OUR MISSION
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Crawford and Knox United Church
ON-LINE WORSHIP SERVICE
ON-LINE WORSHIP SERVICE
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Order of Service – Sun. May 16, 2021
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES PRELUDE: “Blessed Assurance” VU 337 – Organist: Azrael Hackshaw CALL TO WORSHIP: Come to the birthplace, and we shall be one even as parents and child are one. We come to the God who gives us life, whose life in the world is borne by our labour. Let us come singing, and we shall be one, even as |
melody and harmony are one. We come to the God who gives us song, and to whose lead we lend our voices. Let us come dancing, and we shall be one, even as rhythm and motion are one. We come to the God who gives us dance, and to whose movements we adapt our step. We come to the birthplace, and we shall be one. We come to our God. We shall be one!
PRAYER: God, you have created this world and have given us lakes and mountains, stars, and wonder as we look up at the night sky. You have given each of us life and breath and have put us in families and among friends. You have given us the ancient leaders and the prophets, you have spoken through the scriptures, and have formed the faith community. God, you have sent Jesus Christ for us and for all people. In Christ’s birth, God’s care was made clear; in his baptism, God’s vocation was revealed; and in his death on the cross, we understand just how far God will go for us. Bless us, O God.
A PRAYER OF DEDICATION: In a world where many are dedicated to attaining power over others, we dedicate ourselves to peace and to the support of the downtrodden. In a church where many find it easier to keep the traditional ways, we dedicate ourselves to fresh expressions of worship and to innovative ways and service. In a friendship circle where many experience relationships on a superficial level, we dedicate ourselves to listening carefully and to going the extra mile. In families where it is difficult to keep priorities straight in a fast-moving world, we dedicate ourselves to taking time for each family member and to enjoying the moment with them. We dedicate ourselves in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” VU 334 – Organist: Azrael Hackshaw
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 1:15-17
Psalm 47
Luke 24:44-53
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Christ is Alive” VU 158 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Loving God, you are the source of all blessing. Alert us to your generosity, and in love, enable us to return the blessing. Bless those whose needs are great, in our families, in our community, in our church, and in our troubled world. We pray in the name of Jesus, who is a blessing to us. Amen.
HYMN: “Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies” VU 336 – Duet: Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
PRAYER: God, you have created this world and have given us lakes and mountains, stars, and wonder as we look up at the night sky. You have given each of us life and breath and have put us in families and among friends. You have given us the ancient leaders and the prophets, you have spoken through the scriptures, and have formed the faith community. God, you have sent Jesus Christ for us and for all people. In Christ’s birth, God’s care was made clear; in his baptism, God’s vocation was revealed; and in his death on the cross, we understand just how far God will go for us. Bless us, O God.
A PRAYER OF DEDICATION: In a world where many are dedicated to attaining power over others, we dedicate ourselves to peace and to the support of the downtrodden. In a church where many find it easier to keep the traditional ways, we dedicate ourselves to fresh expressions of worship and to innovative ways and service. In a friendship circle where many experience relationships on a superficial level, we dedicate ourselves to listening carefully and to going the extra mile. In families where it is difficult to keep priorities straight in a fast-moving world, we dedicate ourselves to taking time for each family member and to enjoying the moment with them. We dedicate ourselves in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” VU 334 – Organist: Azrael Hackshaw
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 1:15-17
Psalm 47
Luke 24:44-53
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Christ is Alive” VU 158 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Loving God, you are the source of all blessing. Alert us to your generosity, and in love, enable us to return the blessing. Bless those whose needs are great, in our families, in our community, in our church, and in our troubled world. We pray in the name of Jesus, who is a blessing to us. Amen.
HYMN: “Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies” VU 336 – Duet: Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. May 9, 2021
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES PRELUDE: “All Creatures of Our God and King” VU 217 - Marilyn Dickson CALL TO WORSHIP: O sing a new song to the Lord our God, a song resounding to the ends of the earth! A song of gladness! A song of life and peace! A song of love and victory! A song of faith and power! O let your voices roar with the seas! Clap hands with the floods and shout with the hills for our blinded eyes are opened, and our deafened ears unstopped; our crippled feet are leaping, and our muted tongues have found songs! |
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PRAYER: Mother of Heaven, you deliver us. You brought us, like your child Jesus, from the world created and ruled by our parents, and ushered us into the world that you, alone, create and rule. Love us, O spirit, with the love that transforms the tomb into the womb. Let the waters of rebirth forever break upon your creation, that what is in heaven may be gotten on earth.
HYMN: “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families”– Trio: Cindy, Kaitlyn and Hannah Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Many and Great, O God, Are Your Works” – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Loving God, you are the source of all blessing. Alert us to your generosity and in love enable us to return the blessing. Bless those whose needs are great, in our families, in our community, in our church, and in our troubled world. We pray in the name of Jesus, who is a blessing to us. Amen.
HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”– Organist: Marilyn Dickson
TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Happy Mother’s Day!
HYMN: “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families”– Trio: Cindy, Kaitlyn and Hannah Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Many and Great, O God, Are Your Works” – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Loving God, you are the source of all blessing. Alert us to your generosity and in love enable us to return the blessing. Bless those whose needs are great, in our families, in our community, in our church, and in our troubled world. We pray in the name of Jesus, who is a blessing to us. Amen.
HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”– Organist: Marilyn Dickson
TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Order of Service – Sun. May 2, 2021
LIGHTING OF WORSHIP CANDLES PRELUDE: “We Cannot Measure How You Heal” VU 613 – Marilyn Dickson CALL TO WORSHIP: Come and sit with me, says the Lord: we shall study the Word. Together, we shall read and understand. Come and kneel with me; we shall break the bread. Together we shall eat and be satisfied. Come and walk with me; we shall part the waters. Together we shall risk and shall be changed. |
PRAYER: O Lord, you know our hearts. As Guide, you would have us follow you to the ends of the earth, but you know that we hide in the corners of ourselves. As Teacher, you would have us discover you in the depths of our being, but you know that we meditate on the surface of things. As lover, you would have us pledge ourselves to you with an unbreakable vow, but you know that we wed ourselves to other gods.
Lord, you know our hearts. Guide, teach, and love them into knowing what they do not know about themselves, that they might become what you would have them be.
HYMN: “In Loving Partnership We Come” VU 603 – Soloist: Amy Krauter
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 8: 26-40
Psalm 22:25-31
1 John 3:16 -24
John 15: 1-6
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “O Love, How Deep” VU 348 – Organist: Marilyn Dickson
MESSAGE: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayers: These offerings are blessed by you, our Loving God, as the distressed find a friend, as the despairing find hope, as the church links arms with its faith neighbors, as the Good News of Jesus Christ is heard and celebrated, as the faith community makes an impact locally, and as it reached out to touch the wider world. Amen
COMMUNION HYMN: “Dear God, Who Loves All Humankind” VU 608 – Organist: Marilyn Dickson
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “The Gift of Love” VU 372 – Soloist: Cindy Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Lord, you know our hearts. Guide, teach, and love them into knowing what they do not know about themselves, that they might become what you would have them be.
HYMN: “In Loving Partnership We Come” VU 603 – Soloist: Amy Krauter
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 8: 26-40
Psalm 22:25-31
1 John 3:16 -24
John 15: 1-6
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “O Love, How Deep” VU 348 – Organist: Marilyn Dickson
MESSAGE: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayers: These offerings are blessed by you, our Loving God, as the distressed find a friend, as the despairing find hope, as the church links arms with its faith neighbors, as the Good News of Jesus Christ is heard and celebrated, as the faith community makes an impact locally, and as it reached out to touch the wider world. Amen
COMMUNION HYMN: “Dear God, Who Loves All Humankind” VU 608 – Organist: Marilyn Dickson
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “The Gift of Love” VU 372 – Soloist: Cindy Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. April 25, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Easter LIGHTING OF CANDLES PRELUDE: “At the Name of Jesus” VU 335 - Marilyn Dickson CALL TO WORSHIP: Calm is your gift to us, O God. You lead us on the right path. In the valley of the shadow, you take our hands. As we sit at the table, you join us and secure us. You are eternally good to us, and eternally present with us. |
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OPENING PRAYER: O God, when we claim wonders for you in the name of Jesus Christ, let us not forget that this stone - the head of the corner - is the same stone that the builders rejected; that this Jesus - the manifestation of your glory - is the same Jesus who revealed the depths of human shame. Let us remember that we declare our faith by declaring your glory in Jesus. Set our minds on the glory of your presence, not in heaven or on earth, but in Jesus Christ our crucified Lord and Savior.
HYMN: “The King of Love” VU 273 – Soloist: Cris Pagett
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 23
John 10:11–18
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” VU 747 – Soloist: Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: Jesus promised us abundant life, O God, and our response is to give abundantly in return. You have given much to us! These gifts will be blessed as we follow the Good Shepherd and as we care for his flock. Amen.
HYMN: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” VU 344 – Emily and Cindy Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “The King of Love” VU 273 – Soloist: Cris Pagett
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 23
John 10:11–18
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” VU 747 – Soloist: Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: Jesus promised us abundant life, O God, and our response is to give abundantly in return. You have given much to us! These gifts will be blessed as we follow the Good Shepherd and as we care for his flock. Amen.
HYMN: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” VU 344 – Emily and Cindy Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. April 18, 2021
Earth Sunday LIGHTING OF CANDLES PRELUDE: Mozart Hallelujah – Tubist: Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith CALL TO WORSHIP: Holy, holy, holy is our Almighty God. Holy is the soil we walk on. Holy is the air that we breath. Holy is the warming sun. Holy is the water that flows in, around and between us. Holy is our time together |
OPENING PRAYER: We thank-you, God our Creator, for all the blessings of our living. For the blessings of our traditions, the gospel, the community, our faith. For the blessings of technology, zoom rooms, computer and the internet. For the blessings of spring, resurrected life, rebirth and budding hope, For all the blessings we share in the midst of our suffering. We give you thanks and praise forever. Amen.
HYMN: “As We Walked Home at Close of Day” VU 184 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 4
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Open My Eyes that I May See” VU 371
– Duet: Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE: “Awe-full Soil” - Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: The gifts that we share are like seeds, present and future promises, that may grow, like our dreams, in beautiful and unexpected ways. May the growth of these gifts that we entrust to you help us celebrate life, and your promise for a world where all are fed and all are loved. May these gifts remind us all, that we too, are sacred seeds planted in your garden. Amen.
HYMN: “Lead Me, God” VU 662 – Soloist: Cris Pagett
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “As We Walked Home at Close of Day” VU 184 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 4
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Open My Eyes that I May See” VU 371
– Duet: Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE: “Awe-full Soil” - Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: The gifts that we share are like seeds, present and future promises, that may grow, like our dreams, in beautiful and unexpected ways. May the growth of these gifts that we entrust to you help us celebrate life, and your promise for a world where all are fed and all are loved. May these gifts remind us all, that we too, are sacred seeds planted in your garden. Amen.
HYMN: “Lead Me, God” VU 662 – Soloist: Cris Pagett
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. April 11, 2021
Second Sunday of Easter LIGHTING OF CANDLES PRELUDE: “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks” VU 179 - Marilyn Dickson CALL TO WORSHIP: Let us praise God for the mighty deeds wrought through Jesus Christ. Praise God for loosing the chains of sin! Praise God for breaking the bonds of death! Praise God for releasing the forces of love! Let us join with God’s people everywhere and praise Jesus Christ the Lord! |
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OPENING PRAYER: O Christ, whose birth means nothing unless we be born of love, whose life means nothing unless we live for God, whose death means nothing unless we die unto self, and whose resurrection means mothing unless we rise unto newness of life, we praise your holy name. Let our lips utter no desire that does not proceed from a committed heart. And let our mouths express no thought that does not spring from a faithful spirit. Teach us how to be committed and faithful, O God. Amen
HYMN: “To God Be the Glory” MHB 98 – Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
John 20:19-31
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “God Sent His Son / Because He Lives” – Soloist: Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: Living God, accept these gifts and the reasons we give them: to bring purpose where there is hesitancy, to bring courage where there is struggle, to bring comfort where there is loss and bereavement, to bring assurance where there is self-doubt, to bring justice where there is oppression. These are the gifts of new life! Amen
HYMN: “Thine Is the Glory” VU 173 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “To God Be the Glory” MHB 98 – Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
John 20:19-31
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “God Sent His Son / Because He Lives” – Soloist: Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER - “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”
- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering prayer: Living God, accept these gifts and the reasons we give them: to bring purpose where there is hesitancy, to bring courage where there is struggle, to bring comfort where there is loss and bereavement, to bring assurance where there is self-doubt, to bring justice where there is oppression. These are the gifts of new life! Amen
HYMN: “Thine Is the Glory” VU 173 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday PRELUDE: “Low in the Grave He Lay” – Marilyn Dickson LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Defeater of death, Creator of Community, Way of hope, Promise of wholeness! Christ is risen! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! |
PRAYER: The stone has been removed from the tomb; the power of death is at an end. The grave clothes have been abandoned; fear and hesitation are over. The risen Christ is encountered. The community of faith will be restored, Christ is once more with his friends; hope is alive, new horizons beckon, oppression and injustice are shattered.
Almighty God, on Calvary you chose the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to defy the strong, and the despised to mock the proud. Today, we gather together not merely to applaud your choice but to ask for its repetition in us. Deliver us from the self-righteous addiction of the crucifiers that we might know the self-giving affection of the Crucified. Grant us the power to proclaim the Easter promise of participation in the conquest of Christ by living out the commitment of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” VU 157 – Trumpeters: Peter Hopwood & Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 118:14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20: 1-18
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “The Holy City” – Soloist: Krista Bell
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: What would you give for an empty tomb? What would you give for a Risen Savior? What would you give for a restored community? What would you give for a gospel that endures? We can give nothing; it was graced to us. Bless these offerings, O God, for through them, the spirit of the Risen Christ is at work in our day and generation. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN: “The Strife is O’er” VU 159 – Azrael Hackshaw
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
COMMUNION PRAYER
HYMN: “I Serve a Risen Saviour” MHB 310 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Almighty God, on Calvary you chose the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to defy the strong, and the despised to mock the proud. Today, we gather together not merely to applaud your choice but to ask for its repetition in us. Deliver us from the self-righteous addiction of the crucifiers that we might know the self-giving affection of the Crucified. Grant us the power to proclaim the Easter promise of participation in the conquest of Christ by living out the commitment of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” VU 157 – Trumpeters: Peter Hopwood & Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 118:14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20: 1-18
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “The Holy City” – Soloist: Krista Bell
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER: “Our Father Who’s in Heaven”- Music by Denise Smith-Lewis, Arrangement by Ulston P. Smith
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: What would you give for an empty tomb? What would you give for a Risen Savior? What would you give for a restored community? What would you give for a gospel that endures? We can give nothing; it was graced to us. Bless these offerings, O God, for through them, the spirit of the Risen Christ is at work in our day and generation. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN: “The Strife is O’er” VU 159 – Azrael Hackshaw
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
COMMUNION PRAYER
HYMN: “I Serve a Risen Saviour” MHB 310 – Soloist: Spencer Bristow
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
BEAUTIFUL CHURCH ON THE HILL
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Some time ago, Annabelle Neuman, a member of the Knox congregation, wrote a lovely song about the history and meaning of this church. Press the button to the right to hear that selections sung by the 2019 congregation. To return to this site, press the "back" arrow. This song is included on the "2019 Sampling" CD completed to commemorate the congregations 160th anniversary in 2019.
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Sunday Worship
Due to the current virus outbreak
Sunday worship, and all other activities,
cancelled until further notice
SPECIAL MESSAGES
Dear Faith Leader serving Grey-Bruce:
If we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting my name is David. I serve as the Lead Pastor of SouthPort Church in Saugeen Shores; I also serve as Police Chaplain for the Saugeen Shores Police, and as the Section Pastor (presbyter) for the Owen Sound Section Churches, Western Ontario District (PAOC). Over the course of the last several months I have had the opportunity of serving alongside the Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force representing the faith communities of our region. I have been encouraged as this amazing team of community leaders has joined together under the direction Dr. Arra working towards a vaccination plan for our Grey-Bruce community. I have been that encouraged faith leaders were included as part of the phase 1 vaccination roll out.
In Grey-Bruce we are blessed to have many faith groups represented and serving a wide range of people. Thank you for each of your continued dedication, service, and daily sacrifices each of you and your families continue to make as you serve. I believe we need the strength of our faith and our collective unity more than ever before. Our communities need us as faith leaders to be beacons of hope during these very challenging times.
Over the course of the last week the Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force has worked collaboratively on a joint letter to our Grey-Bruce community. This letter is attached to this email and we would like you to consider sharing the letter and its message with your faith communities. Doing so will help us spread this important message throughout our community. Please feel free to post the letter on your social media, and encourage people to share it. If you have an opportunity to read the letter as part of your live streamed services over the next week we would also welcome you to do so. I do have a pre-recorded video of the letter being read if you would like to receive this video to include in your pre-recorded or live services please let me know.
Thank you in advance for your time and your efforts. Download/view the letter HERE.
If I can serve you or your faith communities in any way during this time, or if you have questions about the vaccine distribution or this letter please reach out to me by phone, text or email. 519.270.9582 or david@myfamily.church
This pandemic will end!
Here to serve,
David Baker
Lead Pastor, SouthPort Church
Chaplain, Saugeen Shores Police Service (CISM)
Section Pastor, Owen Sound Section, Western Ontario District, PAOC
Task Force Member, Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force (GBHU)
If we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting my name is David. I serve as the Lead Pastor of SouthPort Church in Saugeen Shores; I also serve as Police Chaplain for the Saugeen Shores Police, and as the Section Pastor (presbyter) for the Owen Sound Section Churches, Western Ontario District (PAOC). Over the course of the last several months I have had the opportunity of serving alongside the Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force representing the faith communities of our region. I have been encouraged as this amazing team of community leaders has joined together under the direction Dr. Arra working towards a vaccination plan for our Grey-Bruce community. I have been that encouraged faith leaders were included as part of the phase 1 vaccination roll out.
In Grey-Bruce we are blessed to have many faith groups represented and serving a wide range of people. Thank you for each of your continued dedication, service, and daily sacrifices each of you and your families continue to make as you serve. I believe we need the strength of our faith and our collective unity more than ever before. Our communities need us as faith leaders to be beacons of hope during these very challenging times.
Over the course of the last week the Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force has worked collaboratively on a joint letter to our Grey-Bruce community. This letter is attached to this email and we would like you to consider sharing the letter and its message with your faith communities. Doing so will help us spread this important message throughout our community. Please feel free to post the letter on your social media, and encourage people to share it. If you have an opportunity to read the letter as part of your live streamed services over the next week we would also welcome you to do so. I do have a pre-recorded video of the letter being read if you would like to receive this video to include in your pre-recorded or live services please let me know.
Thank you in advance for your time and your efforts. Download/view the letter HERE.
If I can serve you or your faith communities in any way during this time, or if you have questions about the vaccine distribution or this letter please reach out to me by phone, text or email. 519.270.9582 or david@myfamily.church
This pandemic will end!
Here to serve,
David Baker
Lead Pastor, SouthPort Church
Chaplain, Saugeen Shores Police Service (CISM)
Section Pastor, Owen Sound Section, Western Ontario District, PAOC
Task Force Member, Grey-Bruce Vaccine Distribution Task Force (GBHU)
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The 23rd Psalm is a perennial favorite.
And yet for all its familiarity, there may be some nuances to the Psalm we have missed, some reflections scholars might share to deepen our sense of the most comforting words ever composed. Consider one four letter word in verse four: thou. The second-person pronoun "thou" is old English, a relic from the 1611 King James Version. The vast majority of the time we prefer modern translations of the Bible—but Christians cling to a 400-year-old translation of Psalm 23. Why is this? Could it be that elevated language, words with some lineage and dignity, are appropriate to the grandeur, the majesty, the immeasurable grace of God who is indeed our shepherd? And here is a fascinating item: James Limburg points out that, in the original Hebrew of Psalm 23, there are exactly twenty six words before and after, "Thou art with me."2 Perhaps the poet was boldly declaring that God being with us is at the very center of our lives. God is with us. We are not alone down here. The whole Gospel is that God is with us. Jesus was called "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." John Wesley's dying words were, "The best of all is, God is with us." God doesn't shelter us from trouble. God doesn't magically manipulate everything to suit us. But the glorious with is unassailable, unchangeable, the only fact that matters. This marvelous news draws our attention again to the Thou. For the first three verses of the Psalm, God is spoken of in the third person: "The Lord is my shepherd... he leads me... he restores my soul." But with the Thou, the third person shifts to second person: "for Thou art with me, thy rod... thou preparest a table..." Instead of talking about God, the Psalmist begins to talk to God; instead of God in the head, God is a friend in the heart. A conversation happens, a relationship grows. This is faith, the only true comfort. If we genuinely and in the marrow of our being believe that God is with us, then the only logical consequence would be, "I shall not want." We've read it, uttered it, delighted in it: but have we thought about it? Or lived it out in reality? I shall not want? Our whole life is about wanting: I want, I shop, I look, and when I have it, I want new stuff. In our consumer culture, I shall want, I shall always want. I shall never stop all my wanting because the mall entices me with ever new, shiny, unnecessary objects, and I am instructed from childhood on to want—and not merely to want, but to have. I shall not want? "The Lord is my shepherd." If the Lord is the shepherd, then I am a sheep, and the reason sheep need a shepherd is simple: sheep nibble themselves lost. Sheep are not brilliant creatures, and we cannot be flattered that the Psalm thinks of us as sheep. Leave a sheep without a shepherd, and he nibbles a bit of grass here, wanders over there for some more, sees a patch just past that rock; and before you know it the sheep is lost, or has fallen into a ravine, or been devoured by a wolf. The Hebrew original is perhaps better translated, "I shall lack nothing," or "I shall lack no good thing." What do I lack? Well, I lack an iPhone or a house at the coast. I lack a fully-funded pension and I lack... We can fill in the blank endlessly. But it is more to ask "What do I lack?" in the sense of "What really matters that I do not have?" What, at the hour of death, would I dare not lack? The answers aren't iPhones or vacation houses. Jesus spoke with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), who claimed to be good, and had plenty of stuff. What did Jesus say? "One thing you still lack." We don't lack lots of things: we lack just one. The one thing we lack is intimacy with God. The one and only thing that can cause us to say, "I shall not want," or "I lack no good thing," is God. Nothing else. Just the Lord who is a good shepherd to his sheep. God is our satisfaction. God is good enough. Or, to be truer, God exceeds whatever we may think we desire. If "Thou art with me" is the focal point of the Psalm, and if "I shall not want" is the beginning of a new life of being satisfied with God, then the end of our life with God is this: "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Why do we want stuff like iPhones and vacation homes? Is it sheer coveting? I don't think so. We want communication devices because we long to connect. We want a house, or a better house, because no matter how far we travel, no matter how happy or sad our nuclear family might have been, we carry inside a yearning for home. In our mobile society, we may be clueless about where that might be, or if it really exists. But we still want, above all else, to go home. Perhaps T.S. Eliot was right: "The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."3 Or consider this: if you are lucky, you have fond memories of summertime junkets to the home of your grandparents. For me, it was a house that is factually small, but as a child it was large in love, in special treats, in cousins and fun. It was another home, one without problems or homework or chores, a special place of a more unconditional kind of love. Does God give us such places in our memory so that we will learn to desire the home for which God destines us when this life is over? Isaac Watts often recast Psalms into slightly different language. His metric version of the 23rd Psalm is eloquent, elegant, and moving: "The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may Your House be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home."4 Like a child at home. Yes, some children bear the misfortune of a home that is more warfare than peace, more division than love. They gaze at the television and hear the news of the spread of covid19, and they are scared, they are worried. But the fact that we recoil at the idea of any child anywhere not enjoying peace and love at home is evidence that God has wired into our hearts a keen sense of a proper destiny. Various happenings in our life strike us as urgent. They make us anxious, or perhaps we have some fun or face trials. But it is all a preparation for a grand homecoming, when we will "find a settled rest... no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home." Or as the Psalmist sang, "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (23:6). |
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
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WORSHIP AT KNOX
... Experiencing the sacred in our sinful midst
The Knox United church meets on Sunday mornings for worship services.
I know we can encounter the sacred presence of God at anytime in any place. As we integrate our faith with our daily living, everything we do can be an act of worship, bringing joy and hope to life and allowing us to experience God’s presence. But when we come apart to a place of worship, dedicated to the glory of God, we come with greater intention, expecting to receive something more powerful than we have not received during our daily routine. This is why worship becomes so important to our lives and Knox United, Durham, ideally located on the hill, offers a glorious opportunity for us to encounter such glorious experience. The doors to the sanctuary are widely opened for all and anyone to come in and worship. We at Knox are intentional about worship; we pause to be still, to listen, and to hear God’s word, to sing praise, offer prayers of thanksgiving, to lift the world and other people’s concerns to God, to participate in the Holy sacraments of baptism and communion and to reflect on God’s calling to us and God’s world.
I am cognisant that people come every Sunday morning for a variety of reasons. Some come with joyful hearts, eager to sing praise and give thanks. Some come with heavy hearts, seeking comfort and encouragement. Some bring their confusion, looking for clarity. Some come feeling depleted, looking for nourishment and renewal. Some come longing for meaningful connection with others. Regardless of the reasons for coming to Knox United, Durham, on a Sunday Mornings, we try to create welcoming and engaging worship opportunities where people can satisfy their yearning for God and encounter the Holy.
People can encounter God in a variety of ways during the worship services. At different times, different elements of the worship service can help us experience God’s acceptance, encouragement, guidance, challenge and calling, healing and support. Here are some things we can expect to experience in a Sunday morning worship service:
At Knox United Durham, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion monthly as well as on special Sundays such as Easter Sunday. We also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism throughout the year, welcoming new members to the church.
Our largest gather for worship during the year is on Christmas Eve night service when we celebrate Holy Communion, act out the Christmas stories and bring a Christmas message.
Worship is also experienced at special times of the celebration, including Weddings, Anniversaries and celebrations of life.
We are an inclusive Christian community with a deep passion for God and God’s vision of equity, justice and well-being for all.
The feeling of knowing that we are in the sacred presence, when we enter this sanctuary for worship, leaves us with a sense of awe and refreshment. Come join us and celebrate God’s sacred presence in the midst of our sinful nature.
... Experiencing the sacred in our sinful midst
The Knox United church meets on Sunday mornings for worship services.
I know we can encounter the sacred presence of God at anytime in any place. As we integrate our faith with our daily living, everything we do can be an act of worship, bringing joy and hope to life and allowing us to experience God’s presence. But when we come apart to a place of worship, dedicated to the glory of God, we come with greater intention, expecting to receive something more powerful than we have not received during our daily routine. This is why worship becomes so important to our lives and Knox United, Durham, ideally located on the hill, offers a glorious opportunity for us to encounter such glorious experience. The doors to the sanctuary are widely opened for all and anyone to come in and worship. We at Knox are intentional about worship; we pause to be still, to listen, and to hear God’s word, to sing praise, offer prayers of thanksgiving, to lift the world and other people’s concerns to God, to participate in the Holy sacraments of baptism and communion and to reflect on God’s calling to us and God’s world.
I am cognisant that people come every Sunday morning for a variety of reasons. Some come with joyful hearts, eager to sing praise and give thanks. Some come with heavy hearts, seeking comfort and encouragement. Some bring their confusion, looking for clarity. Some come feeling depleted, looking for nourishment and renewal. Some come longing for meaningful connection with others. Regardless of the reasons for coming to Knox United, Durham, on a Sunday Mornings, we try to create welcoming and engaging worship opportunities where people can satisfy their yearning for God and encounter the Holy.
People can encounter God in a variety of ways during the worship services. At different times, different elements of the worship service can help us experience God’s acceptance, encouragement, guidance, challenge and calling, healing and support. Here are some things we can expect to experience in a Sunday morning worship service:
- A friendly welcome from our greeters as you arrive
- Music- singing hymns, listening to the choir as they offer an anthem, listening to the different musical instruments play.
- Prayer- Individual silent prayer, collective prayers, prayer requests, prayer candles
- Scripture- listening for God’s Word to us from the Bible
- Sermon-Hearing the minister reflect on the Bible reading and relate it to our present lives
- Life and Work of the church- hearing about upcoming activities, events, and opportunities to get involved
- Parting Blessing
- Coffee and fellowship following the service –a time to connect with others
- Our minister, Rev Tessica T. Hackshaw, leads the worship service and offers a weekly reflection
- Our music directors and members of the choir lead us in singing
- Members of our Worship Committee
- Scripture Readers
- Greeters and ushers
- Those who prepare and serve the bread and wine for our monthly communion service
- People who operate the sound and projection equipment
- Those who share their lives’ testimony on third Sundays
- Individuals who design and create banners and who decorate the sanctuary for special services
- Those who prepare the refreshments for coffee time
- Those who donate cakes every first Sunday for monthly birthday celebrations . . .
- Those who meet every week for prayer meetings and Bible study
- The two youth groups (5-12) and (12- 22) who meet every Friday for Spiritual nourishment and socialization
At Knox United Durham, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion monthly as well as on special Sundays such as Easter Sunday. We also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism throughout the year, welcoming new members to the church.
Our largest gather for worship during the year is on Christmas Eve night service when we celebrate Holy Communion, act out the Christmas stories and bring a Christmas message.
Worship is also experienced at special times of the celebration, including Weddings, Anniversaries and celebrations of life.
We are an inclusive Christian community with a deep passion for God and God’s vision of equity, justice and well-being for all.
The feeling of knowing that we are in the sacred presence, when we enter this sanctuary for worship, leaves us with a sense of awe and refreshment. Come join us and celebrate God’s sacred presence in the midst of our sinful nature.
