND RAISING

At the April 28thBoard of Managers meeting it was decided that we should

begin to plan some fund raising projects. We are looking for people who

have ideas for projects to come together to brain storm and look at what is

possible for us to undertake.

We know there are people who have some great ideas. If you would like toshare your ideas and be part of the brainstorming process please call the

office or speak to Shirley Weitzel. We will meet in the latter part of May to

get the brain juices flowing. Being part of this does not mean that you are committing to

undertaking the projects. At this time we are just looking for ideas.


4/16

TARTAN SERVICE - April 6th Banner Installation Service (photos taken by Sue Orr)

What a proud day it was honoring the tartans of our family members on National Tartan Day, Ap

6th, 2014.

I'm proud to have worked with a group passionate about seeing our tributes to family members

through to fruition. Our group met with Rev. Mark Gedke to effectively impart our vision for the service.

He was generously receptive and helped guide our ideas into, and within, the context of a service

format. It was then a fully independent effort on all our parts (the 5 families), from purchasing the

tartans, to photographing and printing the booklet, to the contribution of flowers in the sanctuary,

and hiring of the piper.

The special service also served to (further) galvanize the congregation, by revisiting and sharing

a long standing Presbyterian tradition of dedicating individual family tartans to the greater group of

tartans representative of the fine families of Knox Church in Stratford.

It is wonderful to feel a part of Knox Church by embracing individuality through inclusivity.

Thank you on behalf of my late father John Fleming Gavin,

Katarina Pohl and Katharine Gunnel Gavin

Thanks to our Piper Sandy McTavis

Katharine Gunnel Gavin, Katarina Pohl, Jensen Pohl,

Myra Farquhar read the blessing The tartans being dedicated


5/16

FROM THE GIRL GUIDE UNITS

Our Spring was very busy. We finished off our S.T.E.M.

program. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Each

girl earned a badge for her camp blanket for each section.

In January Dr. Gezhgan Wordofa came to talk with the girls about Ethiopia and how we as a unitcan assist. We have decided to start to collect school supplies for them and next year, we are going to

attempt to make dress from pillowcase. If you can assist with either of these tasks, please give me a ca

During the Olympics we hosted our own Olympics. I made skis using juice cartons and covered

corrugated plastic wide strips. We had a bobsled race using sheets and biathlon using straws to see

how far someone could shoot their straw. The girls had a lot of fun.

We went to Camp Wyoka (near Clifford) for our spring camp. Both units were bused and we

stayed in 2 large warm lodges. The Friday night we made bird seed feeders. Saturday morning we were

met by a team of Girl Guide facilitators that were hired to spend the day teaching snowshoeing,

kicksledding, snow science and a field trip. In the evening we spent time learning the history of these

sports and making hat crafts.Sunday morning we were met by our bus driver again to bring us home. It was a very good camp

and we would definitely go back next spring.

In March, we had Adam Mueller from the city came to talk with us about recycling and how we

could help.

A few weeks later, Andrew Adams from the cricket club came to teach the girls a new sport. All

the girls seemed to enjoy the evening and I am glad to report that we broke nothing.

We finished our Technology off with a trip to the Library. Laura Paprocki a Digital Access

Librarian, showed the girls a power point presentation about Internet Safety and Cyber bullying. The gir

were able to earn their CyberCitizen Challenge from this evening.

May 3rdwe hosted a Minute to Win It night for further Guides. The girls also prepared a Paper

Seed Mothers Day card.

May 13thwas our last night for the guiding year. The girls wanted a talent night so that is what we

did. I ordered pizza and they made Icecream Sundaes in waffle cones. Yummy.

Girl Guides of Ontario organized an event for the guides at Canadas Wonderland May 30. The

girls were bused to the facility for a day of crafts, dance games and eating. The perfect end to our

Guiding Season.

Once again, Thank you to Knox Church for all your assistance and the use of the facility. I am in

need of an assistance guider. It can be on a part time bases when my other guider isnt available or you

can come every week. It really is a lot of fun and enjoyment. Each year it seems that we have a betteryear than the one before.

If you have questions or comments, please contact me.

Rosemary Vail [email protected] or 519-275-5003

Submitted by Rosemary Va
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


6/16

BOOK, BAKE AND GARAGE SALEThe following are some reminders for the sale. Book donations should be at the church by 10:00 on

Friday morning. If you bring them in during the week they can be put on the stage in the banquet hall.

Those setting up garage sale tables can do so between 10:00 and 3:30 or 6:30 to 8:00 on Friday. We

would like to have all baking in by 2:00 on Friday afternoon so we can get it packaged and priced. We

will take baking between 6:30 and 7:30 in the evening for those of you who are working and cant get

there in the afternoon. Thank you for your support of the sale.

KNOX FAMILY UPDATES

Megan Speiran is heading off to Ottawa Saturday, May 3 rd for Leadership Conference sponsored bStratford Rotary. Students will be arriving from all across Canada (the majority of these students acoming from British Columbia.) We anxiously her report when she returns on Wednesday, May 7Way to go, Megan!!!!

Michaela K nechtel (granddaughter of Bessie Wilhelm and daughter of Jo Anne and Clare Knechtespent the month of December living and working in Toronto. She was a page at the Ontario Legislatu

and enjoyed the excitement of big city living and learning how the Ontario parliament system works.

Brun ski l l Fami ly

Kyle has finished University. He is travelling in Southeast Asia for two months. In July he will move to

Toronto, to begin his career as an Actuary.

Chrisis getting married in June, to Catherine Renaud.

Andrew and his wife Katelyn have a new baby. May Janine was born March 20, in Ottawa.

Scottand his wife Jenn have a brand new baby boy born April 30th. His name is William Gordon

Brunskill. They have Joseph (5) and Madelyn (3).

Sue and Ralph feel so blessed are enjoying being grandparents!

Tom & Dorothy Drakes Fami ly (photos submitted by Dorothy Drake)

Emily finished off her nordic ski season, with first at Huron-Perth, first at WOSSA, and 18th at OFSSAA

which was held up in Timmins. Track and field season has begun for her.

Annais busy working as a Lifeguard at Spruce Lodge, and recently competed in the Kiwanis Music

Festival with a piano recital.

Elizabethis the midst of dance competitions with her friends at Dance Aarts Academy. I enclosed 2

pictures.


7/16

SCAW TRIP TO TOGO(photos taken by Sue Orr)

On my recent trip to Togo Africa I was reminded of the reasons I fell in love with Sleeping Childre

Around the World again...The fact that they are a 100 percent charity means the most to me. Nobody

taking a salary or having a free trip when we fundraise for SCAW. When I or anyone else travels the

are paying their own expenses. The team that volunteers overseas also has to pay their own expense

and they have to prove that the supplies that we are giving out also have been made in the country ( th

can't always be the case but they must try).

While our team is overseas we also do random checks on the supplies and we try to visit the places the

team last year delivered kits to so that we can verify they are of good quality. In Togo the kit was a

Mosquito Net, Mattress, back-pack, 5 booklets, geometry set, blackboard, towel, one set of clothes,

sheet, bag, flip flops, and a piece of fabric to make a set of school clothes.

You simply cannot imagine the

excitement that comes from the

crowd of kids when they see what

they are to receive!! We successful

delivered 5000 kits...500 a day for 1

days. It also is 50% Boys to 50%

girls and one per family. Families

are chosen by the school principal.

We also ask the parents if the

supplies are what they would like to

have for their children. So often wh

we need to be reminded of itto listen to what they need as

opposed to what we think they need

We do notice that with a strong

Canadian dollar we can get a big bang for our buck. This money is sent at least 6 months in advance t

help pay the bills. Bedkits also last about an average of 8 years.


8/16

When donating to SCAW you also impact their society as making the kits in their own country gives

them jobs and security for the future. I so appreciate that we are not paying for shipping containers and

gas to bring supplies that can be made locally.

Everything about SCAW makes sense and I am proud to be part of their organization. Thank-you to all

those who donated to the Togo 2014 trip and special thanks to The Alley for their continued support.

Submitted by Sue O

Easter Morning

Church Service

In Togo

SPRING CLEANING

When you are spring cleaning, please keep in mind the Childrens Christmas Shopping Spree. Any ne

or gently used items would be greatly appreciated to allow the children a choice. Items can be droppe

off in the box by the office. It is never too soon for us to accept items for this event.

CONESTOGA CAREER CENTRE

This centre in Stratford is offering a free one-year college training program for youth ages 15-29 to ga

hands-on experiences in the highly technical and demanding food processing industry. The progra

includes a 4-month job placement, free transportation and much more. Please call 519-271-5700 #724

or [email protected] more information.

KNOX SENIOR MENS GROUP

This friendly group of men meet at 12 noon on the first Wednesday of each month. They have lunch

the Arden Park and catch up of the latest news. This is a completely informal setting. For mo

information, call Gord Spandler at 519-2736-1765. Join this fun group on their next luncheon date.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


9/16

UPCOMING EVENTS AT KNOXSaturday, May 3rd Knox Mom-to-Mom sale (8:00 a.m. to 12 noon)

Sunday, May 4th Celebrating the 170thAnniversary of Knox

Guest Minister: Rev. Karen Horst

Our music will include the choir and Praise Explosion

Light lunch to follow worship service (donations towards Outreach Missions)

Saturday, May 10th Book, Bake and Garage Sale

Banquet Hall 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.

Rent a table for $10 or 2 for $15 (proceeds to Outreach Missions)

Bring your goodies from home to sell

We need volunteers for both Friday night and Saturday morning as well as bakin

items (please label itemsto be conscious of allergies)

Saturday, June 21st& Church Retreat at Camp Kintail (we will share this weekend with St. Marys

Sunday, June 22

nd

Presbyterian Church)

July 7th11th Kintail on the Road being held at Knox

THANK YOU

To those who submitted articles, updates, etc. for this newsletter. Please keep


10/16

CAMP KINTAIL ON THE ROAD 2014

July 7 11, 9am - 3pm

Knox Presybterian Church

142 Ontario St., Stratford, N5A 7Y4

Vacation Bible School with a fun Camp Theme open to children in grades JK Grade 6. The

camp is led by enthusiastic, highly qualified Camp Kintail staff.

Cost:

There is no fee! (All expenses have been donated by Knox and St. Andrews Presbyterian churches.)Donations will be accepted for Sleeping Children Around the World and Change Her World. (Information about

these two projects will be shared on the first day of camp.)

Ways to register:

1. Registration forms available in the narthex and office at Knox

2. Call Knoxs church office weekday mornings at 519-271-0373

Please drop off your completed registration form at Knox or mail it to Knox PresbyterianChurch, 142 Ontario St., Stratford, ON, N5A 7Y4

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014.Register early as this camp fills up quickly!

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Outdoor Adventures

Arts & CraftsSnacks ProvidedBible StoriesCooperative GamesSinging & Drama

Nature Awareness


11/16

April 29, 2014

Dear friends,

As many of you know, from August 20, 2014 until July 11, 2015 I will be working in Chad as an EnglisLanguage Instructor for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as part of their Serving And Learnin

Together (SALT) program. Chad is a landlocked African country, roughly southwest of Egypt. I will bliving with a host family in Moundou, the second largest city in Chad, located in the southern Frenchspeaking region.

In my role as an English Language Instructor, I will be working with MCC's long-term partner Centre oAmerican English in Moundou (CENTRAM). I will have the opportunity to prepare and teach Englislanguage classes, work to develop curriculum and encourage learning outside the classroom.

The SALT program provides a year-long cross-cultural service experience for Christian young adulfrom the United States and Canada to serve around the world in the areas of peace, education, reliand development. For more information about SALT please go towww.salt.mcc.org

Participating in overseas work such as this is not possible without support from many people, andappreciate so much your friendship, prayers, and encouragement in this journey. I am excited to be abto use my passions for French and teaching next year while also having the opportunity to learn, groand make connections in the global community.

If you are able to support this work financially, I would be most grateful. My goal is to raise $5500 befoJuly 11th 2014, which represents about half of the cost of my placement. All donations towards my SALcontribution amount are tax deductible.

To donate by cheque:

-Make the cheque out to Mennonite Central Committee-Print SALT Ruth Wright-Gedcke clearly in the memo line-Print off and include the donation form attached to this email-Send cheque and donation form to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9 (not any other MCoffice)

To make an online donation: go to my MCC Gift Registry:https://donate.mcc.org/registry/ruth-wright-gedcke-salt-chadIf you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact me through email [email protected]. I would be happy to speak with you further. Among the many ways to keein touch, I hope that you will continue to share in this experience by following my blog a

ruthinchad.blogspot.ca/

Thank you again for your continued support!

Peace,

Ruth Wright-Gedcke
http://www.salt.mcc.org/http://www.salt.mcc.org/http://www.salt.mcc.org/http://www.salt.mcc.org/


12/16

SALT donationsMake cheques payable to MCC and send your contributions to:Donor Name__________________________ Mennonite Central CommitteeAddress __________________________ 134 Plaza Drive__________________________ Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9__________________________ Donations must be post-marked by July 17, 2014 in orderto be counted toward the SALTer's contribution minimum.Total donation $_________Give online at https://donate.mcc.org/salt

Name ofSALTer Ruth Wright-GedckeID Number 705460(Note: SALTers do not receive information on individual giftamounts. They only receive an amount for total gifts received.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APOLOGIESIn the last newsletter, a few birthdays were missed. We send apologies and want to recognize the

following birthdays (our wishes may be late but are sincere!):

Cameron Lynn Drake March 2nd

Kaitlyn Frame March 14th

Eddie Drake March 25th

Please let me know if any other birthdays or anniversaries are missed.


13/16

An interesting Article that I read in the Beacon Herald

MODESTY AND FAMILY KEEP FAITH IN TONGA

There is a land where, on any given Sunday, the streets are empty, most businesses are closed, no

sports can be played, no contracts can be signed, no ships can dock and no planes can fly. Almost

everyone is in church.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga.

While this group of South Pacific islands has been occupied since at least 2500 BC, contact with the

western world began in the 17thcentury. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman visited in 1643. Captain Cook

first visited the islands in 1773. He was so struck by the gracious welcome of the natives he dubed

Tonga the Friendly Islands.

In1826 two Wesleyan missionaries arrived in Tonga and established a successful mission.

Christianity soon spread and remains as a dominant force on these idyllic islands. It is literally woven

into the very fabric. The flag of Tonga is red and white white for purity and red for the blood of

Jesus shed when he was executed. In the upper left corner is a cross for the way in which he died

In the Tongan Constitution, the Sabbath is declared to be forever sacred.

While members of the royal family belong to the Wesleyan Church, almost every denomination is

represented in Tonga; rom Anglican to Mormon, from Pentecostal to Catholic.

Horror stories have too often accompanied the spread of Christianity, particularly in vulnerable

tropical isles. Westerners brought disease along with their gospel. It is also true that local sovereigns

have converted to the new faith for political expediency as much as spiritual salvation.

The collusion of church and state in the West has been wisely avoided, lest theodracy ensue. And

yet visiting Tonga you have to admit that, in this remote place at least, the melding of Christianity and

culture has cultivated a people whose infectious joy and charm could be a model for any society,

secular or religious.

How has religious fervour impacted the people of these islands? Two things come to mind from my

recent visit: Modesty and family.

The dress of Tongans means knees and shoulders are covered. Men and women sometimes wear a

woven mat called taovala around their waists out of respect for elders or a sign of mourning. Bathingsuits are for beaches.

And on Sunday, while not in church, Tongans are together with their families.


14/16

To some, this scenario might conjure nostalgia for a day when you took one day a week to step out of

the rat race and spend time, if not in worship, in being with family. Perhaps its the geographic

isolation that has allowed this lifestyle to persist but it helps to explain the charm of these people.

You might think that monotheism is mistaken, that religion in its many forms is not a force for good.

But whatever your take on how true or good religion is, its hard to find fault with a people whose faithshapes their lives in such positive ways.

In a world run by money, it is rare to find a kingdom whose citizens are prepared to sacrifice

commerce one day a week for the sake of a Sabbath rest with family.

It is also rare but right that there should be a land where visitors are warmly welcomed but asked to

respect a minimal dress code.

There will be other days and other places for tank tops and skimpy shorts.

Rev. Bob Ripley, Retired United Church Minister

CAMPERSHIP SUBSIDY REQUEST 2014

(Please print)

Name of Parent: __________________________________ Phone #: ________________

Name of Child: #1______________________ Camp Name:______________Date:________

#2_____________________ Camp Name: _____________ Date: _______

#3_____________________ Camp Name: _____________ Date: ________

#4_____________________ Camp Name:______________Date:________

Email: ______________________________

Deadline: June 2, 2014


15/16

Janice Small 2nd

Greg Orr 3rd

Mary Jarema 6th

Gord Spandler 9th

Mike Bender 10th

Meryl Tourigny 13th

Sarah Nahrgang 14th

Hannah Kipfer 18th

Janice Berg 19th

Ron Schumont 19th

Rosemary Vail 19th

Keegan Dona 20th

Darlene Bridge 21st

Sarah Drake 22nd

Lily Barton 23rd

Ken Malvern 23rd

Bessie Wilhelm 23rd

Nick Pauli 24th

Kathy Pehlke 24th

Nicole Orr 25th

Kelly Pehlke 25th

Lillian Parker 28th

Jim Van Nes 28th

Anne Marie Pauli 29th

Michael Scott 30th

Steve Scott 30th

Florence Landreth 31st

Larry & Ann Parsons 1st

Amy Trela 9thSean & Jenn Raleigh 22nd

Clive & Janet Lawry 28th

Rich & Cathy Whelan 30th

Paul & Deb Barton 31st


16/16

Grace Knechtel 1st

Ryan Berg 2nd

Sean Raleigh 3rd

George Kasler 4th

Nancy Rothwell 4th

Anne Wright-Gedcke 4th

Bill Forbes 5th

Nadine Schumont 5thMaklane De Wever 6th

Hollie Archer 8th

Sharon Ewart 8th

June MacAlpine 8th

Betty Scott 8th

John Waldie 8th

Chris Fisher 9th

Laura Lawry 9th

Katelyn Pehlke 9th

Amy Hislop 11th

Wendell Archer 12th

Alainah Pottle 12th

Kathy Baker 13th

Pat Hislop 13th

Kristen Keller 13th

Kelsey Brubacher 14th

Ryan Harris 14th

Phil Waldie 14th

Larry Parsons 15th

Tori Savelle 15th

Sinead Raleigh 17th

Mark Gedcke 19thJared Harding-Shier 20th

Olivia Harding-Shier 24th

Ann Heimrich 24th

Sheila Love-Phillips 25th

Marg McMillan 25th

Josh Nahrgang 25th

Marlene Hanson 26th

Doug Phillips 26th

Annie Pottle 26th

Chelsea Feeney 27th

Barbara Fink 27th

Carolyn Lapier 27th

Keith Hislop 28th

Earl Barton 30th

Earl & Beth Barton 4th

Wendell & Shannon Archer 15th

Derrick Perry & Cheryl Hillyer 22nd

Jim & Mary Dougall 27th

John & Lorene Brodhagen 28th

Don & Ann Heimrich 29th

Mike Weber & Paulene Tiemens-Weber 29th

Date post:	03-Jun-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	miles3685
View:	220 times
Download:	0 times

May June Newsletter - Knox Church

Documents