KNOX NEWS February, 2021 - Knox Presbyterian Church
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PAGE 2 Looking for Love Anne Miller A Christmas carol tells us that “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine”. But now it’s January sliding into February and the trees and tinsel are down, the Christmas that was so different is boxed up, it’s grey outside and we’re back in a lock-down that may extend longer than first thought. Where did that love go? It was hard enough to get excited about Jesus’ birth when we couldn’t see family and friends in person. Many are anxious about the political climate in the U.S., the ongoing pandemic and restrictions, and the rising case numbers and deaths because people couldn’t follow the rules. We all have opinions about what politicians or those other people should have done to avoid the mess we’re in. All in all, the 2021 that was supposed to be so much better is off to a disappointing start for many. When I read the scriptures we’re looking at leading up to Lent, I see some things that we need to remember. Jesus became one of us to fully experience what we go through – to feel what we feel, to live the day to day journey here with us with all its joy and struggles. He jumped into the waters of the Jordan to be baptized. He went to the wilderness to fast and pray and then be tempted by the devil at His weakest moment. He returned home to be rejected by those who knew Him. Despite these rough spots He embraced His calling to teach, to preach, to heal and to disciple the twelve. He didn’t let anything get in the way of who He was created to be and what He was made to do for us. Lent begins mid-February this year. It’s a time when we reflect on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and ultimately the cross. He knew what was coming and still He was steadfast, carefully moving through those days so that the timing was set for Him to die at Passover as the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world, once and for all. Along the way He would spend time in prayer, at the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus, and with sinners and religious leaders as well as the disciples. He was incredibly intentional knowing that each day held meaning FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 3 and brought Him that little bit closer to the cross. Will we allow each day of Lent to have meaning for us? This is love with skin on. What Jesus did for us is still the path of our faith and the example for us to follow – of not allowing the evil, corruption, despair and suffering around Him to stop Him from giving of Himself to bless others, of spending time in prayer to refuel on the journey, of finding respite with good friends, of speaking hope and peace, and of trusting God’s plans and power. The love we are seeking in this challenging time is there in front of us in the person of Jesus. And the world needs His love particularly right now, the love that we have to give. The next several weeks offer us opportunities to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and to learn from the Master teacher. We can spend time in His story, taking note of what He did and why. We can spend time in prayer, pouring out whatever grief, pain and concern we’re holding inside and finding solace. We can spend time in community by phone or computer to refresh and support each other. We can turn and look outwards finding ways to safely fill situations of pain and despair with love and compassion. This month, may you not only return to your first true love, the ultimate Valentine, the One who lived and died for you, but may you also be an ambassador of that love in whatever ways God opens up to you, because as the song goes: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love It's the only thing that there's just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No not just for some, but for everyone” Jackie DeShannon KNOX NEWS
PAGE 4 SESSION NOTES – December 1, 2020 Josie Miller It was a virtual meeting on Zoom with 14 elders participating. Correspondence • Kristine O’Brien, the director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, wrote of the name change of the Common Room in the Pines to the Currie Room, in memory of Gert Currie, whose legacy made it possible. Church Opening • The consensus was that we stay completely closed for now, while the number of cases of Covid19 is increasing in Woodstock. Personnel Committee • Members of the Board of Stewards met with each member of staff. They are all grateful for the way they are being paid regardless of the amount of work for them. We know that Nancy joined the staff in 1987, and Janet in 1991. We need to keep track of Michael’s and Mikayla’s service with us. Search Team • There was a meeting on November 24 in which some candidates were put aside. Through discussion of their criteria, the team came to conclusions about what they are seeking. An ad will appear in the Presbyterian Connections newspaper this month, which may draw responses from more seasoned ministers. Stewards • There is no designated spot for handicapped parking on the west side of the building. The company will return in the spring to correct this. • Half of the cost of the paving of the parking lot was paid for by the city of Woodstock. • The Stewards would like to know the national Church recommended pay increase for staff in 2021. Christmas Eve • There will be communion as part of the worship service. The Rev. Bill Vanderstelt will be asked to preside. Trustees • The remnant of the Gert Currie money will go to the heating account. • Oxford Community Foundation - This year we shall receive about $3,300 which will go to the capital account for the tower. • Isabel Johnson estate money – we shall ask the congregation for proposals. Presbytery - Our Presbyterian Sharing allocation for 2021 is $21,000 FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 5 SESSION NOTES – January 5, 2021 Josie Miller 12 elders were in attendance by Zoom or telephone. Correspondence • The Director of Crieff Hills Conference Centre thanked us for our support. • Lauren Reczuch requested a six month leave of absence, until June 30, 2021, which was granted. • The Coldest Night of the Year sent a request for participants in a fund-raising walk. Search • Members of the Search Team are checking on details from the candidates of interest. Annual Meeting • The General Assembly office gave advice about holding congregational meetings during a pandemic. • It was agreed to hold the annual meeting by a teleconference call combined with communication by mail and email. The aim is to give people the opportunity to discuss the business of the church and to reach decisions together. Process - mail a copy of the annual report to everyone - mail a cover letter with the agenda and explanation, naming people who can handle the members’ questions. • The date for the congregational meeting has not been set. The congregation will receive the annual report at least two weeks before the meeting. Stewards – Leading With Care • Elders will be educated about the policy, to satisfy the insurance company. • Police checks will be updated. The emergency escape plan needs to be revisited. Property • The liner to the furnace chimney has been replaced at a cost of $17,000.00, using funds in the boiler account. Worship • $200.00 was sent to Camp Kintail for the use of their Christmas service. • The church will not be reopening until further notice. Trustees • There have been suggestions already for the use of the bequest from the Isabel Johnson estate. The congregation is encouraged to submit other areas of need. Next meeting February 2 KNOX NEWS
PAGE 6 VÉÅÅâÇ|àç V{Ü|áàÅtá VtÜÉÄ VÉÇvxÜà Anne Miller A more full report is in the Annual Report for 2020, but in the meantime I wanted to share the good news of what happened with this year’s concert. The decision to go virtual was embraced by Session, and Operation Sharing was thrilled that this fundraiser was going ahead in a different format. It was requested that funds go towards The Christmas Place, and coordinator Kathy Gardiner supplied us with a video for the concert outlining the program. Ten Woodstock churches participated – nine providing musical numbers and Michael, our custodian, telling the Christmas story and representing Oxford Baptist. Special musical guests included Corrin Descamps, Allison Lupton, Eugena Riehl, Janet Robb and Barry Schneider. Our own Loralee Benner, Nora Martin, Steve McInnis, Bob and Josie Miller, Jay Schlotzhauer, Janet vanderSpek and Lynda Whiteford all took part, and Anne Miller acted as MC. Community carols as well as Knox’s and some other performances were recorded in our sanctuary thanks to George Seggewiss. Rev. Andrew Bellous of First Baptist assisted with editing and compilation and hosted the concert on their YouTube channel. While we can never know exactly how much received by Operation Sharing was a direct result of the concert, we do know that through donations to Nancy in the office prior to the concert and the surplus of sponsorships over and above our expenses, Knox was able to send $1,740 to Operation Sharing as well as $100 in gift cards. We also know that over 200 families from Oxford County have benefited from the Christmas Place this year. FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 7 To date, since being released December 6th, the concert has had 250 views (likely seen by 400+ people) and is still available to watch by going to https:// www.fbcwoodstock.ca/ and clicking on the YouTube channel link at the top of the page and then clicking on the concert. Thanks to the committee of Anne and Bob Miller, Janet vanderSpek and Lynda Whiteford, all the performers who jumped on board, the videographers, everyone who watched and, most importantly, all who supported those in need this Christmas through Operation Sharing. Lord willing we will be back at Church of the Epiphany in December 2021 to sing to God’s praise together. A Very Different Christmas Eve Anne Miller Thanks to everyone who has participated in worship or enhanced our worship space, especially throughout Advent and Christmas. We have amazing people in our midst! On Christmas Eve we were so blessed to have Gwenlynn Little and Barry Schneider share music with us, the Langilles to read and light candles, and to celebrate the sacrament of Communion with Rev. Bill Vanderstelt. Thanks to Jay, Nora and Steve for singing and to Carrie Hardeman for the matching masks we all got to wear. Janet, it was wonderful to celebrate your 29th anniversary at Knox that night. Thanks for all you do! Super special thanks to our families who were able to take part in the first ever virtual Christmas Pageant! Wow! After a challenging fall school-wise, our kids and caregivers ran with this and did a fantastic job. You told the Christmas story in a wonderful way and you also warmed our hearts because we so miss seeing you. You’ve all grown so much! Ruby, Henry, Connor, Cooper, Charlotte, Brooke, Bronwyn, Raelynn, Noah, Cecilia, Hunter, Owen, Maeve, Naomi and Hilton – thank you so much for telling us about Jesus’ birth in a way we will never forget. KNOX NEWS
PAGE 8 The Advent Afternoon Mikayla Voortman In December we had our first virtual Advent afternoon in place of our annual Advent afternoon and potluck that we would normally have had. We were all very excited to see one another again, even if it was only through zoom. We started the event by showing everyone how to do the different crafts and activities. As we went we chatted about what everyone has been up to since we have closed. It was a great time to catch up with our families. Then we had Rev. Mark lead us on guitar through some Christmas carols. Alex, Susan and I joined in on bongos and singing. We had originally planned on 4 carols and then taking one or two requests from the kids, but once we had done that, the requests just kept coming and we ended up singing for almost a half hour! It was a great time filled with the joy and excitement of Christmastime. FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 9 Campbell Afternoon Auxiliary – WMS February, 2021 Susan McLennan, Secretary Every two years the Women’s Missionary Society chooses two projects to support and promote. One project is national and one international. For the next two years the Together We Can! projects are Action Réfugiés Montreal and the MIBE Graduate School for Nurses in Indore, India. The WMS encourages all members of the church to participate. Together with WMS groups, congregations, and mission minded people We Can make a difference. Make a donation today to the Together We Can Projects! Designate the gift to the project of your choice. https://presbyterian.ca/donate/donate-to-womens-missionary-society/ Action Réfugiés Montréal Action Réfugiés Montréal (ARM) is a strong voice for refugeed people in Montreal and beyond. As a not for-profit, faith-inspired organization they seek justice for asylum-seekers and refugeed people. They promote partnerships among people in refugee and faith communities and society at large for mutual empowerment. ARM’s strong voice is heard; it is the classic “punch above its weight” kind of organization. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has recognized ARM’s expertise in refugee protection and their understanding of Canada’s overseas selection and inland determination processes. ARM staff members often meet with, or write to, politicians and other influential parties. ARM also regularly raises concerns directly with government ministries or agencies. ARM welcomes newcomers in your name. MIBE Graduate School for Nurses – India MIBE Graduate School for Nurses (GSN) has been equipping students in Indore, India to become educators, administrators and leaders in nursing since 1945. Historically, the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) has supported the school in various ways. The first principal of GSN was from the WMS and over the years many aspiring nurses who couldn’t afford the tuition were helped by the WMS through grants. Last year, Indore experienced heavy rains. The school building was badly damaged with flooded classrooms and major damage was done to the hostel. For the safety of the students they were moved to another building. With the everyday financial challenges of keeping the school open, the GSN is unable to fix the damages caused by the heavy rains. The GSN has asked for help to build a tin roof for the school building to help prevent further damage and to ensure the safety of the students. Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” KNOX NEWS
PAGE 10 Covid-19 Update Anne Miller While we had hoped to begin gathering together for worship early this year, the renewed state of emergency in Ontario and rising Covid-19 case numbers have delayed this. The Covid-19 Planning Team continues to meet to map out specific plans for what worship will look like once Session determines it is safe for us to come together again Sunday mornings. Physical distancing will be very important as well as masks and hand hygiene. All aspects of worship are carefully being considered, from when we arrive in the parking lot to when we return to our vehicles or walk home. Please pray for wisdom for the team as they continue to prepare – Nick Hardeman (Board of Stewards), Anne Miller (Worship Leader), Josie Miller (Clerk of Session), Gord Taylor (Worship Committee) and Mikayla Voortman (Youth & Christian Education Leader). Thank you to everyone for continuing to exercise care each time you come into the building by staying 6 feet apart (if you can reach out and touch fingers you’re getting too close together), signing the logbook, sanitizing or washing hands and wearing a mask. Please note that by entering the building you are attesting that you do not have symptoms, have not traveled outside of Canada in the previous 14 days and haven’t knowingly come into contact with someone with Covid-19. As we experience this lockdown, please only come into the building when absolutely necessary and phone Nancy first to let her know you are coming in. Most things can be handled over the phone or e-mail. Groups and committees will not be meeting on site while the stay at home orders are in place except for those involved with worship recording. We have done a great job so far of protecting each other, and with vaccines beginning to be administered, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We do still have a ways to go and need to remain vigilant. Thank you for helping us to protect our staff and care for our Knox family. Lent at Knox Anne Miller Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, which is February 17th. This is an important time for us to reflect on Jesus’ life and ministry among us, and also what He gave up for us. Some people choose to give up something for Lent or to participate in a fast of some kind in these 40 days plus Sundays before FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 11 Easter. Think about what will make this season meaningful for you, particularly as the pandemic continues around us. For those without computers, a simple liturgy to use at home will be included with this newsletter mailing for Ash Wednesday. Also, I’m encouraging you to read through the Sermon on the Mount throughout Lent, with a short section for each week-day up until the Friday before Holy Week (March 26th). The reading schedule with reflection suggestions is with this newsletter for those who have it delivered. Those with computers will receive these soon as e-mail attachments. I hope to have some other resources for you in the mid-week reflections and worship to make this a rich time for you. Plans for Holy Week are waiting until the way forward is clearer to us. Stay tuned for updates in the March Knox News. Note from Something to ponder about hymns, written by Kenneth W. Osbeck (1924-2017). our Music Director... “Hymns breathe the praise of the saints, the vision of the prophets, Janet vanderSpek the prayers of the penitent and the spirit of the martyrs. They bring solace to the sad, assurance to the perplexed, Faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed. They span the centuries of history and bridge the barriers of denominations. Study them to be pure in heart, sing them to be joyful in spirit, store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship.” More food for thought: “God is FOR us—that is good. God is With us—that is better. God is IN us—that is best!” (Unknown) Thank you for your encouragement as we at Knox Church continue to worship in different ways during the pandemic. May we lift up the name of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. KNOX NEWS
PAGE 12 COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR 2021 Steve McInnis, Nora Martin, Lynda Whiteford The Coldest Night of the Year is a Covid-safe, family friendly walk to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger. In Oxford County, this walk on February 20, will support The Inn Oxford’s Homeless Shelter, located at Old St Paul’s Church. Each step we take, whether for 2km or 5 km, whether virtual or real, will bring someone closer to safety, health and home. We would appreciate your financial support, you can access our donation site on- line through our registration number. https://cnoy.org/location/woodstock (information about Woodstock's part in the program) https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx? registrationID=4838318&langPref=en-CA (to sponsor Nora) https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx? registrationID=4838684&langPref=en-CA (to sponsor Steve) https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx? registrationID=4839075&langPref=en-CA (to sponsor Lynda) If you are unable to donate on line, call us for other ways to support CNOY. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the soles of our feet! FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 13 Please Consider Pre-Authorized Remittance “The pre-authorized remittance plan helps me to give consistently… proportionately…intentionally. It helps me to say thank you to God.” We at Knox have had a pre-authorized remittance plan (PAR) in place for years, however very few of our members have taken advantage of this system to give their gifts to our ministry. There are many benefits to the PAR plan: • Your contributions will be made regularly even if you are away on business or vacation. • You will not have to write a cheque or carry cash to church each week. • The church will receive your contributions consistently, which will help pay all the bills even in the summer months when many are away. • It will save time and work for those who count and register the offerings each Sunday. • Avoids “catch up periods”. • You can budget your monthly giving. • Regular support of your church in the amount that you choose. • Best of all, never again will you have the frustration of getting halfway to church and then remembering that you forgot your offering. How the plan works: • You sign up for the plan and indicate the amount you wish to give for work at our Church, Presbyterians Sharing, PWS&D or other Ministries. • The plan can be changed as you wish at any time by notifying Nancy in the office. • Cards are available to place in the offering plate each week. Registration pamphlets are available on tables as you enter the sanctuary; please take one and consider this as a way of sharing your blessings. If you have any questions on the plan you can contact Nick Hardeman or Nancy in the church office. “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 KNOX NEWS
PAGE 14 IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER Anonymous (submitted by Gwen Brown) ... I was at the grocery store buying some early potatoes… I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. “Hello Barry, how are you today?” “H’lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya… Jus’ admiring’ them peas. They sure look good.” “They are good, Barry. How’s your Ma?” “Fine. Gittin’ stronger alla’ time.’ “Good. Anything I can help you with?” “No, Sir. Jus’ admirin’ them peas.” “Would you like to take some home?” asked Mr. Miller. “No, Sir. Got nuthin’ to pay for ‘em with.” “Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?” “All I got’s my prize marble here.” “Is that right? Let me see it,” said Mr. Miller. “Here ’tis. She’s a dandy.” “I can see that. Hmmm, only thing is this one is green and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?” “Not zackley but almost.” “Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble.” “Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.” FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 15 Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, “There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn’t like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange or a blue one, when they come on their next trip to the store. I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Saskatchewan, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Nova Scotia community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the funeral home we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in the line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore dark suits and white shirts… all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband’s casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the funeral home awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband’s bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. “Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim ‘traded’ them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about colour or size… they came to pay their debt.” “We’ve never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,” she confided, “but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Nova Scotia.” With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband’s hand. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. The Moral… We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. KNOX NEWS
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PAGE 18 Isabelle’s Battle with DIPG Submitted by Nick Hardeman Very sadly, Isabelle Borkowski, four year old daughter of Jacqueline & Michael Borkowski, and great-great niece of Nick and Carrie Hardeman and second cousin of Erin and Allie, succumbed to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) after an eight month battle with the disease. Some of you have been asking about what exactly this disease is. It is a type of brain tumor found in the pons which is part of the brainstem. It mostly affects children between 5 and 7 years old. There has been little progress in improving treatment and cure rates for DIPG over the last few decades. Tragically, fewer than 10% of children with DIPG survive two years from diagnosis. Please keep all of Isabelle’s loved ones in your prayers as they struggle with their devastating loss. FEBRUAR Y 20 2 1
PAGE 19 December 7 Births January 10 Hilton McGinnis Oliver Longthorne-Dojsefski son of Scott & Meagan McGinnis son of Richard Dojsefski & Karli Longthorne brother of Maeve and Naomi first grandchild for Wenday Lemanski-Killing January 16 January 21 Elijah Finnegan Smith Hayes Steele Wilson son of Allie (Hardeman) & Dan Smith son of Mat and Kelsey Wilson grandson of Nick & Carrie Hardeman, grandson of John and Peggy Vink nephew of Erin, cousin of Bryson great-grandson of Ada Vink Birthdays Florence Sutherland, 98 - January 31 Susan McLennan, 64 - February 18 Linda Faulkner, 65 - February 18 Brad Markle would like to Alice Kern, 77 - February 24 thank everyone for their phone Ron Gregor, 96 - February 24 calls, cards, virtual visits etc. Kathleen Willits, 86 - February 25 after his hip replacement Marie Gregor, 93 - March 3 surgery in December. A special thanks to the prayer shawl group (and to Steve and Nora Anniversaries for delivering it) for the shawl Cliffe & Anne Jewlal - 51 years - Jan. 30 which is getting plenty of Gerald & Carol Masters - 55 years - Feb. 5 use. Most appreciated! John & Linda Szasz - 54 years, Feb. 11 Our Sympathy “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Mary Hook - January 18 We extend our deep sympathy to Mary’s family and friends. Our heartfelt sympathy also to Esther Johnston on the death of her brother-in-law, Thomas Johnston, on Nov. 25; to Nick and Carrie Hardeman and Erin and Allie on the death of great-great niece and second cousin four year-old Isabelle Borkowski, on Dec. 16, and Carrie’s cousin, Larry Chatterson on Jan. 16; to John and Lola Dewit and family on the death of John’s sister, Marie Nancekeville, on Jan. 10; to Paul Tree, Karen, Brayden and Connor on the death of Paul’s uncle, Ronald Fink, on Jan. 20; to Melita & Murray Rollinson and family on the death of Melita’s sister, Shirley Brown, on Jan. 20; and to George and Paula Seggewiss and family on the death of George’s uncle, Bruno Seggewiss, on Jan. 21. KNOX NEWS
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