Announcements

Announcements – 11 September, 2024

Worship…10:00 AM –  We hope you will participate in-person but if you are unwell, please access the live streamed service.

To access the live streamed service, please go to the Knox’s YouTube channel or click here

The printed service will be available before Sunday morning

Prayer Meetings:

Wednesday September 11, 2024 – 7:00 pm
●Meeting ID: 963 581 8226
●Passcode: dNi2s3

Thursday September 12, 2024 – 2:00 pm
●Meeting ID: 834 6440 9647
●Passcode: 5p7g1c

Book Club … The next book for discussion is Hang the Moon by Jeanette Walls. Join the conversation at 1pm, Saturday, September 14.

Congregational meeting Sept 15 … to receive the 2023 Financial Statements

Community Dinners (formerly Sunday Night Dinners)  Sunday, September 15 (two soups + biscuits) 5-7pm

Joys & Concerns… may we experience the healing presence of Christ as we uphold one another in prayer – sharing joys and concerns draws us together as a community of faith.  Please pray for …

    • Family, friends and colleagues in need … Ina (Martha’s friend), David, Neil, Pat & family
    • Those within the Knox community of faith who are suffering at this time… Arlene Stapleton (recovering from a fall), Earl, Toa
    • Congregations / faith groups in Victoria, Vancouver Island Presbytery, The Presbyterian Church in Canada … especially ongoing merger discussions between Victoria congregations.
    • People, places and situations in the world that are broken and besieged… especially Ukraine / Gaza.  A statement by the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Israel’s impediments to Freedom of Worship  is now available to read on the PCC’s Just and Lasting Peace page. The statement describes the obstacles “the indigenous Christian community in the holy land” face regarding their freedom to worship. The PCC joins in prayer for the people of Palestine and Israel as they face war, danger and uncertainty. Read more about the PCC’s support for and engagement with partners in the region here.
    • Consider those struggling with chronic illness, recovery from surgery, addiction, personal loss, and any within our circle of care unable to attend worship each week.
    • Give thanks for the blessings you enjoy – for relationships, comforts and security – for unexpected or long anticipated pleasures – for the amazing beauty of creation.
  • Please let Laura know when your concern is no longer urgent and can be removed from the list.

    September Celebrations

    01 September        Betty Hall
    02 September       Fiona Gow
    03 September       Gordon and Nan Zorn
    06 September       Ted Veenstra
    15 September        Anne and Philip Krauss
    17 September        Carolyn Johnson
    18 September        Betty and Gary Hall
    27 September       Gavin Spry (MacInnes)

    The Presbytery of Vancouver Island will be meeting at Knox on Tuesday, September 24.  You are welcome to attend the opening worship, meeting and lunch.  Thanks to those organizing hospitality (Ursula, Kittie, Catherine).

    Community Dinners (formerly Sunday Night Dinners) will resume this fall with a few changes. First, I have scheduled three dates and have a tentative meal plan. Second, I am asking people to sign up- just so we have a better idea of numbers (contact the office or sign the sheet in the hallway). The time for each date is 5-7pm in the Knox Church kitchen and lounge. Looking forward to cooking and eating together! Sunday, September 15 (two soups + biscuits); Sunday, October 6 (Harvest Stew + pumpkin pie); Sunday, November 17 (some kind of curry with rice + apple crisp). — Laura

    With your support and participation team Together in Motion and Song hopes to make a significant contribution to the funds raised for PWS&D’s (Presbyterian World Service and Development) food security projects where communities are learning innovative and sustainable agriculture practices to increase crop yields, improve nutrition, and build resilience to environmental changes.

    Please be generous in your support as we sing, walk and ride to raise money for the vital work PWS&D does around the world. Our team has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $5000.00 which we are confident we can meet or exceed with your prayerful involvement. With climate issues, conflict and inflation continuing to impact people around the world, food insecurity is at alarmingly high levels, and PWS&D is working to address that. By taking part in the Journey, we’re supporting a charity that is bringing hope to those in need. Join the team, share the news, come to sing, donate!

    At noon on September 21, join the team to sing for hope at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Donations can be made HERE or at the door.

    On September 28, walkers and riders will get moving for hope at Gorge Park Pavilion!  Riders meet at 8 am, walkers meet at 10 am.  Riders contact Laura Kavanagh.  Walkers contact Ruth McCowan.  If you need a t-shirt, please contact Laura.  Donations can be made HERE.

    You can also donate by cheque, cash or e-transfer – please contact Laura for more information. Any amount you can contribute will have a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers and their families!

    With thanks!

    – Laura Kavanagh

    To join the team, or for more information, please contact:

    St. Andrew’s:   Patti Jackson
    Knox Victoria:   Laura Kavanagh
    Trinity:   Ruth McCowan
    Knox Sooke:   Eleanor Shambrook

    Stewardship Matters

    After you have discerned why you give and have determined how much you wish to give, it’s time to consider how you wish to give.

    How often would you like to give?
    ● On a regular basis (whether weekly, monthly or other).  John and I discuss our intended givings every year so that we have a goal in mind.  Since we have a steady source of income we could decide to make equally-spaced givings throughout the year.  If your income is seasonal or uncertain, you will have to decide when to give and when to wait.  Try to keep your goal in mind throughout the year.
    ● For special projects e.g. Knox Café, Journey for Hope, PWS&D, Potato Blitz, Warm Toes, etc.
    ● At the current time, Knox accepts cash, cheques, Pre-Authorized Remittance and Interac bank transfers.

    Would you like a tax receipt at the end of the year?
    ● No tax receipt – if less than $20 is donated annually and/or donations are made without identification (e.g. cash in the offering plate)
    ● Tax receipt requested – use a cheque with name and address, offering envelope with unique number for each giver, or other identifiable donations (PAR, Interac).  When John and I visit another church, we use a visitor envelope or write a cheque so that the church visited can issue a tax receipt to us at the end of the year.

    What are the ways to make a donation that is eligible for a tax receipt?
    ● Offering envelopes – Every regular attendee is assigned an envelope number.  We used our envelopes for many years to help us remember and reach (or exceed) our annual givings goal.  Many people do not use physical envelopes but still have a number assigned to them for their use.
    ● Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) – regular monthly donation withdrawn automatically from a donor’s chequing account.  When the opportunity to donate automatically arose, we signed up enthusiastically.  Here was a chance to make sure we could meet our goals and not have to worry about whether we were in church or away on vacation.  See April for details and to sign up.
    ● Interac bank transactions – regular and/or special project donation which can be specified in the message box along with your envelope number.  Since we use PAR, we make donations to special projects using Interac banking.  Knox ([email protected]) has automatic deposit so that a password is not needed.

I am thankful and grateful for everyone’s support of Knox and its missions.  I have been concentrating on financial stewardship but there are many ways to contribute to the stewardship of Knox.  The donation of your time and talent are very important to helping Knox run smoothly.

Update on 2024 Finances

As of July 31, 2024, Knox has had to withdraw funds from our PCC Investment Fund to meet fiscal obligations.  Most of the funds withdrawn were from the interest accrued but an additional $10,000 was also required.

-April Watt, Treasurer

Inclusive Christians … Thank you to all who have volunteered to prepare food for 20 – 30 participants following the weekly ecumenical service at UVic Multifaith.  You are welcome to attend any Wednesday at 5pm.  Please uphold in prayer students exploring and nurturing their faith.  Thank you for supporting students and Inclusive Christians on campus in this way.

Hungry Hearts: Victoria’s premiere culinary showdown and gala fundraiser for Our Place Society

On September 21, eight of the region’s top chefs will join Our Place at Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort for Hungry Hearts 2024. An exciting competition to create the most heartfelt dishes, Hungry Hearts is a celebration of Victoria’s culinary excellence and caring culture.

This 10th annual Hungry Hearts is a milestone event and pivotal opportunity to break the cycle of addiction for the women of Vancouver Island. Our Place is poised to introduce a dedicated Women’s Recovery Program at their New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community. This groundbreaking initiative will be the first long-term recovery program for women on the Island and is slated to open in the Fall of 2024. All funds raised at Hungry Hearts 2024 will go towards this life changing initiative.

Not just a culinary event, but a heartfelt gathering of community and business leaders, Hungry Hearts spotlights stories of compassion, inspiration, and hope. This uplifting evening features elevated cuisine, auction prizes, live music, and networking opportunities; all in support of a fantastic cause.

Secure your tickets here!

Apple Tree Luncheon on Sept 29 at 11:30am.

ORANGE SHIRT DAY

Local artist Bear Horne designed the Victoria Orange Shirt t-shirts. Horne’s design features a bear to help us follow the right path, an eagle to help us have a vision of a bright future, a hummingbird to keep our mind, body and spirit healthy, and a flower to feed the connection of all these elements. Orange Shirts are available to purchase for $25 all year-round.

Knox Café on Thursday Oct 3 at 7pm

KAIROS BC/Yukon Fall Gathering

All are invited to a weekend retreat at the beautiful Sorrento Centre on October 4-6. Join us for a coming together of people who are on fire for justice and hold a deep concern for our Earth as climate chaos takes hold and modernity collapses…

How then shall we live? What will rise out of the ashes? And which stories will carry us through? In the beautiful, natural setting that is Sorrento, we will explore, connect and regenerate ourselves through a variety of experiential learning opportunities built around this question:

What are the stories we need to hear now?

We will hear stories from traditional storyteller and theatre artist Kenthen Thomas from the Secwepemc’ulucw, Leah Reesor-Keller, author of the nonfiction book, Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet, and more, including participants. Together we will go on a journey, using conversation circles, special speakers, Indigenous wisdom, guided walks, meditation, prayer, music, worship, art-making and much more.

Everyone is welcome, from 18 – 108 years old, of any background. No prior connection needed.

Details and registration here.

Four Mile Pub Luncheon on Dec 8 at 11:30am.

Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Mission Moment

After participating in the New Beginnings program, which guides congregations through a renewal process to discern God’s call for their future, St. Giles Presbyterian Church in St. Catharines, ON, is exploring innovative ways to engage with their community. The congregation is turning faith into action by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities and their families. They have created a multi-sensory space where individuals with sensory sensitivities can find comfort and engagement. They hope to offer respite programming and support groups for caregivers who demonstrate a commitment to walking alongside them in their journey. The New Beginnings program receives funding from Presbyterians Sharing.

Prayer Partnership

Wednesday, September 11 We pray for Samuel House, a ministry of the Reformed Church in Romania, and Csilla Bertalan, Director, as they serve underprivileged children in Romania.

Thursday, September 12 We pray for Edmonton Urban Native Ministries, which runs a drop-in centre out of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and the people it serves.

Friday, September 13 We pray for the people, ministries and mission of the Presbytery of Brandon.

Saturday, September 14 We pray for sessions as they help the members and adherents of their congregations grow in faith and participate in the ministry of Christ locally and around the world.

Sunday, September 15 We give thanks for congregations like St. Giles Presbyterian Church in St. Catharines, ON that engage in intentional ministry to support children with special needs and their families.

Monday, September 16 We pray for congregations in transition, and for those who serve as their ministers and interim moderators. May God’s Spirit guide them as they continue in their journey of discernment.

Tuesday, September 17 We celebrate the ways our congregations work together to support Presbyterians Sharing by sharing their gifts, time and talent —serving on committees and participating in advocacy campaigns, learning experiences and other opportunities to serve.

Wednesday, September 18 We pray for the families of Paul McLean (working with the church in Taiwan), Blair Bertrand (working with the church in Malawi), Joel Sherbino (working with the church in Malawi), and Lora Nafziger (working with United Mission to Nepal).

Thursday, September 19 We give thanks and pray for those who serve on the Canadian Ministries Grants Committee as they fulfill their responsibilities with wisdom, compassion and discernment.

Friday, September 20 We pray for members and leaders of the Atlantic Mission Society as they hold their Annual Meeting from Sept. 20–22 in Truro, NS.

Saturday, September 21 (International Day of Prayer for Peace) We pray that love and compassion drive out senseless violence around the world and ask God to protect PWS&D partners delivering humanitarian aid to uprooted families.

Social Action Spotlight – July – September 2024

Anti-2SLGBTQI+ Rhetoric and Violence

Recently, there has been an alarming rise in harmful language and violence targeting LGBTQI people—especially those who are transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming—both here in Canada and across the globe. The PCC’s Confession to God and LGBTQI People acknowledges that: “The church has often perpetuated harmful lies that LGBTQI people are dangerous and abusive… The church’s prejudice contributes to hatred and neglect of LGBTQI people making them targets for physical, spiritual and emotional violence. For these unloving and unjust actions, we ask forgiveness.” Since doing justice and acting with love are important marks of Christian discipleship, the church chose to confess and repent, a process which involves repairing the harm we have caused and working to prevent future harm.

One impact of the recent increase in rhetoric demonizing and dehumanizing 2SLGBTQI+ people is that many transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming youth and adults feel that there is no place for them in society. They feel unsafe in public. While the emotional and spiritual wounds this causes are significant on their own, such rhetoric has also led to instances of physical violence. For example, in June 2023, a former student of the University of Waterloo entered a Gender Studies classroom and stabbed a professor and two students; an attack that appears to have been motivated by transphobic rhetoric.

One doesn’t have to actually call for violence to contribute to its likelihood. Rhetoric that scapegoats marginalized people can also cause harm, inciting hatred that some people will use as justification for violence. In a very real sense, attacks on any marginalized group can create situations where violence is tolerated; even normalized or seen as desirable. This doesn’t just make the targeted group less safe, it makes everyone less safe; violence spills over.

But safety and peace can spill over too. The church is called to be peacemakers. Intentionally working to support safety and healing and prevent harm are faithful ways to respond to anti-2SLGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence.

Questions for Reflection

We are called to love our neighbour. What are some ways you see people in your community acting with love? What are some things that could be done better?

It’s easy to think of violence spilling over. What do you think it would look like if safety or peace “spilled over?”

What can you do?

The 2023 General Assembly approved a recommendation “That congregations be encouraged to consider responses in their local communities to acts of hate and harm towards the LGBTQI+ community and sponsorship support of LGBTQI+ refugees.” Programs supporting LGBTQI people facing difficulties exist in many communities.

  • Find programs in your area and see if there are ways you can support them.
  • Consider sponsoring or otherwise supporting LGBTQI+ refugees.

Learn more

Resources are available on the Gender, Sexuality and Inclusion page of the Social Action Hub: presbyterian.ca/justice/social-action/gender-sexuality-inclusion 

Previous announcements