News
Stay up to date with news and announcements in and around the church and community.
You Fancy Yourself- Theatre at Pioneer - April 23-26
"You Fancy Yourself is a tough explosive work that sends passions spinning across the stage. Ideas tumble like battered leaves caught in a windstorm in Ardal's excoriating vision." —Hamilton Spectator
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Wednesday April 23 (2pm)
Thursday April 24 (7pm)
Friday April 25 (7pm)
Saturday April 26 (2pm)
$40 per ticket Link to purchase (You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)
$10 from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Pioneer Memorial United Church Environmental Lighting Fixtures upgrade fund.
Pioneer Memorial United Church is located at 2370 Hwy #60 (at the foot of Tally-Ho Winter Park Road) Hillside, Lake of Bays.
SYNOPSIS:
You Fancy Yourself is the story of a young girl with a vivid imagination and a stunning ability to enrich the lives of everyone she encounters. When Elsa and her family move from Iceland to Scotland, she is filled with uncontrollable joy over the new adventure she is about to begin. With her infectious energy and love for the dramatic, Elsa stands out both in her community and within her classroom, but this exuberance also targets her as an outcast.
Written and performed by AWARD WINNING playwright, Maja Ardal, You Fancy Yourself, is a hilarious and poignant tale set in the world of playground politics and childhood loyalties, and has been highly praised for its ability to awaken the youthful memories in all of us.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
General seating. 50 seats/performance (If seats are available, you can pay CASH at the door.
There is a CASH concession available (by donation)
Plenty of free parking
Thank you to Capstone Market for your sponsorship!
Victoria Day Tea- May 19, 3-4:30 at Pioneer Hall
You are invited to our Victoria Day Tea on Monday May 19 from 3:00 to 4:30 at Pioneer Hall.
Tea, coffee, scones, jams, sandwiches, sweets and a good ole British SING-A-LONG!
Admission by cash donation with all funds to Pioneer Memorial United Church
Knox Pie & Bake Sale-Every Monday Feb 24 to Mar 31, 10-3
Treat yourself to some home baking.
Fruit pies (baked or frozen $20) and Tarts ( with or without raisins $12 for 6) are available for sale on Mondays from February 24 until Monday March 31, from 10:00 to 3:00.
Cash Only
Knox United Church Community Room
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
Pancake Luncheon Tues. March 4, 11:30-1:30 at Pioneer United Church
Come to our Shrove Pancake Tuesday Luncheon at Pioneer Hall, 11:30 to 1:30 pm.
Enjoy conversation, community and a delicious pancake lunch with friends.
All are welcome.
Pioneer Church Hall, #2370 Hwy 60, at Hillside
SUNDAY SERVICES ARE CANCELLED ON SUN FEB 16, 2025
On Sunday February 16, the church services are cancelled due to the forecasted snowstorm.
Rev. Meg will be filming the service at home and will send it out to our members and post it online.
Stay warm and safe!
Knox Snowball Pie & Bake Sale-Sat Feb 15, 10-3
Treat yourself to some home baking during the Dorset Snowball activities.
Knox Church has goodies for sale, to take home or to enjoy with a hot beverage on the spot.
Fruit pies, Tarts, Takeaway Treats and Hot Beverages
Cash Only
Saturday, February 15, 10:00 -3:00
Knox United Church
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
Craig Macdonald’s “Winter Survival in the Canadian North” Jan 18 2025, 1:00 at Knox
Knox Community Centre presents Craig Macdonald’s “Winter Survival in the Canadian North”. Craig has amassed a large collection of native-made snowshoes. These artifacts and his extensive first-hand knowledge of snowshoeing will be the basis of his unique and informative presentation.
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm
Knox United Church Community Room
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
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.