Service Info for July 10, 2022

Dear Friends,

I invite you to assemble for the July 10th hybrid worship service at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s sanctuary. This Sunday, we will continuously look at the sixth church, “Philadelphia – The Church of the Open Door” (Revelation 3:7-13), in the “Seven Churches in Revelation” series. The Philadelphian congregation respected each other, and everyone got along. Above all, they loved the Lord very much, and all they wanted to do was to please God and hold on to what they had been taught by the Lord. Eventually, they were given God’s tremendous promise to receive an open door for the Heavenly Kingdom ministry. Wouldn’t it be great for our church to become like that assembly? We will learn God’s open-door ministry through the children’s video in the Book of Acts. We will also study “How to Read the Bible – Apocalyptic Literature” on video.

As usual, this sacred gathering will also be broadcasted via Zoom. The Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. Before the service, the announcement slides will be presented to the congregation at the sanctuary and on Zoom. A copy of the service info, including the message, is attached. Some hard copies of the sermon will also be available at the back of the church.

Upcoming Services/Meetings:
June 5 – July 17: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 13: Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s and via Zoom (The Zoom ID and Passcode are the same as the regular Sunday services.
July 17: Membership Sunday – Paolo and Joanne Martire (Reaffirmation of Faith)
August 7: Service of Baptism of Olenna Martire, daughter of Paolo and Joanne Martire

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8).

Blessings,

Caleb

Service Info for July 3, 2022

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by introducing Wednesday hybrid morning prayer meetings over the next six weeks. At the beginning of the informal and friendly gathering, Rick Warren’s 20 minute-video teaching titled “40 Days of Prayer” will be presented. In this lesson, you will “learn how to cultivate a powerful prayer life and experience breakthroughs in your relationship challenges, financial difficulties, bad habits, health crisis, and many other areas of your life” (Excerpt from Saddleback Resources). After viewing the prayer devotion, prayer requests will briefly be shared, and you as participants will have your own time with God for 10 to 20 minutes (or longer if you wish) while quiet music with prayer scriptures is being played. Everyone is warmly welcomed to attend these assemblies starting this Wednesday, July 6, until August 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s, Fenelon Falls. You can also join this venue virtually via Zoom. If you would like us to pray for you and your loved ones, please let the elders and/or Caleb know those prayer topics.

With this introduction, I invite you to assemble the July 3rd hybrid communion worship at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s sanctuary. This Sunday, we will continuously study the fifth church, “Sardis – The Dead Church” (Revelation 3:1-6), in the “Seven Churches in Revelation” series. We will also learn valuable meanings of the Holy Communion through the children’s video “The Last Supper” and the article “Lay Down Your Burdens at the Table.”

As announced before, packaged communion elements with wafer and grape juice will be provided for those who attend the in-person assembly this Sunday. This sacred gathering will also be broadcasted via Zoom. Those who join the communion service online are asked to prepare their own bread and wine/juice. The Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. Before the service, the announcement slides will be presented to the congregation at the sanctuary and on Zoom. A copy of the service info, including the message, is attached. Some hard copies of the sermon will also be available at the back of the church.

Upcoming Services/Meetings:
June 5 – July 17: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 3: Decoration Service at Knox Cemetery
July 4-8: Vacation Bible School (now called BLAST) at Trentside Baptist Church Fenelon Falls, run by the Association of Churches
July 6: Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s and via Zoom (The Zoom ID and Passcode are the same as the regular Sunday services.

“Wake up! …Remember what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent…” (Revelation 3:2-3).

Blessings,

Caleb

Amalgamation Plan Knox Glenarm & St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls

.Andrew’s History
1863-Church Built Francis Street
1895-Church Built Colborne Street
1921-Membership 135
1938-Became joint charge with Knox Glenarm

 

Knox History
1865 -Congregation formed
1867- Grounds Purchased & Church Built
1894- New Church Built in Village, original becomes Cemetery
1885-1965 Glenarm July 1st Picnics
1938-Becomes joint charge with St. Andrews Fenelon Falls

Recent Combined History
In the early 1990’s there were some serious conflicts with Minister. At St. Andrew’s all session members resigned and at Knox Glenarm 1/2 the session resigned.  St. Andrew’s inducted  new  elders. Knox carried on with 3 existing elders. Treasurers from both congregation resigned and current treasurers appointed, Dan Schley at St. Andrews and Bill & Lizz Hoyle at Knox Glenarm.  It was at this time that the Joint Charge made a conscious decision to work together and ‘open the books’ to each other.
Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon was appointed as the Interim Moderator during this period to support the congregation in a healing process and as a result we evolved into this unique group.

There were two more transitions that we experienced. During the time period between 2006 (Rev. Rod Lewis) and 2007 with Rev. Dawn Griffiths as our Interim Moderator, there were two significant events for us. First, each church developing, establishing and proclaiming our Mission Statements. This process solidified that we both had very different roles in our respected communities. We were able then to focus squarely on those roles and each church respected and embraced those differences in their future decisions, spiritually, activity based and financially. Not many major decisions were made without the knowledge and understanding of either church.

A second event was the ‘Strength to Strength’ initiative led by Rev. Virginia Brand. This workshop series had each church investigate all the strengths, weaknesses and goals they had. We were able to use this ‘survey’ as our basic roadmap to: call a new minister, plan activities, and look at areas we needed to improve. We still review this ‘document’ regularly to see where things change and they certainly have evolved. Since 1993 there have been joint meetings between the Treasurers, with an invitation to Board and Session members, to discuss the salary increases and the financial health of both churches.

Treasurers also audit each other’s year end financials to ensure transparency. We are very proud of this relationship.

With the ‘tools’ that we have developed, Rev. Kim has been able to formulate a plan as to his style of worship. He has been able to introduce a vibrant music ministry with direction from Jane Veale. A Covenant was established with Jane and each church, and she became the joint organist and united more of a bond between us. Also, newer music was introduced using electronic means as well as the contributions from the Kim Family who introduced guitars, saxophone, drums and violins. This was a vision in the Strength to Strength results, congregations wanting more contemporary music.

Thanks to the technical expertise of the Kim family we  have been able to enjoy and rejoice in above average ‘Zoom’ services.  This has allowed many shut-ins and others who have moved from the area an opportunity to join and participate in our services. Large screens have been installed in the Fenelon church so that in service and zoom participants all feel part of the service. Zoom service availability will be part of all future services.

With the support from the PCC, each church has developed a web presence. All service activity, events, announcements, Sermons have also been available to shut-ins and visitors and friends and relatives abroad.

For information purposes St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls observes their Anniversary on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving and Knox Glenarm observes their Anniversary on the first Sunday in November.

As a summary, although each church has their own identity, neither functions without the support from the other. Obviously from a financial perspective, but more so over the past 25 years as a real partnership. The discussion of amalgamation has been broached in past conversations, but it could have been either church amalgamating with the other. In either scenario, the prospect would be welcomed with open arms. Decisions like this are difficult to start, however, at the end of the discussions; we must be faithful Stewards with the properties, the buildings and the finances.
In 2014 Knox Congregations reserves became a concern, we advised. Rev. Kim that he might need to consider his future at the charge. At that time he introduce us to the shopping card program at St. Andrews’s in Lindsay and promoted prayer re our future.

In 2016 our prayers were answered-A bequest from Alex Landall totaling $144,000. Mr. Landall never attended the church but had enjoyed the July 1st Picnics in his youth

In 2020 Covid 19 hit. We closed the church shutting off the water and hydro and moved to Zoom services. The Knox Glenam congregation became smaller as some moved or passed away.

Within this Amalgamation Plan, we will integrate both ‘cultures’ into one, bringing all things meaningful to the table, just the place of worship will be different, not the acts.

Basis for Amalgamation
Notwithstanding Knox Glenarm have funds in reserve from a bequest in 2016, we are running a substantial deficit each year and dipping into reserves to cover expenses.. The number of households is less than 10 and active members are less than 14 due to the passing of members and adherents as well as some moving away. The church is large and heat, hydro and general upkeep expenses are exorbitant for a dwindling congregation to manage.

At  the Annual meeting on February 13, 2022 after much discussion all present agreed we should amalgamate with St. Andrew’s in Fenelon Falls.

A congregational meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls on April 10th, 2022.  Mark Mitchell made the motion to endorse the proposed amalgamation of Knox Glenarm with St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls.. Motion seconded.. Carried unanimously.

Pastoral Leadership
Rev. Caleb Kim has been the minister for the joint charge of Knox Glenarm and St. Andrew’s, Fenelon Falls since the fall of 2007. The family reside in the manse which is owned by St. Andrew’s. Knox Glenarm contributes 50% of the Minster’s stipend and expenses.
Regarding the transition from a Two Point Charge to a Single Point, the Travel Allowance portion of the Stipend paid to our Minister has been discussed. It is the unanimous intention that we continue the $1,450.00 allowance, as our Minister will be continuing pastoral ministry in the same geographical area.
Both congregations pray that Rev. Kim continues to lead us and feel that the amalgamated congregation can support him going forward.

Governance
St. Andrew’s has four Elders who share the duties of a Board of Managers. Knox Glenarm has three Elders and a Board of Managers consisting of four members. There is a Clerk and Co Clerk at Fenelon Falls, and a Clerk and an Associate Clerk at Glenarm. Both congregations have three Trustees. Knox Glenarm had a Presbyterian Women’s group, however it disbanded early in 2022. The bank account is closed and the funds were forwarded to the WMS National Office. This also has been the situation at St. Andrew’s. The Women’s Aid group has been dissolved and their bank account closed. The funds are in control of the General Fund.
It is the intention that all officers within Knox Glenarm join those respected positions in the amalgamated church. Moving forward there will be appointed, one Clerk with an Associate Clerk to represent both affiliated congregations. After familiarization with each other’s processes some individuals may take the opportunity to reconsider their status.

Music
Our joint organist retired this past year. Prior to her retirement she recorded an extensive library of hymns which she has graciously allowed us to use. The Kim brothers and family have also been providing music for the combined services. The quality of this recorded music has enhanced our on-line worship with no detriment to our in person worship. This introduction has enabled both churches to save the expense of full-time music ministry.

Archives/Records
Historical records will be secured and kept in the fire proof cabinet at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls

Treasurer
Dan Schley will become the Treasurer of the Amalgamated congregations.

Assets & Values
Knox reserves
As at May 31. 2022
Bank Account – $15,195
GIC Maturing December 31, 2022 – $26,000
Mutual Funds – $86,375 (to be cashed)
Total $127,570
Bank accounts will be reduced by August 31, 2022

St. Andrew’s reserves
As at May 31, 2022
Bank Account – $17,730
GIC Investments – $98,837
Total – $116,567

Disposition of Knox Property
Prepare the church and have it appraised
Advertise (twice) for other religious organizations (Book of Forms)
Proceed with sale of property
Proceeds to St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls (to be determined)
Proceeds to Glenarm Cemetery (to be determined)
To other organizations (to be determined)

Knox Chattels:  Members of the congregation will be given the opportunity to indicate those chattels they wish to go to St. Andrew’s and which, having donated the item, they may wish to have returned to them.
Cross on sanctuary wall
Pulpit and Chairs
Communion Table and Chairs and Sideboard
Communion glasses etc. table cloths etc.
Memorial cabinet
Organs and piano
Plant stands and plant holders
Some pews
Kitchen dishes and cook ware
Fridge and Stove
Dehumidifier, vacum cleaner
Tables and chairs in basement
Items in balcony – mostly seasonal decor
All Other items
It is noted that St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls is prepared to accept and arrange any and all memorials, plaques, sacramental fixtures, etc. that are important to the Knox congregation within the church building.

The Amalgamation
The amalgamated church will retain the name St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fenelon Falls.
We would request that the amalgamation become effective September 1, 2022 with a final service of celebration for Knox Presbyterian Church, Glenarm on August 28, 2022 conducted by Presbytery. A service will be held in Fenelon Falls in the fall to commemorate the beginning of the newly amalgamated church.

Our two churches, during the past many years, have had a close spiritual relationship attending each other’s special church services and fund raising events. At the beginning of Covid, with the introduction of Zoom, the two churches formed a Leadership Team consisting of Session members, members of the Board of Managers and other key members of the congregations. For the past two years that team has worked together for the good of both congregations.

The Amalgamation Team prays that God will bless this amalgamation and create a vibrant group of believers to carry on His work. We humbly ask for the prayers and support of the Congregational Life Committee and the Presbytery of Lindsay/Peterborough. May God guide our every decision.

Respectfully submitted by the Amalgamation Committee: Bill Hoyle, Barbara Silver, Dan Schley and Mark Mitchell, with guidance from Rev. Caleb Kim, Rev. Ann Blane, Sheryl Smith and Harold Abernethy (Presbytery).

Amalgamation Letter

Proverbs 23:18      There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

At Knox Glenarm’s annual meeting on February 13th, 2022 the decision was made to request an amalgamation with St. Andrew’s in Fenelon Falls. A congregational meeting was held in Fenelon Falls April 10, 2022 at which time their congregation unanimously endorsed the request to amalgamate.
An Amalgamation Team was created consisting of Bill Hoyle, Barbara Silver, Dan Schley and Mark Mitchell.

Our request to amalgamate was presented to Presbytery in April at which time approval was given to prepare an Amalgamation Plan to bring to Presbytery for the June meeting. They also suggested that persons from Presbytery be asked to assist and provide comments in relation to the plan being prepared. Rev. Ann Blane, Harold Abernethy and Sheryl Smith graciously agreed and their input has been invaluable.

An amalgamation plan was developed. Some of the highlights are:
• The amalgamation would become effective September 1, 2022 with a final service of celebration on August 28, 2022.
• Funds held in the Knox Glenarm accounts will be transferred to Fenelon Falls on the amalgamation date and ongoing expenses will be paid by the new amalgamated congregation..
• The Glenarm church will be appraised and sold with most of the proceeds from the sale going to St. Andrew’s, Fenelon Falls, with some being directed to the Glenarm Cemetery,  and to another organization within the PCC (to be determined).
• Rev. Kim will continue to lead us in ministry.
• The two Sessions and Board of Managers will combine.
• Members of the congregation will be given the opportunity to indicate those chattels they wish to go to St. Andrew’s. If their family had donated items, they may wish to have them returned.

The plan was presented to Presbytery on June 22, 2022 at which time the following  recommendations were approved.

• That Presbytery accept the amalgamation plan of Knox Glenarm and St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls effective September 1, 2022 with a closing service to celebrate on Sunday August 28, 2022.
• That the newly amalgamated congregation report to Presbytery their new name and create a modified call to Rev. Kim.
• Permission was given to sell the Knox Glenarm property. (All recommendations were voted on and carried unanimously.)

The Amalgamation Team suggests the amalgamated church retain the name St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, however, your comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks go out to the members of the Amalgamation Team. Barb for her skill in document creation. Mark for his input.  Bill and Dan’s knowledge of the two church histories and Bill’s knowledge of Presbytery were invaluable. Each of the members on the team invested many hours in preparing the plan and it came together very well. Thanks also to Rev. Kim who always provides his wisdom.

We are confident this amalgamation will be successful and will benefit both congregations. We pray that God will bless and create a vibrant group of believers to carry on His work. We humbly ask for your prayers in this new endeavour.

Respectfully, Rev Kim & the Amalgamation Team

 

Service Info for June 26, 2022

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Glenarm and Fenelon Falls people, we express our sincere appreciation to the Amalgamation Committee members for their diligent work for our churches’ merging preparations under the dedicated leadership of Bill Hoyle. While reading this email, you will have received a congregational letter and the Amalgamation plan from the Committee. On behalf of the Committee, we thank our church members, friends, and our whole presbytery for the full support and prayers about this merging process. Please continue to pray about these ongoing tasks the Committee has been asked to complete until a new joint congregation starts God’s ministry on September 1, 2022. On one hand, we will sadly see the long, vitally active community assembly called the Knox Glenarm church closed. On the other hand, we are so excited to move forward in God’s direction as a Heavenly team. As Dan mentioned last Sunday, we also pray that our amalgamation journey could be an excellent example of God’s alternative ministry in our presbytery and the whole denomination.

This Sunday, we will continue to have the fourth letter of the “Seven Churches in Revelation” sermon series, titled “Thyatira – The Corrupted Church” (Revelation 2:18-29). “Holiness” is one of God’s primary characteristics and God’s Kingdom. We will also learn the importance of this godly attribute through children’s time and video corners.

This introduction invites you to assemble for the June 26th hybrid service. As usual, the worship will be held at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday at St. Andrew’s Church, Fenelon Falls. This sacred gathering will also be broadcasted via Zoom, and the Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. Before the service, the announcement slides will be presented to the congregation at the sanctuary and on Zoom. Starting this Sunday, some hard copies of the sermon will also be available at the back of the church.

Upcoming Services/Meetings:
June 5 – July 17: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 3: Communion
July 3: Decoration Service at Knox Cemetery
July 4-8: Vacation Bible School (now called BLAST) at Trentside Baptist Church Fenelon Falls run by the Association of Churches
July 6 – August 8: Wednesday Morning Prayer Meetings (More detailed info about this venue will be shared later.)

“I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling” (Revelation 2:21).

Blessings,

Caleb

Service Info for June 19, 2022

Dear Friends,

This Sunday is Father’s Day. Let us wish a “Happy Father’s Day” to all the dads and granddads. The first of God’s Ten Commandments with our fellow beings is “Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12). This is God’s direction with His promise upon us. We will celebrate this day by remembering the lives of our fathers and appreciating their love and work for us. We will focus our hearts on “the Mighty God and Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6) while worshipping Him with all our hearts. Through children’s time, we will learn our Heavenly Father’s power and protection and its song “My God is so big…”. We will also explore our Father’s Love Letter at the video corner. We will also have the third part of the “Seven Churches in Revelation” sermon series, titled “Pergamum – The Compromising Church.”

With this introduction, I invite you to assemble for the June 19th hybrid service. As usual, the worship will be held at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday at St. Andrew’s Church, Fenelon Falls. This sacred gathering will also be broadcasted via Zoom, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. Before the service, the announcement slides will be presented to the congregation at the sanctuary and on Zoom.

Upcoming Services/Meetings:
June 5 – July 17: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 3: Communion
July 3: Decoration Service at Knox Cemetery
July 4-8: Vacation Bible School (now called BLAST) at Trentside Baptist Church Fenelon Falls run by the Association of Churches
July 6 – August 8: Wednesday Morning Prayer Meetings (More detailed info about this venue will be shared later.)

“Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16).

Blessings,

Caleb

Service Info for June 12, 2022

Dear Friends,

As reformed Christians, we believe that the Lord our God has three distinct divine characters: “God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.” Since the time of Creation, the Triune Lord has been working together to show us good examples of Godly Team Ministry. When the Creator God made humans, He said, “Let us (the Father, the Son, and the Spirit) make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). Did you notice that God did not use a singular form of pronouns but a plural structure? Before Jesus Christ was ascended into heaven, He gave the disciples the Great Commission by saying: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matt. 28:19). This sacred fact has been described as a Holy Communion of “Three Persons in the One Triune God.” The Lord has mysteriously helped our community, our church, our loved ones and us in the past, is with all of the godly participants at present, and will continuously send the Supernatural Power to each of us. This Sunday, we will celebrate “The Holy Trinity” in our worship service. We will learn the sacred meanings of the Trinity while listening to the children’s story and viewing the video entitled “God.” We will also have the second part of the “Seven Churches in Revelation” sermon series, titled “Smyrna – The Victor’s Crown.”

With this introduction, I invite you to assemble for the June 12th Hybrid Service this Sunday. As usual, the worship will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, Fenelon Falls. This gathering will also be broadcasted via Zoom, and the Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be presented prior to the service both at the sanctuary and on Zoom. A copy of the service info, including the message, is attached.

Upcoming Services/Meetings:
June 5 – July 17: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 3: Communion
July 3: Decoration Service at Knox Cemetery
July 6 – August 8: Wednesday Morning Prayer Meetings (More detailed info about this venue will be shared later.)

Blessings,

Caleb

Service Info for June 5, 2022

Dear Friends,

Firstly, I want to thank the following guest speakers, Dan Schley, Mark Mitchell, Rev. Barney Grace, Ray Coker, and Rev. Henry Huberts, for the Word of God they have shared with His people during my vacation. My wife, Soon, and I also want to show our appreciation for all the prayers you have requested for our trip to Korea and our stay there. I have to confess that those divine petitions have helped us experience God’s special provision and guidance more than we could ever imagine!

Secondly, I am so thrilled to begin with this year’s third sermon series called the “Seven Churches of Revelation,” followed by “Fruit of the Spirit” and “God’s Dream for Your Life.” In this new topic, we will explore Jesus’ evaluations of each church from Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Our bodies are also known as “the temple of the Holy Spirit” in the Bible (1 Corinthians 6:19). In a spiritual sense, we, as not only a church but also individual Christians, can be the religious gatherings of Christ. Through this episode, I want us to pay attention to Jesus’ visitation to our church and our heart and learn Christ’s direction in our spiritually adventurous race.

Thirdly, I want to write brief words about the Kid’s Corner in our services. A couple of Sundays ago, Rev. Grace called it the following phrase, “Message for the Young or Young at heart.” I like this description. Regardless of age, we are all children of God when we trust the Lord. In the coming hybrid services, we will continuously have children’s time differently. Children are welcome to join us in the sanctuary and via Zoom!

Fourthly, if you and/or anyone you know need our prayers, please let an elder and/or me know. We, as a church, want to present your requests to our Almighty God on your behalf. During our devotion to the Lord, we can make petitions for those who have been in challenging situations.

With these notes, I want to invite you to assemble for the June 5th Hybrid Service this Sunday. As usual, the worship service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, Fenelon Falls. This sacred assembly will also be broadcasted via Zoom, and the Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be presented prior to the service both at the sanctuary and on Zoom. A copy of the service info, including the message, is attached.

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
June 5th- July 17th: Seven Churches of Revelation Series
July 6th – August 8th (Tentative): Wednesday Morning Prayer Meetings (More detailed info about this venue will be shared later.)

Blessings,

Caleb

Service Info for May 29, 2022

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, Rev. Henry Huberts will be our guest speaker. He will share the Word of God with us as the young or young at heart. Please note that the May 29th service will be held at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom only. The Zoom gathering will open at 9:45 a.m., and the announcement slides will be played before the service. A Zoom fellowship will take place for those who want to join after the service.

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
May 29: Virtual Service
June 5: Day of Pentecost & General Assembly Sunday – A new sermon series titled “Seven Churches of Revelation” taken from Revelation 2-3 will be launched.

Blessings,

Caleb