Advent and Christmas Eve Services

On Sunday December 15, the Third Sunday of Advent we have a combined service at Stewart with all three congregations. We will be voting on the budget for 2025 and sharing a potluck finger food lunch after the service.

The Sunday before Christmas is the Fourth Sunday of Advent when we light a Candle for Love. We will be having a festival of lessons and carols in each community of faith— 9:am in Hillside, 10:15 in Dwight and 11:30a.m. in Dorset. We’d love to see you there.

In the evening on December 22 from 6-7p.m., weather permitting, there will be an outdoor celebration of the winter solstice around a fire at Megan McLeod’s place just down the hill from Pioneer Church. All are welcome.

On Christmas Eve we will have two candlelight services—one at 5 p.m. at Knox in Dorset and one at 7 p.m. at Stewart in Dwight. (N.B.Stewart and Pioneer alternate every year)

On Sunday, December 29 we begin our winter Sunday schedule at Pioneer at 10:30 with a combined service. Stay tuned to hear about plans for streaming the service to Knox in Dorset.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas with many blessings.

Knox Christmas Social, Pie & Bake Sale-Sat Dec 14, 1-3

Knox United Church Christmas Social, Pie & Bake Sale

Saturday Dec 14, 2024

1 to 3 (or until sold out)

Cash Only Please

At Knox United Church- 1012 Harvey Ave, Dorset ON

A Christmas Carol- Theatre at Pioneer United Church - Dec 12, 13 & 14

A Christmas Carol:

by Charles Dickens and adapted by William Colgate and Joan Bendon

Christmas just isn't Christmas without a dose of Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." Published in 1834, it tells the famous tale of a miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge. Over the course of the story, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who give him a new perspective on his life. Ultimately, these encounters teach him the importance of generosity, kindness, and the Christmas spirit.

Thursday, Dec 12 at 7:00

Friday, Dec 13 at 7:00

Saturday, Dec 14 at 2:00

Tickets $25- Go on sale November 4th ($10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Replacement campaign)

Purchase Link: A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens (Adapted by William Colgate and Joan Bendon) (zeffy.com)

(You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)

 In this adaptation by William Colgate and Joan Bendon, the story is told in 60 minutes by 6 actors, playing 15 characters, with all the feels this classic brings during the holiday season.

The Larks will bring audiences into the Christmas spirit with a carol singing 30 minutes before the show starts. 

For the 7pm show- the carol singing will start at 7pm and the show will start at 7:30. For the 2pm matinee, the carol singing will start at 2pm and the show will start at 2:30pm.

There is no intermission, but goodies will be on hand prior to the show (cash donations).

Directed by Joan Bendon

Performed by: William Colgate, Ahne Crawford-Ridley, Cydney Jones, James Jones, Aussa Pennial, Phil Ridley

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. 

General seating. 50 seats/performance

Plenty of free parking

For ages 8 - 98.

FYI, Sponsorship opportunities for this show are available.

Merry Birthday Theatre at Pioneer UC - Nov 7-9 and 13-16

MERRY BIRTHDAY – written by Lake of Bays residents J S Jacklin

After hearing Holly’s endless rants about friends too busy with the Christmas season to celebrate her birthday, members of her book club decide to invade her home with the good intention of throwing her a surprise party. While awaiting Holly’s arrival, a bevy of dirty little secrets are discovered along with a few truths about themselves.

Purchase your Tickets Here $40 each

Pioneer Memorial Hall  2370 Highway 60, Hillside, ON, seats 50 people/show, is wheelchair accessible and offers plenty of free parking. They also provide a cash concession (by donation) with all donations going to their Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Replacement Campaign. (Also, $10 from each ticket sold will also be donated to this campaign.)

3 performances are part of the Muskoka GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY WEEKEND EVENT ON

NOV. 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm.

Also: NOV. 13 at 2pm, 14 and 15 at 7pm & 16 @ 2pm

Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Show runs 2 hours (including 1 intermission) $40 

DIRECTED BY: Jeff Braunstein

STARRING: Robin Clipsham, Carrie Schiffler and Jodie Auckland

STAGE MANAGEMENT: Jan Jacklin

COSTUMES: Barbara Stronach

PROPS: Emeleigh Stroud

Presented by DOT THE T PRODUCTIONS. A professional theatre company who prides itself on producing poignant, thought-provoking stories, usually with humour, to audiences in and around Muskoka. Contracting local artists, thus keeping the local economics active, is a key component to Dot The T’s mandate.

Bake Sale Fundraiser

Dates for Grandma’s cookies

• Join at at the Christmas Market on Sat Nov 16 at the Lake of Bays Garden Centre

We will be selling 200 dozen cookies, tarts and special squares as a fundraiser for our churches.

Stewart Harvest Bazaar- Sat, Oct 12, 1:00-4:00

Join us for the Stewart Harvest Bazaar

• Saturday, October 12, 2024

• 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

• Stewart Memorial United Church1212 Dwight Beach Road Dwight, ON, P0A 1H0

Knox Bake Sale-Sat Oct 12, 10-12:30

Knox United Church Thanksgiving Bake Sale

Saturday October 12, 2024

10:00-12:30 (or until sold out)

Pies available baked or frozen $20, Butter Tarts $12 for 6. Cash Only Please

At Knox United Church- 1012 Harvey Ave, Dorset ON

Thank you to our Fundraising Donors

Thank you to everyone who donated to the baskets which were available at the Lake of Bays Garden Centre Fall Harvest Market on Saturday September 21 from 10 to 3.

We appreciate the generous support of our community as we fundraise for our churches.

Those who donated to our churches received a chance to win these beautiful baskets. Here are the contents of each prize.

Bushel Basket #1

Cynthis MacLean - Dorset

2 nights at her Air BnB “Evergreen”

The Moose B&B - Dorset

1 Farmer’s Daughters Wild Blueberry Rhubarb Jam

1 Maple Bluff Farm - Maple Jelly

1 Braswell’s - Fig Preserves

1 Hot Mama’s - Spicy Horseradish

1 Ponti - Gourmet BBQ Saucee

1 SoJamGood - Rhubarb Jam

Dorset Pharmasave

1 Pickelball starter kit for 2

1 Airmax Frisbee ring

1 Dorset long sleeve T-shirt Light Blue

1 pair of Finnish Style Sauna Caps

1 Dorset Baseball Cap - Red

Penny Kiely – Royal LePage Real Estate

2 Boxes Gourmet crackers:

Cranberry Pumpkin Seed

Multigrain Dates

Cedar Creek Gift Shop - Dwight

1 bracelet

1 scarf

1 bag of candy

Jennifer Parker- RE/MAX Real Estate

1 Bottle of Wine

Laundry Basket #2

Dorset Pharmasave:

1 Pair Slipfit water slippers

1 Fireplace Bluetooth Audio Speaker

1 Insulated Water Bottle

1 Dorset Baseball Cap - Navy

1 Dorset long sleeve T-shirt Khaki-green SM

1 Puzzle

Dorset Book Club

1 Book - The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Moose B&B - Dorset

1 Wellesley Apple Butter

1 Johnston’s Cranberry Sauce

2 Lindt dark Chocolate bars

1 Natural Honey

Webster’s Beacon – Dwight

1 Gift certificate for a pizza

Clark’s On Main - Dorset

2 Tofino Towels

1 Gourmet chocolate bars

1 small candle – Scent: Hidden Lake

1 Diffuser

Dorset Heritage Museum:

1 2025 calendar

Ardith Symmes Yoga:

1 Puzzle

1 bag Reese’s Thin Peanut Butter cups

The Dorset Theatre Troupe

2 Gourmet chocolate bars

Jennifer Parker- RE/MAX Real Estate

1 Bottle of Wine

Bushel Basket #3

Dorset TimberMart

1 Tool Belt

1 Hammer

1 Measuring Tape

Clark’s On Main

1 Puzzle

1 Gourmet chocolate bars

1 Set of 4 Coasters

Robinson’s General Store

1 Bags of candy

DCPF: The Dorset Community Partnership Fund:

1 crocheted TV throw

United Church UCW – United Church Women

1 tea towel

Pizza On Earth

1 certificate for a free pizza

Hollow River Resort

1 $50.00 gift certificate

Erika’s – Bakery in Dwight

2 Gift Certificates

2 mugs

Wild Muskoka:

1 Sumac Infused Vinegar

1 White Pine and Rosemary Roasting Salt.

Stares in Dorset

1 puzzle

Jennifer Parker- RE/MAX Real Estate

1 Bottle of Wine

Crate #4

Dwight Trading Post

1 TV throw

1 puzzle – picture of Dwight dock!

The Old Palmer House

1 Decorative throw pillow

Henrietta’s Pine Bakery

2 Gift Certificates

2 jars of jam

Groovy’s:

2 small bamboo games

2 containers Cottage Country candy

2 bags Cottage Country Caramel Corn

2 boxes Coffee Crisp and Kit Kat pops

Zachary’s in Dorset

1 gift certificate

SS Bigwin:

1 Book – A Muskoka Century – The Story of the S.S. Bigwin

Lake of Bays Garden Centre

2 bags of flavoured popcorn

Hollow Valley Resort:

1 $50.00 gift certificate

Pizza On Earth

Certificates for free pizza

Dorset Lion’s Club

1 Puzzle

1 Year membership to Dorset Recreation Centre

Jennifer Parker- RE/MAX Real Estate

1 Bottle of Wine

Dwight Market Pharmacy #5

1 gift basket with assorted gourmet treats

Stewart Summertime Bazaar-Sat Aug 3, 10-1

Stewart Memorial Summertime Bazaar

Saturday August 3, 2024

10:00 to 1:00

1212 Dwight Beach Road, Dwight ON

Knox Community Room Movie Night

Join us for a Movie Night Thursdays at 6:30 in the Knox Community Room:

July 4 - Kung Fu Panda 1

July 18 - Despicable Me 1

August 1 - The Incredibles

August 15 - Ratatouille

Everyone is welcome. No charge to attend.

Contact: Vina Parker 705-766-1810

We at Knox United Church in Dorset are proud to promote our newly renovated community room. The success of our Revitalization Project enhances and increases the capacity of Knox United Church for community programs. This will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our church members and the community at large.

Knox Community Room Art Group

Fun and relaxation using the art medium of your choice: acrylic, water colour or…..

Bring your own materials. Materials for beginners will be provided free for the first session.

Join us on July 4, 11, 18, 29 and August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:00 to 12:00 in the Knox Community Room.

Coffee/tea will be provided. Bring your own mug.

Everyone is welcome. No charge to attend.

Contact: Diana Scott 705-766-1254

We at Knox United Church in Dorset are proud to promote our newly renovated community room. The success of our Revitalization Project enhances and increases the capacity of Knox United Church for community programs. This will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our church members and the community at large.

Knox Announces: United Church of Canada Foundation Seeds of Hope Grant

Seeds of Hope Grant Awarded

Knox United, a part of the Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge in Dorset, ON, is pleased to announce that we have received a $10,000.00 grant from the United Church Foundation.  This wonderful grant was awarded to support our popular Knox UCW Food Rescue Program. The Kitchen, food prep areas and bathroom needed substantial renovations to enable us continue our support of the community and those experiencing food insecurity.  Work began in late December and was recently completed with our kitchen operations resuming May 28th in the newly upgraded facilities.

This grant is made possible through the Seeds of Hope granting program administered by the United Church Foundation. We feel these seeds, having been properly planted, will provide hope for our community for years to come.

Knox United Church New Horizons for Seniors Program Funding Announcement

New Horizons for Seniors Program Funding Announcement

In May 2024, Knox United Church, a part of the three-point Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge in Dorset, Ontario, received most welcome news of a $25,000.00 New Horizons for Seniors Program funding from the Government of Canada. This funding was awarded to assist the Knox UCW Food Rescue Program with much needed repairs and upgrades to better serve its mission of support to those experiencing food insecurity and food scarcity in the greater Dorset community area.

For several years the very successful Knox UCW Food Rescue Program has operated from the outdated and insufficient kitchen and food prep area of the old Church hall. Structural and practical repairs and upgrades were desperately needed. The work undertaken and supported in part by this grant accomplished this and more. The foundation was repaired, structural framing replaced, plumbing and electrical upgraded, underfloor heating and insulation added, sub floor replaced, new flooring throughout, and sink and counters added to complete the renovation. An added benefit was that when framing was exposed, the bathroom was made completely accessible with wide door and safety rails. In all, the work proceeded as planned and according to expectation and specifications.

There were many positives realized along the way that contributed to the success of the project. Perhaps most importantly were the number of Seniors who pitched in and supported both practically and financially. As the last church operating in Dorset, both town and area senior residents rallied and the venture took on a distinct community owned profile. This was most encouraging and we believe it will translate into further community participation and involvement of Seniors.

As a result of the structure and discipline of our Senior project team, the planning and budgeting, fund-raising, construction phases, material orders and deliveries functions were all managed to the expectation, thereby eliminating surprises. Our project was completed by May 20th 2024, on schedule and on budget.

In terms of outcomes, in the short term we were able to put our renovated kitchen, food prep area and community hall immediately back into service as soon as the contractor, tools and materials were cleared away. Our first scheduled day for pie baking on May 28th, brought 17 Senior volunteers together to our new facility and we produced 54 pies. (see photos) Prior to renovations the ageing floor would not have held up such a crowd of happy and productive volunteers.

Long term outcomes anticipated includes an increased number of volunteer participants. With this we will realize an increase in the number of food items prepared and offered to the general public in need. We further anticipate increased use of the renovated space as we open the Community room to other user groups such as yoga for seniors, art classes, book club etc. Along the way it is our belief that the Knox congregation, UCW and Food Rescue Program will all gain widespread popularity and support.

During the life cycle of the project, from the initial planning phase right up through the completion of the work, we noted that it engaged Seniors and inspired them to sign up and suit up to assist. In many cases, people who had not darkened the door of the church were now actively participating in the work and taking pride and ownership of what was being accomplished. A new wind was blowing and Seniors were energized in new and exciting ways. So far, we have exceeded our program goals and expectations.

Surely, we have a good story to tell and it has a happy ending. Shortly after we received confirmation of this funding, we sent out the good news to all volunteers and supporters, being sure to tell them of the partial funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program.  This story will soon be posted on the Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge site and Facebook page. In addition, we invited all donors, supporters and general public to an open house community event on Sunday, June 30th, which was widely attended.

We are very grateful and thank the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program administrators for this vote of confidence and support.

Camp Awesome-Bees For Peace, Aug 12-16, 9-3:30 at Pioneer Church

Kids and youth ages 5-13 are welcome to join our 5 day Camp Awesome-Bees For Peace from Monday August 12 to Friday August 16 from 9am to 3:30pm.

Bee Creative. Let the Bees by our teachers! Explore nature and community with lots of fun, music, games and activities.

Bee Kind. Curious about hidden life on Earth? Let’s learn about our pollinators, gardens and community. Come make new friendships through connecting and having fun!

Bee Loving. Strengthen your awareness of the amazing pollinator community that is crucial for life on Earth. Learn about how you and contribute!

Cost is $175 and partial and full scholarships are available. Cash, cheque or e-transfer to lobunitedchurches@gmail.com by May 24.

If early/later drop off/pickup is needed- 8:30-4:00, please contact Rev. Meg or Judy.

Call Rev. Meg 705-789-6680 or email jordanm@vianet.ca or Judy Bath 705-349-1110 or email jbath2@mac.com

To register: Click on this link

Fundraising to Spruce Up Seabreeze Church

The Fundraising for Seabreeze is underway and much has been accomplished. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible. More work is scheduled and donations will be gratefully received.

We hope to see you at Seabreeze Church for the Sunday August 4th Combined Service which will be at 10:30.

Valdy in Concert, Stewart Memorial, Nov 1, 7:00

VALDY IN CONCERT

Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for almost 40 years. Down By The Bays is thrilled to have Valdy in Concert on Friday, November 1 at 7:00 at Stewart United Church in Dwight. Advance sales only so purchase them now.

Link to purchase $40 tickets

Only 100 tickets available for this intimate concert.

$10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Stewart Memorial Exterior Renovations campaign. 

Show runs 75 minutes with one intermission. Cash concession available (by donation). 

CDs will be available for sale prior to the show and at intermission.

Stewart Memorial United Church 1212 Dwight Beach Road, Dwight, ON

Knox Community Room Events

We at Knox United Church in Dorset are proud to promote our newly renovated community room. The success of our Revitalization Project enhances and increases the capacity of Knox United Church for community programs. This will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our church members and the community at large. Our grand opening is on Sunday, June 30 at 10:30 with guest speaker Lorna Bywater sharing a message of Faith and Healing. We will celebrate the Knox revitalization and renovations with an Open House after the service. Finger food snacks and a cake will be provided by members of the Charge.

Mark your calendar with the Art Group and Movie Night events.

June Worship Services

Rev. Meg Jordan is on a well deserved combined Study Leave and Vacation in June. We will have guest preachers and speakers at our churches while Rev. Meg is away. We hope that you will join us!

June 2- Guest Minister: Rev. Jane Haapiseva for all 3 services: 9:00 at Knox, 10:15 at Stewart and 11:30 at Pioneer

June 9- Guest Minister: Rev. Nina Fulford for all 3 services: 9:00 at Knox, 10:15 at Stewart and 11:30 at Pioneer

June 16- Guest Minister: Rev. Jane Haapiseva for 2 services: Knox at 9:00 and Stewart at 10:15. Pioneer is welcome to join either of those services.

June 23- Guest Speaker: Dr Karen Mock in a Shared Event at Stewart Memorial 10:30 am. Her theme is Between a Rock and a Hard Place- A Jewish Perspective on Healing the Polarized World. A catered sandwich lunch from the Beacon will be enjoyed after the service. Members are asked to provide a potluck dessert.

June 30- Guest Speaker: Lorna Bywater with a message of Faith and Healing. A Combined Service of all churches at Knox at 10:30 will celebrate the revitalization and renovations at Knox United Church. Join us for an Open House after the service until 1:00 pm. Finger food snacks and a cake will be provided by the members of the Charge.

July 7- Rev Meg returns for the summer with services at all three Churches.

For pastoral care emergencies when Rev Meg is away in June, please contact our Voluntary Associate Minister, Rev. Donna Bowman-Woodall at. 705-571-1992.

Annual Cleanup at Seabreeze-June 18 at 10

Join us on Tuesday June 18 at 10:00 am for our annual cleanup of Seabreeze. All are welcome to help get the church ready for a wedding and for the August 4th Combined Service which will be at 10:30.

Shakespeare: A Most Rare Vision - June 12-14, 2024 at Pioneer Church Hall

Muskoka Players present "SHAKESPEARE: A MOST RARE VISION"

Written and Performed by Lake of Bays resident, Bill Colgate and directed by his wife, Joan Bendon.

REVIEW:
"Bill Colgate's one-man romp through Shakespeare's works is delightful... Whether you are a serious Shakespeare fan or you haven't thought about the plays since high school, you'll love this show. "Andrew Wagner Chazalon, Editor/CEO of Dockside Magazine.

Tickets $25 (with $10 donated to Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Campaign)

Contact dotthet@yahoo.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let us know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $25 per ticket.

Wednesday June 12 at 2 pm, Thursday June 13 at 7 pm, Friday June 14 at 2 pm

Pioneer Memorial Church Hall, 2370 Highway 60 at Hillside, Lake of Bays

As seating is limited to 50 people/performance, reserving your spot is highly recommended.

If seats are still available, $25 Cash only will be accepted at the door. Doors open 30 minutes to show time. There is also a cash-only concession.

REMINDER, $10 from every ticket sold and all concession donations will contribute to the Pioneer Memorial Church's Furnace Replacement Campaign. NOTE: Over $4,000 has been raised so far! 

DOWN BY THE BAYS is a community cultural hub for performing arts in Lake of Bays. Dot The T Productions, Muskoka Players, Muskoka Stageworks and The Dorset Theatre Company share the stages at the Lake of Bays United Churches in Hillside (Pioneer Memorial Hall), Dwight (Stewart Memorial) and Dorset (Knox United).

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Advertising spots are available for your business or organization in our PLAYBILL and on the SLIDESHOW on the big-screen TV that runs prior to  the show. Only $25 and your logo/message will be proudly displayed to our audience showing your support for this new cultural hub in Lake of Bays.

Contact us asap to get the exposure you want! Or maybe you have some bigger ideas! Let’s talk