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Worship at John Knox
In worship we offer to God our praise, confessions, and attention. In worship we receive God’s presence, pardon, and power to live out what we believe. In worship we celebrate the gift of community and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Each week we have the chance to be addressed by scripture, supported by those around us, and reminded of our true identity and sacred story.
Please Join us!
At John Knox, we have two worship services every Sunday at 9:30 and 11 a.m. For details about holiday worship, special events, and guest Pastors, you can view our entire worship schedule.
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Education & Caring
We are students, every one of us and the moment we stop learning, something is wrong. We seek to learn more about God and thereby more about ourselves. In learning together we come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, we come to appreciate our reformed heritage (the church reformed, always being reformed), and we are encouraged by a community that keeps us true and connected. We also care. We gather up the courage to ask for help when we need it. We also find ways to offer help and train ourselves to be more effective in our care giving.
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Outreach
We’re not just trying to preserve our well-being. At the end of every service the pastor offers the following charge to the congregation: “Go out into the world in peace; have courage. Hold on to what is good and return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the suffering, honor all people, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Though we have encountered God in worship, we leave with God and head to our homes, our neighborhoods, and our world to put faith into action. There is more to our faith than warmhearted sentiment. The faith lived out in word and deed is bold, dynamic, and intense in its love and service.
Welcome to our Church
The congregation of John Knox Presbyterian Church welcomes you to this preview of our life together. We hope you will explore this site; but better yet, we hope you will join us. Our congregation is warm and welcoming, inviting all to worship, serve, share and explore the love of God known through Jesus Christ. May God bless you richly as you continue your personal journey of faith in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan, Pastor
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A few weeks back I attended a PC (USA) conference on Discipleship. One of the leaders, Tod Bolsinger of San Clemente Presbyterian Church in California, talked about a recent expansion their church underwent. They were originally founded by a church an hour south of them. This church sent members 1 hour north to lead Bible studies and fellowship gatherings for children, youth, and adults on the beach of San Clemente. After 25 years they were finally ready to build their church. All were a part of pounding in nails and raising the walls on their very first church expansion. Well, 80 years later, the church was facing new challenges and discovering new energy and vision in the area of intergenerational ministry. They were discovering that grandparents wanted to see their grandchildren or other children while they worshipped and shared in fellowship. Teens were wanting to be a part of the outreach and growth of the church and liked not only being included but vital to the health of the church.Monday Message 01-30-2012
A few weeks back in worship we passed out star gifts. Each person in the sanctuary received a word on a paper star (hope, pardon, time, peace, healing, innocence, delight, comfort, boldness, dignity… to name a few). We are so prone toward giving, doing, achieving that to simply receive a gift was unique. But this is the order of things in God’s realm. God always gives first, and then we are invited to respond. God always seeks to encourage and strengthen us, we learn to receive. The words are meant to remain with us, on a refrigerator, on the wall, on a dresser. We are to think on the word and consider how God is bringing that word to reality in us as a gift.
That morning after the service, one man came up to me with a blank star. We laughed and thought how beautiful. This individual is an extremely accomplished professor and musician. Instead of a word that might push him toward greater mastery, he got nothing. Just blank emptiness. Calm silence. Being. But we couldn’t leave it there. Immediately we jumped to the Latin phrase tabula rasa, meaning a blank slate upon which anything can be written – an open and responsive life, ready for and trusting in God’s initiative.
A lady at a coffee shop said something like that to me a few weeks back. She commented on the beauty of the day, looked at me and said, “It’s what you make of it.”
I was speaking with a couple a few years back. She was annoyed with the time her husband would retreat, needing some space, needing silence. As a self-professed extrovert, this silence drove her crazy. So she would stand outside the room where he was thinking / retreating, and say, “So how much longer are you going to be in there… 10, 30 minutes? It would help me to know how long I’ve got to wait.”
After they both finished laughing at the situation, I mentioned that his silence, in time, might become a valued gift to her. Perhaps in the space, with the silence, she will discover what her words and social activity shut out. Maybe she will hear her thoughts instead of speaking them. Maybe she will hear God as he whispers peace and stillness into her life. Maybe she will breathe slowly and rest. Maybe she will be ok, being alone, being with God – until he finally comes out.
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. But you refused and said, “No! We will flee upon horses” – therefore you shall flee! and “We will ride upon swift steeds” therefore your pursuers shall be swift! (Isaiah 30:15-16)
Before riding away into what's next, enjoy calming, healing and quiet gift of God’s presence. Breathe.
Tom
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Knox News
Lenten Nights 2012
February 22 is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The pastors will be offering imposition of ashes and the Lord’s Supper in the sanctuary from 11 am to 1 pm. Come as you are able any time during those hours. In the evening, at 7 pm, there will be a special worship service with the imposition of ashes.
Our annual Lenten Night series will begin on Wednesday, February 29, and run for 5 weeks. Dinner is at 5:30 pm for a small fee and classes begin at 6:30 and end at 7:45 pm. Child care will be available and plans are being made for Lenten learning experiences for all children through 8th grade. High school students are welcome to join adult classes or help with the younger kids. Join us as we celebrate Lent in our new space with our church family!
Classes are outlined below. To register for Lenten Night classes, please visit the Spiritual Growth table in the Gallery or sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office. We need accurate numbers by February 22.
The Hole in Our Gospel
What if followers of Christ looked beyond church walls and worked together to address the needs in our world? What if we not only knew the statistics about poverty, hunger, and injustice but cared enough to act? What if you signed up for this class and found yourself making this vision a reality?
Text, What does God Expect of Us? The Hole in our Gospel: The answer that changed my life might just change the world, by Richard Stearns. Presenter, Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan.
24 Hours That Changed the World
Walk with Jesus on his final day. Sit beside him at the Last Supper. Follow him to the cross. Desert him. Experience the resurrection. This class is designed to help us better understand the events that occurred during the last 24 hours of Jesus's life. Video filmed in the Holy Land will be shown weekly.
Text, 24 Hours That Changed the World, by Adam Hamilton. Presenter, Jan Hart.
Live Life Abundantly All of Your Days
There is much written about aging but fact of the matter is, we are all going to age as we continue to walk this earth and will be faced with decisions that impact our ability to live the abundant life God intends. Health insurance, lifestyle and living options, advanced directives, end of life choices and funeral planning will be discussed is this series.
Facilitated by Cathy Nichols, Connie Smith and Rev. Gordon Blasius with possible guest speakers.
Sticky Faith
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably wondered how their faith shaping your children’s life? Most parents would give anything to anchor their children with a vibrant faith that 'sticks.' Join us as we interact with Sticky Faith Parent Curriculum (video-based study) to explore strategies and practical ideas to encourage spiritual growth. To learn more check out http://stickyfaith.org/parents.
Facilitated by Rev. Susanne Bendoritis
Exploring Theology
Do you enjoy reading and talking about theology and how it applies to the Christian life? A very accessible book caught my attention as a way for disciples of Christ to understand theologian, Karl Barth (1886-1968). If you are interested in joining me, please obtain the book ($15 on Amazon.com) and come to class ready to discuss chapter 1.
Text, Barth for Armchair Theologians , by John R. Franke. Presenter, Rev. Jessie MacMillan
John Knox Spirit-wear Sale
Celebrate the opening of the new Trinity Hall addition in style with a new John Knox t-shirt, sweatshirt or polo shirt. Pre-orders will be collected on Sundays between February 19 and March 18 by the John Knox Preschool. Order forms will soon be available in the church bulletin, Gallery and the church office. Distribution will take place on March 25 and April 1. Questions? Please contact Sue Beck or Laura Thogmartin at 440-779-1558.
You can also help support the Preschool by participating in Heinen’s ABC School Donation Program. Up to 1% of qualified purchases made September through April will be donated back to the Preschool. Visit www.heinensrewards.com and sign up today.
