GOOD
NEWS
LETTER
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO
Knox Presbyterian Church History
Chapter 18
We open a new chapter in the Book of Knox History Welcome Rev. Steven Boose And family
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: Email:
www.knoxgeorgetown.ca knoxpc@cogeco.ca
Clerk of Session: Joan Collier Residence phone: 905-702-0053 Email: bjcollier@sympatico.ca Church Secretary: Rebekah Theodore Office Open 8:30 am -12:30 pm Tuesday – Friday 905-877-7585 Email: knoxpc@cogeco.ca Chairman, Finance and Maintenance: Dennis McLay Residence phone: 905-877-2948 Email: dennismclay@sympatico.ca Knox Treasurer: Dennis McLay Residence Phone: 905-877-2948 Email: dennismclay@sympatico.ca Mission and Outreach Committee: Eric and Katrina Walton Residence Phone: 905-878-1588 Email: ericwalton@sympatico.ca or katrinawalton@sympatico.ca Sundays Cool Superintendent: Fuego Youth Leader: Craig Hutchison Residence phone: 519-853-1379 Email: craig.hutchison@rbc.com Webmaster: Linda Zammit Residence phone: 905-702-7653 Email: webmaster@knoxgeorgetown.ca Newsletter Editor: Dawn Livingstone Residence phone: 905-877-6506 Email: dawnlivingstone716@hotmail.com
To our new Minister Reverend Steve Boose and family For well over a year, our intrepid search committee has been working on choosing a person who will lead the congregation of Knox as we open yet another chapter in our history. Working around and with the obstacles they encountered, they have our sincere gratitude and thanks for all the hours of work they have put in. Over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, the Boose Family from Strathroy came to spend some time in Georgetown, to have a look at Knox and Limehouse Churches and our town, and to decide if they might choose to make this their next ‘port of call.’ They had an extremely busy weekend, spending Saturday lunch and the afternoon with the congregation of Limehouse, and supper and the evening with the congregation of Knox. On Sunday, they were again back with Reverend Steve Boose preaching the service at both churches. Following the services, the congregations had the opportunity to vote and it was with overwhelming agreement that we asked, or ‘called’ The Reverend Steve Boose to minister to our two congregations. It was again with trepidation that we then awaited his confirmation, and then again, that of the presbyteries involved. The change of a minister in the Presbyterian Church certainly is a long and involved one ☺ Finally, we are delighted that Reverend Steve Boose, his wife Kathy and family have decided to join with us at Knox. Ordained in 1998, he has served congregations in Prince Edward Island and Strathroy, and we are looking forward to having them here in Georgetown. From Knox Bulletin, Sunday 23 June 2013 “Dear Friends: At the meeting of the Presbytery of Lambton-West Middlesex on June 19th, the Call was presented to me after all of the appropriate steps had been taken, and I agreed to accept it – this means that all the “legal” hurdles have been more-or-less cleared, and all that’s left is time! We have made arrangements to purchase a house at 175 Mountainview Road North in Georgetown and we take possession on the 31st of July – when we know further about our actual moving date, we will have more to say about that too. If all goes according to plan, I look forward to being in the pulpit on the 11th of August and Rev. Wendy will be confirming a date for an induction service as soon as possible. We are looking forward to all of the new possibilities, new experiences and new adventures that will be coming our way with this move, and all the blessings that we will share between us over the course of my upcoming ministry to you. Let’s all walk forward together with Christ!” Rev. Steve Boose will preach his first services from Limehouse and Knox Georgetown on Sunday, August 11th, and he will be inducted into both churches at a service to be held in Knox at 7:00 pm on Sunday August 18th. Following the service, a reception will be held. Let’s all turn out to give the Boose family a big warm friendly welcome as they come to know we the people, and their new adopted home of Georgetown.
Chapters in the Book of Knox History A timeline of those who have served in our pulpit Chapter 1:
Chapter 2: Chapter 3: Chapter 4: Chapter 5: Chapter 6: Chapter 7: Chapter 8: Chapter 9: Chapter 10: Chapter 11: Chapter 12:
Chapter 13: Chapter 14: Chapter 15:
Chapter 16:
Chapter 17: Chapter 18:
Rev. Dr. Burns 1860-1861 - First minister, and the man who established Knox. Under his leadership in Nov 1961, the congregation of Limehouse Presbyterian Church formally joined with Knox Georgetown as a joint congregation. Rev. Robert Ewing, 1862-1876 The man for whom Ewing Street is named. Lived in the first, briefly owned, church manse on Ewing Street. Rev. John Pringle, 1878-1883 Ordained here in Knox. Served as moderator of General Assembly in 1919, and was an army chaplain in the First World War. Rev. W.G. Wallace, 1883-1888 Ordained here in Knox. Moved to Toronto where he ministered at Bloor Street Church for thirty years. Rev. A.H. Drumm, 1888-1890 Georgetown/Limehouse was his first pastoral charge. Rev. D.M. Buchanan, 1891-1893 Georgetown/Limehouse was his first pastoral charge as well. Rev. L. Perrin, 1894-1903 Led the church through it=s rebuilding programme after the devastating fire in the winter of 1901. Rev. R.F. Cameron, 1904-1924 The only minister to have died while in our pastoral charge. Our baptismal font was given in his memory. Rev. K. MacLean, 1925-1930 The first minister to live in the newly built manse on Edith Street, 1926. Later became an early radio minister. Rev. Dr. A.L. Howard, 1930-1935 Served on many church boards and committees and wrote two religious books. Rev. D.D. Davidson, 1936-1941 After he left Knox, he worked as an Army Chaplin. Rev. C.C. Cochrane, 1941-1948 He also served on many senate, presbytery and college boards and administrative committees. It was his father who dedicated the present church building in 1888. Rev. Alex Calder, 1948-1960 Served as Moderator of the 110th General Assembly in 1984. Minister at the time of the 100th Anniversary of Knox in 1960. Rev. F.N. Young, 1961-1971 Still well remembered by many now Amiddle aged@ members of Knox Rev. Peter Barrow, 1972-2001 Our former minister, he came to us, with his family, directly from Scotland. He retired in 2001, still lives in town, is still extremely active in community events, and attends Knox. Interim Minister, Rev. Dr. Robert Spencer, 2002-2003 Rev. Dr. Kobie du Plessis, 2003- 2005 Rev. Du Plessis, his wife and son came from South Africa. In August 2005 he left and become a minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Interim Minister, Rev. Gerald Rennie, 2005-2006 Rev. Dr. James Cooper, 2006-2012 Rev. Cooper came from Port Credit. He retired in January 2012 and lives in Limehouse, and he and his wife attend Knox. Rev. Steve Boose will be the 18th ordained minister of Knox. He and his family come to us from Strathroy and we look forward to a long and rewarding time under his guidance.
Our warmest welcome to the Boose Family.
Knox Kirk Session Report Whether it is a hot, humid summer or a cool, wet summer, we all enjoy the summertime atmosphere. Saturday mornings at the farmers’ market, day trips around Southern Ontario, catching up on summer reads, and barbecues and pool parties fill our days. This summer, we look forward with great anticipation to the ministry of Rev. Steve Boose. Although the pulpit supply leaders have done an admirable job, it is exciting to look forward to full time ministry once again. The Session has many hopes and dreams for our congregation. We look forward to meeting with Rev. Boose to share our aspirations with him. I can hardly wait to see how God will dovetail our collective gifts and talents with the mission and vision of the church to further His kingdom in downtown Georgetown and throughout Halton Hills. During your summer musings, take time to consider how God can use you to help our church to grow in His service. Mark your calendars for the events in August, and gather for Rally Sunday in September, ready to receive spiritual guidance from our new minister. Until then, allow the summer days to renew and refresh you; body, mind and soul. Looking forward to seeing you this summer, ….Joan Collier, Clerk of Session
Summer Worship at Knox Sunday July 7: Sunday July 14: Sunday July 21: Sunday July 28:
July Services – NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME 10:00 am Eric Walton 10:00 am Craig Hutchinson 10:00 am Eric Walton 10:00 am Rev. Marion Schaffer
August Services - WE ARE BACK TO 11:00 am Eric Walton Sunday August 4th: 11:00 am th Sunday August 11 : 11:00 am Reverend Steve Boose takes his first service at Knox Sunday August 18th: 11:00 am Reverend Steve Boose
Sunday Aug 18th: 7:00 pm Special Evening Service of Induction of Reverend Steve Boose Into the congregations of Limehouse and Knox Presbyterian Churches Held in Knox Georgetown There will be a reception time following. Please plan to attend this special event.
Finance and Maintenance Committee Report Our operational financial revenues for the year-to-date period ending June 30, 2013 are almost exactly the same as they were for the same period in 2012. ($78,272 vs 2012 of $78,803). However, we have a much different distribution in revenue with congregational givings being about 10% lower than 2012 and impressive gains in rental revenue, HST rebate and a one time Group Benefits Rebate of $2,484. As mentioned earlier, we attribute the lower congregational givings to lower attendance during the winter months, our current pulpit vacancy and our losses in membership to those who have relocated or gone on to join the Lord. Our expenses for the same financial period basically met budget expectations. Repair and Maintenance expenditures to both the building and equipment was favourable to the previous year and budget expectations and can be attributed to timing and favourable spin off from previous capital project investments. We are grateful to have 100% of our Presbytery Assessment, our National Assessment, our Evangel Hall assessment and our Mission & Outreach Assessment all paid by June 30, 2013. These paid commitments offer much needed financial flexibility during the next six months when we incur and adjust to the standard expenditures of a full time minister and his ministry programs. Operating expenditures for the next quarter are expected to meet budget expectations. During the second quarter, several capital projects were completed or are in progress. Jim Colter completed the very impressive artifacts cabinet and it is ready for its contents. We completed the concrete masonry pointing ($4,800 plus HST) and the Main street large window painting ($1,200. Finance & Maintenance Report
plus HST). In 2012, the south bell tower was re-pointed to repair the leak damage and now the whole church has been done. Several loose pieces of masonry pointing developed or matured during the construction vibration of the new library and we feel with this current capital expenditure our stonework should be sound and strong for another 50 years. While the sky jack was here, we painted all of the Main Street Side windows with a fresh coat of paint. The sky jack offered financial savings to the job and the fresh coat of paint enhances the beauty to our historical building. This will also avoid a reoccurrence of wood rot which we experienced and replaced in 2004. We still have plans to install a new floor in the large hall during the summer months and we are planning to install either coloured glass or murals in the west end window frames to add life and beauty to that window. Fortunately, we found the window frames to be still in good condition and did not need replacement. A metal memorial bench was recently purchased and we are grateful to the Town of Halton Hills and the BIA who have offered to pour the concrete foundation and install the bench. This should be completed within the next 10 days. Our capital project expenditures have been almost 100% covered by your faithful Building Fund givings, the HST rebate on 2012 capital projects and the financial savings generated from our internal custodian support services. Our Y-T-D Presbyterian Sharing revenue is approximately $1,500.00 or 18% below our required budget commitment as of June 30, 2013. Since this was a congregational commitment to support all of the worthy causes of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and support the operations of our National Head Office we have transferred $1,000.00 Page 1
from our operational budget. This financial support now reduces our short fall to 6%. Please give your prayerful support to this ministry. Many thanks is extended to our Landscaping Committee of Lewis Wagg, Sandy Stanfield, Greta Lamb and Bill Lawrence who have completed the flower bed planting for the year and Burt Hutchinson who keeps all of our lawns and grass in first class condition. Our lawns and gardens are an impressive addition to our building and corner and are much appreciated by the Downtown BIA. We are pleased to announce and welcome Mr. Lewis Wagg to our vacant committee position. Lewis has a strong business background and has previously served on the Finance & Maintenance committee at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Brampton. On a sadder note, it is with regret that we have received the resignation of heating and furnace maintenance man from Mike Kostiuk. For as long as I can remember, Mike was known as “The Furnace Man.” Mike, we are grateful for your many years of service in this area and ministry and you leave big shoes to fill for a replacement candidate.
Significant time and attention has been recently given to a mutually acceptable housing arrangement which will assist Rev Steve and Kathy Boose make the transition from a lower real estate market to Georgetown. F & M and the Trustees developed a creative financial arrangement which offers Steve and Kathy housing assistance and avoids Knox from having to utilize funds from within our CIF fund. These funds are invested at a much more impressive return than the GIC market. We are grateful to Prosperity One Credit Union who is a partner in this scenario and the arrangement was approved by the Brampton Presbytery last week. Our next Knox fund raiser will be on August 16, 2013 when we will be hosting our annual patio BBQ for the 2013 Rock’n Roll Classics Car Show. If you are interested and available to assist with this event, please see Dennis McLay. With many helpful hands, we can keep the shift size shorter. An exciting summer lies ahead for Knox with the arrival of our new minister. Your F & M committee are looking forward to working with Rev Boose, completing our current agenda and blending in new ideas and projects that he may want us to consider or accept. Respectfully submitted by: Victoria Colby, Dee Cope, Carol Kostiuk, Louie Archambault, Tom Bentley, Jim Colter, Jim Hepburn, Lewis Wagg and Dennis McLay, Chairman
Evangel Hall Donation At the last annual meeting, the congregation of Knox voted to allocate a special donation of $2,000 to Evangel Hall. At the morning worship on May 13th, Rev. Katherine McCloskey was our guest minister, and at that service Eric Walton, representing the congregation, presented her with our cheque. Rev McCloskey gave a very interesting address about Evangel Hall, and mentioned how Hank van Goch is still so very much remembered for all his work with them. Picture shows Eric Walton, Rev. Katherine McCloskey and Connie van Goch. Finance & Maintenance Report
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Treasurer==s Report For Year-To-Date June 30, 2013 Revenues:
Expenditures:
Operations Revenue Presbyterian Sharing
300.00 958.00 840.00 2,715.00
Current Expenditures Presbyterian Sharing Presbyterian Sharing - Cong Pay't PW S&D Mission & Outreach- Assessment Mission & Outreach - Donations
453.00 252.00 8,567.21
Sunday School Special Benevolent Fund The Presbytery of Brampton
2,484.27 616.25
PCC National Assessment Evangel Hall Assessment Fund Raiser Community Support Capital Projects
$54,073.07 7,013.00
PW S&D Sunday School Memorial Fund Building Fund Mission & Outreach Benevolent Fund HST Rebate Group Benefits Rebate Fund Raisers
Total Revenue
$78,271.80
Total Expenditures
$46,839.30 7,013.00 1,000.00 300.00 2,500.00 900.72 958.00 300.00 3,260.00 10,583.00 2,000.00 616.25 12,603.11
$88,873.38
Most Interesting Reading – it pulls no punches!! In the June issue of The Presbyterian Record, there is an extremely interesting piece titled “The Haynes Report.” “The Haynes Report – The Life and Mission Agency Research Project 2011-2012 is cleanly and clearly written. It pulls no punches. It tells the harsh story of church declining and the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s inability to respond effectively to that decline over the decades. It is an honest report. This is not the first such report to be done within the PCC. By Haynes’ own account, his completes a baker’s dozen over a half century. Perhaps this proves our running joke – which would be funny if not so true – that we love committees more than action. We didn’t get here suddenly; we watched it happen slowly over decades while we made notes and had lots of meetings. The portion excerpted here [interestingly laid out in an easily readable form in the June issue of the Presbyterian Record] is mostly the second half of the report. The full report can be found at Presbyterian.ca and linked to this article at prestyrerianrecord.ca. The other reports listed here can also be found at both addresses.”
Find it – Read it
I would like to thank the teachers again for a great year. The Sunday’s Cool teachers were Alison Crawley, Victoria Colby and Gerry Ross The Senior Class led by David Cairns A special thanks to Linda Smith who has been our treasurer over the year. We couldn’t do it without the children and youth being there on Sunday mornings. We may be taking a wee vacation over the summer but we’ll be doing it all again starting on September 8th - Rally Sunday. Coming this fall we will be breaking our group into three distinct programmes: • • •
Sunday’s Cool from grades 1-5 which will be using Group’s Buzz curriculum. ABLAZE from grades 6-8 which will be using Live Curriculum from Simply Youth Ministries Senior Class from grades 9-12 who will be using THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'LL EVER STUDY by Starr Meade CHRIST-FOLLOWER from Seacoast Church To all have a great summer and remember GOD LOVES YOU – HE JUST WANTS YOU TO LOVE HIM BACK …Respectfully submitted, Craig Hutchison
Mrs. Smith and her little daughter Betty were outside the church watching all the comings and goings of a wedding. After it was over, Betty asked her mother, “Why did the bride change her mind?” What to you mean, “change her mind?” asked Mrs. Smith? “Well,” said Betty, “she went into the church with one man and came out with another.” My husband and I encourage our three children to try new foods and like most kids, they resist. On a recent visit to Grandma’s house, I asked each of them to sample one of her pickled beets. Only nine-year old Andrew was willing to try them. After he’d managed a tentative nibble, Grandmas asked, “So, how is it?” Andrew diplomatically replied, “It would be good, Grandma, if I liked it!”
Sunday’s Cool
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SUMMER WORD SEARCH – HOW WELL CAN YOU DO????
H E N O I T A C A V H E O N A C
I C E C R E A M E P O R P M U J
R A H S I F T S L P P H F B G U
I C W U A S U W L M S O R A U L
S I S M E N B I A A C T I S S Y
AUGUST BASEBALL BEACH BOATING CAMP CANOE FISH FRISBEE HEAT HIKE HOPSCOTCH HOTDOGS ICE CREAM IRIS
Sunday’s Cool
M N L M L A D N B C O D S H T D
H C B E A C H G E H T O B A B N
I I G R E T A W S E C G E D O O
K P O O L N I T A A H S E E A P
E T G N I T A O B T S E E S A W
JULY JUMPROPE PICNIC POND POOL SAND SEESAW SHADES SUMMER SUN SWIM SWING VACATION WATER
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“Knox Church Sunday School Picnic at Bronte Beach” “The annual Sunday School Picnic of Knox Church was held on Saturday afternoon at Bronte Beach. After an enjoyable afternoon spent on beach and in the water, all sat down to a bountiful picnic supper. After supper the races were run off, the following being the winners: Girls and boys 6: Walter Davidson, Jack Douglas, Billie Carey, Arthur and Margaret McGuigan, Sandy and Marna Mackenzie, Donald and Jack Livingstone, Dale Tost. Girls 6 – 8: Betty Sacerty, Joyce McMillan, Joan Latimer Boys 6 – 8: Bert Carey, Jim Ford Girls 8 – 10: Helen McGill, Shirley Muckart Boys 8 – 10: Hughie Wylie, Bert Carey Boys 10 – 12: Keith Huffman, Hughie Wylie Boys 12 – 16: Jack Muckart, Ross Hill Plate Race: Helen McGill and Wesley Millar, Marion Ritchie and Keith Huffman, Marie Ritchie and Ross Hill. Walking Race: Mrs. J. Tost, Mrs. Wm. Sinclair Young Ladies race: Helen Devereaux, Jean Ruddell, Olive McDonald The prize winners received war savings stamps.” This was the piece written up in the local newspaper of the day – The Georgetown Herald, 10 July 1940. To many of the congregation, the names will mean little, but likewise, to many of you they will. In fact, do you know who of the above list are still active member of Knox? There are three of them. In the earlier years, Sunday School picnics (Knox included) were held in Burlington, Bronte and other venues, with congregants traveling by train from our local station. Apparently by this 1940 picnic, some of the church members had their own vehicles, and private transportation was provided. One of the male youth who attended this picnic remembers that a group of them traveled to Bronte in the back of the delivery truck belonging to Mackenzie Lumber! The Mackenzie family were active Knox members for a great many years.
Off to the Beach – about 1913 … Photo courtesy Esquesing Historical Society photo 0031
Evangel Hall Dinner On June 9, 2013 Knox Presbyterian Church hosted the Sunday evening dinner at Evangel Hall Mission. Several people assisted with the preparation of the meal on Saturday morning in the Knox Kitchen and eleven people finished the meal at Evangel Hall and served 159 dinners. Many thanks to Mary Robinson, Tara Robinson, Amber Robinson, Elinor Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Helen Hope, Harry Hope, Jan Raymond, Connie Van Goch and Peter Welling for making the trip to Toronto to help. We also had the assistance of three permanent Evangel Hall staff volunteers. I went along for the ride. Our meal this year consisted of farmer’s sausage, mashed potatoes, carrots, green peas, a bread roll and apple crisp topped with ice cream or cool whip. Every one enjoyed the menu and we were pleased to be able to put this meal on for $2.59 per plate. Tara Robinson prepared favours for the tables, which made the meal first class. Many people depend and look forward to the Sunday evening meal at Evangel Hall. When we arrived at 3:30 p.m. a few people had already started to create a line up at the door and the line inherits a number of people between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. This is the first time that Knox has provided a meal during the summer months. During the winter months, many homeless people will come at 5:00 p.m. for a take out meal so that they can rush off to a hostel to book a bed for the night. However, in the summer months almost everyone stayed and sat down to eat their dinner. Photo shows: back: Elinor Mitchell, Mary Robinson, Amber Robinson, Christopher (Evangel Hall) Peter Welling, Jan Raymond, Ian Mitchell. Front: Tara Robinson, Connie van Goch, Helen Hope, Dennis McLay, Harry Hope
Personally, I was surprised at the demographics of the people who came for a dinner this year. Approximately 80% was men and 20% was females and of the men over 50% of them would be middle aged. Sometimes, we lose sight and comprehension of just how tough it is in the big city for some people who have fallen on employment hard times or experience and live with health challenges. The other impressive observation I made was that at least 50% came and personally thanked and shook hands with their server. As Rev. Katherine McCloskey pointed out during her recent service in Georgetown, there is no judgement given to anyone at Evangel Hall and everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect. This policy and standard is very obvious when you visit Evangel Hall and put on a dinner such as we did. (There is an exception for anyone who shows up inebriated or high on drugs. They receive a take out dinner and are not allowed into the dining room). Six of our team this year experienced Evangel Hall and the dinner preparation for the first time. We hope to make this venture an annual or semi-annual event and should you like to participate or help at our next dinner, please feel free to express your interest. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience to serve someone less fortunate and make them feel very special. Respectfully Submitted by Dennis McLay
Knox Became Irish – for a day ☺ For a day in March, the congregation of Knox all became Irish, and what fun we had. On Saturday, March 16th, a St. Patrick’s Day lunch and programme was arranged by the Congregational Life Committee, and was very well attended. After a fun social time over the lunch table, we were entertained by Irish and Scottish dancers from the B.F.O.C. School of Irish Dancing along with our own Knox Highland dancers Ellen and Louise Crawley. David Cairns entertained with some interesting Irish readings. The proceeds of the day went to go to local CASH – our local Cancer Assist of Halton Hills, and $625.00 was raised for them. It was a fun and social event, and we thank Congregational Life and their committee for sponsoring the day. Our own Irish Leprechaun – John Aiken
Knox Highland Dancers Louise & Ellen Crawley And Mom Allison
Dancers from Butler Fearon O’Connor School of Irish Dancing
At the Big Daddy Day of the Georgetown Farmers Market on June 15th, congregational Life sponsored a Vendors Table Sale on the lawns of the church. That day they raised $100.00 which was delivered to our local Food Bank. Thank you to all who helped make this event success.
Knox Family Korner Congratulations: Congratulations to Emma Duncan, who in mid May graduated with her Master of Divinity degree from Knox College. Emma has been a fill in minister at Knox for the past four years, and it has been an interesting journey for us and for she herself, watching her grow in confidence as she attained this final goal. On May 26th, Emma “preached for the call’ at Knox Presbyterian Church in Burlington, and was ‘called’ that day. Emma will be ordained at her home church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Brampton on Sunday 7 July, and she will be inducted into her new church, Knox Burlington on Sunday 14 July. Each service will be at 7:00 pm, and you are cordially invited to attend both. Congratulations to you, Emma, and to your family, for their support over the years. I am sure there were times when the balancing act was not easy, but you have done it, and can now look forward towards your goal of serving God in the presence of a steady congregational setting. And for the first shot of the season… The first time out on the golf course for this season, and the very first shot of the season set the mark high for one member of the congregation when he hit a ‘hole in one’ fortunately with a witness! Great shot, Harry, and we expect big things from you this season ☺ Congratulations: Congratulations to Emery and Lena Thompson, who on June 6th celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in Norval Presbyterian Church. Lena’s sister Ellen Burns and Emery’s brother Jack Thompson were in their wedding party. Emery and Lena will soon be changing their address when they move to their new home in The Gallery on Halton Hills Drive. Our congratulations and best wishes to you both. Congratulations: June was a busy time for the Strathdee family. Phillip and Sonia were married in London, Ontario on June the 1st, and are now living in Georgetown, and Charlotte and Shahn Skanes have a new first child Jameson, born on June 11th. Our congratulations to the new bride and groom, new parents, grandparents, great grandparents and to Austin, who now has a new cousin ☺ Congratulations: To Linda Zammit, who has become the first female president of the Rotary Club of Georgetown. Linda is also our extremely capable web master, and does such a great job in keeping our website up to date. Check it out often. Thank you Linda.
Knox Family Korner
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Wedding: In the first wedding to be held in Knox for some time, Caitlin Brown, the daughter of Donna and Roy Brown, grand daughter of Ellen and Don Burns, was married here in Knox, where she grew up in our Sunday School. Reverend Barrow married Caitlin and Michael Cormier on Saturday 6 July, and they will be living in Caitlin’s old home town of Georgetown. Our best wishes for the future, Caitlin and Michael. We understand that Beth Ann Burgess, daughter of Chris and Brad, who were active members of our congregation until retiring to Bala, is being married there on August 10th. Congratulations to the Burgess family from your friends at Knox. Illness: James Cooper, son of our former minister Reverend Cooper, took a stroke about 23rd of May but we understand he is making good progress with his rehabilitation, presently in Oakville, but hopefully before long back in Georgetown and home. Our thoughts and prayers have been and are with the Cooper family. Passings: 14 April 2013: Elizabeth ‘Liz” Baker, the mother of Laurie (and Gerry) Ross and grandmother of Oliver and Sally, passed away in a London Ontario hospital. Mrs. Baker was a familiar face to many of our congregation as she and her husband often worshiped with us when they were visiting in town. She was an active member of her community and church in Stratford, and will be very much missed by her husband, family and friends. Our sympathy goes to all the Ross and Baker family members. 1 May 2013: Our sympathy to Archie Pollock and family on the recent passing of their wife and mother, Ursula. 10 May 2013: Leila (Lee) Herrler, the mother of Joan Collier and husband Brian and grandson Brandon, passed away peacefully after being in declining health for the past while. When they moved to Georgetown many years ago, Lee and husband Cliff became active and valuable members of our congregation. Lee sang in our choir and was a member of the Friendship Circle. For the past few years, she has been a resident at the Extendicare Care Residence. Her daughter Joan has been our Clerk of Session for the past couple of years, leading us through a somewhat difficult period, while attending to her mother’s needs and teaching school. The thoughts and prayers of the congregation have been with Joan, Brian, Brandon, and the other members of the Herrler family. Lee will be very much missed. 12 June 2013: Our sympathy to Linda and Sam McClure and family on the recent passing of Linda’s father Bob Houston. Knox Family Korner
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18 June 2013: Michael Jones, the son of Noreen Jones, passed away in Mississauga, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Michael grew up in Georgetown, and is remembered by a large and loving family, including his mother Noreen, brothers Philip, Stephen, and sister Marilyn and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with and have been going out to this family for a long while. Blessings to you all. Greeters and Counters: Recently in conversation with a Knox friend, she mentioned that one of the reasons they came to Knox just a few years ago was in a great part due to the warm welcome they received at the door as they came in as strangers. We sometimes seem to think little of it, but the welcome at the door is so very important, to our regular members and especially to strangers. Marnie Thompson is always in need of people to fill the role. A part of that job does entail taking up the collection as well, and most people also agree to take the time to count up the offering after the service. If this is a difficulty for you, but you are willing to greet at the door, let Marnie know, and she can possibly get someone else to help with the counting. Many hands make light work – more volunteers spread the workload. Please talk to Marnie after church or call her at 905-873-6220. Volunteers Needed for Coffee Hours: We are in need of volunteers to look after our social/coffee hours after our morning worship services. This has become an important part of our Sunday morning. It is really meant to be only a social time over a cup of coffee or tea, with a cookie or square as a snack. It was not meant to be elaborate nor a replacement for one’s lunch ☺ Please check and sign the list at the hall doorway downstairs, and take a turn. Just like greeting and counting, many hands make lighter work. To our Sick and Shut Ins. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who for one reason or another, no longer find you are able to join with us as a visible part of our congregation. There are a number of you out there, and although we would love to name each and every one of you, apparently we are not allowed to do so. Please know that you are all much missed and well remembered by all your friends at Knox. We also remember and thank you for all the work so many of you have done in the past – you are each a part of our own Knox History Book. Please remember you have our thoughts and prayers and grateful thanks.
When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ….Helen Keller
Knox Family Korner
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