New interim moderator

Now that the May meeting of the Hamilton Presbytery is history, there are a number of things that are falling into place for the Knox congregation.

As noted in the last blog, Rev. Thomas Kay, who has been serving as interim moderator since last June, recently preached for the call at Knox Leamington, and on Tuesday of this week, the Hamilton Presbytery approved that call, with Rev. Thomas starting his ministry in Leamington on June 3rd.

In the meantime, Rev. Thomas has had some health issues and as the McNab bulletin this week states, he will not be returning to the pulpit until later this month.

That leaves the question as to what is transpiring at Knox Burlington, and on the recommendation of the Knox session, the Rev. Bob Docherty will be assuming the responsibility of interim moderator as of June 1. Rev. Bob has been serving as interim minister for the past three months and that appointment was extended through May as the formalities were addressed at Presbytery.

Now, as interim moderator, Rev. Bob will take on different responsibilities as we move on to seek a new full-time minister. Rev. Bob has indicated that he plans to be in the Knox pulpit on various Sundays, and will seek out others to preside on a Sunday-by-Sunday basis over the next few months.

One of the obvious questions under the circumstances would be as to why Rev. Bob would not continue to be in the pulpit on a more regular basis during the vacancy, and there are several ways to answer that question:

1. As interim moderator, he has his hands full and needs to concentrate his efforts on helping our search committee in their task at hand.

2. It had been the intent all along the regular stated supply would be re-introduced about this time so as to give the pulpit a sense of a vacancy as we move through the search process.

3. Rev. Bob is after all retired and he would like to be able to enjoy some of those benefits of being retired.

Even before that the formalities of Rev. Bob’s appointment of interim moderator were approved by Presbytery, he was very much at work on the search process, wanting to move ahead as swiftly as possible as we approach the summer months.

As a result, he held the first meeting of the search committee this week, laying out the groundwork for the process, with one of the first steps being updating the congregational profile. This is expected to be completed by the end of the month, and thus will be available at that point to be sent to those inquiring about the vacancy here at Knox.

Rev. Bob also outlined a very tight schedule for the search committee, expecting numerous meetings in the weeks ahead, holding out the prospect of beginning the interview process early in the fall.

The vacancy is already listed on the Presbyterian Church of Canada’s website and an ad will be carried in the June issue of the Presbyterian Record, and while 18 applications have already been received, many more are expected after the June Record is delivered.
There is a great deal of confidentiality associated with the search process, but as much as possible, the Knox congregation will be kept informed of developments over the next few months.

And while the search committee as approved by session was introduced to the congregation recently, for those not present at that time, that committee is made up of:
Gerry Craig, Gerry Dickkeboom, Gord Fergusson, Gwen Gayfer, Lynda Gowing, Janine Jaconelli, Haf Lewis, John McGibbon, Charlie Pearson, and Lynne Rutherford.

About those rumors

There no doubt has been a lot of talk around the church in recent weeks as to the status of the search process, much of it as a result of rumors concerning our interim moderator. In reality, I suppose, they were not rumors as the Rev. Thomas Kay had been very upfront with his own congregation in that he would be preaching for the call at Knox Leamington, a church where he had held the pastorate a number of years ago.

Rev. Kay had also informed our session at its last meeting that he would be preaching for the call, and in fact, on April 15th he was in Leamington where the congregation, after the morning service, voted to call the Rev. Thomas Kay as its minister.

A note in this Sunday’s bulletin at Knox, Leamington, indeed indicates that he will be starting his ministry at that church on June 3rd.

As a result of that announcement, the obvious question for Knox Burlington is, where does that leave us as far as our search process is concerned? Are we starting from scratch? Will it mean a long delay? Who will be our new moderator?

The answers to those questions?  About the same. No. No. Not sure at this precise moment in time.

Session at its last meeting approved the names of those to constitute the search committee, and their first task will be to develop a congregational profile. On that score, much has already been done, partly because of recent input from the congregation, and partly because the previous profile is not that out of date.

Under normal circumstances, the Presbytery of Hamilton would appoint another interim moderator for Knox, but in this case, session has made a recommendation regarding an individual. That individual has agreed to serve as interim moderator, but the action has not been officially approved by presbytery.

So yes, while there is a slight interruption in the process, it should only be a minor hiccup, and the entire process should be back on track very shortly.

All that being said, there is already a listing on the Presbyterian Church of Canada’s website under vacancies, and while it was intended that it was not to be officially listed until June, it has already created a great deal of interest in the Knox vacancy, 18 applications in fact in a matter of days.

So while as a congregation we are sad to see Rev. Kay leave as our interim moderator, we ask that the Lord’s blessings be upon him as he embarks on another chapter of his ministry.

And more,
• The Knox Quilters recently received a letter from Kenneth Kim, director of PWS&D,  acknowledging receipt of a donation of $2,000 sent by the  Quilters to support Community Based Orphan Care centres in Malawi.  The donation was made in memory of Rev. Mark. The Quilters will continue to raise funds for the same project as they use the fabric Mark brought them from Malawi.  Items made will be offered for sale with the funds going to the orphan care project as decided by the quilters.

• The Congregational Life committee held another successful ham and beans dinner recently, with an excellent turnout for the event, and when all the bills were accounted for, the committee was able to report that $967 was raised for the church budget.

• For the last few years, four churches – Wellington Square, Burlington Baptist, Port Nelson United and Knox – have been involved in joint Holy Week services, and this year, the service was held at Burlington Baptist Church. Their minister, the Rev. Terry Dempsey, notes that the freewill offering collected for the Good Friday service was donated to the Downtown Community Dinner program ($736.85) and the Stephen Lewis Foundation ($1,932).

• There will be a real special musical program as part of the morning worship service at Knox on April 22nd, when Linda Binkley will be singing some of her inspiration offerings.

In order to offer some insight into Linda’s ministry, this testimonial was provided for her website by Rev. Bob before he retired as minister at St. John’s, Grimsby.

Linda Binkley has been an inspiration to our congregation. Her joyful and very professional style of singing accompanied by her taped background music is very uplifting. This is truly a wonderful ministry of music that she shares. Every time Linda sings in our church, numerous requests are received to have her back again. Linda has a gift of tailoring her extensive repertoire to meet the theme of each particular occasion, be it a worship service, a ladies group function, an anniversary or an evening concert. We have truly enjoyed every time she has joined us.

Searching

Ministers are now preaching for a call in Knox Presbyterian Church. Next Sunday, Rev. A. A. Gibson, director of Religious Education, Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, will be the preacher at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Now, before anyone thinks a step in the search process – or perhaps many steps – have been skipped over, readers should know that this was an item that appeared in the Burlington Gazette on Aug. 8, 1928.

That a newspaper would even give coverage to a Sunday service no matter the search process indicates a much different philosophy on news coverage back then. Then again, the lead item in that column indicated that Mr. Joseph Smith and family spent the holiday at Turkey Point. "Joe made a fine catch of perch and bass and our thanks are due him for a lovely bass."

Times and newspapers do indeed change, except Knox Church is yet again searching for a minister, with the process starting to take shape on several fronts, with the congregation asked to fill out Congregational Profile sheets, with the composition of the search committee starting to take shape and then with a workshop on March 3 entitled Knox Looks to the Future.

There were only about 40 people in attendance, but those attending learned about the search process, some history about the Presbyterian church, received an interesting perspective about why Presbyterian church membership has dropped steadily from a high of 500,000 in 1972, and also had a chance to really get to know others sitting around the tables.

While the names of the search committee will be revealed within the next few days, another step in the process has already been taken as the vacancy is now listed on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website, and there will be an advertisement relating to the vacancy in the June issue of The Record, the monthly magazine for the Presbyterian Church in Canada.  

And more,

• Representatives from the four Presbyterian churches in Burlington met recently to discuss the four-church picnic scheduled to be held at Crieff on June 17th. John McGibbon has seized upon this initiative and has been meeting with the other Presbyterian churches to make this event a reality, providing an opportunity for a joint worship service and a time of fellowship in a most unique setting. Church members received a questionnaire recently, and the results were forwarded to the committee so as to ascertain interest. A church service will still be held at St. Paul’s on that date, while the Knox session will consider whether to still hold a service for those members not attending the picnic.

Looking to the future

It is quite appropriate that the workshop being held Saturday morning is entitled, Knox Looks to the Future as this meeting will mark an important stepping-stone toward the future of Knox.

The congregation received a letter from interim moderator the Rev. Thomas Kay recently where he wrote about the search process and invited every member and adherent of the congregation to attend the workshop scheduled to go from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Fellowship Hall. The purpose, as the letter notes, is to engage all of those present in sharing the story, strengths and challenges of the congregation, and to provide material that will form the basis for the Congregational Profile, and shape the search for a new minister.

Everyone – including those who cannot make it out Saturday morning – is urged to complete the questionnaire, which will help shape the work of the search committee. The completed questionnaires must be into the church office by Sunday, so that work can start immediately on the Congregational Profile, and so that the actual search can begin early in April.

And also, 
• The session, at its most recent meeting, authorized the purchase of a new piece of equipment that could literally save lives. The Leading With Care committee had been researching the possible purchase of a Zoll AED defibrillator (automated external defibrillator) for installation within the church. An anonymous donor has come forward to purchase the defibrillator and training sessions will be offered in the near future for those wishing to be certified in its use.

• The Christian Nurture committee handed out a survey form following last Sunday’s service which asks eight questions pertaining to a four-church picnic. The event, which would be held at Crieff Hills Retreat and Conference Centre on June 17th, would involve all four Presbyterian churches in Burlington, and would replace the picnic which in recent years has been held at Hidden Valley Park. Please return the questionnaire by this Sunday, or if you have not received one, pick one up at the church so that the committee can determine the level of interest in this event.

• There will be yet another road race this Sunday, one that will affect those travelling to Knox who come along Lakeshore Road. And, because Lakeshore will be closed, there will be no doubt heavier traffic on the alternate routes you may be taking, so everyone should allow a bit extra travelling time for this occasion. The event is the 17th annual Peak Performance Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5 km in aid of Joseph Brant Hospital, with both events getting under way at 10:05 from City Hall meaning that not only will surrounding streets be closed, but parking will be at a premium around the church.

• As a result of the Knox Looks to the Future workshop this Saturday, it has meant a change in the schedule for the Men’s Breakfast which will now be held March 10, starting at 8 a.m. at the Golden Griddle on Harvest Road. There is an open invitation for all men to enjoy this time of fellowship.

Annual meetings - Now and Then

I have recently been involved in a great deal of research for a new book project, going through old microfilm during the period after the Second World War. Aside from my primary research, it’s interesting to note some of the other news stories of that era, and one thing that really stands out was the level of coverage churches received in the pages of the Burlington Gazette.

Most churches were able to receive a certain level of coverage, but of course I was most interested in the stories involving Knox church, noting that the various women’s groups received extensive coverage concerning their regular meetings, with names, names and more names of those who were involved in the meetings.

This Sunday is an important one in the life and witness of the Knox congregation, as we not only celebrate the Lord’s Supper, but after the service, we will adjourn to Fellowship Hall for a light lunch followed by our annual meeting.

Annual church meetings were major news back in the 1940s, as there was not only extensive coverage, but often it was front page news. With that in mind, what follows is the front page news story from the Gazette, wherein there is a detailed story concerning the annual meeting covering the year 1946.

The annual meeting of Knox Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday evening in the Sunday school room. The minister, Rev. Dr. James G. Berry, presided and conducted a short devotional service.

John Blair was then chosen chairman. In the course of his remarks, he said that the congregation had had a good year. The reports would testify to the work done and the finances well maintained.

Dr. Berry gave the report of the session: The past year saw release from war strain and the return to peace conditions. These were, however, disturbed and difficult. Yet in our church life there is much ground for thankfulness. It is a good thing to say, “first of all we give thanks to God’.

The work of the church was faithfully performed. Besides our ordinary services, the customary special ones of Communion, Easter, Anniversary, Thanksgiving and Christmas were seasons of refreshing and grateful giving.

For the Advance for Christ and Peace Thank Offering a substantial contribution had been made. There were also some contributions to be given over the three-year period. A united effort during 1947 and 1948 would bring us to the desired goal. Let us resolve to have a good try together.

Our missionary giving was well maintained. The offering of the Sunday school from the monthly missionary Sundays was most encouraging.

The reports of the organizations show that much good work has been done both for congregational needs, and for the needs of the church at large.

To all members and friends of the church for their support, and to the officers and members of the boards and societies, the session expresses its sincere appreciation. This includes the teachers of the Sunday school, the organist and choirmaster, and those who give their services in the choirs. Our caretaker and his wife deserve a special word of thanks here. Let us renew our devotion to the worship and work of the church, and in unity and fellowship seek its welfare.

The reports of the other boards and societies were then given by the treasurers as follows:
Board of Management, Board of Trustees, Session Fund, Missions. Ladies Aid, WMS, Mission Band, Choir Fund, Sunday school, Young People, Young Women’s Auxiliary, Junior Choir and Auditors.

Especially notable were the varied services rendered by the Ladies’ Aid and the large amount raised by the three groups. The ladies were warmly thanked for their untiring work.

The board of managers were re-relected as follows: John N. Blair (chairman), R. S. Merton. R. McFarlane, John Troughton, J. D. Gibbins, E. W. Smith, W. G. Henderson. A. M. Bryce, C. A. Peace (secretary), Stanley Craze (treasurer), also the auditors. G. F. Buzza and R. McFarlane.

A committee of ladies, with Mrs. Fraser Buzza, convener, served refreshments.

Moderator to preach

This Sunday, Knox is delighted to welcome as our guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Rick Horst, moderator of the 137th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Born in Hamilton, Dr. Horst was raised in St. Enoch Presbyterian Church, and studied broadcast journalism before he answered the call to pastoral ministry.  Ordained in 1984, Rick was appointed to three inner-city congregations in Toronto, and later answered a call to St. Marys Presbyterian Church, where he served for 17 years.

 Witnessing significant congregational growth in St. Marys, he also guided and oversaw two major building expansion programs during his ministry there.  But in the spring of 2004, Rick felt the call of God to St. Andrew's Church in Barrie, commencing his duties in August of that year.  In 2007, Rick was appointed to the Board of Barrie's Royal Victoria Hospital, where he currently offers his governance expertise in the role of vice-chairman.  His earlier concern for those in our nation's armed forces takes expression today through his volunteer work as Padre to the Veteran's Club of Barrie.

 Married to Karen who ministers to St. Andrew's, Orillia, Rick says that he continues to nurse his imperfections through the unconditional support of his beloved Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He is also very much a baseball fan as during his time in St. Marys he served as a governor of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Throughout his ministry, Rick has brought emphasis to the local congregation's sense of mission in the wider community.  His work with Dr. Kennon Callahan, author of the influential “Twelve Keys to Effective Churches” materials, has seen Rick working with many congregations and presbyteries to strengthen and enhance their efforts in concrete missional ministries.  He has served our denomination in many capacities, including the chairmanship of two Synod Camp Boards, a member of the Special Committee on Restructuring, the Assembly Council, convenor of the Canada Ministries Advisory Committee and his Synod's Missions Committee.

Rick's profound love of people and for the life and witness of the local congregation is a theme that underlies and informs his daily work as a pastoral minister.  His passion for helping congregations build upon their God-given gifts and strengths in order to be more effective agents in addressing human hurts and hopes in the larger community influences what he is sharing with our churches this year.

There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following Sunday’s service which will be hosted by the Knox session, and everyone is urged to attend, providing an opportunity to meet with Rick at that time.

Knox North

It has been called Knox North, and for good reason as over the years a number of people from the Knox congregation have called it home.

Knox North is Heritage Place, a retirement home just off Walker’s Line in north Burlington, and for a number of years, the church has offered a monthly worship service to the residents living there.

That tradition has continued through the vacancy thanks to the efforts of a number of people. During the summer months, at a time when we had a different minister in the pulpit most Sundays, a group from Knox made sure that the services continued without a minister being present, this with the service taking the form of singing favorite hymns.

Once the Rev. John Duff was contracted as interim minister, he led the worship service, with residents, both from Knox or others associated with other denominations, in attendance.

Now, the Rev. Bob Docherty, who will serve as interim minister for the next three months, will be leading worship at Heritage Place, with the next service scheduled for Thursday morning (Feb. 9) at 11 a.m.

Although the service is intended for residents of Heritage Place, others are welcome – indeed encouraged – to attend and give support to this important outreach ministry.

And some bits and pieces

• Anyone who would like to meet with the Rev. Bob Docherty is encouraged to phone the church office and make an appoint as he plans to be in the church office on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 12 noon. He can also be reached at 1-905-309-3603 or through RevBob.Docherty@gmail.com as necessary.

• With the annual meeting scheduled for the last Sunday in February, everyone is urged to pick up copies of the annual report which will be available this Sunday, Feb. 12. There is a bit of a switch in scheduling for this year’s annual meeting as there will be a lunch in fellowship hall before – rather than after - the meeting.