At Knox we strive to be a caring community for our members, friends, and neighbours.  Please call the church office when you are aware of a family member or friend that has been admitted or will be admitted to hospital.  Rev Shirley Gale visits Guelph General Hospital twice a week even when we have nobody known to be admitted, just to be certain we haven’t missed anyone.

Any pastoral concerns or crisis please contact Rev Johan Olivier at the church office 519-821-0141 or by email at: Johan@knoxguelph.ca.

PASTOR’S AID VISITORS

A MINISTRY OF KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

For over 106 years The PASTOR’S AID VISITORS ministry has  been serving the members of this church family by providing friendly, caring visits to those who are unable to attend church services and fellowship events.

Most of those visited are seniors and these visits not only remind them that they are important and valued sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus, but helps to keep these members meaningfully included as part of the Knox family. These visits provide opportunities to hear from these members and to share with them the news regarding the life and ministries of Knox Church.

The Pastors’ Aid Visitors remember these members by sending greeting cards at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. In addition, monthly letters are sent to members who live in nursing homes or seniors’ residences in other communities. Each Christmas the Pastors’ Aid Visitors deliver Poinsettias to our members who are unable to leave their homes.

It is the experience of the Pastors’ Aid Visitors that this a ministry they find both enriching and most enjoyable, as  one of the Pastors’ Aid Visitors, said, “these visits are some of the most meaningful experiences I have as a member of the church family and as a way to express my faith.”

 YOU ARE INVITED!

For more information regarding this ministry, you are welcome to contact Dr. Shirley Gale at:

519-821-0141 (Knox Church) or by email at: shirley@knoxguelph.ca.

Facing Tough Times??

Need an ‘after’ caregiver??

Stephen Ministers are there...

• After the doctors have said there is nothing more they can do
• After the relationship ends but the wound is still raw
• After you’ve received a pink slip with your final pay cheque
• After you have been an accident victim
• After family and friends have heard your story one too many times but you still need to talk
• After it seems everyone has gone and you are all alone
• After a spiritual crisis and you feel hopeless
• After any loss that is important to you

Now is the time to email/telephone Arnold Bethune:

Email:                  a.bethune@knoxguelph.ca

Church Office:    519-821-0141

Stephen Ministers Training:

 Stephen Ministers have 50 hours of training in active listening, responding to feelings, maintaining confidentiality, dealing with crises and many other topics important to care giving.  They meet for supervision and take advantage of continuing education when available.  Stephen Ministers have police checks.    This service is free to members of the community of Guelph as well as members of the congregation.

If you feel you would like to serve as a Stephen Minister, please contact as indicated above.

For more information on this Internationally recognized care giving service, go to

https://www.stephenministries.org/

Twiddlemuffs Ministry

The Twiddlemuffs Ministry began in April, 2017.  "Twiddlemuffs" -- therapeutic hand muffs are knitted for those with dementia to provide them with warmth and tactile stimulation for their often restless hands.  Caregivers report that Twiddlemuffs help reduce agitation and the amount of medication needed.

Geraldine, a member of Knox Guelph, and a group of senior women in her neighbourhood together with women in the congregation have to date made and donated over 400 Twiddlemuffs and Twiddlecuffs to: Guelph General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, The Alzhiemer Society.

Lap Blankets

Several of the women in our “Seniors Connecting @ Knox” program knitted and distributed over 90 Lap Blankets to seniors in the congregation as well as Eden House, Riverside Glen and The Elliott.

Pneumonia Prevention Vests

Pneumonia prevention vests and also hats are knit to reduce pneumonia deaths of children in India.  These are sent in cooperation with those knit at St. Andrew's Women's Missionary Society.

To date, our knitters have produced over 200 sets of live-saving Pneumonia Prevention Vests and hats for new-borns in India.

Patterns for Vests

Patterns are available from the Church Office (519-821-0141) (office@knoxguelph.ca) or from Dr. Shirley Gale (shirley@knoxguelph.ca) either by email or printed copy.

Huggy Pillows

Geraldine & her group have also produced and distributed over 2500 “Huggy Pillows” -  pillows made of a soft fleece & filling to provide a comforting soft-cuddle for cancer patients in the Grand River Hospital. (see photo)  They also crochet afghans some of which are donated and some they sell to raise funds to purchase yarn and materials.

YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY by donating any left over yarn (even small amounts) you may have on hand. Geraldine is happy to receive (at Knox office) all yarn donations - all colours welcome. (see photo)