KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH April 21st, 2013 11:00 am Minister - Rev.

v. Mark Gedcke Director of Music- Suzanne Strahan Guest Speaker: Karen Plater WELCOME We welcome Karen Plater to our service this morning. She is the Associate Secretary for Stewardship with the Presbyterian Church of Canada.

Preparation for Worship Prayer, Meditation and Visiting Prelude: Mercy La Grace G. P. Telemann Welcome and Announcements: CALL TO WORSHIP: Leader: For God alone our souls wait in silence. People: Our hope is from God. Leader: God alone is our rock and salvation. People: God is our fortress; we shall not be shaken. Leader: God liberates and protects his people. People: God is our refuge and strength. Leader: Trust in God at all times, O people! People: We pour out our hearts before the Lord! Leader: For God alone our souls wait in silence. People: Now is the time to break our silence and worship God! (adapted from Psalm 62:5-8) OPENING HYMN: #764 Theres a spirit in the air PRAYER OF ADORATION & CONFESSION Leader: God who creates: the heavens declare the glory of all you have made. People: We declare the joy we have in knowing you are the giver and keeper of life. Leader: God of mercy, we confess that we are part of a society that takes more from creation that we give. Often we close our ears to the demands of your word. The pain and brokenness of our world frightens us and we would hide from them. When the call goes out for someone to preach or teach or heal, we assume you mean someone else. We want to claim the benefits of faith, but decline the way of the Cross. People: God who saves, Jesus did not come to condemn us, but to save us. As we confess our sins, help us to experience the joy of new life as forgiven people. Grant us the courage to

share this good news with others, in Jesus name. Amen PASSING OF THE PEACE: Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you Congregation: And also with you. ANTHEM: Rise On Wings Of Hope Brian Carr, arr. Dennis Allen CHILDRENS HYMN: #625 Seek ye first the kingdom of God (sing 3 verses , then repeat verse 1) CHILDRENS TIME SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 85:8-13 Matthew 9:35-38 SERMON: I can do it HYMN: #763 To show by touch and word OFFERING OFFERTORY: Andante in D minor William Wallond OFFERTORY PRAISE: #661 We give thee but thine own (v 1,2) OFFERING PRAYER: (together) We remember the child who gave Jesus his bread and fish because Jesus needed some help. Little did the child know this small gift could feed 5,000. We give our gifts, great and small, that you would surprise us as you bless many in our community and around the world. Amen HYMN: #446 O Lord, hear my prayer (sung twice) PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORDS PRAYER (response after each intercession) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen CLOSING HYMN: #759 In loving partnership

BENEDICTION SONG OF BLESSING: #755 Go ye, go ye into the world POSTLUDE: Crown Him With Many Crowns David H. Hegerty

Church Opening Today: Laird Christie

Church Opening Next week: Tim Pauli

Ushers this week: Richard Bast, Annie Pottle, Karen Savelle, Eleanor Anwender

Ushers next week: Sean Raleigh, Ron Gray, Laird Christie & Tom Hislop

Greeters this week: Gerry & Dale James

Greeters next week: Elmer & Barb Dredge

Scripture Reader: Mary Dougall

Coffee this week: Jen & Sean Raleigh

Coffee next week: Sharon Tays & Marlene Hanson MEMORIAL SERVICE The memorial service for Margaret Gibb is being held on Saturday, May 4th at 3:00 p.m. The service will be held at Youngs Funeral Home and everyone is welcome to attend. THANKS Thank you to each and everyone who kindly donated food and/or help for the funeral of Margaret McIntyre. (thanks from Lois Wells)

FROM THE OUTREACH TEAM Games Night A fun night of game playing took place on Friday March 22. Apples to Apples was played by a group of people while Ed, Grace, Jim and Lillian played some hot hands of Euchre. Thanks to Tim, Jarred had his first experience playing Chess. Chelsea enticed some players to join her in a game of Fairy Uno. Thanks to everyone who brought snacks. They were delicious. Community Meal Despite the ice storm the community meal on April 12th went on. 86 people enjoyed our dinner of pasta, rolls, Caesar Salad, cupcakes, juice, tea and coffee. A big thank you to those who made donations and everyone who helped prepare and serve the meal. The Outreach Team has committed to serving four meals next year. Big Bike Ride The Knox Heavenly Riders are again participating in the Big Bike ride for Heart and Stroke on Sunday May 5th at 12:30. This is a great cause and a good way to show our community that Knox is a caring congregation. The Big Bike is filling up. Only 9 seats left. Reserve yours today! Visit the Big Bike table in the Narthex following the service. If you arent able to ride, please consider sponsoring a rider. A list of riders is posted at the Big Bike table. You can also make a donation to the team if you dont want to single out one rider to support. WHATS UP KNOX? Still looking for articles/news from Knox, etc. for our May/June newsletter. Please submit your ideas, views, recipes, etc. this week to the office. PHOTOS Appointments are filling fast for May 3 and 4. Please see Margaret today following the service or call the office (9-12) Tuesday to Friday to schedule your appointment. Remember there is no cost to this and for participating, you receive a directory and an 8x10 colour portrait absolutely free. You may decide to order more copies and will be charged for them but you are not obliged to do so. If you wish, you may submit a picture of your own but there is a $12.50 charge for the company to prepare it for the directory. Please note: This is not for Knox members only, but for everyone attending. We want to get to know you better. FROM THE ALLEY The big change over has taken place. Winter clothes have been put to bed and the store is full of wonderful clothes for spring and summer. With what seemed like a long winter our customers have been anxious to get purchasing great bargains for their spring wardrobes. We invite all of you to come in and check out our excellent selection of clothing. Website- thealleythirftstore.com

Be sure to take time to visit The Alleys website. Jonathon Perry has done a great job of creating the site for us. Check it out to learn about sales and special items we have for sale. The Alley is also on Facebook. Tell your friends and family to check these sites. We Get Interesting Things From time to time we get interesting items donated to the store. Do you know anyone who would be interested in a portable Singer sewing machine that was manufactured in 1949? This is a beauty. It is in excellent condition and comes in a wooden carrying case. Any ballroom dancers out there? We have a pair of almost brand new ladies ballroom dancing shoes size 9. When new they cost over 100.00. Ever thought of taking up organ playing? The Alley has a Lowery organ for sale. If you or someone you know is interested in any of the above items come in and take a look. What We Need The following are items that we can always use at The Alley. Linens (towels, bedding) Small appliances (toasters, irons, kettles, mixers, coffee makers, etc) Ensure that they are in working order. Kitchenware (pots and pans, dinnerware, utensils, baking tins) Dishes (glasses, mugs, bowls, plates, vases, pitchers, etc) Ornaments Books (no textbooks or outdated books such as travel guides). Good clean clothing. Tell your friends and family about our needs.

Session Report Thank you to Adam Parker who came to Knox on Monday evening and took pictures of the Praise Band, Board of Managers and Session for the upcoming directory. I very much appreciate his help with this and hope other groups are remembering to have pictures ready by the end of the month. Most of the discussion for the evening centered on upcoming anniversary events. Our opening worship was about the Last Supper and Christs statement, Remember me. The Knox anniversary April28 and the special events May 12 recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Knox fire will have as their theme, remembering how Knox has cared for the community and how the community has cared for Knox. All Elders are reminded that their police checks are due. Our annual Kintail retreat will be held the weekend of June 21, 22 and 23. Details will be available later. VBS will be held this year at Knox July 8-12 with full day sessions from 9-3.The Sacrament of Baptism will be observed April 28. Roll Clerk, Pat Scott, submitted a very positive report listing many new people who are attending regularly. This is good news for any congregation and we hope they continue to worship with us.

THE THREE CANTORS Accompanied by Angus Sinclair in support of Huron Hunger Fund. To be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford, Wednesday May 1st at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 available at St. Pauls Anglican Church, Blowes Stationery, Gospel Lighthouse, Sinclair Pharmacy & at the door. KINTAIL SPEAKER SERIES May 7, 2013 12 Ideas for Nurturing Faith in Children David M. Csinos Cost: $25 (includes lunch) Location: MacDonald Lodge, Camp Kintail To register call 519-529-7317 or email grow@camptintail.ca How are you passing on faith to the next generation? Do you feel helpless against the attractions of YouTube, Facebook, iTunes and video games? Come and join us for a day at Kintail to learn and remember the practices of the church that will help our children to discover the love of God! 3RD ANNUAL STRATFORD GARBAGE CAN DECORATING COMPETITION April 25-28 Registration forms available at customer service/lotto or register online at www.stratfordshopping.ca Deadine for submissions is Wednesday, April 24th at 9:00 p.m. A limited number of free cans are available for pick up at Festival Marketplace Customer Service/Lotto with a $10 deposit that will be returned when the completed entry is received. Create your design, no limits on your imagination, execute your artwork, take completed garbage can to Festival Marketplace. SWING INTO SPRING Community Living Stratford and Area is hosting its 10th Annual Swing Into Spring Dinner and Auction on Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 from 6:00 10:00 p.m. here at Knox. Buffet dinner, entertainment, live and silent auction. $30 per person. For tickets, call Carys Wyn Hughes at 519-273-1000 ext. 234. FRIENDSHIP AND LEARNING GROUP: We will be meeting again on Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. in the Parlour. Our question is: Can we really love God without loving others?. WEDDING DRESS SALE Saturday April 27 (1-4 p.m.) and Sunday, April 28 (1-4 p.m.) Being held in the Amphitheatre. Any questions, please contact Vivian Harding. Money received to be donated to Knox Church. FOOD BANK The Food Bank table is the Narthex is restocked weekly. Everything on the table is on the list provided of required items. Items range in price from .50 to $3. Check it out today. More than 5,600 people relied on the Food Banks in Stratford over the past year and about 34% were children. The worship resources for this Sunday were written by the Rev. Glenn Inglis and Mrs. Linda Inglis. The couple has served as PCC Mission Partners in Malawi and Lesotho over a period of 18 years where their work included pastoral

ministry, chaplaincy, human rights education, care for the disabled and running the Blantyre Synod Health & Development Commission. In addition, they have served Congregations in Nanaimo, Langley and Kerrisdale (Vancouver) B.C.. It is a period of transition from a very busy posting in Malawi to the quiet life on the Coast. They await the Lords leading in the type of ministry that lies ahead. UPCOMING SERVICES AT KNOX April 28th We will celebrate the Anniversary of our congregation. Our special guests will be the Henry Ford Community College Choir from Dearborn, Michigan. May 5th Rev. Mark will be the Guest Minister at Knox North Easthope for their anniversary service. Rev. Bryan Lapier will be the Guest Minister here at Knox. May 12th We will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the fire and honour the three men who died on duty. This will be a special service in remembrance of this tragic event. The theme of the service will be Love your neighbour as yourself. A light breakfast will be served in the banquet hall starting at 9:30 a.m. At 10:50 a.m., members of the Police, Fire and EMS departments will be led into the Church by the Stratford Police Pipes and Drums. Following the service, please join us in the garden area, where a plaque will be dedicated in remembrance of the fire and the heroes who tragically lost their lives on that fateful night.

Minister: Rev. Mark Gedcke 519 575 8817 or by email at mgedcke@knoxstratford.com Director of Music: Suzanne Strahan Administrative Assistant: Kathy Baker Treasurer: Shannon Archer Office: 519-271-0373 knoxs@wightman.ca OFFICE HOURS 9am- NOON Tuesday through Friday