We acknowledge that Knox Waterloo is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral Peoples. Read the full Territorial Acknowledgement.

Monthly Expenses in October exceeded Monthly Income, creating a $13.6K shortfall for the month and a $66K total shortfall in 2021 through October. $8,500 was received for Anniversary offering in Oct, with a further $4,600 received so far in November (against our $8,000 budget). Thank you for your generous Anniversary donations!

Year-to-date Donations through October are about $64K below expectations while expenses are running $48K less than budget (due to receiving $66K of government subsidies which finished in October).

Knox typically receives 25% of its annual revenue in November and December, and is expecting to incur significant capital expenditures in November and December. Please consider making an incremental offering this Christmas season as your are able in order to help close the current shortfall.

COVID Health & Safety Update

Effective November 21, 2021, Knox Waterloo is requiring proof of full vaccination for those wishing to attend worship and programs at Knox.
Congregants must be able to provide proof of identification, plus proof of vaccination.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a paper copy of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt (final dose), or a QR code on a mobile device.
Individuals who cannot be fully vaccinated or are not able to provide proof of full vaccination may be admitted access to Sunday worship only provided a negative result of an on-site rapid test which will be administered by a volunteer. Tests require 15 minutes to complete.
Other important information:

• • Masks will be required to be worn at all times by congregants.
  • Social distancing in the building will be maintained.
  • Seating reservation procedures will continue.

These measures will permit congregational singing during services.
The Session of Knox Waterloo believes these measures reflect our call to be both a safe and inclusive community.

Advent Conversations through Zoom
2 options weekly throughout Advent (beginning November 30th): Tuesdays at 10:30 am OR Wednesdays at 7:30 pm 

In-Person Gr. 7-12 Youth Sunday School – December 5th @ 10 am

Come join Brianna to play Advent Bingo and make cards for people who cannot get out during this Christmas season. Don’t forget to RSVP to Carole and come straight up to the Knox Room when you arrive!
Pre-school to grade 6 will remain online until further notice.

Food For Thought – Sunday, December 5th, at 6:30 pm — Final  Gathering of Fall Term!

Everyone university-age (a student, working, or in-between) is very welcome to join others for study, discussion, and prayer, as we look at the Feeding of the 5,000 at our last online session in 2021. Contact Nancy Matthews for the Zoom link or questions.

Sweatshirt Drive

Between now and December 10th, Knox Youth are collecting gently used adult-sized sweatshirts, sweatpants and leggings for oneRoof youth services. They are also collecting chapstick, earbuds and gift cards to grocery stores/Walmart/Giant Tiger and hardware stores. Bring your items to drop off at Knox or email Carole if you need someone to pick up items for you. oneRoof is a youth shelter in downtown Kitchener providing programs and services for youth aged 12-25. Thank you for your support.

Did you place an order for Cookies-in-a-Jar? 

Good news! They are ready for you to pick up at Knox next week! For those of you who forgot to place an order, we have you covered with a few extras still available for sale at $10/jar. Contact  Vaughn, the Knox office, or call (519) 886-4150 to place an order. Vaughn, Kathy, Jeff and the LOGO’s Junior High youth thank you for supporting this initiative!

Advent Gifts

This year we are supporting The Healing of the Seven Generations. To provide financial donations, call 519-570-9118 or send an e-transfer to: donnadubie@healingofthesevengenerations.ca (be sure to specify in your e-transfer that it is a donation). Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at Knox in the Advent Gifts Box until December 19th. Donations accepted are limited to the following:

• • Toiletry products
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Household toiletries and cleaning supplies
  • Personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, shields, sanitizer)
  • Snacks, treats, and small activity packs for kids
  • Sanitary products for menstruation

PCC Advent Book Study

In Advent in 2021, Presbyterians across the country are invited to join a book study on Adam Hamilton’s Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas (2020).
“The doctrine of the Incarnation represents one of the foundational, and some might say scandalous, claims of the Christian faith: namely, that the God who created all that is, who sustains the universe by his power, came to us in Jesus. He did not simply inspire Jesus or speak through Jesus as he might inspire or speak through people today. No, Incarnation claims that God actually became flesh in Jesus.”  -– Adam Hamilton, Incarnation, p. 9.
A copy of this book is in our library. As well, we have a number of Advent books for both children and adults that are available for borrowing anytime. Click here to see a list.

Alternative Gifts

This year, give gifts with meaning. By making a donation in honour of a friend, teacher, or loved one, you can help to make a difference in the world through the PWS&D Gifts of Change catalogue. Giving a gift through these options is a unique way to carry out life-changing programs that are responding to needs both here at home and worlds away. Complete your online donation and fill out the ‘In Tribute’ section and a card will be sent on your behalf.

Gifts of Change

Knox In-Person Worship

Knox is open for in-person worship! You will need to reserve your seat online and follow health and safety protocols. Once again, if you have difficulties with the online registration system, give the office a call.

FINAL THOUGHT…

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Make a Gift to Knox

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We acknowledge that Knox Waterloo is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral Peoples. Read the full
Territorial Acknowledgement.

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

INTERGENERATIONAL WORSHIP & COMMUNION

Theme: Homesick (Hope)

On this first Sunday of Advent, through story, scripture, and song we explore the theme of being Homesick. We will also hear the stories of refugees related to homesickness and finding hope. We remember how far from home we are. The world is not as it should be. Many have lost their physical homes, many feel alone, many are isolated. In these pandemic times, many feel as if we are wandering with no clear way forward. This first week of Advent speaks to our deep longing – for our home to be made whole, made right, and made well. With deep longing, we watch for God. Thankfully, we find hope in the assurance that God enters a homesick world.

We look forward to the participation in worship of our music scholars: Sophie Kim and Elysha Vorstenbosch.
Our focal scripture passages this week are:

Luke 21:25-36 : Through Jesus’ words, we hear a call to resilience despite the difficult realities that confront us. There is a longing so deep that it keeps us reaching—for a home restored, for comfort renewed, for the fruit that is sure to come.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13: In this passage we hear how Paul brought hope to a grieving community.

Yearning by Hannah Garrity © A Sanctified Art

Download this week’s bulletin.
Livestream the service.
Listen on 98.5 CKWR FM radio.
Access the Knox YouTube channel.
Make a Gift to Knox

Monthly Expenses in October exceeded Monthly Income, creating a $13.6K shortfall for the month and a $66K total shortfall in 2021 through October. $8,500 was received for Anniversary offering in Oct, with a further $4,600 received so far in November (against our $8,000 budget). Thank you for your generous Anniversary donations!

Year-to-date Donations through October are about $64K below expectations while expenses are running $48K less than budget (due to receiving $66K of government subsidies which finished in October).

Knox typically receives 25% of its annual revenue in November and December, and is expecting to incur significant capital expenditures in November and December. Please consider making an incremental offering this Christmas season as your are able in order to help close the current shortfall.

COVID Health & Safety Update

Effective November 21, 2021, Knox Waterloo is requiring proof of full vaccination for those wishing to attend worship and programs at Knox.
Congregants must be able to provide proof of identification, plus proof of vaccination.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a paper copy of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt (final dose), or a QR code on a mobile device.
Individuals who cannot be fully vaccinated or are not able to provide proof of full vaccination may be admitted access provided a negative result of an on-site rapid test which will be administered by a volunteer. Tests require 15 minutes to complete.
Other important information:

• • Masks will be required to be worn at all times by congregants.
  • Social distancing in the building will be maintained.
  • Seating reservation procedures will continue.

These measures will permit congregational singing during services.
The Session of Knox Waterloo believes these measures reflect our call to be both a safe and an inclusive community.

Close to Home is the theme for this Advent and Christmas season. Read Rev Hugh & Courtney’s Christmas Letter to find out what activities and events are planned for the Knox Waterloo Community.

Advent Conversations through zoom; 2 options weekly throughout Advent (beginning November 30th): Tuesdays at 10 am OR Wednesdays at 7:30 pm 

Join us throughout Advent for our conversations using the art and poetry of Sanctified Art paired with the scriptures of each week of the Advent season. Hugh and Courtney will offer an opportunity to engage in study, reflection, and conversation about the weekly themes of Advent. You can join in each week or a week at a time. The accompanying Advent devotional, with the artwork and poetry, will be emailed out next week; contact the office if you need a printed copy. Choose one of the two time options that works best with your availability.

In-Person Gr. 7-12 Youth Sunday School has begun!

RSVP to Carole each week so we can plan and setup for social distancing. You do not need to book a seat in the sanctuary unless you are attending the Worship service for the entire time. When you arrive, please give your name to the usher and head straight upstairs to the Knox Room where your teacher(s) will be waiting for you!
Pre-school to grade 6 will remain online until further notice.

Food For Thought meets online Sunday at 6:30 pm. If you’re university-age (a student, working, or in-between), join others for study, discussion, and prayer. This fall’s theme, Feasting & Faith: A Look at Meals in Scripture. Contact Nancy Matthews for the Zoom link or questions.

Sweatshirt Drive – Between now and December 10th, Knox Youth are collecting gently used adult-sized sweatshirts, sweatpants and leggings for oneRoof youth services. They are also collecting chapstick, earbuds and gift cards to grocery stores/Walmart/Giant Tiger and hardware stores. Bring your items to drop off at Knox or email Carole if you need someone to pick up items for you. oneRoof is a youth shelter in downtown Kitchener providing programs and services for youth aged 12-25. Thank you for your support.

Did you place an order for Cookies-in-a-Jar? Good news! They are ready for you to pick up at Knox next week! For those of you who forgot to place an order, we have you covered with a few extras still available for sale at $10/jar. Contact  Vaughn, the Knox office, or call (519) 886-4150 to place an order. Vaughn, Kathy, Jeff and the LOGO’s Junior High youth thank you for supporting this initiative!

Advent Gifts – This year we are supporting The Healing of the Seven Generations. To provide financial donations, call 519-570-9118 or send an e-transfer to: donnadubie@healingofthesevengenerations.ca (be sure to specify in your e-transfer that it is a donation). Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at Knox in the Advent Gifts Box until December 19th. Donations accepted are limited to the following:

• Toiletry products
• Non-perishable food items
• Household toiletries and cleaning supplies
• Personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, shields, sanitizer)
• Snacks, treats, and small activity packs for kids
• Sanitary products for menstruation

PCC Advent Book Study

In Advent in 2021, Presbyterians across the country are invited to join a book study on Adam Hamilton’s Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas (2020).
“The doctrine of the Incarnation represents one of the foundational, and some might say scandalous, claims of the Christian faith: namely, that the God who created all that is, who sustains the universe by his power, came to us in Jesus. He did not simply inspire Jesus or speak through Jesus as he might inspire or speak through people today. No, Incarnation claims that God actually became flesh in Jesus.”  -– Adam Hamilton, Incarnation, p. 9.

A copy of this book is in our library. As well, we have a number of Advent books for both children and adults that are available for borrowing anytime. Click here to see a list.

Alternative Gifts – This year, give gifts with meaning. By making a donation in honour of a friend, teacher, or loved one, you can help to make a difference in the world through the PWS&D Gifts of Change catalogue. Giving a gift through these options is a unique way to carry out life-changing programs that are responding to needs both here at home and worlds away. Complete your online donation and fill out the ‘In Tribute’ section and a card will be sent on your behalf. Gifts of Change

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Raking Fundraiser! Thank you to all of the youth who raked, the parents and grandparents who were involved heading the teams, our home sponsors and private donors. Together we raised $1,300 for The Food Bank of the Waterloo Region which means we raised enough funds for 3,900 meals! For more information please visit The Food Bank and/or watch this informative video. Know that at least a third of the users of the Food Bank are children aged 17 and under. Thank you for your support in this very important initiative.

Join the Converstation – Thanks to all who participated in the conversation groups, sharing  thoughts and ideas that will help shape our future at Knox. The virtual Conversation Comment Board will remain up for a few weeks. If you think of something you’d like to add to our discussion, access the Comment Board and press the “+” in the bottom corner to open up a comment box. You are also welcome to visit the Comment Board to see what others have written. Comment Board

Knox In-Person Worship – Knox is open for in-person worship! You will need to reserve your seat online and follow health and safety protocols. Once again, if you have difficulties with the online registration system, give the office a call.

FINAL THOUGHT…

“ Give us the grace and the impatience to wait for your coming to the bottom of our toes, and to the edges of our finger tips.”
— Walter Brueggmann

Make a Gift to Knox

 Facebook   YouTube   Instagram

We acknowledge that Knox Waterloo is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral Peoples. Read the full Territorial Acknowledgement.

SUNDAY WORSHIP – 10AM
Introduction to Advent theme: Close to Home

This Sunday we begin our Advent journey as we explore the theme of Close to Home.

It is abundantly clear that the theme of home intersects with the full range of human experience. Home can be soothing and sacred or unsettling and painful. It can be grounding and particular, or it can feel hard to name or pin down. It can be invitational and warm, or it can poke at wounds of exclusion and displacement. We navigate this tension of comfort and unsettledness in the season of Advent. We celebrate the closeness of a God who chooses to dwell with us, while remembering what that closeness will cost: Jesus will face displacement, marginalization, suffering, and, ultimately, death. No matter if this season brings great comfort and joy, or hits a bit too close to home, may we remember that God is also just as close.

This Sunday we focus on the story of the Prodigal Son, in Luke 15:11-32. This is a story of a parent who welcomes their child home with open arms and lavishes them with love.

Download this week’s bulletin.
Livestream the service.
Listen on 98.5 CKWR FM radio.
Access the Knox YouTube channel.
Make a Gift to Knox

COVID Health & Safety Update

Effective November 21, 2021, Knox Waterloo is requiring proof of full vaccination for those wishing to attend worship and programs at Knox.
Congregants must be able to provide proof of identification, plus proof of vaccination.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a paper copy of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt (final dose), or a QR code on a mobile device.
Individuals who cannot be fully vaccinated or are not able to provide proof of full vaccination may be admitted access provided a negative result of an on-site rapid test which will be administered by a volunteer. Tests require 15 minutes to complete.
Other important information:

• • Masks will be required to be worn at all times by congregants.
  • Social distancing in the building will be maintained.
  • Seating reservation procedures will continue.

These measures will permit congregational singing during services.
The Session of Knox Waterloo believes these measures reflect our call to be both a safe and an inclusive community.

Close to Home is the theme for this Advent and Christmas season. Read Rev Hugh & Courtney’s Christmas Letter to find out what activities and events are planned for the Knox Waterloo

Community.Advent Conversations through zoom; 2 options weekly throughout Advent (beginning November 30th): Tuesdays at 10 am OR Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Join us throughout Advent for our conversations using the art and poetry of Sanctified Art paired with the scriptures of each week of the Advent season. Hugh and Courtney will offer an opportunity to engage in study, reflection, and conversation about the weekly themes of Advent. You can join in each week or a week at a time. The accompanying Advent devotional, with the artwork and poetry, will be emailed out next week; contact the office if you need a printed copy. Choose one of the two time options that works best with your availability.
Click HERE to sign up.

Advent Young Adult Gathering • Monday, November 29th at 7:30 pm

Young adults (18-35) are invited to join us for an Advent themed in-person gathering on Monday, November 29th at 7:30 pm. We will celebrate Advent and the coming of Christmas together using music, art, poetry and scripture. We will explore our Advent theme of “Close to Home.”  What is home for you? Register HERE. Masks required.

Thanks to all who participated in the conversation groups, sharing  thoughts and ideas that will help shape our future at Knox. The virtual Conversation Comment Board will remain up for a few weeks. If you think of something you’d like to add to our discussion, access the Comment Board and press the “+” in the bottom corner to open up a comment box. You are also welcome to visit the Comment Board to see what others have written. Comment Board

Do you knit? crochet?

Bring in your Prayer Shawls by November 25th. You can drop them off at the Knox office during regular business hours (Mon-Thur 9 am to 4 pm; Fri 9 am – 1 pm).

Dedication of the prayer shawls will be on Sunday Nov 28.

In-Person Gr. 7-12 Youth Sunday School has begun!
RSVP to Carole each week so we can plan and setup for social distancing. You do not need to book a seat in the sanctuary unless you are attending the Worship service for the entire time. When you arrive, please give your name to the usher and head straight upstairs to the Knox Room where your teacher(s) will be waiting for you! Pre-school to grade 6 will remain online until further notice.

PCC Advent Book Study
In Advent in 2021, Presbyterians across the country are invited to join a book study on Adam Hamilton’s Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas (2020).
“The doctrine of the Incarnation represents one of the foundational, and some might say scandalous, claims of the Christian faith: namely, that the God who created all that is, who sustains the universe by his power, came to us in Jesus. He did not simply inspire Jesus or speak through Jesus as he might inspire or speak through people today. No, Incarnation claims that God actually became flesh in Jesus.”  -– Adam Hamilton, Incarnation, p. 9.
A copy of this book is in our library. As well, we have a number of Advent books for both children and adults that are available for borrowing anytime. Click here to see a list.

Alternative Gifts – This year, give gifts with meaning. By making a donation in honour of a friend, teacher, or loved one, you can help to make a difference in the world through the PWS&D Gifts of Change catalogue. Giving a gift through these options is a unique way to carry out life-changing programs that are responding to needs both here at home and worlds away. Complete your online donation and fill out the ‘In Tribute’ section and a card will be sent on your behalf. Gifts of Change

Now that COP26 is over, we are hearing many comments on its successes and failures. Meanwhile, as people of faith, we wonder what we are to make of this, where do we find our hope in the Lord? Check out the COP26 virtual delegation’s blog for some insightful observations and reflections. You can also hear stirring songs that have been written for this event at Glasgow Climate Vigil.

Make a Gift to Knox

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