Knox News

Pentecost

May 2018

Inside This Edition

Knox United Church

2569 Midland Ave. Agincourt ON M1S 1R3

Tel: 416­293­4424 Fax:416­293­6128 email: knoxunited@bellnet.ca website: www.myknox.ca

2 ­ A Cultural Dim Sum,Volunteering Summer Camps, 3 ­ Rev Rob’s Ramblings An Intercultural Church4­ Congregational Meeting 5 ­ From your Presbytery Reps.

6 ­ Worship Corner Upcoming services7 ­ CE News, Pastoral Care Financial Update8 ­ Mencuis on Humanity9 ­ Tell Your Story10 ­ Looking Ahead Knox Concert Series, Moon Festival11 ­ Scent Free Zone, Nut Free zone12 ­ Photo Gallery

169th Annual General MeetingThe 169th Annual meeting of Knox was held on Sunday, May 6. This was the second year the meeting was held during worship, highlighting that in the church, Worship and Work must be One. (Chorus of Voices United #410.) The Annual Report, which includes reports from each of the committees of Knox, was approved and members of the staff spoke of their work. While Rob, Linda, Richard, and Jayne spoke, pictures of the activities of Worship and Music, Pastoral Care, The Chinese Ministry and Church School highlighted the stories of 2017 and 2018. Please take one copy of the Annual Report per family.An updated Ministry Articulation Profile (MAP) was approved. Toronto Conference requires that congregations who are preparing for a new minister consider eight categories of ministry and rank them. It is not easy since all are important. However, a minster considering applying to Knox will know the areas of ministry which are important to us. Ministers who are looking for a change in pastoral relations complete a similar profile of themselves which will help our Interview Team to learn about their passions and strengths.

continued on page 4

A Cultural Dim Sum

Saturday, June 16, 2018,6:00 – 9:00 pmCE Auditorium

Food MusicDance

Dress GamesStories

Details on page 2Gathering for worship

Knox News ­ May 2018Page ­ 2

Pentecost 2018

This editionThanks to everyone who has contributed articles to this edition of the Knox News. Submissions Editors: Cheryl Amos, Manley James. Submit articles and pictures to the Communication Committee c/o the church office, by email to knoxunited@bellnet.ca.Please direct advertising inquires to Manley (knoxinfo@bellnet.ca).

Communication Chair, Manley James.

SUMMER CAMPSIf you are looking for some summer camp ideas, these are United Church Camps you can check out.Camp Big Canoe: Bracebridgehttp://www.campbigcanoe.caCamp Simpresca: Georgian Bay, near Midlandhttp://www.simpresca.netSparrow Lake: just north of Orilliahttp://www.sparrowlakecamp.comCamp Scugog: Port Perryhttp://lakescugogcamp.orgRyde Lake CGIT Camp: 12 miles from Gravenhurst. Has a family camp .http://www.rydelakecamp.com

Saturday, June 16, 2018, 6:00 – 9:00 pmCE Auditorium

Food Music DanceDress Games StoriesBecome more aware of and embrace the cultures in Knox Agincourt. This will be an Intercultural Evening – showcasing as many cultures as possible in the congregation. The plan is to have dishes from all corners of the world. Tickets are $10 with extra tasting tickets and family packages available – and there will be gate prize(s). Experience cultural music, dressSo, for a successful fund fun­filled evening what's needed?• Volunteers to prepare cultural dish(s), serve/explain what it is/they are• Volunteers to offer to share music etc. for the blended entertainment• All to wear cultural dresses• All to purchase tickets • You to invite friends and family to share the evening with us.

Volunteering is not about money or padding a resume, but rather a more intrinsic one.

In serving others, you are practicing faith in another meaningful way. Often the opportunity to volunteer is not a rational, well thought process, but being at the right place at the right time.

Thank you to all our volunteers, sometimes just opening a door, asking questions, or accepting a challenge can make all the difference in your life and someone else’s.

Coordinator for the Out of the Cold Program.We are looking for a coordinator for the Out of the Cold as Cheryl Amos has given up the position.Cheryl has provided a job description which is easy to follow when you decide to take on the role.

Volunteering can make a difference in your life

A Cultural Dim Sum

Knox News ­ June 2018 Page ­ 3

Knox News

Rev. Rob Ramblings

A ministry colleague, way out in Southern California, whom I’ve never met, but I feel like I know through reading his blogs, recently wrote these significant words in his latest blog; ‘On one day in June, I won’t be retired, the next

day, I will be. But on either side of retirement, I’ll phone someone during the worst time of their life and try to let them know someone is listening and caring.’ For me personally it will be the last day in January that I won’t be retired and then on the first day in February I will be. The question remains however; will I still be in ministry, in the manner in which Larry Patten in his blog on retirement speaks, regardless of where I find myself or with whom? Will I still feel the impetus, the heart’s desire, the bent, the draw towards such, in my life? Good question! I certainly hope so!Last fall, in the early days of my sabbatical, at a seminar in Montreal, led by the best selling author of ‘Conversations with God!’ Neale Donald Walsch these words resonated; ‘Be the healing presence in the room’. Walsh went on to suggest that we ‘tattoo those words on our left wrist’. I haven’t had the courage yet to do that. Truth is; I am afraid of needles! LOL! But the reality is, it takes greater courage to ask ourselves, has my ministry been about such; being

the ‘healing presence in the room’? It is a harsh and difficult question. It takes us far beyond mere platitudes, lofty sermons, church politics, financial wrangling, and the ongoing ‘adminis­trivia’ of church life! It is as basic as the words and sentiment of the old Sunday School chorus; ‘This little light of mine, I’m going let it shine! Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m going to let it shine! Let it shine till…’ the day I retire and maybe even brighter the day after that?Is it simply a question for me, as I prepare to retire as Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care or does it need to be posed by us all? ‘Being the healing presence in the room!• Has my life been about such? • No matter what room I walk into? • Regardless of it’s inhabitants? • Have I been the healing presence in the room?

Jesus himself stood among them. But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts?Luke 24;36& 37

Rev Rob

Intercultural means living together with a respectful awareness of each other’s differences. We do this by examining ourselves, building relationships, and distributing power fairly.An intercultural church is a welcoming church…It is joyful, accepting, and life­giving.It trusts that God’s Spirit opens us to new experiences. It recognizes that those experiences can be challenging, painful, or uncomfortable.In referring to God, it uses a range of names and images. In writing policies and making statements, it

uses many different images and ways of speaking.It is committed to listening and learning, not just to speaking and teaching. It invites full participation and dialogue. It allows itself to be changed.(This is a plain language revision of the “Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church,” which was adopted at the Executive of General Council (GCE) in October 2012 as part of the report “Intercultural Ministries: Living into Transformation.”) https://commons.united­church.ca/

An Intercultural Church

Knox News ­ May 2018Page ­ 4

Pentecost 2018

Congregational Meeting, May 6, 2018

Knox has identified goals and reviewed programs since 2015. Our new goal for 2018/19 is to call a new minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care. This chart indicates goals which are on­going in other areas. Copies of the Annual Report and the complete Ministry Articulation Profile are available from the Church Office.The 169th Annual Meeting had a second purpose.

Since Rob has declared that he will be retiring at the end of January 2019, Council prepared and approved the required paper work, including a Position Description for a new minister, a profile of Knox, including information about our demographics, finances and the community and the Ministry Articulation Profile.

Rank Area

1 Worship Our specific goal this year (2018 – 2019) is to call a new Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care.

2 Growing In Faith From the 2015 CE goals for 5 years.Our specific goals for this year (2018 – 2019) is to increase the number of part time staff, to include a Youth CE Assistant to facilitate a Youth program and to improve the technology in our Sunday school to engage the children more actively in Sunday school activities.

3 Stewardship During 2018 / 19, the congregation will have a challenge to increase financial donations at a rate greater than expenditures, greater than the rate of inflation and greater than in previous years. There are renovations and repairs required in 2018 to the heating system of the Christian Education building.

4 Pastoral / Spiritual Care In 2018/ 19 Council and the congregation will work closely with the Pastoral Care Committee and the Minister of Visitation and Seniors’ Programs to enhance this additional ministry.

5 Leadership.

6 Justice, Outreach and Sharing the Good News

7 Belonging, ExtravagantWelcome, Wellness

8 Wider Relationships

Continued on page 5

Knox News ­ June 2018 Page ­ 5

Knox News

The theme for the 43rd General Council is Risking Faith, Daring Hope. These words, together with the logo, will be an evocative presence throughout the

General Council meeting.Theme: Risking and daring—these are strong action words that call forth our courage and our trust in God. In times of fear, when we may be tempted to retreat into the familiar, comfortable, and “safe,” we are called to a faith that takes risks, that dares to hope in a future we cannot yet see. This hope is not passive, but rather propels us to stretch beyond our assumed limits, to risk profound transformation for the sake of our own healing and the healing of the world.Logo: The dove, a symbol of faith, love and peace soars in the midst of a blue wave, representing the many challenges that threaten to overwhelm us. The wave can also be seen as a tide of positive change. We move forward with the wave, determined

to meet challenges with strength drawn from our faith. The dove passes through the wave and is warmed by the sun, a symbol of all life that gives us hope.The 43rd General Council of The United Church of Canada, co­hosted by the All Native Circle and Bay of Quinte Conferences, is being held on the campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) located at 2000 Simcoe St. North, Oshawa, Ontario, from Saturday, July 21, through Friday, July 27.A Festival of Faith, an all­ages community event will kick­off The Council at 10:00 am on July 21st and 22nd at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Durham College, Oshawa. The festival will feature musicians, authors, dancers, storytellers and craftspeople. Check it out. It’s free.The Moderator, Jordan Cantwell, has issued an invitation to congregations to join in the opening worship service on Sunday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time – in person or via livestream https://generalcouncil43.ca/

The congregation approved a recommendation of Council to request that Toronto Southeast Presbytery declare a vacancy at Knox for February 1, 2019 and to request Toronto Conference to appoint a Conference Liaison to support the work of the Interview Team. The following people were appointed at the Congregational Meeting to serve on the Knox Interview Team; Cheryl Amos, James Gillespie, Maggie Ma, Van Hori, Sam Merca, Nancy Wayment, Phil Smith, John Skears, and Mary Burton.The Interview Team will keep the congregation informed during their work and the congregation needs to keep them in their prayers. The Team will inform the congregation when they have selected a candidate. If you would like to learn more about the process, The Toronto Conference Handbook for congregations

looking for a new minister is available online ­ https://torontoconference.ca/wp­content/uploads/2016/11/2017­01­el­cof­HANDBOOK­seeking­a­new­call­or­appointment­v3.pdf.

Congregational Meetingcontinued from page 4

Toronto Conference will hold its 94th Annual Meeting May 25 – 26 in Midland, Ontario. If Remit 1 (Three Council Model) is passed at the 43rd General Council in July 2018, most of Toronto conference will be a part of a new Regional Council 10. The new system will be effective as of January 1, 2019

Chairing the Meeting are co­chairs: James McAllister and Joey Downes, with Secretary: Marg Walker

From your Presbytery Reps

Knox News ­ May 2018Page ­ 6

Pentecost 2018

Here we are thinking about summer, although it hasn’t been feeling much like it; and at the same time, the 2018 – 2019 Church Year. Join the members of your Knox family during the summer for meaningful worship experiences.

Summer Bulletins and Announcement DeadlinesThe single sheet order of service, with a monthly announcement sheet, will be used for July and August worhip bulletin. Feel free to take the all the sheets with you or leave the order of service behind for the following Sunday.If you have announcements to share during the summer, contact the church office by:•June 20 for the July announcement sheet •July 18 for the August announcement sheet ­ include early September announcements.

Volunteers Needed: Scripture readers and candle lighters for July and August please contact the Church Administrator or the Chair of Worship. If you wish to be on the 2018 – 2019 Scripture Reader Schedule, call or visit the Church Office. While you are at it, have a look at the sign­up sheet for the Memorial Candles. It’s on the notice board in The Heritage Room.

Worship Corner

Baptism and MembershipThinking of membership and/or baptism, please contact the Rev. Selby or the church office as soon as you have made your decision.

The cross , a gift from The Church of The Master, had a meaningful impact during the Lenten Season. The banner on south wall, another gift from Church of The Master, enhanced the décor in The Sanctuary.

Upcoming Services summer 2018

May 20 PentecostCommunion & Membership

May 27 Guest Preacher – Rev. Alan LaiJune 3 Guest Preacher ­ Rev, Wenh­In Ng

English/Mandarin ServiceJune 10 Guest Preacher – Ms Adele Boy

93rd Anniversary of Church UnionJune 17 Guest Preacher – Ms Adele Halliday

Fathers’ Day/ Aboriginal SundaySunday School Recognition

July 1 Canada Day ­ July 8 Child BaptismJuly 15 Guest Preacher – Mr. Stephen MiltonJuly 22 43rd General Council Opening Worhip

­ OshawaJuly 29 Guest Preacher –Rev. Nestor MedinaAugust 26 Guest Preacher ­ Rev. Dr. Japhet NdhlovuSeptember 2 Guest Preacher ­ Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu

English/Mandarin Service

Looking ahead: 2018 – 2019 Church Year

September 16 Sunday School Kick­OffBaptism/Membership

October 7 Thanksgiving SundayEnglish/Mandarin ServiceWorld Wide Communion

Summer Worship

Knox News ­ June 2018 Page ­ 7

Knox News

Only a few more Sundays to go before Summer.Knox CE is a busy and engaging place to be… hope you can join us!

1. Mother’s Day & Baptism Sunday (May 13th)Special crafts, beautiful carnations, celebration of baptism.

2. Victoria Day Long Weekend (May 20th)All Church School classes together for special programming.

3. Knox Cultural Event for our 170th (June 16th)CE will be there.

4. Father’s Day & Recognition Sunday (June 17th)• Yummy fellowship hour treats supplied by the Church School as a thank you to the congregation.

• Special recognition will be given to the 3 senior

youth transitioning to University in the Fall.

5. Canada Day Service. (Sunday, July 1st)Bubbles, party hats, flags, celebratory fun.

6. Summer Church School coverage. (July 1st – August 26th)

• 9 Sundays with a co­leading summer ministry team.

• Stories, games, crafts, videos, popcorn & freezies.

September Kickoff & Annual Picnic Celebration ­ stay tuned. Have a Healthy and’ Happy Summer ­ God Bless

Jayne

Pastoral Care At Knox

On the 4th Wednesday of each month, our Knox ministers, Linda or Rob, conduct a worship service at Shepherd Village. 67 people attended our April service. This is an amazing achievement!

Several Knox members now reside at Shepherd Village including our talented pianist, Elaine Conner. We provide a meaningful message, wonderful music

and great assistance by our volunteers. Thanks to everyone who helps out! The Pastoral Care Committee wishes everyone a safe and happy summer. Take time to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Joanne RogdeChair: Pastoral Care Committee

Christian Education News

Financial UpdatePlease help make 2018 another successful year at Knox. At the end of April, we have a year­to­date deficit of $20,654.We need your help through the summer months to improve our situation. Your generosity is very much appreciated. With faith and your continued support, all things are possible.

Name TagsDon't forget to wear your name tags! It helps new families and visitors learn who we are.If you don't have a name tag, contact the church office and arrange for one.

Knox News ­ May 2018Page ­ 8

Pentecost 2018

Mencius On Humanity

Mencius was born a century after the death of Confucius. A contemporary of Plato and Aristotle, he lived in a time known as the Warring States period characterized by social anarchy, political instability and constant wars in which larger states gradually

swallowed up their smaller neighbors.Like Confucius, Mencius taught in a private school of his own until he was about forty and then traveled around trying to persuade rulers of various states to practice benevolence and righteousness, but to no avail. Mencius’s thoughts, sparkling with eloquent wisdom, have influenced the Chinese for two thousand years. I found his views on human nature and personal integrity to be of particular interest.On Human Nature Mencius believes when left to follow its natural inclination, human nature will do good. It is only natural that a child loves his parents; a boy respects his elder brother. All men have a sense of mercy, a sense of shame, a sense of respect and a sense of what is right and wrong.

For example, if we see a child about to fall into a well, we will be horrified and try to rescue the child. It is not because we want to gain the favor of the child's parents, or seek approbation from friends and neighbors, or fear that we may be blamed if we do not rescue the child. It is only in our nature to want to do so. As we cannot bear to see others suffer, the outcome will be human compassion if we extend that feeling to whoever we meet with. And the outcome will be righteousness if we extend that feeling to whatever

we do.

Submitted by Richard Wang

Mencius, also known by his birth name Meng Ke or Ko,

was born in the State of Zou.After he was born, his father died and he was subsequenty brought up by his

mother alone.

Continued on page 9

Knox News ­ June 2018 Page ­ 9

Knox News

Mencius On HumanityContinued from page 8

Mencius said, "if a man can develop the feeling of not wishing to harm others, his human compassion would be inexhaustible. If a man can extend the feeling of not wanting to steal, his righteousness will be inexhaustible. If a man can expand his desire of not wanting to be looked down upon by others, he will behave honestly wherever he goes. "The feeling of compassion is the beginning of humanity; the sense of shame is the beginning of righteousness; the sense of respect is the beginning of propriety; and the sense of what is right and wrong is the beginning of wisdom.”Everyone has these four intrinsic qualities, only we don't think about them consciously. Therefore if we seek, we will find them. If we neglect, we will lose them. Mencius believes we can develop these qualities through thinking. The main function of the mind is to think, and we have to think before we gain something.

A great man places the spiritual part of himself before his bodily desire and will not let the latter interfere with what the former decides to do. Those who behave like beasts are still human beings, only they have lost their nature. They must try to restore their nature.If we allow our inborn nobility to flourish through spiritual self­cultivation, we will have all that is needed to govern the world. If we don't, we won't be able to even take care of our own family.From “The Book of Chinese Wisdom” by Michael C. Tang

Tell Your Story

Why tell your story?Our story about our journey of faith up to is one the best tool we have to spread the Good News. This can be personal, real, and it is what we know the most about our own experience with God.

Write your story down.Take a few minutes to sit down, pray, and write out your personal faith experiences asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Making notes will help you organize your thoughts.

How long should it be?Your story should be about two or three paragraphs long or can to be told in three minutes or less. A good story should be engaging and concise, including life changing moments.

Focus on what has impacted your life:Your life before accepting Christ as your personal saviour or joining the Knox congregation.How you met Christ and came to that decision to be

baptised or to join Knox as a member.The difference Jesus has made in your life and how it now plays a part in how you live.

Tell us your story Let us know if you'd like to share your story with the rest of the church. Someone from our staff will contact you.

Indicate what is your Story is about;­ Salvation and Transformation­ Prayer and Healing­ Care and Support­ Small Groups Ministry­ Other

Please contact a Communications Committee member about sharing your story in the next Knox News or send an email to knoxinfo@bellnet.ca

Communications Committee

(Members: Eva Chui, Yvonne Chin, Jim Ma , Manley James)

Knox News ­ May 2018Page ­ 10

Pentecost 2018

Canada Day 151st.

Plan to remain in Toronto for this weekend to worship and celebrate with your Knox family on

Sunday July 1st.. Stay tuned for the details.

May 27, 4 pm ­ ROSS AND FRIENDS The final concert in this year’s series, featuring Ross and various Musical Guests!

June 16, 6pm A Cultural Dim Sum

July 1, 10am Knox Canada DayWatch for details in the coming weeks

September 16 ­ Sunday School Kick­Off

October 7 ­ Thanksgiving Sunday English/Mandarin Service World Wide Communion

Looking Ahead 2018 – 2019 Church Year

Knox News ­ June 2018 Page ­ 11

Knox News

The existing low efficiency (70%) boiler in the CE Building (picture below) has served us very well for 60 years, and must now be replaced as it cannot

be insured anymore.The Property Committee has received bids to replace the existing boiler and has contracted with Technical Air Systems Inc. to remove the existing boiler including asbestos material and install two (2) high (95%) efficiency small modern boilers .

The costs for the project are budgeted at $60,000 plus HST, with the boiler cost at $50,000, electrical work at $5,000, plumbing for a new sump pump at $3,000 and a contingency of $2,000 for unforeseen extra costs.

The project will be completed in July and early August of this year, when the Montessori School is on vacation. More information will be made available to the Congregation in the fall about a “financial campaign" for Knox to repay the cost of the boiler project. The initial costs will be funded by a 5­year interest free loan from Toronto United Church Council in the amount of $50,000 and internal cash reserves. It is expected that there will be significant savings in costs of gas over the lifetime of these new boilers as well an environmental benefit in not producing as much greenhouse gasses in the future.

Knox CE Building Boiler Replacement Project – July 2018

Scent Free, Nut Free Environment

Many scented products contain volatile organic compounds which can cause a variety of adverse reactions to people who suffer with

breathing problems, such as hay fever and environmental sensitivities. The active ingredient in perfume, phenol, is the main culprit bothering those with allergies and/or asthma.

To ensure our environment is safe for people who have severe reactions to scented products, such as aftershave, scented lotions, perfume, hair spray, etc, we’re asking everyone’s cooperation in eliminating the use of scented products while attending worship and events at Knox. Let’s work together by having consideration for people who are affected by allergies.

A growing number of people in our society are allergic to nuts and the symptoms are extremely dangerous. Swelling, difficulty with breathing, vomiting, loss of consciousness, anaphylactic

shock and even death can result.

In order to protect everyone who attend Knox United Church, we ask that no products containing nuts be brought onto the church premises. This includes all tree and ground nuts, and any butters or extracts made from them, including: peanuts (and peanut butter), almonds (and almond butter), pecans, walnuts, macadamia, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, and pine nuts. At Knox United, we strive to be a nut product / nut free zone.

Several years ago, the Knox Council decided that Knox would be scent­free and nut­free. Here is a reminder:

Knox United Church ­ Agincourt2569 Midland Ave.Toronto, Ontario

M1S 1R3Phone: 416-293-4424

email: knoxunited@bellnet.cawebsite: www.myknox.ca

Rev. Rob Selby - Lead Minister ............................ext 203Rev. Linda Petrides - Minister of Visitation and Seniors

Programming .....................ext 202Ross Inglis - Director of Music ..............................ext 204Jayne Bossert - Christian Education Coordinator...ext 205Richard Wang - Chinese Ministry Coordinator ..... ext 206Mario Martell - Church Custodian..........................ext 209Tricia Cook - Church Office Administrator.............ext 201

Men's Saturday Morning Breakfast, April 21

The choirs of Mississauga, Toronoto Chinese and Knox United Church came together for great performance at Toronto Chinese 100th Anniversary Concert.

On Mother's Day Nyla and Nichelle children of Jessica and Nicholas (left photo) and Abigail, daughter of Christine and Andre, were baptised.