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Knox News
Advent
December 201 5
Inside This Edition
Advent and Christmas around the world
Celebrating the customs and cultures in Knox Agincourt United Church
Customs from the East, West, North and South regions of the globe
During the Sundays of November 29, December 6, 1 3, and 20 when we
prepare for Advent, the four Advent Candles, three purple and one pink are
lit each to remember the meaning of Christmas: Hope, Peace, Joy, and
Love. On Christmas Eve we light a white candle to represent Christ who is
the Light of the World.
2 - Knox Concert Series 201 5-1 6
3 - Rev Rob’s Ramblings
White Gift Sunday
4- Fall Fair Corporate Sponsors
5 - Gifts with vision
Looking ahead
6 - Worship Corner
7 - Alpha ministry
8 - What's happening
See Worship Corner - Page 5
In the recent weeks we are constantly reminded that our freedom and
security is threatened by terrorist attacks. Amongst all the tension, we will
not forget the sacrifices made by those that served in the military, security
and emergency services.
Knox celebrated 1 67th Anniversary on
Heritage Sunday Nov 1 5th.
The guest speaker was Rev. Patricia
Gale-MacDonald, great grand-daughter of
Rev. R P Mackay, minister at Knox from
1 877-1 884.
Tel: 41 6-293-4424
Knox United Church
2569 Midland Ave. Agincourt ON M1 S 1 R3
Fax:41 6-293-61 28 email: knoxunited@bellnet.ca
website: www.myknox.ca
Advent 201 5
Knox Concert Series 201 5/1 6
The first concert held on November 22 featured Moshe
Hammer where he outlined his journey from childhood till
now, in a presentation called "From Israel to the Hammer
band".
Moshe moved through the timelines of his life with the
music and encounters that he recalls made a mark in his
journey. A moving story, which at this point in time finds
him leading the Hammer Band, an NGO her formed in
2004.
The Hammer Band now consists of approximately 700
children in at-risk neighborhoods of Toronto that are
being taught to play the Violin.
A surprise performance was made by William from the
Jane and Finch neighborhood, one of his talented
Hammer Band students.
Christmas Cantata
On Sunday, December 1 3 at 7:30 pm come and enjoy
a Christmas Concert presented by the Knox Choir.
There will be a free-will offering in support of the
Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA).
Upcoming Concerts
The three concerts scheduled for 201 6 will offer variety
and wonderful music.
Concert #2 - January 24 at 7:30.
SONG: From The Renaissance to Today
Concert #3 - March 6 at 7:30 pm,
‘ An Evening of Saxophones’ with the DMSQ
Saxophone Quartet
Concert #4 - May 1 5 4:00 pm
Ross & Friends - Featuring Ross Inglis and 50
musical guests.
This edition
Thanks to everyone who has contributed articles to this edition of the
Knox News. Communication Chair, Manley James. Editors: Cheryl Amos,
Eva Chui, Marg Walker, Design: Tricia Cook. Inquiries about advertising
may be directed to Manley (caseyjames@rogers.com). Please send any
suggestions, articles and pictures to the Communication Committee c/o
the church office, knoxunited@bellnet.ca
Page 2
Knox News - Advent 201 5
Rev. Rob
Ramblings
In December 2001 , a brief four
short months after the tragic events
of September 11 , the Rt. Rev.
Marion Pardy, our Moderator of the
United Church of Canada at the
time, wrote an article in the
Observer, in which she observed
that 'Christmas won't be the same
this year!' How often have we heard
those words or even uttered them
ourselves? She went on to say, that
those are 'words of lament, whether
they are spoken or whispered
silently with aching in our hearts for
family, friends and colleagues'. Her
main point in her excellent article
was that Christmas 'rarely ever is
the same!'
The tradition of White Gift Sunday
has its roots in a small Methodist
church in Ohio in 1 904. A minister’s
wife initiated the idea to solve the
problem of inequity of gifts given at
the Sunday school Christmas party.
Instead of focusing on receiving gifts,
the focus shifted to bringing gifts to
Jesus that could in turn be shared
with the needy. All the gifts would
come wrapped in plain white paper
so that no one would know which
one was an expensive gift and which
was a more modest one.
Knox News - Advent 201 5
For most of us, if not all of us,
Christmas changes from year-to-year,
depending on our own personal life
circumstances. Over the past 1 2
months, we have all experienced the
emotional roller coaster of life. Some
have experienced the joy of new birth
within their families, others have
mourned the passing of a loved one,
experienced the loss of a job, a life
threatening illness or some other life
altering event. We have lived through
some of it together in community and
some of it all by ourselves. There have
been good times and there have been
some not so good.
It's the same in our world! We often
hear the words ' Peace on earth, good
will toward all!' spoken repeatedly
during this season of the year. Yet we
are forced to ask, 'Where is the
peace?' Adding that there is
surprisingly little 'good will' around! Yet
the parallels of our world to ancient
Palestine may be more striking then
we realize. It was into a world every bit
as brutal and troubled as our world is
today, that the Christ-child was born.
You can help share the joy!
At Knox, our tradition is to give gifts
of non-perishable food items which
are then delivered to ACSA’s food
bank.
Of course, you may also make a
monetary donation through your
white envelopes or the green
envelopes located in the pews.
Please indicate “White Gift” on the
envelope and place it in the
collection plate.
This year's White Gift Service will be
held on December 6th. So, bring
along your White Gift when you join
us for worship on December 6th at
1 0:00 A.M.
Knox News
Into such a world God came, and still
comes.
Even on an individual and personal
level, Mary and Joseph, Jesus' earthly
parents-to-be, experienced radical
personal upheaval and transition in the
days leading up to that inaugural
Christmas event. Not only were they
about to have their first child, but at
one point in the story, their marriage
was in jeopardy, their taxes were due
and to top it off, they hadn't consulted
with 'Captain Obvious' (the creepy
looking guy on the Hotel.com ads)
about their room reservations! Once
again, into their own personal world,
God came and still comes into ours.
That is the wonder of the story!
Amazingly, it is sometimes through
and in the pain and upheaval of our
lives that we best see the glow of
candlelight, hear the angels sing of
'Peace on earth' and know they are
singing to us and the whole world with
us.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel! May
such be our experience not only this
Christmas but in the year ahead!.
Knox Refugee Sponsorship
Task Group
The Knox church council has passed
the motion to form a Refugee
Sponsorship Task group.
More information will be made available
as the process and procedures for
sponsorship are being researched.
Page 3
Advent 201 5
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors of the Knox Fall Fair
A.K. Comics & Cards
3850 Sheppard Avenue E.,
Scarborough, Ont.
41 6-292-0954 - Edward & Allen Kodian
East-Court Ford Lincoln
4700 Sheppard Ave. E.
Agincourt, Ont. M1 S 3V6
41 6-292-11 71 - Mark Silverman
Agincourt Autohaus
3450 Sheppard Avenue E.,
Agincourt, Ont.
41 6-291 -6456 - Mrs. Lynn Laird
Harshi Furniture
3850 Sheppard Avenue E.,
Scarborough, Ont. M1 T 3L4
41 6-332-1 459
Agincourt Nissan
1 871 McCowan Road,
Scarborough, Ont.
41 6-291 -11 88
- Mr. Justin Gamble - Service Mgr
Hollis Wealth
2075 Kennedy Road,
Toronto, Ont. M1 T 3V3
41 6-41 2-8088 - Chris Li - Director
Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd.
111 Progress Avenue
Scarborough, Ont. M1 P 2Y9
41 6-298-81 01 - Roger Keeley - Gen.
Manager.
Avis Rent-A-Car
4240 Sheppard Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 S 1 T5
41 6-754-2847 - Vic Seevaratnam - Agent
Borsalino Dining Lounge
4505 Sheppard Avenue E.
Scarborough Ont. M1 S 1 V3
41 6-293-4443 - Emilio - Owner
Bruno's Fine Foods
2055 Avenue Road
Toronto, Ont. M5M 4A7
41 6-489-11 64 - Patrick Butler - Manager
Cedarbrae Auto Service
401 5 Sheppard Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 S 1 S7
41 6-299-6772
Costco Wholesale
1 411 Warden Avenue
Scarborough Ont. M1 R 2S3
41 6-288-0033 - Angelo - Produce
Manager
Dr. Ian Baron & Associates
1 25 Village Green Square - Unit 11 9
Scarborough, Ont. M1 S 0G3
905-475-9807 - Dr. Ian Baron
Page 4
Markham Station Restaurant
511 7 Sheppard Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 S 4N8
41 6-299-41 41
McCowan Foot Clinic
1 711 McCowan Rd. - Suite 1 04
Scarborough Ont. M1 S 2Y3
41 6-299-1 508 - Deborah Dunphy D.Ch.
Ogden Funeral Homes
41 64 Sheppard Avenue E.,
Agincourt, Ont. - M1 S 1 T3
41 6-293-5211 - David Garvie - Manager
Orchid Garden - Deli & Grill
3850 Sheppard Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 T 3L4
41 6-292-51 99 - Mr. S. Srindran
Real Canadian Superstore
1 755 Brimley Road,
Scarborough, Ont. M1 P 0A3
41 6-279-0802 -David Alman - Manager
Redline Automotive Inc.
4736 Sheppard Avenue E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 S 3V6
41 6-292-1 437 - Steve Cooper
Remezzo Italian Bistro
3335 Sheppard Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 T 3K2
41 6-498-8848 - John & Paul Stamos
RBC Royal Bank
1 571 Sandhurst Circle - Woodside Sq.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 V 1 V2
41 6-292-6583 - Mrs. Elaine MacMillan
Scarborotown Chrysler
4960 Sheppard Ave.
Scarborough, Ont
41 6-298-7600 - Carl Fowler - Sales
Manager
Scotia Bank
4420 Sheppard Avenue E.
Scarborough Ont., M1 S 1 T5
41 6-297-2481 - Alex Ong - Branch
Manager
TD Canada Trust
2098 Brimley Road
Scarborough Ont. M1 S 5X1
41 6-609-9888 - Mr. Ambrose Wong Branch Manager
TD Canada Trust
1 571 Sandhurst Circle - Woodside Sq.
Scarborough, Ont. M1 V 1 V2
41 6-298-2320 - Denise Gauld - Manager
The Brimell Group
5060 Sheppard Avenue E.
Scarborough, Ont., M1 S 4N3
41 6-292-2241 - Randy Reddick Corporate Sales Mgr.
The Bulk Food Centre
3850 Sheppard Avenue E.
Scarborough, Ont., M1 T 3L4
41 6-291 -7761
The International Group
50 Salome Drive
Toronto Ont. M1 S 2A8
41 6-293-41 51 - David Imrie - CFO
Vantage Insulation
39 Rivalda Road,
Toronto, Ont. M9M 2M4
41 6-746-451 3 - Joe Bruzzese / Alex
Andriano
Vittoria Coffee
67 Westmore Drive - Unit #8
Toronto, Ont. M9V 3Y6
1 -800-71 5-5583 - Jacques Simoneau
Wendy's Restaurants of Canada
1 460 Kennedy Road
Scarborough Ont. M1 P 2L7
41 6-752-81 95 - Anne Thompson Manager
Knox News - Advent 201 5
Knox News
The United Church of Canada has developed a giving catalogue, Gifts with Vision, in response to
member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of
the church's Mission & Service partners across Canada and around the world.
If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas for Christmas or perhaps would rather not give family and
friends the usual clothes/toys/chocolates etc, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special
occasions. Give a gift that can help change people's lives!
Everyone will find something in Gifts with Vision worth sharing with the special people in their lives. Gifts
are available in a range of dollar amounts, as well as for many areas of need (hunger, shelter, education,
health, safety, mobility, and more).
A catalogue of gifts is available in the church or go to: http://www.giftswithvision.ca/projects
CONTACT
Gifts with Vision,
c/o The United Church of Canada,
3250 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
ON M8X 2Y4
Tel: 1 -800-288-7365 or 41 6-253-5456
Email: GiftsWithVision <info@giftswithvision.ca>
Looking Ahead
November 29
1 2 pm Advent Study group, Heritage Room
1 2:1 5 pm Lunch Bunch, at Remezzo’s
December 1
9:00 am Morning Glory Bible Study
7:30 pm UCW Unit 1 , Heritage Room
December 2
December 1 6
1 0 am Prayer & Praise @ Joan C’s
December 20
1 2 pm Advent Study Group, Heritage Room
4 pm Cantata with the Knox United Chancel choir
December 24
11 am UCW Unit 2, Christmas Lunch
7:30 pm Prayer & Praise, Sanctuary
6 pm Family Service
8:30 pm Candlelight Service,
Celebration of Holy Communion
December 4
January 2, 201 6
7 pm Chinese Fellowship Bible Study, Heritage Rm
December 6
1 2 pm Sunday School Advent Celebration, Heritage Rm
1 2 pm Advent Study Group, CE Parlour
7 pm Chinese Fellowship Bible Study, Heritage Room
January 25, 201 6
8 pm Knox Concert Series: Piano Trio with Moshe
Hammer, Joe Johnson & Ross Inglis
December 1 3
1 2 pm Advent Study Group, Heritage Room
1 2:30 pm Mandarin Christian Fellowship
7:30 pm Cantata
Knox News - Advent 201 5
Page 5
Advent 201 5
Worship Corner
Baptisms
We welcomed the following children into
This year we will acknowledge the customs of the season celebrated Baptism recently.
by people, some within our congregation, from across the globe.
Each Sunday starting on November 29 we will highlight some of
these customs from the East. The following Sundays we will do so
for the West, North and South,.You are invited to share your
Christmas custom with the congregation as well as participate in the
services on the these Sundays in Advent.
On November 29th @ 1 0:00 a.m. (First Sunday of Advent)
- Celebrations and Customs from the East
- The Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Hope Advent Candle is lit
On December 6th @ 1 0:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of Advent)
- Celebrations and Customs from the South
- White Gift Service
Aaron Scott White, son of Marianne
Everyone is invited to bring gifts, including non-perishable food that
will be given to ACSA for distribution to the needy.
The Peace Advent Candle is lit
On December 1 3th @ 1 0:00 a.m. (Third Sunday of Advent)
- Celebrations and Customs from the North
- Mandarin Sunday
The Joy Advent Candle is lit
Christmas Cantata
Gwendolyn Ellen Ashworth, daughter of Wendy
December 20th @ 1 0:00 a.m. (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
- Celebrations and Customs from the South
- Intergenerational, Christmas Service
The Love Candle is lit
Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
@ 6:00 p.m. Family Service
@ 8:30 p.m. Candlelight and Holy Communion
The white candle is lit
Kennedy Ray Smith, daughter of Kendra
Sunday, December 27 – 1 0:00 a.m. Service,
Mercer and Wade Smith
- First Sunday after Christmas, Baptism
The next Scheduled Baptism and
Sunday, January 3, 201 6 – Second Sunday after Christmas
Reception of new members for 201 6 will
Pyjama/Casual Service
be on January 31 , 201 6 during our
Sunday, January 31 , 201 6 – Baptism and/or Membership
Sunday Worship Service.
Sunday, February 7, 201 6 – UCW Sunday
If you intend to become a member of
Tuesday, February 9, 201 6 – Shrove Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Ash
Knox or have your child baptised please
Wednesday Observance
contact Rev. Rob as soon as possible.
Sunday, February 1 4, 201 6 – First Sunday in Lent; Holy Communion
Page 6
Knox News - Advent 201 5
Alpha ministry update
Knox News
This fall the
courses offered
by the Alpha
ministry
are
"The 5 Love
Languages" and
"A Life Worth
Living". There
are a few reasons why we decided to
run these two courses instead of an
Alpha course. As of November 1 0th ,
we have had two sessions and are
very thankful that we had a full house
both nights.
suitable for Knox than the Marriage
course, as it accommodates single
folks. Also, the course book is
available with Chinese translation.
James Gillespie is familiar with the
course, as it was delivered at his
former church, and he has taken the
lead for us at Knox. It is wonderful to
see both Chinese speakers and
English speakers learning together,
and this course has partially met the
needs of those parents interested in
taking the Marriage course.
The 5 Love languages
A Life Worth Living is a Bible study
course that is a follow up to the Alpha
course. We offered it many years
ago, but it has changed significantly
since then, to a format much like the
ESOL Alpha, that also helps the
attendees improve their English.
Although most participants are from
our ESL Bible Study group, the
course is also open to English
speakers. This course is challenging
For the last few years following each
course, we've conducted a survey of
the participants. The survey showed
an interest in attending the Marriage
course. The challenge we faced is
that this course requires both
partners to attend, which is often not
possible for our participants. The 5
Love Languages course is more
A Life Worth Living
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
NEWS
“change for change” mission project
Our Knox Church School Annual
Kick-Off Sunday was a fantastic
success again this past September
Once again, the event was filled with
fun for the whole church family, and it
was really wonderful to have so many
of our congregation members out to
enjoy the good food and fun
fellowship together on our Knox
grounds.
As December approaches, we are
beginning to anticipate and to
prepare with such excitement, for the
coming Advent season, as we are
eagerly plan for our upcoming
projects and events. The CE kids and
youth will be working towards raising
money and awareness for a special
Knox News - Advent 201 5
once again this year (TBA) and we
are planning our annualHappy
Birthday
Jesus
Party
(with
new/unwrapped gifts being donated
to ACSA) on December 6th, in the
Heritage room following the worship
service from 1 2pm - 2pm.
We are creatively working together
with Pastor Rob and Ross as we
begin to plan our special Family
Service (6pm) for Christmas Eve. We
hope you will join us!
So please help us rejoice with the
new church school kids and families
who have joined our CE programs
this year and remember...God is our
JoyOGod is love!
for the leaders, much like leading the
ESOL Alpha, with a lot of interactive
questions, activities and discussions.
Our guests find a welcoming
environment to ask questions and dig
deep into themselves and the Bible.
Over the years, the ways people
learn
changes
and Alpha
International is continually updating
the Alpha Course to keep up. At the
moment, they are filming the Alpha
Film Series. They have also
produced a Chinese version, filmed
in China, with a Chinese team based
on Chinese history and culture.
On behalf of the Alpha team, I
would like to thank God, our church
staff and volunteers. We are blessed
to see how God is working in us and
others. We pray that they will grow
deep in God while improving their
English.
--- Submitted by Tina Nicholl on
behalf of the Alpha team
Come explore with us anytimeOyou
are ALWAYS welcome within our
Knox family!
Commencing on Sunday, November
29, the Knox Kids will be kicking off
their Annual Change-for-Change
Project. This year we are supporting
the vital work of Water Ambassadors
Canada. Thanks to you, our Knox
Family, back in 201 2 we raised
$1 ,600 towards establishing clean
drinking water within a community in
Nicaragua. The water wells that
those communities use are in
desperate need of repair! Will you
consider helping us support this
project?
Jayne Bossert, CE Coordinator
Page 7
Knox United Church - Agincourt
2569 Midland Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M1 S 1 R3
Phone: 416-293-4424
fax: 416-293-6128
email: knoxunited@bellnet.ca
web: www.myknox.ca
Rev. Rob Selby Lead Minister
ext 12
Rev. Leigh Olson Minister of Visitation
ext 13
Ross Inglis Director of Music
ext 16
Jayne Bossert Christian Education Coordinator ext 11
Richard Wang Chinese Ministry Coordinator
Jack Au Church Custodian
ext 15
Tricia Cook Church Office Administrator
ext 0
Please Consider a
Christmas Gift to Knox
At Knox United, we are blessed by our many ministries,
which are valued by our congregation and our
community. We enjoy ministries in Worship, Music,
Christian Education, Pastoral Care, Visitation,
Community Outreach, Fun and Fellowship. We are also
blessed by our staff; each of them work long and hard to
make Knox a thriving church community. And we are
blessed to worship in a beautiful heritage church. The
cost of maintaining these ministries is a continuing
challenge. As we approach Christmas, please consider
a special gift to Knox that will help support this
wonderful congregation. Blessings and many thanks for
your generosity.
The ceremonial cutting of the cake on November
1 5th, marking the 1 67th Anniversary of Knox United
Church. (left to right) Vic Thompson, Jim McAlister,
Rev. and Rev. Rob Selby
Fashion
models line
up at the
UCW
Luncheon
and Fashion
show.
Finance Commitee
Another season for Knox Out of the Cold program
has started. Have you considered volunteering for
a sleep-over to help with the hosting?
Contact the Church Office to find out more
information.
Thanks to all
volunteers at
the Fall
Property
cleanup