News
Stay up to date with news and announcements in and around the church and community.
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For several years the very successful Knox UCW Food Rescue Program has operated from the outdated and insufficient kitchen and food prep area of the old Church hall.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
Support the Seabreeze Church Spruce-Up
Seabreeze Community Church is in need of a spruce-up. If this little church is special to you, you may want to support the renovations.
The Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge is worshiping in a combined service at Seabreeze on Sunday August 4 at 10:30.
We invite you to join us to see the church with the repairs and fresh paint completed.
“Old Love” Theatre - June 8-18, 2024 at Pioneer Church Hall
Norm Foster's comedy "OLD LOVE" spans three decades, and half a dozen meetings between Bud (Andy Bartle), a salesman, and Molly (Jodie Auckland), his boss's wife. One of them is smitten from the very first meeting—the other, let's just say—less so. Written by Canada's pre-eminent comic playwright Norm Foster this clever and witty play celebrates the pursuit of love, the kind of love that makes you breathe just a little bit faster. Charmingly written, with just a few curse words for effect, Foster's use of one-liner's serve the script well and has the audience smiling, chuckling and laughing throughout the entire play. Dot The T is very excited to bring this production to Pioneer Memorial Hall for 8 performances.
Contact downbythebayslob@gmail.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let us know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $40 per ticket.
Wednesday May 8 at 2 pm, Thursday May 9 at 7 pm, Friday May 10 at 7pm and Saturday May 11 at 2 pm.
Wednesday May 15 at 2 pm, Thursday May 16 at 7 pm, Friday May 17 at 7pm and Saturday May 18 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, $40 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
Blooming Violet Theatre- April 10-13 at Pioneer Church Hall
Blooming Violet, written by Lake of Bays resident JS Jacklin, is a full-length stage play with 15 characters. Blooming Violet takes you back in time from 1916 to 1952 with a story about an ordinary British working-class woman during an extraordinary time in history.
Without the bells and whistles, and performed by 4 talented actors with no props, period costumes or sets, this heartwarming story comes to life, with a smattering of music and joviality throughout!
Contact dotthet@yahoo.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let Jan know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $20.
Wednesday April 10 at 2 pm, Thursday April 11 at 7 pm, Friday April 12 at 7pm and Saturday April 13 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, $20 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 $2,500 has been raised so far!
Come to SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Theatre-Feb 29, Mar 1 at 7pm, Mar 2, Mar 3 at 2 pm at Pioneer
Have you booked your tickets for SHIRLEY VALENTINE?
Performed at PIONEER MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH HALL
2370 Hwy 60, Hillside, Lake of Bays
Feb. 29 & March 1 at 7pm AND March 2 & 3 at 2pm
Tickets $40 These performances are a fundraiser for new furnaces at Pioneer Memorial Church ($10/ticket donated for this purpose)
Cash at the door OR reserve a spot with an e-transfer of $40 to dotthet@yahoo.com
Play runs 90 minutes plus one 15 minute intermission. Refreshments available.
The heroine in the actor’s tour-de-force is an ordinary middle-class English housewife. As she prepares chips and egg for dinner, she ruminates on her life and tells ‘the wall’ about her husband, her children, her past, and an invitation from a friend to join her on holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure.
PLEASE NOTE: The content of this play is best suited for mature audiences. Some language may offend.
Entrance is from parking area around the back.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Theatre-Feb 29-Mar 3 at Pioneer
Pioneer Memorial United Church is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Dot The T Productions, a professional theatre company in Lake of Bays, under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Jan Jacklin and Minister, Rev. Meg Jordan.
Together, we will strive to bring entertaining, thought-provoking theatre to the local community with our first production, an award-winning one-woman show, “SHIRLEY VALENTINE” on February 29 and March 1 at 7 pm and two matinees on March 2 and 3 at 2 pm. Cash at the door OR reserve a spot with an e-transfer of $40 to dotthet@yahoo.com
Our 132-year-old heritage church, Pioneer Memorial, is located at 2370 Highway 60, Hillside in Lake of Bays. Our hall will serve as a vibrant cultural hub as we host our inaugural show and pave the way for future theatre productions.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE, written by Willy Russell, is a heartwarming comedy about a middle-aged woman stuck in a boring marriage who wonders what ever happened to all her dreams from her youth.
Jan Jacklin expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Pioneer, a welcoming venue steeped in history and community support. This partnership allows us to bring engaging theatre productions to Lake of Bays and provide a unique experience for both residents and visitors.”
Jan first attended Pioneer one recent Sunday and recognized the potential for pop-up theatre in the spacious hall. When she learned that funds were needed to replace the church furnaces, Jacklin met with Rev. Jordan and church leaders and received an enthusiastic and positive response to her proposal.
Each performance will seat 50 people and 25-50% of each ticket sold (dependent on ticket prices) will be donated for the installation of new furnaces for our church.
This initiative aligns with Pioneer’s commitment to open our doors to the community, preserve the heritage of the church, and ensure its warmth and vitality for generations to come.
We invite you to celebrate this union of heritage and the arts. Be part of the excitement as our charming, historic church takes center stage, becoming a haven for cultural expression in the community.
Coffee & Conversations Zoom Wed. Feb 7, 21, Mar 6, 20, Apr 3, 17, 2024 @ 10 (1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month)
We hope that you will join us for Coffee & Conversations Zoom meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:00- February 7 and 21, March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17 and so on in 2024.
These Zoom sessions are a chance for people from our three churches and visitors to interact and enjoy some lively discussion and conversation. We have explored interesting topics such as prayer, climate change, family traditions and we are always open to new topics of interest.
Let us know at lakeofbayspastoralcharge196@gmail.com that you are interested and we will send you the Zoom link. Everyone is welcome!
Sacred Circle Dance at Pioneer-Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, 6:30-8:00
Please join our Circle Dance as an enjoyable way to connect with one another and the Spirit through simple movement to music from around the world. Thursday, January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Rev. Meg Jordan and Star will lead our Circle Dance group. We dance for our own relaxation, joy, growth, awareness and healing, for global peace and earth healing, knowing it makes a difference.
All ages, culture, gender, spiritual beliefs are welcome. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing and be prepared to move gently and joyfully and prayerfully.
Pioneer Church Hall, #2370 Hwy 60, at Hillside
Dorset Theatre Meeting on Feb 13 & 27 at 6:30 at Pizza on Earth during Knox Renovations.
Dorset Theatre
The 10 of us meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 every couple of weeks.
With the renovations to Knox United and schedules, our next two meetings are on February 13th and 27th.
We will be meeting at 'Pizza On Earth' and new members are more than welcome. It is free and fun!
Any questions, contact philridley21@gmail.com
A Dorset Theatre presentation for Remembrance Day.
Community Prayer Ministry by Zoom- the third Thursday of the month beginning Jan 18, 2024
We invite you to participate in a community program devoted to a ministry of healing prayer. It will be led by Cathy Ferren, a member of the community of faith who worships at Pioneer Memorial Church and Stewart Memorial and supported by myself as your minister representing all the faith communities in the Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge--Knox United, Stewart Memorial and Pioneer Memorial. We all need healing in so many ways that we connect with our world, and this time together will provide an opportunity to bring those personal needs into a gathering of diverse and caring individuals within an intentional praying community. Rev. Meg
We hope that you will join us for the Community Prayer Meeting, the third Thursday of the month, by Zoom beginning January 18, 2024 at 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Please pre-register at least one week before with Cathy Ferren cathyferrenrhn@gmail.com.
Pancake Luncheon Tues Feb 13, 11:30-1:30 at Pioneer United
You are invited to the Pioneer Memorial United Church annual Pancake Luncheon on Shrove Tuesday, February 13 from 11:30 to 1:30 at Pioneer United Church
All are welcome to enjoy pancakes and fellowship as we prepare for the Easter season. Donations at the door.
