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 – Sunday, January 24, 2021
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Look for the signs of God’s presence. There is celebration in the air, joy abounds! The lonely are noticed, community grows! The oppressed are freed! Those who cannot understand receive insight! The suffering find compassion, the bereaved find comfort! God’s word is taken to heart. Faith is alive! |
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PRAYER: You call us together, support, challenge, confront and invite us to be partakers of your gracious will, O God. But we sometimes shun your call, and our disobedience causes us pain, suffering and inner discontent. Dear Lord, forgive our foolish ways, and lead us to the path of peace. Teach us how to take the love of Christ to heart, and show the love of Christ to the downhearted, the oppressed, the bewildered, and those who feel trapped. So hold us in community and use us in community, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: “Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart” VU 378 - Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READING: Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, and 8-10
Psalm 19
I Corinthians 12:27-31
Luke 4:14-21
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “There is a Balm in Gilead” - Cris Pagett
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Prayer: We offer to you, O God, our gifts for your blessings; our talents committed for Jesus; our community strengthened for service. Receive these gifts and bless them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus” VU 626 - Psalter Duet - Bill McMeekin and Cris Pagett
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart” VU 378 - Marilyn Dickson
SCRIPTURE READING: Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, and 8-10
Psalm 19
I Corinthians 12:27-31
Luke 4:14-21
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “There is a Balm in Gilead” - Cris Pagett
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Prayer: We offer to you, O God, our gifts for your blessings; our talents committed for Jesus; our community strengthened for service. Receive these gifts and bless them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus” VU 626 - Psalter Duet - Bill McMeekin and Cris Pagett
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun., Jan. 17, 2021
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP: Sign of wonder, celebration, compassionate at a wedding. The gifts of Jesus go joyfully to work. Jesus brings all that is necessary to those whose resources have failed. Jesus displays his best talents with compassionate and generous acts. The influence of Jesus for good is seen and recognized. |
PRAYER: We thank you, O God that we can join together as members of the faith community with those who put faith into practice. We celebrate the influence of Christian values, at home, at school, in the workplace, and wherever poverty and powerlessness are confronted.
Loving God, you are closer than the breath that is within us, you know us better than our best friend, you care for us more deeply than our closest family member, you desire us to be utterly faithful; and so, when confidence deserts us, when energy for good leaves us, when compassion abandons us, when zest for forgiveness and justice cannot be found within us, you call us to reflection, confession, and to make new resolution.
HYMN: “In Christ There is No East or West” – Spencer Bristow
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2: 1-11
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “One More Step Along the World I Go” – Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayer: These gifts, O God, are signs of our faithfulness to you. Bless them to your use. Amen.
HYMN: “Take My Life and Let it Be” - Marilyn Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Loving God, you are closer than the breath that is within us, you know us better than our best friend, you care for us more deeply than our closest family member, you desire us to be utterly faithful; and so, when confidence deserts us, when energy for good leaves us, when compassion abandons us, when zest for forgiveness and justice cannot be found within us, you call us to reflection, confession, and to make new resolution.
HYMN: “In Christ There is No East or West” – Spencer Bristow
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2: 1-11
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “One More Step Along the World I Go” – Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayer: These gifts, O God, are signs of our faithfulness to you. Bless them to your use. Amen.
HYMN: “Take My Life and Let it Be” - Marilyn Dickson
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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ORDER OF SERVICE - SUNDAY JANUARY 10, 2021
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Sign of wonder in God’s love for humanity in Jesus. The joy of Jesus, alive in persons who have nothing of their own. Joy found in Christians meeting together, sharing communion, learning and worshipping, giving and serving. |
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OPENING PRAYER: Creator God, you create the falling snow, give us the smiling searching baby, you are the source of the scriptures, and you inspire humanity through Jesus Christ. Joyfully we thank you for this faith community and for your beloved son Jesus Christ who secures us within the family of God. We remember today the willingness of Jesus to choose a life of courage, compassion, faithfulness, and concern for the downtrodden. Forgive us for wrong choices we have made and equip us to make the right choices which lie ahead of us. Through Jesus Christ, Amen!
HYMN: “This Little Light of Mine” – Cadence and Ivy Loder
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8: 14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Just Believe” composed and sung by Shannon Loder
MESSAGE: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering and Song “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayer: Join as brothers and sisters in Christ; we have received God’s gifts beyond measure. Joined in the discipleship of Jesus, we offer gifts for the distressed, the suffering, those who lack opportunity, and those who lack confidence, and ask for God’s blessing. Join as those who have been blessed, we are confident that we too can be a blessing. Amen
HYMN: “Born in the Night, Mary's Child” – VU 95
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “This Little Light of Mine” – Cadence and Ivy Loder
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8: 14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Just Believe” composed and sung by Shannon Loder
MESSAGE: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering and Song “Give Thanks”
Offering Prayer: Join as brothers and sisters in Christ; we have received God’s gifts beyond measure. Joined in the discipleship of Jesus, we offer gifts for the distressed, the suffering, those who lack opportunity, and those who lack confidence, and ask for God’s blessing. Join as those who have been blessed, we are confident that we too can be a blessing. Amen
HYMN: “Born in the Night, Mary's Child” – VU 95
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sunday, January 3, 2021
Covenant Service Minister: Rev. Tessica T Hackshaw Organist: Azrael J. Hackshaw PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP: Behold the tabernacle of God is with us and God will dwell with us and we shall be his people. And God shall be our God. |
OPENING PRAYER: Almighty God, all hearts are open to you, and you know the desire of our hearts. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN: “Sing to the Great Jehovah’s Praise” [Verses 1-3] MHB 959
SCRIPTURE READING: Jeremiah 31: 31-39
Revelation 21: 1-7
John 15: 1-8
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “In the Bleak Midwinter” - Anaiah Hackshaw
MESSAGE – Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
COVENANT and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering & Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Bless our offerings, O God! In offering we will receive your gift of challenge, the gift of compassion, the gift of gratitude, and the gift of peace. We offer these gifts in the name of Jesus Christ, whose self-offering completes ours. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN: “Come Let Us Use the Grace Divine” UMCH 606
HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “Abide with Me” [Verses 1, 3 and 4] VU 436
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “Sing to the Great Jehovah’s Praise” [Verses 1-3] MHB 959
SCRIPTURE READING: Jeremiah 31: 31-39
Revelation 21: 1-7
John 15: 1-8
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “In the Bleak Midwinter” - Anaiah Hackshaw
MESSAGE – Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
COVENANT and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering & Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: Bless our offerings, O God! In offering we will receive your gift of challenge, the gift of compassion, the gift of gratitude, and the gift of peace. We offer these gifts in the name of Jesus Christ, whose self-offering completes ours. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN: “Come Let Us Use the Grace Divine” UMCH 606
HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “Abide with Me” [Verses 1, 3 and 4] VU 436
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Decmber 27, 2020
CAROL SERVICE PRELUDE: Go Tell It On the Mountain – Marilyn Dickson and Azrael Hackshaw PRAYER: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw CAROLS: The Birthday of a King - Tessica & Azrael Hackshaw What Child is This – Amy Krauter |
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Twas in the Moon of Wintertime - Spencer
Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Bev Hopwood and Michael Kalyniak
Mary Did You Know – Shannon Loder
PRAYER: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
POSTLUDE: “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy” - Azrael Hackshaw and Marilyn Dickson
Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Bev Hopwood and Michael Kalyniak
Mary Did You Know – Shannon Loder
PRAYER: Rev Tessica Hackshaw
POSTLUDE: “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy” - Azrael Hackshaw and Marilyn Dickson
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A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
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Order of Service – Decmber 24, 2020
Christmas Eve PRELUDE: “The First Noel” – Marilyn Dickson LIGHTING OF CANDLES: CALL TO WORSHIP: We are children of God. God’s light has enlightened the world through Jesus. God’s gracious gifts are received with Jesus. God’s Love is wonderfully shown by Jesus. |
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PRAYER: We join with nature to sing aloud the wonderful praise of God for the birth of the Savior. The carols, hymns and songs praise God for the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem. The saints of every age take up the song and join their voices with ours, to bring glory and thanksgiving to our loving God.
O god, light the dark places of our world. Light the part of refugees who are seeking to settle, light the political prisoners who seek release, light the part of the strangers who seek welcome, give light to the mission that needs to be supported, light the new ventures begun, light the old grudges that they may be put to rest, and give light to the dark places of faith. Amen.
HYMN: “O Come All Ye Faithful” – Cindy, Emily and Hannah Dickson
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
John 1: 1-14
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Still, Still, Still” – Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: “Once in Royal David’s City” – Spencer Bristow
OFFERING PRAYER: O God, accept these gifts, for them to bring enlightenment. May the searchers find a faithful map, the sick find hope, the depressed find worth in their days, the anxious come to peace, and the dispossessed find a place to be. Bless our gifts and those who will benefactors. Amen.
GIVE THANKS
HYMN: “Silent Night”
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
O god, light the dark places of our world. Light the part of refugees who are seeking to settle, light the political prisoners who seek release, light the part of the strangers who seek welcome, give light to the mission that needs to be supported, light the new ventures begun, light the old grudges that they may be put to rest, and give light to the dark places of faith. Amen.
HYMN: “O Come All Ye Faithful” – Cindy, Emily and Hannah Dickson
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
John 1: 1-14
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Still, Still, Still” – Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: “Once in Royal David’s City” – Spencer Bristow
OFFERING PRAYER: O God, accept these gifts, for them to bring enlightenment. May the searchers find a faithful map, the sick find hope, the depressed find worth in their days, the anxious come to peace, and the dispossessed find a place to be. Bless our gifts and those who will benefactors. Amen.
GIVE THANKS
HYMN: “Silent Night”
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – December 20, 2020
Fourth Sunday in Advent PRELUDE LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: First-born of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth, born lowly, yet born to be the Savior, Savior of the world. May all nations see the Saviour’s face, the face that loves us into justice and sharing. |
PRAYER: God, cradle your love before us, for your love is all we need. May we not look for the satisfying feeling in the rich food and special drinks, or the candles. May we not look for peace in the bargains and the sharing of gifts. May we not seek for joy in the movies, and soap operas. Help us to seek Jesus who was vulnerable, but rooted in your love, for lasting peace, enduring love. As we look to him, may he satisfy all our needs. Amen
HYMN: “Unto Us a Child is Born”
SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
Luke 1: 47-55
Luke 1:26-38
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
- Bev Hopwood and Michael Kalyniak
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
OFFERING PRAYER: Love shone from the stable at Bethlehem; love will come clear from these offerings. Amen
HYMN: “Angels we have Heard on High” VU 38
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “Unto Us a Child is Born”
SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
Luke 1: 47-55
Luke 1:26-38
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
- Bev Hopwood and Michael Kalyniak
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: “Give Thanks”
OFFERING PRAYER: Love shone from the stable at Bethlehem; love will come clear from these offerings. Amen
HYMN: “Angels we have Heard on High” VU 38
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – December 13, 2020
Third Sunday in Advent PRELUDE LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLES: CALL TO WORSHIP: Joy will be felt around the world, when the oppressed receive the Good News; when the broken-hearted are given support; when those held captive know freedom, when the everlasting joy of God finds expression and purpose in worship. |
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PRAYER: Jesus you reveal yourself in an unexpected call for justice, in an unseen deep sense of compassion, and in a caring and empowered community. Keep us open to your call, O God, wherever and whenever it may come to us. Keep us alert to the need to tread unfamiliar pathways, knowing you will go with us. Enable us to face the risk of faithfulness and our regrets over what has been left behind. Keep us sensitive to your presence in the routine of our lives, and the faithful messenger who come unbidden to guide us. As we struggle to find and do you will, O God, we will find a model of gracious acceptance in your servant Mary, who taught us to walk your hard way with courage. Amen.
HYMN: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” VU 36
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
Luke 1: 47-55
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary” – Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering & Give Thanks Song
Offering Prayer: Bring us down to earth, living God. In our offering, may we accept the reality of proclaiming the Good News in word and deed today. The reality is that without gifts shared, talents used, and time made available, Christ’s work cannot be done, and your realm will not come closer. Bless these gifts, O God, grant us wisdom to use them in the Way of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Joy to the World” VU 59
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
HYMN: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” VU 36
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
Luke 1: 47-55
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary” – Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering & Give Thanks Song
Offering Prayer: Bring us down to earth, living God. In our offering, may we accept the reality of proclaiming the Good News in word and deed today. The reality is that without gifts shared, talents used, and time made available, Christ’s work cannot be done, and your realm will not come closer. Bless these gifts, O God, grant us wisdom to use them in the Way of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Joy to the World” VU 59
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
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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.
