knox winter newsletter 2012

GOOD NEWS LETTER

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO

One perfect star to touch the night

With warmth and promise shining bright.

One perfect light to reach the earth

And show mankind the Christ Child’s birth.

One perfect love to lead the way

To peace and hope for us today.

One perfect sign for all to see

One Saviour for eternity.

Arise, shine. For your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

….Isaiah 60:1

May peace and happiness be with you and yours

as we celebrate this glorious season of our Saviours birth.

Knox Presbyterian Church

116 Main Street South, Georgetown, On. L7G 3E6

905-877-7585

www.knoxgeorgetown.ca

Church service dial in – 905-702-1629

Inviting all to love God, nurture faith, and serve His people.

Contact Information

Knox Presbyterian Church

116 Main Street South

Georgetown, Ontario, L7G 3E6

Telephone 905-877-7585

Website: www.knoxgeorgetown.ca

Email: [email protected]

Clerk of Session: Joan Collier

Residence phone: 905-702-0053


Church Secretary: Rebekah Theodore

Office Open 8:30 am -12:30 pm Tuesday – Friday 905-877-7585


Chairman, Finance and Maintenance: Dennis McLay



Knox Treasurer: Dennis McLay

Residence Phone: 905-877-2948


Mission and Outreach Committee: Eric and Katrina Walton

Residence Phone: 905-878-1588

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Sundays Cool Superintendent:

Fuego Youth Leader:

Craig Hutchison



Webmaster: Linda Zammit



Newsletter Editor: Dawn Livingstone



Knox Kirk Session Report

This past weekend, I attended the United Way Christmas House Tour and

watched the Georgetown Santa Claus Parade, so I guess the holiday season has begun. On

Sunday afternoon, I worked on our school’s Christmas program. What a privilege it is to teach

in a Christian School where we can proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth loud and clear.

What a privilege it is to worship together at Knox during the Advent Season. May the love, joy,

and peach of Christmas be yours this season.

We have enjoyed several special events at Knox in the past couple of months. We were blessed

by Mrs. Moira Brown’s inspirational message on Anniversary Sunday. The church bazaar filled

the large hall with an excited buzz on November 3rd

. The Acoustic Circus concert on November

9th

was a heavenly blend of sound and image. It made me appreciate the acoustics of our

sanctuary which provided the perfect venue for the concert. We are so fortunate to enjoy the

talents of Herb Ciceri every Sunday. Our Remembrance Day service, led by Eric Walton, was a

triumphant reminder that God has everything under control. We are called to follow Him.

The Knox Kirk Session continues to do the work of the church even in the absence of a minister.

The Search Team is moving ever closer to finding the next minister for Knox. Please pray for

your church leaders, Sunday School and Youth Group leaders, as they serve the Lord to the best

of their ability. Ask what you can do to enhance the worship and congregational life at Knox.

….Joan Collier, Clerk of Session

I will honour Christmas in my heart

And try to keep it all the year.

I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future.

The spirit of all three shall strive within me.

I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.

…Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Message from your Interim Moderator

Advent is upon us and with it the hopeful waiting for the birth of our

Saviour, Jesus Christ.

As people of the covenant we are used to hopeful waiting. Let us give

the Search Team some leeway as they search diligently for your new minister. It is easy to get a

warm body to fill your pulpit but it takes time and patient effort to get the right person. We were

blessed with a large number of applications and the Search Team has faithfully gone through

each profile carefully and with prayerful diligence.

We hope we see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have narrowed the search down, at this

point, to four applicants. So enfold the team members with your prayers and your kindness and

your patience, they are working hard on your behalf.

“Love is patient and love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4) let us remember those words as we wait

for the Advent of the Saviour of the world and as we wait for the advent of a new minister to

lead Knox, Georgetown, and Limehouse to new possibilities.

May the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christmas season surround each one of you every day.

…Blessings, Rev. Wendy Lampman

The Christmas Message

The drama of this world is nearing the point where every man must see,

the vision of the Star’s appearing, or vanish in obscurity. Chose the trivial

life or go seeking, the glory that is yet to be. Hear the angel voices

speaking, above the jangle of humanity.

Spare a little time this Christmas listening to the angelic throng. Catch

above our earthly chaos, the promise of the Christmas song. Peace, goodwill to every nation.

Let the joyful news be heard. The message rings throughout Creation - the message of the Holy

Word.

…Patience Strong

Finance and Maintenance Report Page 1

Finance and Maintenance Committee Report With the approach of another

fiscal year-end, it gives the F & M committee an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments during 2012 and the work that lies ahead of us for 2013. We have been blessed with a very active and productive year and the financial resources to complete almost all of the work that we set out to do. For these resources and accomplishments, we truly do thank you and

God for your faithful financial support and

confidence in our work to make Knox a

better place of worship and an improved

lighthouse for our community. As of November 18, 2012 our year-to-date operating budget continues to show positive results with operating income of $121,195.16 and operating expenses of $106,948.54 yielding a Y-T-D surplus of $14,246.62. Included in our most recent income is the profit of $3,322.80 from the Anniversary Dinner and very impressive rental income. The above expenses include the full amount of all three annual assessments and all operational expenses up to Nov 18, 2012. Operating expenses for the balance of the year are expected to meet budget expectations and include the first 50% insurance premium. The remainder of the insurance is payable in January 2013. Our Y-T-D Presbyterian Sharing revenue of $15,005.00 unfortunately is only 81% of our year-to-date pro-rated target of $18,480.00. Our annual commitment is $21,000.00. In October, we transferred $2,000.00 of operational surplus to this fund and we still need $6,095.00 to reach our commitment. Please pray for this fund as these funds are urgently needed by PCC National Head Office to carry on with their in-valuable work.

Our Y-T-D Building Fund revenue of $10,345.83 is slightly ahead of our budgeted revenue. This total includes a $2,000.00 contribution from the Knox Friendship Circle towards the ladies washroom renovations and a $3,040.00 HST rebate. The HST rebate was largely generated from 2011 capital projects and we used this rebate as financing justification for some of the 2012 capital projects. During the past quarter we completed the steam pipe replacement of 90+ feet of badly deteriorated steam pipe. The back flow value and Leading with Care window inserts were also completed. Preliminary discussion, costing and planning of the 2013 Capital Projects has begun and the projects that have been prioritized is the sanctuary sound system improvements ($3800.00 - $4000.00); replacement of the rotten wooden windows on the west end of the church ($3,000.00); pew repair program ($3,000.00) and replacement of the large hall flooring. We have the financing in place for the large hall floor and the next decision will be to determine the type of flooring and timing of installation. Currently, we have a couple of operational concerns that need to be addressed before this project progresses to the next stage. We have received the results of the Consolidated Investment Fund monetary content for the third quarter totalling $4,118.95 or a 3.6% return. Barring any unforeseen year-end adverse circumstances on this fund, we should yield the budgeted return of 6.0 – 6.5% and if so, these investment results will adequately cover the minister’s housing allowance in 2013.

Finance and Maintenance Report Page 2

It has been a very successful and rewarding year for the F & M committee and the fruits of our labour and planning have helped to repair some overdue maintenance work and enhance the beautification of our building and grounds. Unfortunately, with an older building, there are always repairs and improvements to be completed and consequently, next year will be just as active as 2012. Gratefully, we had the financial resources to compete this work without impeding operations or using any reserves or investment funds. We continue to welcome

your input and suggestions and should you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to forward them onto any one of our committee members. From All of Us, “Have an Enjoyable and

Christ Filled Christmas Holiday Season.”

Respectfully submitted by: Victoria Colby,

Dee Cope, Carol Kostiuk, Louie

Archambault, Tom Bentley, Jim Colter, Jim

Hepburn, Jerry Steringa and Dennis McLay,

Chairman.

Treasurer====s Report Revenues: Expenditures: Operations Revenue $104,448.58

Current Expenditures $92,930.54

Presbyterian Sharing 15,005.00

Presbyterian Sharing 15,005.00

P.W.S.& D 805.00 P.W.S. & D 805.00 Mission & Outreach - Donations 853.50

Donations - M & O 2,620.00

Mission & Outreach - Cong Ass 1,500.00 Expenses - M & O 229.94

Sunday School 1,590.65 Mission & Outreach- Assessment 1,500.00

Memorial Fund 2,300.00 Sunday School 1,445.65 Building Fund 5,350.00 Special Benevolent Fund 1,300.00 Anniversary Dinner 4,024.80 Anniversary Dinner Expenses 702.00 Fund Raisers - Concerts 1,778.00 The Presbytery of Brampton 2,780.00 Friendship Circle - Capital Proj 2,000.00 PCC National Assessment 7,157.00 Benevolent Fund 462.00 Fund Raisers - Concerts 1,879.00 Poinsettia Fund 40.00 Capital Projects 16,678.66 HST Rebate 3,040.83 Bank Funds Transfers 300.00 CIF Interest Income 10,943.78

Total Revenue $154,142.14 Total Expenditures $145,332.79

Mission and Outreach Committee

To outreach locally and worldwide

by sharing the gospel and

serving the needs of our community

As we come to the close of this year, please

be aware of the of the various local, national

and global organizations that would benefit

from donations: The Food Bank, Links 2

Care, Community Unity, Salvation Army,

Halton Women’s Place, Evangel Hall,

Canadian Christian Gleaners, World Vision,

etc. Also there are envelopes at the back of

our Church for Donations to Mission and

Outreach – just fill in the front of the

envelope and make sure your Envelope

Number and Amount is written clearly.

There are so many worthy charities, too

many to mention here, but please do your

research beforehand to make sure the charity

that you choose fits your criteria for

financial aid. Some folks wish to wait to

December each year to see what charitable

funds are available from their yearly budget.

If you donate in December, you will more

than likely receive your charitable donation

receipts in time to do your 2012 taxes. No

matter how small or large the donation, be

aware that every bit helps in these needy

times. Give until it feels good!!!

On behalf of the Congregation, Mission and

Outreach has sent Christmas Gifts of much

needed funds to Links 2 Care (Meals on

Wheels), Halton Women’s Place, Evangel

Hall and Ontario Christian Gleaners.

In addition to the above, we were blessed

this past year to be able to send PWS&D the

funds raised at the Plain Fare Lunch, as ever,

graciously catered and hosted by Ron Gable

and his crew.

The Community Unity Fall yard clean-up

was held on Saturday November 3rd

. 195

volunteers, 6 from Knox Church, met at the

Christian Reform Church on Trafalgar Road

at 8:30 am. They were divided into teams,

which cleaned the yards of 55 homes. Two

were the homes of Knox parishioners.

Clean-ups were completed by 12:30pm.

Volunteers and home owners were invited to

supper that evening, which was held at the

Maple Avenue Baptist Church on Maple

Avenue. The homeowners, who through ill

health or age were unable to clean up their

own yards, were all grateful for the help

provided. This is a fine example of

Christianity in action in Halton Hills

Many in our Congregation are currently

involved in manning Kettles for the

Salvation Army – a great way to meet and

greet the folks of Georgetown.

Christmas is a time of sharing, so be bold,

share what you have, and share especially

your Faith.

In His Service, Mission & Outreach Committee

….Audrey Brown, Connie van Goch, Peter

Welling, Katrina and Eric Walton

Memorial Fund Report In a recent Newsletter, the editor reported on several donations which were made by faithful members in memory of

loved ones, which have enhanced the beauty of Knox. The Memorial Committee would like to continue to work to raise interest in the aesthetic appearance of the church as a whole. If anyone has thoughts for future endeavours which they would like to present, please approach our chairperson, Sandy Stansfield, with your idea(s).

Presently, there are undesignated funds available in the fund which could be used on projects. Collectively as of Sept. 2012 these funds amounted to $10,900.00. The committee has approved in principal an amount which we will lend to F & M over a 2 – 3 year period to improve the floor in the large hall. In the meantime, we can still plan and work on other projects with the remaining funds.

Submitted by: Sandy Stansfield – Chair, Jim Colter, Lillian Clayton, Helen Hope

Confidential Prayer Chain

It has been brought to our attention that some of our members have turned to sources outside our church for Prayer. In times of illness, stress and trauma it was really needed. In response to this

need, the Congregational Life Committee has arranged a Confidential Prayer Chain of

three volunteers and is looking for more volunteers. They are a Prayer Chain not a group meeting. If you are interested in volunteering or in prayer please call one of the Prayer Chain members: Naomi…905-873-4973 Deanna…905-877-9303 Heather…905-877-3871

Anniversary Dinner Report On October 19, 2012 approximately 272 people either sat down or enjoyed a take out beef dinner celebrating the 152nd Anniversary of Knox Presbyterian Church. The roast beef was cooked to perfection, the veggies were fresh and hot, the coleslaw was crisp, the pie was wonderful and the trimmings, service and fellowship was magnificent. Following are the financial results. Sale of Tickets $3,885.00 Cost of Food $ 673.75 Sale of Surplus Food 139.80 Cost of Napkins/Supplies 28.25 Total Revenue $4,024.80 Total Expenses 702.00 Anniversary Dinner Profit $3,322.80 Whether you donated food, lent a helping hand as a captain or staff, bought a dinner ticket or invited a friend, your contribution to this very successful dinner is very much appreciated. As the old adage goes, “Many hands make light work” and everyone had fun working together. Once again, thank you very much for your enthusiasm and support. Dennis McLay & Christian Gardiner, Chair persons

Trustee Committee Report

A trustee meeting is planned

for Sunday December 9, 2012

and Dennis McLay will review F&M

activities and year to date financials.

Don Smith has resigned from the committee

and we would ask that anyone wishing to

join this illustrious group to inform any

committee member in order that you be

properly nominated for this position at the

upcoming (AGM) Annual General Meeting

early in 2013. We also would like to express

our appreciation to Don for his committee

service over the past years.

Follick Lamb attended the recent Church &

Charity Law Seminar and will highlight

some of the more significant regulations,

particularly those that affect us at Knox;

both from an F&M, session and

committee perspective.

We will have to review and amend our Knox

Trustee Deed early in 2013 as dictated by

any changes CRA or the Ontario

Government have made to regulations and

guide lines.

It’s time again to review our insurance

policy requirements for 2013 and we will

schedule a meeting with F&M in the coming

weeks.

Respectfully Submitted Members: Follick Lamb

(chair), Ellen Burns (secretary), Joan Harris,

Eric Mitchell, Betty Shepherd, Don Smith

(resigned)

Christmas Visits to our Shut-ins

Each Christmas poinsettias

are delivered to those who

are unable to attend our

regular service. It is a great

way for the congregation to

reach out to our shut-ins, and our visits are

always appreciated. Large plants are also

purchased to adorn our sanctuary for this

Christmas season.

If you wish to support this fund, please use

the envelopes that are available at the back

of the church. Donations may be made in

memory of a loved one, and a memory book

of names will be placed in the front right

window. Delivery and visits will be made

Monday Dec 10th at 1:00pm. If you are able

to help, please call Greta at 905 877-4625.

Bible Study Group

Our Monday night Bible study group is now studying the book of John. They

meet in the Choir Room, 7:15 on Monday evenings, and invite you to join with

them for this time of study and reflection.

Website

Be sure to check out our wonderful website, for the most up to date information on happenings at

Knox, the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Linda Zammit does a wonderful job of keeping the

site current, and there you can also read this newsletter on line and in colour.

http://www.knoxgeorgetown.ca

Through September and October we have been looking at Moses and how God is with us and

protects us. During the month of November we will be looking at Daniel and honouring God.

Can you guess what December will bring us? I thought you might have guessed.

A special thanks to Victoria Colby, Alison Crawley, Gerry Ross and David Cairns for coming

back to work with our children and youth on Sunday mornings.

…FUEGO…

Our youth were given the opportunity this fall to go to ‘Aquire the Fire’, a nondenominational

Christian youth event that was held at the Hersey Center in Mississauga. According to the

people running the event they were sold out, 4000 youth and leaders attended. Youth travelled to

Mississauga from as far away as Sudbury for this weekend event. Ron Luce and Kemtal

Glasgow had some very powerful biblical words for our youth. We were even entertained by the

Christian stars, The Afters, Rapture Ruckus, Shonlock, The letter Black and the school of

worship. The youth that went had a great time.

Merry Christmas to all ….Craig Hutchison, Sunday’s Cool Superintendent

A Christmas Word Search for You

G S R S P R Y N B F P E I A K

I W L Q H R E B C O J E N S S

F F H E A E P G G G O R N K W

T A J M I Z P Q N R Q T K J W

S K D M N G U H N A C U E R S

B E L L S A H A E B M N E L U

C H R I S T M A S R A Z P I S

D O R E H E O W N G D I E G E

R E E D N I E R O G A S R H J

Z R E T N I W B S N L H B T V

J O S E P H O G G I S A M S S

B A B Y Y T N E R T Y V M O V

D A D R T I L Y A A D F N B F

L M O G K S I X A K T G Y J S

Q S K Q G V S B E S S S S I O

ANGELS MARY

BABY ORNAMENT

BELLS REINDEER

CHRISTMAS SHEPHERDS

GIFTS SKATING

HEROD SLEIGH

INNKEEPER SNOWMAN

JESUS SONGS

JOSEPH STAR

KINGS TOBOGAN

LAMBS TREE

LIGHTS WINTER

MANGER

The Very Best Christmas Present of All

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the

'Peanuts' comic strip. It is applicable at any time of the year, but

Christmas time would be a great time to think about and act upon the

thoughts that follow. You don't have to actually answer the questions.

Just ponder on them. Just read the piece straight through and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Stanley Cup.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday even though

they are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates

are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most

credentials, the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones

who care the most. Take time this Christmas to give the very best Christmas

present of all. Say a special thank you to those people who have either made a

difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart. Don’t wait -

tomorrow may be too late.

Thank you for Being You

I really appreciate you, your helpful, giving ways,

And how your generous heart your unselfishness displays.

I thank you for your kindness, I will not soon forget;

You’re one of the nicest people I have ever met. By Joanna Fuchs

A couple of Knox members have pointed this site out and we feel you might like to take

advantage of it as well. It provides extremely worthwhile and moving information.

Question: What joins 6000 readers in 55 countries every day of the year?

Answer: PCCWeb Daily Devotionals are available online and by e-mail every day and are free

of cost.

The Daily Devotional has been published by volunteers every day for the past 16 years. Here is

what readers are saying about it:

In an increasingly troubled world, the PCCWeb Daily Devotional reminds us of what is

truly important: the love of God and His active presence in our lives. I have started every

day for the past year with Daily and the Bible reading selections. While the world

remains troubled, Daily is helping me to live "in the world" and not "of the world." –

..…Robert Foster, Escondido, California, USA.

I love these devotions, and every morning, it is the first thing I read. Because of the

devotions, I see God more and more in the ordinary things of my daily life, and I find

myself asking what God is teaching me here now in this time. I see God in everything. I

am amazed how often the message is just what I need to hear as I hear God speaking to

me through the devotions. …..Liz Samis, Drayton, Ontario, Canada.

I find the Daily to be a calming reprieve in the hubbub of day-to-day earthly matters that

cause us stress and concern. Whether I read the Daily in the morning, evening, or

somewhere in between, I find it calms my thinking and reminds me that God is in control,

that I am one of His children, and that He loves me in spite of my sins. …..Peter Morrison,

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Although the Daily website is provided by the Presbyterian Church in Canada, writing is not

restricted to Canadians or Presbyterians. Devotionals are submitted by volunteers from all over

the world, from places like Uganda, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, and Britain, as

well as Canada and the USA, making Daily truly on online community with friendships

throughout the world. The sincerity of the writers is obvious. A “PrayerLine" is also part of

Daily, where readers can ask for prayer, or pray for the concerns of others.

There are some 6000 known subscribers by e-mail, but there are several untrackable formats

besides e-mail, such as webpage, text feed, podcast, Facebook, Twitter, and smartphones. In

addition, subscribers find the devotionals useful to take to meetings of ladies, men, elders,

trustees, and study groups. Readers pass them on to friends and relatives by e-mail or word of

mouth, and use them for children's stories and sermon illustrations, so the grand total of

beneficiaries is impossible to calculate accurately.

Check it out at www.daily.presbycan.ca. We really hope that you will subscribe! The coming

season of Advent and Christmas is a time of particularly pleasant devotionals. …with contributions

from Jack Vallance, Namaimo, BC.)

www.daily.presbycan.ca.

http://www.daily.presbycan.ca./help.html

We Celebrate 152 years at Knox

This October, we celebrated the 152nd

anniversary of our church in this community. Our anniversary

beef dinner was followed on the Sunday by our special anniversary service with a guest speaker.

Our anniversary weekend started off with the

Anniversary Beef Dinner, and as usual, it was

another great hit with the community. We

served approximately 272 dinners, and you can

read details elsewhere in this newsletter.

Patiently waiting to be served …photo Rebekah Theodore

On Sunday morning, we were privileged to

have Moira Brown, one of the hosts on the

Canada wide television show 100 Huntley

Street as our guest speaker, along with her

husband Richard.

Moira and Richard Brown …photo Jack Livingstone

Moira and Richard made a great team, and

while Moira led the service and gave the

address, Richard gave a thoughtful children’s

story. Following the service, they joined with

us at a celebratory luncheon prepared by the

church session.

And

On the 100 Huntley Show, on October 29th

,

Moira made reference to this. In her

introduction to the daily programme, she

mentions speaking at Knox Presbyterian

Church in Georgetown, and shows a lovely

picture of our church. That week’s series

focused on five churches local to the

CrossRoads area. At point 19.10 on the video,

in the morning dialog, and as formal

introduction to the morning’s subject, she talks

about listening “to a delightful choir” at Knox,

and mentions Elma Harlow, who has sung in

our choir for 76 years. Elma is our own special

treasure and now our treasure has been shared

with the world.

….photo Jack Livingstone

The video clip can be found at

http://www.100huntley.com/video?fID=316956

Knox is shown at the beginning of the video

and again at about point 19.10. You can scroll

across to that point.

Happenings at Knox

Annual Bazaar

Our annual congregational bazaar, under the

sponsorship of the Friendship Circle, was held

the first Saturday of November. While the

emphasis of bazaars no longer seems to be on

handwork, baking, ‘this and that’ previously

loved articles, and lunch always seem to go

over well, as does our offering of a beautiful

hand made quilt.

Winners of draw events for the day were:

* Quilt: Caroline Cunningham, Georgetown

Ticket sold by Anne and Bill Ingles

* Basket: Lena White, of Knox

* Cake Walk: Mykala Scott, Limehouse

* Silent Auction: Susan Robertson,

* Watches: Susan Garland of Georgetown

Our thank you to all the members of the

congregation who supported our event, with

donations of goods, and by attending. Thanks

to you all, we have raised monies that will go

towards our own congregation and to help

others less fortunate than ourselves.

Bazaars had early been an annual event in

Knox, except for a ten year period in 60/70’s.

In 1974, the Friendship Circle decided to

institute the practice once again, holding a

bazaar and bake sale. The next year we invited

the KLA to join with us, added a lunch room,

and the rest, as they say is history – now 38

years later ☺

Acoustic Circus Came to Knox

On Friday night November 9th

, as the Main

Street of town was bustling with evening

diners, they must have wondered at the

bouncing music coming from the Church on the

Corner, as The Acoustic Circus came one again

to Knox. Thanks to the talents and connections

of our own organist, Herb Ciceri, a small group

of extremely talented musicians came to join

him in presenting an eclectic assortment of

music on a wide variety of instruments,

accompanied by multi screened video

presentations.

Joining Herb (who has incredibly flexible

fingers on the keyboards) and back by popular

demand was Ray Kingsmore, playing various

percussion instruments, and Charlie Finlay on

the saxophone and flute. They were joined by

Canadian soprano Ardra Shepherd, who has

sung around the world.

We have been so very fortunate to have these

fellows treat us several times now, and look

forward to each and every presentation with

great anticipation. We only wish we didn’t

have to wait so very long between gigs ☺

Many thanks to you all, Herb, Ray, Charlie and

Ardra.

It was a great evening.

…photo - Tom Bentley

Knox Family Korner Page 1

Knox Family Korner

Congratulations:

Our congratulations to Rev. Peter Barrow, former minister here at Knox, who

was recently presented with a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. These

awards are made to residents in recognition of their contributions to their

community, and Rev. Barrow certainly does fall in that category, volunteers

many hours to our community and town organizations. Our congratulations,

Rev. Barrow, and a thank you from our town for all your work.

A Warm Word of Welcome:

We have noticed a few new faces appearing in the congregation over the last few weeks, and we

hope you have been made to feel welcome. Please do come down and join in our simple coffee

time following the morning service. It is an opportunity to circulate and to meet other members

of the congregation.

Wedding Anniversaries:

In October, two Knox couples celebrated special anniversaries of their marriages. On Oct 9th

,

Joyce and Don Gosling celebrated 69 years, and on Oct 30th

, Rene and Eric Baker celebrated 66

years. Belatedly, but none the less sincerely, your Knox family sends you our very best for

continued good health and happiness.

Sick and Shut In:

A big hello to our sick and shut in family members who are no longer able to join

with us each Sunday. We would love to name each of you, but of course, that is

impossible, so please know that we think about you all, and do miss each and every

one of you. We hope that some of you are able to enjoy our morning worship

services by listening in on the telephone, although it is not always the best sound.

Recuperating from recent illness and/or hospital stays are Norma Fiebig, Carol Kostiuk, Isabelle

Macdonald, Sue Britton and Louis Archambault, who underwent recent emergency eye surgery.

It is great to see Keith Wellstead back up on his feet after recent surgery. We are very sorry to

learn that Al Shepherd is in our local hospital.

Passings:

20 September 2012

Our hearts and sympathy went out to the Norma and Carson Rae and their whole

family, in the sudden passing of their grand daughter, Kelly (Rae) Murray. Kelly left a

husband and three young children, as well as parents and grandparents, and a large

extended family. Our thoughts and prayers were and are with you all as you face the

future without Kelly.

23 October 2012

Our sympathy to Elma Harlow and her family on the loss of Elma’s sister, Nan Wheeler, at the

age of 102. Elma and Nan and their ten siblings were the great great grandchildren of George

Knox Family Korner Page 2

and Sarah Kennedy, the founders of our town. Nan was a very active member of the Glen

Williams community, and leaves an extended family.

Our sympathy goes to Elma and family and the Wheeler family family.

18 November 2012

After a short period of illness, Jean King passed away in the local hospital. Jean was an active

member of Knox for many years, and a very active and well known member of our community.

Our sincere sympathy goes to her son Wayne, and her one remaining sister Yvonne who lives in

Northern Ontario.

The Importance of a Greeter:

A portion of a letter to the editor in the recent Presbyterian Record, mentions instructions from a

‘hospitality CEO’ who says it is imperative to greet people when they enter your establishment –

to open the door for guests, extend your hand to shake hands, all the while smiling and saying

“Welcome, we’re so glad you came!” The writer goes on to say that the last time a church

greeted people in such a fashion was many years ago at a church in BC, and suggests that it is

something to put into practice in each of our churches and homes!

Well, she hasn’t been to Knox ☺ We know the importance of greeting

people and making people feel welcome. First impressions are ever lasting,

especially for someone who has never been to Knox before.

PLEASE be a part of our team of greeters. It only means getting to church a little early to

welcome people with a warm handshake and a few words. What a great way to start the day and

it can make a world of difference to a newcomer. A part of our duty as a greeter is assisting in

taking up collection, and most people help with the counting afterwards, always guided by

someone well versed in doing so. You are never without guidance and help.

PLEASE offer to help, by giving your name and dates you will help, to Marnie Thompson. You

can do so at coffee hour after church, or if you want to call her you may do so at 905-873-6220.

And a Special Thank You - To all the people on our Search Committee. It seems to be a long time since we started this

process, but please know how much the congregation appreciates the time and effort that it takes

to work through this long procedure. Soon we will start into a new year, and with it comes the

promise of good things ahead. As a congregation, I guess we all just need patience ☺

A Kitchen Request:

For a time now we have been using the blue re-cycling boxes in our kitchen, and recently started

using the small brown and/or large green compost bins. PLEASE, if you are going to use either

of these, do not do so unless the bin is lined. Dumping refuse and coffee grounds into an unlined

bin just makes for one awful mess for someone else to have to clean up. There is a box of

compost bin liners on the shelf behind the garbage cupboard beside the large stove.

A Very Merry Christmas to each and every one of you and your families.

And remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season

UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES

Wed Nov 28th

: Friendship Circle will meet at 7:00 in the Ladies Parlour. Following the

meeting, Kendra Zammit will give a presentation on her experience in

Brazil as an exchange student.

Sunday Dec 2nd

: Morning Worship and celebration of Holy Communion

11:00 am, with Rev. Marion Schaffer

Friday Dec 7th

: Holiday Magic on Main, sponsored by the downtown BIA

Knox church halls will be the home of the 2nd

Holiday Market, a collection

of Farmers Market vendor’s, crafters and bakers. It is an interesting

market place. Come in and maybe pick up a special Christmas gift.

Sunday Dec 9th

: Morning Worship, 11:00 am, with Rev. Gerald Rennie

Sunday Dec 16th

: Morning Worship, 11:00 am, with Craig Hutchison

Sunday Dec 23rd

: Morning Worship and Service of 9 Lessons and Carols

11:00 am, with Eric Walton and special music by our choir

Sunday Dec 30th

: Morning Worship, 11:00 am, with Emma Duncan

Sunday Jan. 6th

: Morning Worship, 1st Service of 2013 and the start of a brand new year☺

A Special Thank You

To all the people who have preached from the pulpit of Knox over the past few months. It has

been an interesting and learning time for the congregation to have had such a wide variety of

speakers. We would especially like to thank the members of our own congregation who have

stepped in at various times to bring us a variety of messages in word and music.

Your efforts have all been very much appreciated.

Watch the Knox website at www.knoxgeorgetown.ca

for updated news, information and events.

knox winter newsletter 2012

Documents

church leaders

knox treasurer

knox kirk session

church secretary

dennis mclay residence

church bazaar

katrina walton residence

joan collier residence