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MAY AND JUNE2 14
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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
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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.
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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
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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]8/12/2019 May June Newsletter - Knox Church
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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.
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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.
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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]8/12/2019 May June Newsletter - Knox Church
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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
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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
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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/8/12/2019 May June Newsletter - Knox Church
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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