A Weekly Update of Good News from John Knox

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Find out what's going on and what's coming up

in the life and ministry at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

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This Sunday's Worship

Join us this Sunday, May 12 at 10:00 AM

"The Witness of God's Children"

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Romans 8:12-17

In person: Sanctuary

Digitally: YouTube, Facebook, or John Knox App

Click here to access the Worship Bulletin.

Liturgist: Bob Phillis

Audio Visual: Caroline Robertson

Ushers: JT Greene, John Adamson, John Kendall, Mike Coggin and Tommy Dowling (Head Usher)

Our CMO Committee invites us to learn about and support a new ministry in our area—Isaiah 117 House. This ministry focuses on the needs of children, foster families, and those who serve them.

When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their welfare, they are usually brought to the child welfare services office to await placement with a foster family. That wait can be several hours to nearly a full day. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, dirty, and in desperate need of love and support. Isaiah 117 House provides a comforting space where these children can receive comfort and care while they wait for placement.

We are supporting this mission through this month’s collection of snacks in the bin in the Narthex, as well as donations toward gift cards to be used by DSS workers on the children’s behalf. Thanks for your response to this important need.

To learn more, visit the website!

Field Day on May 19!

Please sign up for field day with list of family members and their age bracket.

Field Day will be May 19 with games, relays, bingo and fun events for all ages!

After church lunch is included.

RSVP for Field Day!

Menu: Moe's Southwest Grill

RSVP to dinner!

Calling all high school students, college students, teachers, and anyone else interested in Side by Side Respite Volunteer Training! Next training date is June 2 in the Fellowship Hall from 2-5 pm! Contact Laura Reichen at lreichen@johnknoxpres.org to rsvp.

“Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Psalm 56: 3

It’s time for another great week of Vacation Bible School at John Knox! Our theme this year is “CAMP FIRELIGHT – A Summer Camp Adventure with God.” We will kick off the week on Sunday, June 9 from 4:00 – 6:30 with VBS activities for the children, followed by a family dinner at 6:30. We’ll continue through the week, Monday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 12, from 5:00 until 7:30 each of those days. We will be diving into our Bible stories through storytelling, arts and crafts, music, recreation, and service.

It definitely takes a village to make this wonderful event happen. We have many ways in which you could help make this an awesome week for our children:

· Pray for our VBS leaders, volunteers, and children

· Bring in snacks for VBS volunteers

· Serve as a group leader, taking children to their activities

· Serve as a class leader – art, science, recreation, meals/snacks

· Assist a class leader – art, science, recreation, meals/snacks

· Drive and supervise 4th and 5th graders on daily Mini-Mission trips

· Help with cutting/stapling/assembling projects at home

· Help decorate on Saturday, June 8 – 9am – noon

· Help tear down on Wednesday, June 12

· Bring donations for a designated VBS Mission project (suggested donations will be announced in the Steepletalk soon)

If you would like to serve in any way during Vacation Bible School, please reach out to Susan Felton! We’d love to have our extended church family be a part of this amazing week!

Family Hike

On Sunday, May 5, our John Knox children and families enjoyed all of God’s creation and fellowship time with church friends as we hiked through Conestee Nature Preserve: snakes and lizards, turtles and baby geese, wet lands and forests, a nature scavenger hunt and lots of fun conversations!

Clerk’s Report

The Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church met on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly Stated Meeting. The following are some of the items discussed:

Administrative

1. The finances were reviewed. It was explained that the expenses look a little off because of the $50,000 transfer from operating to reserve that the Session approved last month.

2. The CMO expenses reflect the quarterly benevolence payments.

3. The Committee proposed and the Session approved scheduling the Called Congregational Meeting for May 19, 2024, at 9:55 AM in the Sanctuary for the purpose of electing the CNC.

Christian Education

1. Summer opportunities will include Fun in the Son, The Great Escape, and Serving Orlando.

2. The Summer Sunday School plan will include a 10-week study of the Book of Proverbs.

3. The staff is revising the safety practices as they pertain to children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

4. The next Women’s Faith and Fellowship Dinner will be May 7 and Sandy Garrett will be the featured speaker.

5. Tami Wall’s report on the Kindergarten program was shared and reviewed.

Christian Mission & Outreach

1. The Committee is working on how best to expand efforts in the Isaiah 117 program.

2. The John Knox workday with Habitat for Humanity will be on May 25 and will be a home preservation project.

3. They will be providing lunch for the Lake Forest staff on April 26.

4. There are plans for a party to celebrate nine months of success with the Circle of Welcome.

Evangelism

1. The postcard to replace the yellow pew card will include a property map.

2. Bread Ministry is going well.

3. The New to Knox class will include Q&A on PCUSA as well as John Knox with a tour of the campus by Carol Kendall.

4. As part of the Photo Directory update, they will have Step & Repeat photo op on Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Graduation, VBS, and Rally Day.

Fellowship

1. They have two suites booked for the Drive Game on April 28.

2. Church-wide Field Day will be May 19 with casual dress for the Church Service.

3. Gloria Marcus will speak on relationships at WNS on May 22.

4. Supper Club plans are ongoing.

Nurture

1. Jessica Bixler sent out our gift cards to college students, so they can take a friend to dinner.

2. In-Home Communion is ongoing at Rolling Green, Foothills, and private homes.

3. The Quilters recently delivered eight quilts to gentlemen at Foothills.

4. Feedback on the Side-by-Side respite care ministry program has been fantastic.

Property & Operations

1. The steeple repair will run from June 3 – 7.

2. Gym roof repairs are looking for new bidders.

3. The 600-amp main breaker will be replaced starting on May 2^h. No power available in Kindergarten, PDO, or Education Wing during upgrade.

4. The trim on the Sanctuary building needs work. They are getting bids.

Susan Felton – Children’s Ministry

1. VBS is June 9-12. Please see the list of places where you can help.

2. They want the kids to do something with Side-by-Side, maybe placemats.

3. The next Parents Night Out is next Friday.

4. The book study of ‘The Worry-Free Parent’ is winding down.

Rev. Justin Cazel

1. The Men’s Film Festival went well.

2. M3 participation is steady and consistent.

Dr. Gordon Turnbull

During this season of Easter remember to trust the story of Easter and a risen life.

Dick Powers

Clerk of Session

In this season of concern, the Church’s witness of service and caring is more important than ever. John Knox is doing all we can to continue our ministry in ways that keep us connected to God and to each other. Please continue your offerings so that we can serve fully throughout this time of need.

Ways to give: