MAY AND JUNE 2014

Dear people of Knox Church, They say: you are what you eat. And I think those words are so true. Our body is supported (or challenged) by what we put into our body. It is good to ask questions like: What did I eat and drink today? What did I serve to the ones I love? One of the things I enjoy very much is making oatmeal. You could say that its one of my talents. I enjoy oatmeal with fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or pineapple. And my notso-secret-ingredient is Maple Syrup. It is a gift that the maple trees in our area have produced a positive crop. However, what makes it even more special is the effort of those who make that maple syrup. It takes forty gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup! What are the recipes that you enjoy putting together? Are there ingredients that you get to add that are connected to the season we are in? Many of us have stories of making something special that was enjoyed by loved ones. A request is made: Would you please make that special main dish or dessert that we love? And when it is presented at a gathering of family or friends, the people give great thanks. As we journey together as a congregation, let us look for opportunities to join in friendship, to share food with one another, and to work on positive projects with one another. When we have the Lords Supper together, we remember the love that Jesus showed to his disciples at a Passover meal around 30 A.D. in Jerusalem. At the same time, we also share in a sacramental meal of friendship and support today. Communion is an invitation for us to make all of our gatherings one where our Saviour Jesus Christ is our host. His love inspires us to actions of kindness, courage and support for those in our care. Let the love shine forth as we get ready for special events like the congregational retreat at Kintail (June 21 / 22) and Kintail on the Road (July 7 to 11). Lets take the time to express our gratitude for the faithfulness shown by so many individuals in our congregation. Thank you! Mark Gedcke

WELCOME HOME

(photos taken by Pat Scott)

Pat Scott has returned from a wonderful memory-making 6week trip to Australia to visit his daughter, Colleen and her family. He enjoyed a 3-day road trip with his oldest granddaughter, Sophie and was at the beach when his other two grandchildren, Nicola & Callum, volunteered for their Surf Life Saving Beach Patrol. When you see Pat, ask to see his beautiful photos taken while on this trip. They are absolutely amazing! Just wondering when Pat is going to open his own coffee shop to try his hand at the decorative finishes!?

ALLEY SUPPORT FOR CAMPERS

The Alley is once again offering financial support to children from the church who are attending church camp. If you have a need for financial assistance please complete the form and submit it to the office no later than June 2, 2014. (form attached at end of newsletter)

FUND RAISING
At the April 28th Board of Managers meeting it was decided that we should begin to plan some fund raising projects. We are looking for people who have ideas for projects to come together to brain storm and look at what is possible for us to undertake. We know there are people who have some great ideas. If you would like to share your ideas and be part of the brainstorming process please call the office or speak to Shirley Weitzel. We will meet in the latter part of May to get the brain juices flowing. Being part of this does not mean that you are committing to undertaking the projects. At this time we are just looking for ideas.

TARTAN SERVICE - April 6th Banner Installation Service

(photos taken by Sue Orr)

What a proud day it was honoring the tartans of our family members on National Tartan Day, April 6th, 2014. I'm proud to have worked with a group passionate about seeing our tributes to family members through to fruition. Our group met with Rev. Mark Gedke to effectively impart our vision for the service. He was generously receptive and helped guide our ideas into, and within, the context of a service format. It was then a fully independent effort on all our parts (the 5 families), from purchasing the tartans, to photographing and printing the booklet, to the contribution of flowers in the sanctuary, and hiring of the piper. The special service also served to (further) galvanize the congregation, by revisiting and sharing a long standing Presbyterian tradition of dedicating individual family tartans to the greater group of tartans representative of the fine families of Knox Church in Stratford. It is wonderful to feel a part of Knox Church by embracing individuality through inclusivity. Thank you on behalf of my late father John Fleming Gavin,

Katarina Pohl and Katharine Gunnel Gavin

Thanks to our Piper Sandy McTavish

Katharine Gunnel Gavin, Katarina Pohl, Jensen Pohl,

Myra Farquhar read the blessing

The tartans being dedicated

FROM THE GIRL GUIDE UNITS

Our Spring was very busy. We finished off our S.T.E.M. program. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Each girl earned a badge for her camp blanket for each section. In January Dr. Gezhgan Wordofa came to talk with the girls about Ethiopia and how we as a unit can assist. We have decided to start to collect school supplies for them and next year, we are going to attempt to make dress from pillowcase. If you can assist with either of these tasks, please give me a call. During the Olympics we hosted our own Olympics. I made skis using juice cartons and covered corrugated plastic wide strips. We had a bobsled race using sheets and biathlon using straws to see how far someone could shoot their straw. The girls had a lot of fun. We went to Camp Wyoka (near Clifford) for our spring camp. Both units were bused and we stayed in 2 large warm lodges. The Friday night we made bird seed feeders. Saturday morning we were met by a team of Girl Guide facilitators that were hired to spend the day teaching snowshoeing, kicksledding, snow science and a field trip. In the evening we spent time learning the history of these sports and making hat crafts. Sunday morning we were met by our bus driver again to bring us home. It was a very good camp and we would definitely go back next spring. In March, we had Adam Mueller from the city came to talk with us about recycling and how we could help. A few weeks later, Andrew Adams from the cricket club came to teach the girls a new sport. All the girls seemed to enjoy the evening and I am glad to report that we broke nothing. We finished our Technology off with a trip to the Library. Laura Paprocki a Digital Access Librarian, showed the girls a power point presentation about Internet Safety and Cyber bullying. The girls were able to earn their CyberCitizen Challenge from this evening. May 3rd we hosted a Minute to Win It night for further Guides. The girls also prepared a Paper Seed Mothers Day card. May 13th was our last night for the guiding year. The girls wanted a talent night so that is what we did. I ordered pizza and they made Icecream Sundaes in waffle cones. Yummy. Girl Guides of Ontario organized an event for the guides at Canadas Wonderland May 30. The girls were bused to the facility for a day of crafts, dance games and eating. The perfect end to our Guiding Season. Once again, Thank you to Knox Church for all your assistance and the use of the facility. I am in need of an assistance guider. It can be on a part time bases when my other guider isnt available or you can come every week. It really is a lot of fun and enjoyment. Each year it seems that we have a better year than the one before. If you have questions or comments, please contact me.

Rosemary Vail rvail@rogers.com or 519-275-5003 Submitted by Rosemary Vail

BOOK, BAKE AND GARAGE SALE

The following are some reminders for the sale. Book donations should be at the church by 10:00 on Friday morning. If you bring them in during the week they can be put on the stage in the banquet hall. Those setting up garage sale tables can do so between 10:00 and 3:30 or 6:30 to 8:00 on Friday. We would like to have all baking in by 2:00 on Friday afternoon so we can get it packaged and priced. We will take baking between 6:30 and 7:30 in the evening for those of you who are working and cant get there in the afternoon. Thank you for your support of the sale.

KNOX FAMILY UPDATES

Megan Speiran is heading off to Ottawa Saturday, May 3rd for Leadership Conference sponsored by Stratford Rotary. Students will be arriving from all across Canada (the majority of these students are coming from British Columbia.) We anxiously her report when she returns on Wednesday, May 7 th. Way to go, Megan!!!! Michaela Knechtel (granddaughter of Bessie Wilhelm and daughter of Jo Anne and Clare Knechtel) spent the month of December living and working in Toronto. She was a page at the Ontario Legislature and enjoyed the excitement of big city living and learning how the Ontario parliament system works. Brunskill Family Kyle has finished University. He is travelling in Southeast Asia for two months. In July he will move to Toronto, to begin his career as an Actuary. Chris is getting married in June, to Catherine Renaud. Andrew and his wife Katelyn have a new baby. May Janine was born March 20, in Ottawa. Scott and his wife Jenn have a brand new baby boy born April 30th. His name is William Gordon Brunskill. They have Joseph (5) and Madelyn (3). Sue and Ralph feel so blessed are enjoying being grandparents! Tom & Dorothy Drakes Family (photos submitted by Dorothy Drake) Emily finished off her nordic ski season, with first at Huron-Perth, first at WOSSA, and 18th at OFSSAA which was held up in Timmins. Track and field season has begun for her. Anna is busy working as a Lifeguard at Spruce Lodge, and recently competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival with a piano recital. Elizabeth is the midst of dance competitions with her friends at Dance Aarts Academy. I enclosed 2 pictures.

SCAW TRIP TO TOGO (photos taken by Sue Orr)

On my recent trip to Togo Africa I was reminded of the reasons I fell in love with Sleeping Children Around the World again...The fact that they are a 100 percent charity means the most to me. Nobody is taking a salary or having a free trip when we fundraise for SCAW. When I or anyone else travels they are paying their own expenses. The team that volunteers overseas also has to pay their own expenses and they have to prove that the supplies that we are giving out also have been made in the country ( this can't always be the case but they must try).

While our team is overseas we also do random checks on the supplies and we try to visit the places the team last year delivered kits to so that we can verify they are of good quality. In Togo the kit was a Mosquito Net, Mattress, back-pack, 5 booklets, geometry set, blackboard, towel, one set of clothes, sheet, bag, flip flops, and a piece of fabric to make a set of school clothes. You simply cannot imagine the excitement that comes from the crowd of kids when they see what they are to receive!! We successfully delivered 5000 kits...500 a day for 10 days. It also is 50% Boys to 50% girls and one per family. Families are chosen by the school principal. We also ask the parents if the supplies are what they would like to have for their children. So often what we need to be reminded of it to listen to what they need as opposed to what we think they need. We do notice that with a strong Canadian dollar we can get a big bang for our buck. This money is sent at least 6 months in advance to help pay the bills. Bedkits also last about an average of 8 years.

When donating to SCAW you also impact their society as making the kits in their own country gives them jobs and security for the future. I so appreciate that we are not paying for shipping containers and gas to bring supplies that can be made locally. Everything about SCAW makes sense and I am proud to be part of their organization. Thank-you to all those who donated to the Togo 2014 trip and special thanks to The Alley for their continued support. Submitted by Sue Orr

Easter Morning Church Service In Togo

SPRING CLEANING
When you are spring cleaning, please keep in mind the Childrens Christmas Shopping Spree. Any new or gently used items would be greatly appreciated to allow the children a choice. Items can be dropped off in the box by the office. It is never too soon for us to accept items for this event.

CONESTOGA CAREER CENTRE

This centre in Stratford is offering a free one-year college training program for youth ages 15-29 to gain hands-on experiences in the highly technical and demanding food processing industry. The program includes a 4-month job placement, free transportation and much more. Please call 519-271-5700 #7243 or email tbuechler@conestogac.on.ca for more information.

KNOX SENIOR MENS GROUP

This friendly group of men meet at 12 noon on the first Wednesday of each month. They have lunch at the Arden Park and catch up of the latest news. This is a completely informal setting. For more information, call Gord Spandler at 519-2736-1765. Join this fun group on their next luncheon date.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT KNOX

Saturday, May 3rd Sunday, May 4th Knox Mom-to-Mom sale (8:00 a.m. to 12 noon) Celebrating the 170th Anniversary of Knox Guest Minister: Rev. Karen Horst Our music will include the choir and Praise Explosion Light lunch to follow worship service (donations towards Outreach Missions) Book, Bake and Garage Sale Banquet Hall 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Rent a table for $10 or 2 for $15 (proceeds to Outreach Missions) Bring your goodies from home to sell We need volunteers for both Friday night and Saturday morning as well as baking items (please label items to be conscious of allergies)

Saturday, May 10th

Saturday, June 21st & Church Retreat at Camp Kintail (we will share this weekend with St. Marys Sunday, June 22nd Presbyterian Church) July 7th 11th Kintail on the Road being held at Knox

THANK YOU
To those who submitted articles, updates, etc. for this newsletter. Please keep

CAMP KINTAIL ON THE ROAD 2014

Outdoor Adventures Arts & Crafts Snacks Provided Bible Stories Cooperative Games Singing & Drama Nature Awareness

July 7 11, 9am - 3pm

Knox Presybterian Church 142 Ontario St., Stratford, N5A 7Y4

Vacation Bible School with a fun Camp Theme open to children in grades JK Grade 6. The camp is led by enthusiastic, highly qualified Camp Kintail staff.
Cost:

There is no fee! (All expenses have been donated by Knox and St. Andrews Presbyterian churches.)
Donations will be accepted for Sleeping Children Around the World and Change Her World. (Information about these two projects will be shared on the first day of camp.)

Ways to register:

1. Registration forms available in the narthex and office at Knox 2. Call Knoxs church office weekday mornings at 519-271-0373 Please drop off your completed registration form at Knox or mail it to Knox Presbyterian Church, 142 Ontario St., Stratford, ON, N5A 7Y4 Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014. Register early as this camp fills up quickly! Please email knoxs@wightman.ca if you have any questions.

April 29, 2014 Dear friends, As many of you know, from August 20, 2014 until July 11, 2015 I will be working in Chad as an English Language Instructor for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as part of their Serving And Learning Together (SALT) program. Chad is a landlocked African country, roughly southwest of Egypt. I will be living with a host family in Moundou, the second largest city in Chad, located in the southern Frenchspeaking region. In my role as an English Language Instructor, I will be working with MCC's long-term partner Centre of American English in Moundou (CENTRAM). I will have the opportunity to prepare and teach English language classes, work to develop curriculum and encourage learning outside the classroom. The SALT program provides a year-long cross-cultural service experience for Christian young adults from the United States and Canada to serve around the world in the areas of peace, education, relief and development. For more information about SALT please go to www.salt.mcc.org Participating in overseas work such as this is not possible without support from many people, and I appreciate so much your friendship, prayers, and encouragement in this journey. I am excited to be able to use my passions for French and teaching next year while also having the opportunity to learn, grow and make connections in the global community. If you are able to support this work financially, I would be most grateful. My goal is to raise $5500 before July 11th 2014, which represents about half of the cost of my placement. All donations towards my SALT contribution amount are tax deductible. To donate by cheque: -Make the cheque out to Mennonite Central Committee -Print SALT Ruth Wright-Gedcke clearly in the memo line -Print off and include the donation form attached to this email -Send cheque and donation form to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9 (not any other MCC office) To make an online donation: go to my MCC Gift Registry: https://donate.mcc.org/registry/ruth-wright-gedcke-salt-chad If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact me through email at ruthirene12@hotmail.com. I would be happy to speak with you further. Among the many ways to keep in touch, I hope that you will continue to share in this experience by following my blog at ruthinchad.blogspot.ca/ Thank you again for your continued support! Peace, Ruth Wright-Gedcke

SALT donations
Make cheques payable to MCC and send your contributions to: Donor Name__________________________ Mennonite Central Committee Address __________________________ 134 Plaza Drive __________________________ Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 __________________________ Donations must be post-marked by July 17, 2014 in order to be counted toward the SALTer's contribution minimum. Total donation $_________ Give online at https://donate.mcc.org/salt

Name of SALTer Ruth Wright-Gedcke

ID Number 705460 (Note: SALTers do not receive information on individual gift amounts. They only receive an amount for total gifts received.)

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APOLOGIES
In the last newsletter, a few birthdays were missed. We send apologies and want to recognize the following birthdays (our wishes may be late but are sincere!): Cameron Lynn Drake Kaitlyn Frame Eddie Drake March 2nd March 14th March 25th

Please let me know if any other birthdays or anniversaries are missed.

An interesting Article that I read in the Beacon Herald MODESTY AND FAMILY KEEP FAITH IN TONGA There is a land where, on any given Sunday, the streets are empty, most businesses are closed, no sports can be played, no contracts can be signed, no ships can dock and no planes can fly. Almost everyone is in church. Welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga. While this group of South Pacific islands has been occupied since at least 2500 BC, contact with the western world began in the 17th century. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman visited in 1643. Captain Cook first visited the islands in 1773. He was so struck by the gracious welcome of the natives he dubed Tonga the Friendly Islands. In1826 two Wesleyan missionaries arrived in Tonga and established a successful mission. Christianity soon spread and remains as a dominant force on these idyllic islands. It is literally woven into the very fabric. The flag of Tonga is red and white white for purity and red for the blood of Jesus shed when he was executed. In the upper left corner is a cross for the way in which he died. In the Tongan Constitution, the Sabbath is declared to be forever sacred. While members of the royal family belong to the Wesleyan Church, almost every denomination is represented in Tonga; rom Anglican to Mormon, from Pentecostal to Catholic. Horror stories have too often accompanied the spread of Christianity, particularly in vulnerable tropical isles. Westerners brought disease along with their gospel. It is also true that local sovereigns have converted to the new faith for political expediency as much as spiritual salvation. The collusion of church and state in the West has been wisely avoided, lest theodracy ensue. And yet visiting Tonga you have to admit that, in this remote place at least, the melding of Christianity and culture has cultivated a people whose infectious joy and charm could be a model for any society, secular or religious. How has religious fervour impacted the people of these islands? Two things come to mind from my recent visit: Modesty and family. The dress of Tongans means knees and shoulders are covered. Men and women sometimes wear a woven mat called taovala around their waists out of respect for elders or a sign of mourning. Bathing suits are for beaches. And on Sunday, while not in church, Tongans are together with their families.

To some, this scenario might conjure nostalgia for a day when you took one day a week to step out of the rat race and spend time, if not in worship, in being with family. Perhaps its the geographic isolation that has allowed this lifestyle to persist but it helps to explain the charm of these people. You might think that monotheism is mistaken, that religion in its many forms is not a force for good. But whatever your take on how true or good religion is, its hard to find fault with a people whose faith shapes their lives in such positive ways. In a world run by money, it is rare to find a kingdom whose citizens are prepared to sacrifice commerce one day a week for the sake of a Sabbath rest with family. It is also rare but right that there should be a land where visitors are warmly welcomed but asked to respect a minimal dress code. There will be other days and other places for tank tops and skimpy shorts. Rev. Bob Ripley, Retired United Church Minister

CAMPERSHIP SUBSIDY REQUEST

(Please print)

2014

Name of Parent: __________________________________ Phone #: ________________ Name of Child: #1______________________ Camp Name:______________Date:________ #2_____________________ Camp Name: _____________ Date: _______ #3_____________________ Camp Name: _____________ Date: ________ #4_____________________ Camp Name:______________Date:________ Email: ______________________________ Deadline: June 2, 2014

Janice Small Greg Orr Mary Jarema Gord Spandler Mike Bender Meryl Tourigny Sarah Nahrgang Hannah Kipfer Janice Berg Ron Schumont Rosemary Vail Keegan Dona Darlene Bridge Sarah Drake

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Lily Barton Ken Malvern Bessie Wilhelm Nick Pauli Kathy Pehlke Nicole Orr Kelly Pehlke Lillian Parker Jim Van Nes Anne Marie Pauli Michael Scott Steve Scott Florence Landreth

23rd 23rd 23rd 24th 24th 25th 25th 28th 28th 29th 30th 30th 31st

Larry & Ann Parsons Amy Trela Sean & Jenn Raleigh Clive & Janet Lawry Rich & Cathy Whelan Paul & Deb Barton

1st 9th 22nd 28th 30th 31st

Grace Knechtel Ryan Berg Sean Raleigh George Kasler Nancy Rothwell Anne Wright-Gedcke Bill Forbes Nadine Schumont Maklane De Wever Hollie Archer Sharon Ewart June MacAlpine Betty Scott John Waldie Chris Fisher Laura Lawry Katelyn Pehlke Amy Hislop Wendell Archer Alainah Pottle Kathy Baker Pat Hislop

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th 5th 5th 6th 8th 8th 8th 8th 8th 9th 9th 9th 11th 12th 12th 13th 13th

Kristen Keller Kelsey Brubacher Ryan Harris Phil Waldie Larry Parsons Tori Savelle Sinead Raleigh Mark Gedcke Jared Harding-Shier Olivia Harding-Shier Ann Heimrich Sheila Love-Phillips Marg McMillan Josh Nahrgang Marlene Hanson Doug Phillips Annie Pottle Chelsea Feeney Barbara Fink Carolyn Lapier Keith Hislop Earl Barton

13th 14th 14th 14th 15th 15th 17th 19th 20th 24th 24th 25th 25th 25th 26th 26th 26th 27th 27th 27th 28th 30th

Earl & Beth Barton Wendell & Shannon Archer Derrick Perry & Cheryl Hillyer Jim & Mary Dougall John & Lorene Brodhagen Don & Ann Heimrich Mike Weber & Paulene Tiemens-Weber

4th 15th 22nd 27th 28th 29th 29th