October 2024

Pastor’s Note and Intro to Knox News:

2000 years ago something happened in the province of Macedoinia, just north of Greece. Fierce trouble had come upon the people; persecution and gripping poverty. But they became aware of the plight of poor Christians in Jerusalem. That news triggered an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. They pleaded for the privilege of helping. Probably because of their poverty and their suffering, they understood the pain.

Paul’s explanation of this extraordinary generosity is that first they gave themselves to God and to Paul (II Corinthians 8). Their generosity is not simply in response to the need of others. He sees it as the work of God’s grace. It is the result of the personal dedication of believers to God. That dedication created conviction, motivated sacrifice, and compelled them to join in what God is doing in the world.

The steady act of believing in Christ opened up within the believers a channel for the grace of God to enter the world – it still does. Time and time again I see that grace at work here at John Knox. I see conviction, sacrifice and a compelling desire amongst us to join in God’s work in the world. I see us looking for a chance to respond to God’s grace and play our part; to practice A Faith That Gives.  

We have been entrusted with a vision that is engaging, and a fellowship that is true and caring. There is a plan for how gifts are received and there is a sense of awe for all gifts given. These gifts flow from your devotion to God and they are making a difference. Soon we will be dedicating our pledges for 2025. As we do so, let’s celebrate the chance we have to respond and join in God’s work in the world.

Tom