Announcements – 14 August, 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
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- The printed service will be available before Sunday morning
Readers needed … for several fall dates! Please contact Laura. Thanks to those who have already volunteered.
Session Meetings … August 22, Sessions together at St. Andrew’s Lecture Room 7pm-9pm. September 9, Knox session in person 3:30pm.
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 …
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- Family, friends and colleagues in need …Those within the Knox community of faith who are suffering at this time… Ina (Martha’s friend); Richard & Yvonne Fowler; Earl; David; Toa; Neil; Pat & family
- The Reverend Robert Kerr died on August 3rd. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Campbell River on August 31 at 11am. Please pray for comfort for Anne, and their children James and Philip.
- Peter Lewis was a long-time elder faithfully serving St. Andrew’s in Victoria. He was a valuable Presbyter who served the Presbytery of Vancouver Island for many years. Peter and his wife, Jane, moved “home” to Brockville, Ontario recently where his health continued to decline. Peter quietly died on Saturday morning, August 10. Please pray for Jane and their family.
- Congregations / faith groups in Victoria, Vancouver Island Presbytery, The Presbyterian Church in Canada…Trinity, Victoria / Knox, Sooke and the ongoing merger discussions between Victoria congregations – Knox and St. Andrew’s
- People, places and situations in the world that are broken and besieged… especially Ukraine / Gaza
- 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.
August Celebrations
02 Aug Connie Dunwoody
04 Aug Nan Zorn
05 Aug Toa Mari Lam
06 Aug Richard Fowler
11 Aug Emilee MacInnes + Cedric Spry
12 Aug Jorge + Moira Prieto
13 Aug Ian Sturgess
14 Aug Emilee MacInnes
22 Aug Joan Hartemink
29 Aug Dennis + Lilian Sutherland
31 Aug Esther Mitchell
31 Aug Jim + Wendy Jeatt
Prayer Meeting … Over the last 2 months you will have seen weekly opportunities for prayer on Wednesdays and Thursdays. What brings us together? It is our commitment to finding a spirit-filled future for both Knox and St. Andrew’s. As members of Knox and St Andrew’s, we come with me different perspectives, all working towards the same goal.
This last week we realised that as we talk together about what we feel the spirit is leading us to pray about, that our conversation in of itself is prayer. Holy Conversation if you will. We are able to lay out for each other what we are wrestling with; it is conversation with the intent of prayer, Holy Conversation indeed.
In our conversation we talked about
●Excellent mistakes- we should embrace them as a part of our journey.●What was – was not wrong but may not be necessary or right for our future.●Finding trust in our shared conversation●Finding energy from each other as individual energy ebbs and flows●Wrestling with our thoughts ‘out loud’ is helpful.●Keep praying as we wait for God’s surprise.Would you consider joining us in this important work? We would welcome your contribution to the conversations. As we engage in Holy Conversation, we will find ways to pray together from our hearts and soul.
1 Peter 1:15 KJV: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
Please join us:
Wednesday – Aug 14, 2024 – 7:00 PM
●Meeting ID: 751 5993 3002
●Passcode: PCkz4jThursday – August 15, 2024 – 2:00pm
●Meeting ID: 885 0661 2583
●Passcode: 3HKq2fPLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS THE WEEK OF AUGUST 19th.
-Sabine and Colina
Book Club … Change of date and location. We will meet to discuss Prophet Song by Paul Lynch on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 pm. Because there is a kid’s camp at Knox that day, Kittie has kindly invited us to met at her home. Please contact Kittie if you need directions.
I am part of team Together in Motion and Song. With your support and participation, we hope 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. On September 28, walkers and riders will get moving for hope! (Start time and location TBD).
I am excited to be involved and need passionate people like you to help! Please be one of the donors to help us reach our fundraising goal? To make a secure online donation go here. You can also donate by cheque, cash or e-transfer – please contact me for more information, 250-881-5155. 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
Inclusive Christians … Help is needed to provide meals for 20-30 participants following a weekly ecumenical service at UVic Multifaith. Please be in touch as soon as possible if you can contribute to one of the dates this fall: September 11 and November 6. Thanks to Anne and Kathy for volunteering to do October 9. The meal is simple – vegetarian/vegan soup or chili, bread & butter, and salad, fruit or veggies. Thank you for supporting students and Inclusive Christians on campus in this way.
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
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!
We are currently looking for businesses and community groups to become sponsors and auction donors for Hungry Hearts. A fantastic marketing opportunity that directly supports the vital community services of Our Place Society, please contact [email protected] to learn more today.
Camp VIP 2024 memories
Sunday, August 18, 2024 – Mission Moment
On World Humanitarian Day, we recognize and celebrate the efforts of humanitarian workers who provide life-saving assistance to millions of people affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. We give thanks for PWS&D partners, who work tirelessly to ensure that essential food aid gets delivered, devastated communities are rebuilt, and access to life-saving resources is within reach. Humanitarian workers play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of the vulnerable. Through collaborative efforts, we are working to build a sustainable, compassionate and just world. Let us take a moment this World Humanitarian Day to honour these advocates and offer an unwavering commitment to supporting their vital efforts.
Prayer Partnership
Wednesday, August 14 We pray for everyone participating in Camp Caterpillar week at Camp Christopher in Saskatchewan.
Thursday, August 15 We pray for the staff and faculty of St. Andrew’s Hall in Vancouver as they equip students for ministry.
Friday, August 16 We pray for the congregation at Place of Hope Presbyterian Church as it ministers to Indigenous People in the inner city of Winnipeg, Manitoba by providing spiritual and tangible care.
Saturday, August 17 We pray for the leadership in the Atlantic Mission Society as people discern new ways God is leading them to share Christ’s love.
Sunday, August 18 We pray for congregations navigating difficult and contentious issues, and that the Committee on Church Doctrine’s paper, “On Unity and Diversity,” may help bring insight into how these two concepts work together.
Monday, August 19 We pray for PWS&D partners in Gaza who are providing essential food aid, health care, and psycho-social support to those living in conflict. May they find renewed energy every day to continue serving those in desperate need.
Tuesday, August 20 We pray for church musicians, ministers and all those who plan and lead worship as they prepare for the fall.
Wednesday, August 21 We pray for the congregations of Knox and St. Andrew’s in Guelph, ON, as they work through the PCC’s New Beginnings Renewal Program to discern their next steps in ministry.
Thursday, August 22 We pray for ministers who are serving, and for interim moderators at vacant congregations. May the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide them in their ministry.
Friday, August 23 We celebrate stewardship committees that help people in congregations across Canada discover the joy of sharing their gifts to participate in God’s mission.
Saturday, August 24 We pray for people who work in communications in the church using their skills to help articulate the work of the church in the world.
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