In keeping with the “Leading With Care” program implemented by the Presbyterian Church in Canada and to ensure the protection and safety of members, Knox Church requires that all volunteers who interact in any capacity with congregation members of the church, provide a current RCMP Clearance Certificate.
We are blessed with many ministries within Knox Church:
Pastoral Care
Knox Church places a high priority on Pastoral Care, and has a number of dedicated Pastoral Care visitors who serve our congregation. Many visits are made each year to congregation members, and this demonstrates the level of commitment made by our Pastoral Care team members to ensure the needs of the sick and vulnerable members of our congregation are met.
During the current Covid-19 pandemic, it has not been possible to offer the pastoral care that would normally take place. Hospital visits and home visits are not permitted because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, contact has been maintained through frequent phone calls to members of the congregation who are in need of emotional support during the pandemic.
As we move forward toward normal activities within the church, we will resume hospital visits which are made each week by a visiting team, as well as home visits to members who are sick or home-bound in their residences and in need of a visit and caring support. Visits will also be made to a number of local retirement residences, in addition to nursing homes and extended care facilities.
In addition, during a normal year, Home Communion is taken to home-bound members of the congregation at Easter and Christmas, and at other times to members in Hospice Care who make a special request.
Children
To the glory of God and the delight of our congregation, Knox offers both a Children’s nursery during service and a Sunday School.
Sunday School runs from September until the end of May and is staffed by various dedicated members from the congregation.
Prayer Chain
The Knox Prayer Chain normally meets on the second Sunday of the month in the Lower Hall at 10:00 am. Through their continuous prayers, they provide comfort and spiritual support to those in need of prayers.
Please contact the church office (403-346-4560) to be placed on the Prayer Chain. All requests are kept confidential.
Bible Study
Knox Bible Study has ceased during closure due to Covid-19. We will update when classes are open again.
Worship Music
Knox Choir has taken a break however we are still blessed with music provided by very talented musicians, Lorna Tink, our organist, and Trish Murray, our pianist.
Provided for your enjoyment here is a duet recording by our organist and pianist. The video also shows some interior pictures of our church and the Red Deer surrounding area. Enjoy!
Knox Church holds the distinction of having only three organists in a 75 year period. Helen Moore Dawe stayed from 1922 until the late 1930’s. When she became ill, an interim organist was hired to replace her. Miss Julie Cuendet was hired in the 1940’s and continued to serve as organist at Knox for 55 years. This is a record in Red Deer if not all of Alberta.
Bell Choir
Knox has a very enthusiastic group of ladies in the Bell Choir who enjoy practicing together and making occasional presentations during Sunday services. Over the past few years they’ve learned many of the musical terms and techniques of bell ringing and affectionately refer to themselves as the “Ding-a-Lings”!
Activities have been temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but the Bell Choir is looking forward to getting back to practices soon.
Card Making
The Knox Card-making group meets each week to make handcrafted cards. These are sent out on behalf of the church to members of the congregation who may be celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, hospitalized or sick at home, home-bound and unable to attend church services, or perhaps just need a kind word of support or sympathy.
Anyone who would like to drop in and help make cards is very welcome to join the group in the Centennial Room at the church. Knox card makers usually meet on Thursday afternoons between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. We have all the supplies needed on hand, and we have fun spending creative time together. If you know a member of our church family who would appreciate receiving a card for any reason, please contact any member of the card-making group or leave a message at the church office (403-346-4560).
Ladies Group
Ladies Group Mission Statement:
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- To grow in faith and spiritual maturity.
- To foster love and unity.
- To support local charities and foreign missions.
- To support Knox Presbyterian Church for the benefit of the congregation.
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Membership in the Ladies Group is open to all women attending Knox Church. The group hosts events each year to raise funds in order to support various local and international charitable causes and also organizes social events for our congregation.
Major recipients of funds raised by the Ladies Group include: The Jamaican School Project, Camp Kannawin, The Salvation Army, The Red Deer Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, Women’s Outreach and the general funds at Knox Church.
Mission and Society
Although the pandemic has placed some restrictions on activities, Knox Mission Group initiated a collaborative “Change for Change” program to raise funds to purchase a ShelterBox. Shelterboxes provide critical shelter and necessary items for people whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters.
The “Change for Change” project invited anyone to use the small change that everyone collects at home and put it to good use by donating it, or by making a small contribution towards the Knox Mission Group’s purchase of a ShelterBox. Generous donations from congregation members enabled the Mission Group to purchase a ShelterBox.
Due to the hardship many people in Red Deer faced during the pandemic, Knox Mission Group donated $500 to the Red Deer Food Bank, and because many families in our community are still struggling, a donation of $1,000 was made to The Mustard Seed for the school lunch program.
Baptism
“Baptism is a gift from God and an initiation into the household of God. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during the public service of Worship because it is a gift to the whole church.”
We practice infant baptism but welcome the opportunity to baptize anyone who believes in Christ.
Through Baptism we are cleansed, forgiven, healed and reborn.
Funerals
Please contact the church office directly (403-346-4560) to make arrangements for memorial services. Our Sanctuary accommodates 150 people (in non Covid-19 times) and more can be seated in the Lower Hall which can be outfitted with a live audio feed.
Weddings
Knox offers a beautiful setting for your special day. It features oak pews, hardwood flooring and a long center aisle for the bride to make a spectacular entrance! There are stained glass windows on either side of the Sanctuary as well as a lighted stained glass panel behind the communion table. The Narthex and upper balcony also feature stained glass windows.
Our Sanctuary seats up to 150 people (in non Covid-19 times) and provides a warm inviting atmosphere for your wedding. Our wedding package includes the Sanctuary rental, minister, organist or pianist and a sound technician. Weddings require a great deal of planning so be sure to contact the church office well in advance of your special day.
Please contact the church office to view the church and book your date at 403-346-4560 or email knoxrd1898@gmail.com