August 21, 2024 Announcements

Announcements – 21 August, 2024

Worship10:30 AM we are gathering for WORSHIP and PICNIC in the PARK!  Come to Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion (entrance at 1070 Tillicum Road) this week for worship and socializing in the park! Communion Worship begins at 10:30 am, with picnic and games to follow. Bring your own lunch, items to share, place settings, and chairs.

The worship service will not be live streamed but a recording will be available at a later date.  To access the recording please go to the Knox’s YouTube channel or click here


Session Meetings … August 22, Sessions together at St. Andrew’s Lecture Room 7pm-9pm.  September 9, Knox session in person 3:30pm.

Congregational meeting Sept 15 … to receive the 2023 Financial Statements


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 …

        • The family, friends & colleagues of the Reverend Robert Kerr. His memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Campbell River on Saturday August 31st at 11.00 am. You are welcome to attend in person or via Zoom. Please contact the church office at [email protected] for the link. Contact Trinity if you are attending in person so they can have some idea of numbers for lunch.
        • 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… Richard & Yvonne Fowler, Earl, Toa
        • 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 … 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.

      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


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


      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. The meal is simple – vegetarian/vegan soup or chili, bread & butter, and salad, fruit or veggies.  Please be in touch as soon as possible if you can contribute cash or food for September 11. Thanks to Anne and Kathy for volunteering to do October 9 and folks at St. Andrew’s for taking on November 6.  You are welcome to attend any Wednesday at 5pm.  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.


      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.


      Camp VIP 2024 memories

           


      Sunday, August 25, 2024 – Mission Moment

      In Malawi, the Mabiri Community Day Secondary School’s Sexual Reproductive Health Club is a component of the Every Girl Empowered Project, which is supported by PWS&D. One of the issues discussed by club members is school dropout rates among their peers. One of the reasons for this is the inability to pay school fees. Determined to make a difference, club members identified a peer, Wezzie, aged 16, struggling financially. To help her, they organized an open house event, inviting supporters to hear Wezzie’s story and learn about the importance of financial support for marginalized pupils. Through their advocacy efforts, the club secured pledges to cover Wezzie’s school fees, enabling her to take and pass her examinations successfully. The club was pleased knowing they successfully advocated to help improve Wezzie’s future.

      Prayer Partnership

      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.

      Sunday, August 25 We give thanks and pray for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in Malawi, celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.

      Monday, August 26 We pray for women in India who, with PWS&D’s support, are gaining access to livelihood opportunities and engaging in workshops about gender issues, contributing to a more equitable society.

      Tuesday, August 27 We pray for the Rev. Dr. Roland DeVries, Principal of The Presbyterian College, Montreal, as he begins a sabbatical this fall.

      Wednesday, August 28 We pray for the staff of the church’s colleges whose work and creativity support the work of theological study, research and reflection.

      Thursday, August 29 We pray for church school teachers and youth workers as they prepare for the year ahead.

       Friday, August 30 We pray for the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy for the Correctional Service of Canada and for our denominational representative, the Rev. Brad Shoemaker, in their work to provide effective spiritual care to offenders in correctional institutions.

      Saturday, August 31 (International Day for People of African Descent) Recognizing the violent history of colonization faced by people of African descent, we seek the Spirit’s wisdom to end ongoing anti-Black racism.


      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