Knob Hill United Church, 23 Gage Avenue, Scarborough, ON, M1J 1T3 Email: knobhillunitedchurch@bellnet.ca or secretary.knobhill@bellnet.ca www.khuc.org Minister: Rev. Hannah Lee, 416.431.5054

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APRIL 2019 - Vol. 14 No.6

Knews and Knotes, the official newsletter of the Knob Hill United Church congregation, is published five times yearly. We welcome any submission of interest.

INDEX

Page Article

1 Index

2 Message from Rev. Hannah Lee

3 Message from Rev. Val Noakes

4 Editor’s Note

5 World Day of Prayer – Focus: Slovenia

8 KHUC Activities – Fellowship Valentine’s Supper at Mandarin

9 February and March Birthdays and St. Patrick’s Day

10 News from Denominational Council

11 GC 43 Executive 12 The United Church of Canada Governance 2019

13 General Secretary and National Indigenous Council Report

15 Region 10 News and Easter Message from KnK Staff

18 Getting Acquainted with the Ares Family

19 Getting to Know Norma Astronomo

22 Easter Bible Quiz

23 Easter Story Word Search

Editor: Hedy Baker-Graf

Layout Assistant: Janet Hucklebridge

Photographer: Lorraine Hullachan

Web Site Coordinators: Jamie Quigley and Julio Torres

A MESSAGE FROM REV. HANNAH LEE

Dear friends,

Happy Easter! It feels so good to be home again. A big heartfelt thank you to you all for supporting

our ministry and my sabbatical leave. It proved to be a valuable time for me to rest, heal, and pray. I

ate some delicious meals with my grandparents, threw in a few more frosty hours on the curling ice,

and spent lots of time reading, reflecting, and learning.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in New York City with friends. One evening, we found ourselves walking

through Harlem. Past Central Park, past a TV shoot, past bodegas and delis, we stumbled upon the

Graffiti Hall of Fame. It is this amazing collection of murals and street art. Each part has tags and

pictures that are seamlessly incorporated into other images and that are yet part of a larger mural that

forms one cohesive picture. To be honest, I didn’t even see the whole picture at first. I just saw one

part and exclaimed, “Oh, cool!” And then I realized this beautiful mural was just the ‘H’ that formed the

word “HARLEM” all the way down the block.

It’s all about perspective. When you are so close to the image, you can see all the details but you

can’t see the larger picture. Perspective is so important. It often dictates how we react and respond to

situations. And it is often limited to our view of the details in front of us.

We’ve all been there before. If I have a negative or critical perspective about something, I will tend to

see everything from that perspective. Even if something good happens, I will only see what was

wrong. On the other hand, when we look with love, we slip on rose-coloured glasses. When we love

someone, we see them and what they do through different eyes. We become compassionate and

understanding. We choose to see more from their perspective than our own perspective. Truly, so

much of what we think and do is connected with our attitude and perspective.

Easter is the season for us to see the world with new eyes. It is a time for us to look around and

choose to see with a larger and more understanding perspective. The empty tomb is not the story of a

missing body, but the story of the Resurrection, and of God doing a new thing. Christ is alive in a new

way that calls us into awesome joy!

In this Easter season, may love come to life for you and your family. May we have the fresh

perspective to look at ourselves and others with love, knowing that God loves us. May we faithfully

answer the call to live truthfully, courageously, hopefully, and deeply in God’s abundant creation. May

you be richly blessed, and be a blessing to the world.

Blessings,

(The Rev.) Hannah Lee

A MESSAGE FROM REV. VAL NOAKES

The snow kept falling and floating down, but we kept warm inside the church, our voices raised in song as we praised God. As we moved through the Season After Epiphany, in worship we explored more ways we can respond to God’s gospel of love, made real in Jesus Christ our Risen Lord. We reflected on Jesus’ call to ministry as it relates in empowering ways for us to follow in a more diverse faith understanding. We considered throughout February the social justice impact and inspiration of stories concerning some people from Black History Month, that have inspired and challenged us to further support the importance of intracultural ministry outreach, as we were marking the end of the interdenominational Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The following Sunday was unified in loving Spirit as we celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion where all are invited to share in the agape feast, “Come now, for all is ready. These are the gifts of God, for the People of God!”

“…Come for everything is ready…” (Luke 14:15-24) This was the theme for the World Day of Prayer, where Knob Hill served as hosts for several neighboring ecumenical congregations to join in a wonderful, welcoming worship service created by, and focused on the people and country of Slovenia. The Sung Response was led by

Jamie as choir director, and the Joined Senior Choir from

the combined churches sang: “Now let us all receive God’s love. That the light of God’s love shows the way.

Open up our hearts to love, that love may call to one and all.”

This was indeed a time of celebration. Thank you to everyone who shared their leadership in so many ways; you helped make this a well-attended, very special event. We learned more about being hosts, who can be transformed through God’s love made real in Christ, “ready to be with” others as God’s blessed children, in the moment, as they are. We were invited to be open to the transforming light of God’s love, serving in faith as the body of Christ to transform others and our lives!

We began our Lenten journey feeling the Gospel of Luke’s challenging nature, as we lit the Christ Candle in the Spirit of Peace as a Remembrance Candle in memory of those who perished, in Christchurch, New Zealand. We stand in solidarity and in loving support for the grieving, the injured, their families and friends around the world. We trust the hope of God’s law of love, to help us and others live and work as peacemakers for justice, love, mercy and peace on earth! Always God is with us in the joys and struggles of life, while we learn more of the nature of Jesus’ inclusive ministry to all, through his prophetic words, teaching parables and healings as he sets his life course to fulfil God’s plan, moving toward Jerusalem and the dark shadows of the cross at Golgotha.

We live as Easter people, waiting to celebrate in faith again the “stone rolled away from the tomb… He (Jesus) is not here, but has risen.”(Luke 24:5) We live in hope, that as we live out our Christian faith shared with others, we will feel deeply enriched and inspired to live the Good News of God’s love alive with all those we meet and greet! May you have a Happy and Blessed Easter Season, and exclaim and share your faith believing, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Thank you again, for welcoming me into this blessed family of faith. Indeed it has been a privilege to serve as your Guest Supply Minister as I have been travelling on this faith journey with you! Thank you Jamie and all the Senior Choir once again, for your wonderful gift of music; intuitively you set the tone to begin the sermon. Thanks to Janet for her diligent work often done with a sense of humour!

In Christ’s Service, May God Bless You Always!

Rev. Val

EDITOR’S NOTE

The UCC’s main goal was to create a more “sustainable organization through making more effective

use of its declining base of volunteers and its financial resources.” Restructuring has now been

accomplished; there are occasional glitches, but as soon as the latter is detected, these continue to be

rectified quickly. It is expected that the church’s “united” identity can continue through relationships

and connections amongst the three newly-minted councils. The United Church of Canada Act

(1924) passed by the House of Commons unanimously on April 2nd; it still requires Royal Assent by the

Governor General, Julie Payette.

Two areas of concern for some communities of faith are the new income-linked assessment formula

and becoming involved in Clusters and Networks. Shining Waters Regional Council (Region 10), plans

to devote its inaugural meeting to the theme of Making Connections.

UCC, in addressing the Reconciliation report continues to develop and define its relationship with

Indigenous ministries within the context of their own history and the United Nations Declaration on

the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As well, in response to the Calls to the Church, the Indigenous

communities of faith and urban ministries are able to choose “dual belonging”- to both a regional

body and a national Indigenous group.

It is expected that widespread input can be obtained more quickly through the use of technology, so

Permanent Advisory Committees will no longer exist. Whenever more extensive information is

required, a committee will be constituted, as needed.

There have been changes a-plenty within the UCC; even The United Observer magazine - though not

a direct vehicle of the church – will undergo rebranding; it will be known as Broadview - due to the

magazine’s office location near to that subway station. The name “signals UCC’s open-mindedness

and inclusivity.”

WISHING YOU ALL A BLESSED EASTER!

Image adapted from: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: FOCUS SLOVENIA

Flags in the country’s colours, posters created

from the resources sent by the Slovenian

Embassy, and displays loaned by Nada

adorned KHUC’s Gym.

DISPLAY MATERIALS REFLECTED DIFFERENT REGIONS OF SLOVENIA AND ITS CULTURE

KHUC was the host of this event which was coordinated by Teresa. Representatives from St. David’s

and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Churches as well as St. Mark’s and KHUC United Churches were

participants in either the combined choir directed by Jamie or script reading. Rev. Val Noakes offered

a reflection on the scripture reading and the Benediction.

Amongst those attending the service were members of the following Anglican churches: Saint John

the Divine, St. Margaret-in-the-Pines, St. Peter’s, and St. Ninians.

Thanks to Nada, our guest speaker of Slovene heritage, for sharing her personal experiences related

to different aspects of Slovenian life and culture. The scripture reading, “The Parable of the Great

Banquet”, exhorted attendees to be hospitable to those who are marginalized.

Fifty people attended the service; through their offering, a contribution of $613.23 will fund World

Day of Prayer in Canada and allow this worldwide ecumenical women-led movement to “strengthen

communities around the world through programs that enable women and children to have a better

life” and provide “grants for projects to restore hope to women touched by injustice.” Grant stories

can be found on the organization’s website wicc.org

The UCW also wishes to express its appreciation for the assistance offered in carrying out the many

tasks associated with hosting World Day of Prayer 2019, including: setting up tables and chairs

then restacking them, decorating the Gym and tables, contributing baked goods and money,

organizing food and drink for coffee time, taking photos, preparing a fact sheet on Slovenia,

registering those attending, directing the combined choir, and reading scripted text. Without your

willingness to help, an event like this would not have been a successful celebration in honour of

Slovenia.

KNOB HILL ACTIVITIES

FELLOWSHIP EVENT: VALENTINE’S SUPPER AT MANDARIN

The wintry weather led to a change in plans for ♥♥Valentine’s Day ♥♥ celebrations; however, this

didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 19 attendees who participated five days later than originally

expected. Celebrations were still ongoing for Chinese New Year.

Happy New Year - The Year of the Pig, 2019, officially begun with the

Spring Festival (Feb 5th–15th) was slated to end with the Lantern Festival

(Feb 15th- 19). The group members had fun reading the Chinese

horoscopes according to the year of their birth.

The next event will be attending the musical “Mamma Mia”, followed

by supper at the Prague Restaurant on Scarborough Golf Club Rd.

新年快乐(xīn nián kuài lè)

FEBRUARY AND MARCH BIRTHDAYS

DENOMINATIONAL COUNCIL (GC)

Embracing the Inward Journey

A resurgence of interest in spirituality has churches exploring ways to teach it for a new generation.

There was a time, within the memory of any of

us in The United Church of Canada, when a

congregation could count on the [surrounding]

culture to assist in the spiritual formation of its

members. For children, weekly Sunday school

classes and mid-week groups were

supplemented by daily prayers and devotions

in school. Even those adults who did not

participate in Bible study groups were

immersed in a culture that largely operated on

the premise that there was consensus about

morals and attitudes and that those morals and

attitudes were shaped by the Christian story.

Magazines, radio and television shows, community leaders, and politicians, often assumed and

promoted a “Christian” value system. Even stores and sports teams left Sunday morning free for

participation in the church’s worship and formation activities! Then the culture shifted. Congregations

are realizing that, if their members are going to be formed spiritually, it will be up to them to attend

to that — creatively and compellingly.

There was a time, within the memory of many of us, when “spirituality” was not considered

interesting enough or important enough to warrant the attention of the majority of people…. Again,

the culture has shifted. Now, spirituality in many different forms is popular, especially among younger

generations. People are looking for practices, disciplines, and guidance that will help them attend to

their spirits. It is not an easy time to be the church. As we witness to the creative, life-giving, work

God is doing in our world, we face many challenges. We dare not venture into that life-transforming

work unless we are deeply grounded in the practices and disciplines of our tradition: disciplines that

[not only] form us in Christ’s way [but also] open us to the gifts and action and energy of the Holy

Spirit. Make spiritual formation a priority in your congregation.

Rev. Dr. Christine Jerrett: Animator, Co-ordinator for Ministry Renewal for EDGE: A Network for Ministry

Development www.united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/embracing-inward-journey?

The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.

GC 43 EXECUTIVE (ONLINE MEETING)

The Executive of the 43rd General Council met for the first time since officially assuming office. The

meeting was held by video conference with the Moderator and General Secretary at the General

Council Office in Toronto, and other members in their locations across the country. All members of

the Executive were in attendance.

Reports were received from the Moderator, the General Secretary, the National Indigenous Council,

and the Theology and Inter-Church, Inter-Faith Committee.

Brief Highlights –Moderator – “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

(John 14.20-27)

Participated in worship, in which GC and B.C. Conference made financial compensation to the

Vancouver Japanese United Church for having sold the congregation’s buildings without their

permission;

Developed connection with the wider UC using various social media primarily Facebook, but

expect to use Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat;

spent almost 30 hours praying with 114 different ministers – one-on-one; …face-to-face (either

physically or by video), sometimes on the phone, …by text or messenger;

[responded] to people’s fears, such as: how to lead their congregation within the new structure,

pay the assessments, [overcome] concern re: even less connection to their neighbouring

congregations and distant congregations in other provinces, or feel like a united church;

ramp[ed] up French language practice [to become] more comfortable in written and oral

French;

planned to increase the number of “high production value” videos (like the Advent video) to

nine for the year, and “low production value” (shot with cell phone) videos; these are being used

in a variety of ways with congregations – in worship, in small groups, UCW, and for individual

devotional time; they help to connect the congregations with each other, and with the wider

church; and

Developed greater understanding [of] the evolving relationship between the Indigenous church

and the Settler (both long-term and new immigrant) church;

GENERAL SECRETARY

Assessments: GC office responsible for collecting assessments;

Regional councils: fully staffed, governance structures mostly in place; inaugural AGM meetings set

for May/June; most regional councils have chosen names;

Technology/shared services in many areas: website services, financial administration, telephone and

computer systems, incorporated ministry administration, etc.; systems designed so regional councils

can buy into these services at a later time if they so wish;

Archives: consultation is being planned for June, 2019 to discuss the overall direction of archival

services, e.g. common procedures and staffing practices, and the role of archival committees within

the regional councils and the General Council;

Clusters and networks: EDGE Network taking the lead while working with GC staff;

Covenants: template drafted for use by communities of faith and regional councils;

Communication: Regional Councils’ increasing role: describing themselves structure, future plans,

services provided. GC communication vehicles are being scaled back;

Office of Vocation: provisional Conference nominees appointed to the committees of the Board of

Vocation: six candidacy commissions (with membership of an indigenous candidacy commission to be

named by the Indigenous Ministries Council); responsible for standards for accreditation,

credentialing, response, and remedial committees; and

Church Hub: new online portal gives access to the Office of Vocation database of ministry personnel

and community of faith data and profiles. The scope of and short time lines made it difficult to build

and roll out simultaneously a fully functional bilingual site; GC Office regrets lack of clarity in

communicating this.

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL REPORT (NIC)

Remits and Calls to the Church Implementation: A series of Implementation Gatherings to equip

representatives from Indigenous communities of faith and urban Indigenous peoples to discuss

changes resulting from the implementation of the remits and the Calls to the Church;

Regional Executive Ministers and regional staff invited to give an overview of the role of regions and

participate in relationship building.

Indigenous ceremonies, teachings and reflection: Transformation and change is complex;

established “provisional belonging” which will be replaced with a covenant between the Indigenous

community of faith, Regional Council, and the National Indigenous Organization.

Decision-making: The Calls to the Church uphold principles of self-determination, cultural and

spiritual identity, and the right to participate in decision-making - same principles outlined in the

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In this new context there are many

questions to articulate and explore.

Plans are underway for the NIC to engage in a focused discussion on concepts and practices of

collaboration; move toward defining and implementing a relevant and indigenized governance system

for Indigenous UC members. NIC generate discussion and provide condensed document with

suggestions; GC a part of this process and the nature of its accompaniment to be clarified in early 2019.

2019 National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG): NISG scheduled to take place August 8-11,

2019 at the YMCA Geneva Park Convention Centre near Rama, ON. Decisions will be made with

respect to the emerging Indigenous church. Programs and processes give balance to spiritual/faith

development and space for decision-making. The overall vision will focus on the Indigenous Peoples’

story.

Origin: National Indigenous Council (NIC) with input from All My Relations reps.

The Theology & Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee

Adoption: continue the work begun in the Theologies of Adoption report, by looking at a possible

UCC apology to birth mothers and adopted children for the coercion women may have experienced in

maternity homes from the 1940s through 1970s.

Essential Agreement: study of “essential agreement” as it relates to the United Church’s Statement of

Faith, specifically in the examination of candidates for commissioning and ordination; sub-group now

completing draft report for consideration by the entire Committee prior to submission to the GC

Executive.

Land and Covenant: theologies of land being developed; crafted to allow groups using it to engage

with local situations and the land where they are located, The guide will be intended for use during

the Season of Creation (September) in 2019.

Language of Ordination and Commissioning: engaging in a study of modernizing the theological

language used in ordination, commissioning, and receiving persons to the Order of Ministry (set out in

the Basis of Union 11.3 and The Manual H.7.1). Sub-group now researching the vows used historically in

the United Church and the vows used in Conferences during a period of experimentation in the 1990s.

Medical Assistance in Dying: Committee now working to supplement UCC viewpoint adopted by the

GC Executive - resources for liturgy, study, personal contemplation, and conversation that will assist

individuals, families, health care professionals, leaders and communities of faith in dealing with the

challenges presented by end of life decisions; beginning study of areas of controversy currently

excluded from the federal legislation permitting Medical Assistance in Dying: consent by minors,

consent by people with mental health issues, and advance directives; and

Membership: sub-group of Committee working towards presenting an interim model of membership

to the GC in late 2020 or early 2021, prior to the 44th General Council.

Submitted by: (Rev.) Daniel Hayward, Chair and 15 member committee

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GC43 09 SEEKING FORGIVENESS - White Privilege Working Group’s mandate until end of 2019;

Indigenous and Racialized Reference groups & those offering perspectives of disability communities

– to help provide feedback on how to proceed with

United Church of Canada Act: reviewed by Senate Committee; now in Parliament awaiting federal

legislation changes; similar process to be undertaken provincially

Permanent Committees: now disbanded – GCE to make use of phone calls, webinars, social media

and other web portals as entry points to seek more diverse viewpoints - far more extensive

consultations than committee members.

GC 44 in 2021 to be held in southern Alberta – exact location and dates to be finalized

Excerpts from https://commons.united-church.ca/Documents/Governance/

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Happy Easter to all from the Knews and Knotes editorial staff:

Hedy, Janet, Lorraine, Julio and Jamie

GETTING RE-ACQUAINTED WITH THE ARES FAMILY

Jerry and Loida hail from the Philippines. Jerry is the third youngest of six surviving siblings, while

Loida is the youngest and only surviving sibling within her family–her

three older brothers are deceased. Their adult son, Mark Jordan,

and his family, including their grand-daughter, have recently

relocated to Kitchener.

Jerry’s studies comprised Theology, Psychology, and Philosophy.

Much of his work life so far has been devoted to church-related

activities, such as: being a Project Manager (World Vision

International), a College Dean (Evangelical Free Church Mission of

Canada and the USA), a Church Administrator, and a Hospital

Chaplain, etc.

His wife, Loida, is employed at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI), located at the downtown campus of U of T as an as an Administrative Coordinator.

For five years, the family attended KHUC when they lived in the immediate neighbourhood. Jerry was

involved in varied church activities, such as: Norm Wynott’s Art group, Work-Bees, Council, and the

Choir. His skills as an ordained minister have led him to volunteering with the Salvation Army’s

Kettle program and the Scott Mission’s Arts group. He has been involved with Action for

Neighbourhood Change; through this group, he conducted workshops to facilitate intercultural and

interfaith relations with Muslim adherents. He is concerned about issues related to social injustice,

especially, increasing levels of racial intolerance.

Memories of friendships forged with KHUC’s congregation have inspired the family to renew their

church affiliation.

Welcome back, Jerry and Loida, to our KHUC family!

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