Knob Hill United Church, 23 Gage Avenue Scarborough, ON, M1J 1T3

Email: [email protected]

Vol. 10 No. 1 Rev. Hannah Lee  416-431-5054

Knews and Knotes, the official newsletter The Seasons Are A Changin’ of Knob Hill United Church congregation, I love this time of the year. The morning air is crisp is published five times yearly. We welcome and cool, the sky is a brilliant blue, the vibrant and varied fall

any submission of interest. foliage transform our landscape with hues of red, orange and yellow. And change is afoot, not only in nature. In various Index ways, our part of the world is preparing for a changing 1. The Seasons Are A Changin’ season. It means closing up the summer cottage, settling in to 2. Activities – Picnic, Summer Birthdays; a new school routine, preparing our gardens for the snow, Worship; Truth & Reconciliation (TRC) putting on our winter tires. We are right in the midst of a 4- 6 General Council News –CRTG passed; season of transition and change. Jordan Cantwell Installed as Moderator; Images from 42nd General Council 7. Letter from Rev. Margaret Collard

8-9 Welcome Back Corn Roast & Upcoming Events -Fellowship Trip; Jingle Bell Fair 10 -13 Getting to Know Our New Moderator

14-15 A Word To The 42nd General Council

16. Thanksgiving; Federal Election

17. Prayer Nuts

18. Halloween Crossword Puzzle

HAVE A LOVELY …. As a church, we are also in a time of transition and change. The held its 42nd General Council in Corner Brook (NL) in August. Hedy and I participated as Commissioners. We discovered that, right across the country, our local churches are changing. The same “tried, tested, and true” methods of serving our community and sharing our ministries that WHEN IT ARRIVES have worked in the past no longer work today. This is no big surprise, however. The world we live in is not the Editor: Hedy Baker-Graf same as fifty years ago, twenty years ago, or even five Photographer: Lorraine Hullachan

SUMMER ACTIVITIES years ago. The way we communicate or travel, the lifestyle we live is different. We We shared summer worship with Church of like our microwaves, our washing machines, the Master and Birchcliff Bluffs UC. KHUC our flat screened televisions, etc. Just as hosted the first three weeks. we’ve left behind the hand-cranked washer wringer, we have naturally adapted to the changing times.

It’s time for us as a church community to do the same. We will continue to do what we do best – be a generous, caring, and welcoming family that loves to laugh, sing, share, and support each other. We are also engaging in blossoming new ministries: a basketball youth group, and community Picnic after July 12th outdoor service theatre. We have the gift of love, a deep- rooted story and cherished tradition, a gospel message of hope, and are driven by God’s mission. Through and with God’s grace, we are empowered and called to share these gifts with all.

This is a time of transition and change.

The uncertainty can be scary, but if we put JulyJ our trust in God, if we are willing to let the Spirit work in and through us, something amazing can happen. In fact, something is happening in our midst. God is doing a new thing. We can choose to say “yes”, to put our trust in God and join God in this adventure. We can choose new life! The choice is ours. Will you say “yes” and join in the journey?

Blessings,

Birthday Celebration in July

Rev. Hannah Lee Joan Veillands(above) & Birchcliff visitor Elizabeth (below) joined in celebrations. ------Other birthdays acknowledged included: Editor’s Note: We too at KHUC can expect changes Linda Dalton, Bill Erz, Ted Devenish, as nd a-plenty after this summers’s GC 42 meeting held well as Doris & Harold Bent. in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland as a result of the recommendations of the CRTG . Major structural changes will occur if upcoming remits are successful.

Photographer: Lorraine Hu Summer Worship (cont’d)

Hannah during Baptismal Service Guest Soloist and Jamie Baby’s Parents

Socializing at Church of the Master Birchcliff Bluffs’ Coffeetime ======

THE TRUTH and RECONCILATION COMMISSION (TRC)

We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you a path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing. Justice Murray Sinclair

After six years of touring the country, collecting painful testimonies from coast to coast to coast, Justice Murray Sinclair released a final report in May 2015 containing 94 recommendations for changes to be made in order to improve the relationship between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada. As the United Church played a central role in the residential school programs, one of its goals is a continued focus on “ living in right relations.”

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/06/02/canadas-residential-schools

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42nd GENERAL COUNCIL PASSES COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

The General Council [supported] a revised version of the (CRTG) recommendations. The omnibus motion, moved by Cathy Hamilton, who chaired the CRTG, and seconded by Larry Doyle, who co- chaired the CRTG Sessional Committee, passed with 95 percent of commissioners voting in favour and 4 percent against

Highlights of the proposal include:

• a three-council model consisting of communities of faith, regional councils, and a denominational council. There will also be less formal clusters and networks. • approval of the CRTG’s original recommendations regarding Aboriginal Ministries.. • Governance and support services will be funded by the denominational council assessing communities of faith. The details of that assessment are still to be developed. • The denominational council will not hold large meetings with representation from each community of faith. Regional councils will elect representatives to attend denominational council meetings every three years. • There will not be a college of ministers. Instead, there will be a denominational office of vocation comprised of staff and nominated elected representatives. A working group will consider the idea of establishing an Association of Ministers. • A precise method of assessments, the number of regions, membership of regional councils and executives, are to be developed, informed by principles approved by General Council 42. Authorization of a category 3 remit to presbyteries and pastoral charges regarding these changes • In addition, the General Council waived the requirement for 24 months of study before the remit return date for the category 3 remits arising from the Comprehensive Review. Council also advanced the date of the regular meeting of the 43rd General Council from 2018 to some time in 2017. It also approved that test projects for the three-council structure and the office of vocation begin immediately; also that provision be made for the participation of youth and young adults in all three councils. Adapted and reprinted from the GC42 website Jordan Cantwell Installed As Moderator

vest with abalone shell buttons by Jim White of Bella Bella, BC.

In her brief sermon, Cantwell spoke of the biblical story of the miraculous manna in

“We believe that Jordan is worthy! Glory be to God!”

Those words rang out loud and clear as the whole General Council spoke joyously with one voice in response to the question, “Dear friends in Christ, do you believe that Jordan, by God’s the wilderness for the children of Israel (Exodus grace, is worthy to be installed as Moderator?” 16) and the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Mark 6:33-44). The installation of the Rt. Rev. Jordan Cantwell as the 42nd Moderator of The United Church of Canada was a buoyant, joyous, and intercultu- ral worship celebration that concluded the GC 42nd meeting, and capped off what had been a long day of business.

Cantwell was presented with several symbols

Children helping during Communion

Receiving a Clan Vest The new Moderator co-presided at Holy Com- munion with the Very Rev. , the of the office of Moderator: a stole, a talking outgoing Moderator. stick, a piece of cloth, a bowl, and a prayer shawl. She was also given a Heiltsuk eagle clan Adapted from posted material on the GC42 website: August 15, 2015 by Jim Cairney POT POURRI of GC42 images

Thursday in Black

12 candidates for Moderator’s position

Plenary session National Chief Perry Bellegarde

e Celebrating Partnerships - USA, Korea, Phillipines Global, ecumenical, and inter-faith guests

Amongst Fellow Commissioners Jellly Bean Row Houses I visited in St. John’s 804—100 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H6 Home phone: 519-741-0538;

Email: [email protected]

You are receiving this information because you are my family, my friend, my colleague.

I successfully sold my property in Owen Sound on August 14 and moved to an apartment in Kitche- ner. It was not easy to make the choice to sell my property in such a beautiful area where I looked out front over Georgian Bay each morning after getting up, and enjoyed the antics of wild life and birds, looking toward my backyard, while I drank my morning coffee, but the time was right to sell and I have no real regrets (except for missing the comfort of my cork flooring in my kitchen which was so friendly to arthritic legs).

Many members of my family live in Waterloo Region and so it was logical to return to that area after 17 years of being absent. Now as I sit on my balcony on the 8th floor overlooking the tree tops, and drink my morning coffee, while watching the birds in my neighbours trees I enjoy watching the city come to life.

I live in a heritage district, the street signs say (a lot of beautiful Victorian homes), many of which are law offices, or apartments now and some are still single family dwellings. Most have lovely gardens, whatever they are.

I am on the west side of the building and look down Queen Street as it heads south toward Weber and King and further. I am across the road from a large park, the main branch of the library, The Centre in the Square, and The Art Gallery. My building is well kept and has an in building variety store, a full laundry for residents only, a swimming pool, sauna, exercise room, 2 social lounges and a party room with outdoor facilities including BBQs. My apartment is large and roomy – I have 2 bedrooms – one for my office, the other my bedroom and before I moved in, the apartment had just been renovated, freshly painted and new appliances put in so everything is in good shape and I’m enjoying it very much. I listen to birds singing and church bells ringing and an occasional emergency vehicle siren. I’m still unpacking boxes but my extended family has been tremendously kind helpers, getting first the pack-up done and then setting up the apartment with me. I am very grateful to all of them.

Please update your files for my new address and phone number and I hopefully will be in touch with you very soon, but you are most welcome to call me or come to visit anytime immediately and forward from now. I hope this will be my permanent address for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Margaret WELCOME BACK CORN ROAST & UPCOMING EVENTS

Thanks to everyone who helped with a variety of tasks: setting up and taking down tables and chairs; making coffee, tea, and punch; donating items and baked goods; shopping for items needed; purchasing and husking corn; preparing hotdogs, corn, & sausages ; cutting up dessert; taking care of baked goods table; collecting entrance fees; cleaning up, and leading us in a sing-song. Forty people attended, including visitors from Wexford and Birchcliff Bluffs, as well as friends of congregation members. Thank you all for making this event a success!.

BASKETBALL WILL RESUME IN OCTOBER

Adult supervision is needed to continue this outreach activity which takes place on Thursday evenings 7:00 – 9.00 p.m. . If you can offer even one hour of supervision, that would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Hannah, or leave a message at 416-531- 5054.

UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP EVENT: DINNER THEATRE.

You are invited to attend the Saturday matinee, Nov 21 at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $24/person for a group of 10. A sign-up sheet has been placed in the Narthex. A supper venue will be announced. Please arrange to pay Hedy by October 4th or sooner, so tickets can be reserved. Thank you!

JINGLE BELL FAIR 2015

Saturday, November 7 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m.

Featuring Crafters and Vendors : Door Prize Draw Snacks Book Nook Luncheon Room

Silent Auction Baked Goods

Seeking donations: new & unused items for the draw and auction; used books and puzzles; home-baked goods; sandwiches.

Volunteer help will be needed on the day of the Fair.

Contact: Linda Dalton, COORDINATOR Tel: 416-267-2994; [email protected] - ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OUR AUGUST SEPTEMBER BABIES !!!!!

Sally Coker, Jan Johnson, Fran Ferguson, Jamie Quigley, Bob Reid, Lucy Jiwajee

ABSENTEES: August: Mildred Burke, Gord Ferguson, Norma Davidson, Isabelle MacKenzie , Janet Hucklebridge September: Ina Strachan and Bernice Rees

GETTING TO KNOW OUR MODERATOR - REV. JORDAN CANTWELL She was nominated by River Bend Presbytery (Saskatchewan Conference) Reprinted verbatim from information provided to GC42 website as a Moderator Nominee; photos added

Biographical Sketch grateful to have found a spiritual home where my passion for social justice and my belief in a I was born in New York, shortly after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, to a Methodist mom and a Roman Catholic dad. Ecumenical dialogue and practice have been part of my life from the very beginning, and continue to shape who I am and what I believe God is calling the church to be. We moved to the Canadian prairies when I was in grade 2, and I’ve been a prairie girl ever since. I grew up mostly in the Anglican Church, but left the church in my early 20s (like so many others) to Role as Observer for EMP in South Africa explore alternative spiritual paths. radically inclusive God were both welcome. I started working at The Centre for Christian Studies when it first moved to Winnipeg. That is where I learned about diaconal ministry and its unique and important place in our church. It's also where I met the amazing woman who would later become my life partner. I also worked as a staff associate at Augustine United, a core neighbourhood church in Winnipeg. Eventually I was given responsibility for Augustine’s Oak Table outreach ministry, Making speech at GC42 which offers hospitality, support, and advocacy for folks who are living in poverty. The people My first connection with the United Church at the Oak Table helped to form me in came in the late 80s as I became involved in significant ways—as a person and as a minister. social justice movements. In 1989, I was hired They taught me about community, about as the first staff person for the Alberta Youth sharing, giving, and receiving, they taught me Animation Project on Southern Africa—an about human dignity and what it means to be ecumenically sponsored program addressing created in God’s image. I am so grateful for my racism and apartheid in both Canada and many mentors at the Oak Table Ministry. Southern Africa. In 1993, the United Church sent me to be an international observer with In 2006, my family moved to Saskatoon so that the Ecumenical Monitoring Program in South I could study for my M Div at St. Andrew’s Africa, through the World Council of Churches. College. I graduated in 2010 and was settled By the late 90s I had joined the United Church, into my internship charge, Delisle-Vanscoy

United Church, where I have now served for Saskatoon, and we have an amazing daughter, seven years. It has been an incredible blessing Hope, who graduates from high school this to serve in a congregation that is open to new year. I am so grateful for their encouragement ideas, interested in the wider church, and and support to let my name stand as a generous with my time. This has allowed me nominee for Moderator. Statement One of the great pieces of wisdom I have learned from friends who live with the daily reality of poverty is that the only faithful response to perceived scarcity is to become more generous and more community-focused. Like the hungry crowd that followed Jesus to a deserted place, we are being asked to reorga- nize ourselves so that our resources might be Her rural church in the town of Delisle, SASK distributed in new ways that allow everyone to experience God’s abundance (Mark 6:30‒44). to serve for the past six years on the Theology and Inter-Church Inter Inter-FaithCommittee; Much of the attention of the Comprehensive participate in the Moderator’s visit to Israel Review has been on how we will organize the and Palestine (2011); attend the World Council United Church in the future to ensure that we of Churches Assembly in Busan, South Korea, remain faithful and sustainable. Sustaining the as a delegate for the United Church; travel to institution should never become an end in Mexico on an education and exposure tour itself, only a means toward an end. The church with a group of youth and young adults from doesn't exist for its own sake, but to be a com- Saskatchewan; serve as a home group leader at munity that embodies God’s justice, expresses Rendez-vous 2014 and the winter gathering of God’s compassion, and works relentlessly for Youth Forum 2015; and chair the Education God’s vision of shalom. and Students Committee of River Bend Pres- bytery for four years and the presbytery itself Getting the structure “right” means ensuring for the past year. that how we organize the church reflects our mission and purpose. As we wrestle with what Some of the other ways I have been involved in wider church work include serving as the United Church co-chair to the local Roman Catholic‒United Church dialogue, attending GC41 as a Commissioner, providing worship leadership for Ministry Matters and Prairie the United Church should do, be, and look like Horizons, and serving on the leadership team in the future, we know our structures must of the Saskatchewan All My Relations Network enable the voices of the marginalized to be (formerly the Living into Right Relations heard and given priority; accountability to one Network). another needs to exist at every level of I am married to Laura Fouhse, a diaconal governance; respect for creation should be minister who serves McClure United Church in evident in all aspects of our life together; and

structural injustices must be transformed. will find wisdom and help from ecumenical partners, who have much experience in embra- For many years we have been in a process of cing the gifts and challenges of diversity. I am reflection and repentance for the colonial excited about the leadership and deep faith I attitudes and practices that have shaped the see among young people in our church. We United Church and marginalized Aboriginal people in this country. It is time to dismantle need to strengthen our support for youth and the structures that continue to privilege some young adult ministries and ensure that their at the expense of others. As we make signifi- voices, visions, and concerns are heard at every cant structural changes, we will need level of the church. courage,vision, and humility to ensure those We need to muster all our courage because we are being called to fundamental change—not simply in our structures but also in how we relate to one another in the church, in this country, to the land, to all our relations. We need to embrace this change, not so that we survive institutionally but so that we truly embody the gospel by which we are called and named. Change is difficult. It is particularly stressful for those in leadership; we need good support in Locations of UCC’s Residential Schools place for our leaders. Change also means there will be loss, and loss is always painful. We will Changes and the processes we use to imple- need courage to walk through the pain to reach ment them, reflect a new kind of relationship the abundant life that waits for us on the other with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. side. We will also need humility. Humility We are still learning what it means to be an allows us to hear the wisdom that comes from intercultural church. This will continue to be a outside of ourselves. priority for many years. By increasing support My ministry with youth, Indigenous, LGBTQ, for and engagement with our ethnic, franco- phone, and Indigenous ministries we will all be

and core neighbourhood folks has given me a deep appreciation for the vision and insights of people who have been pushed to the margins - in both church and society - and shown me how essential it is that their voices be given

Symbol of World Council of Churches priority. They are able to see and name critical truths that are invisible to those standing at the strengthened and enriched. As our faith com- centre of power and privilege. As we move munities become more culturally diverse, we through this time of change, we must listen

deeply to the voices at the edges and welcome justice, God’s economy, God’s grace? perspectives that are different, even . Does this direction embody the truth of discomforting. Jesus Christ as we understand it? . How does this strengthen our relation- We need to strengthen our global and ecu- ships with one another in the church, in menical relationships as well. We need one this country, to the land, to all our another now more than ever before. Our relations? ecumenical and overseas partners have . Who is being left out/silenced? Who wisdom and perspectives that will enhance our needs to be heard/included? understanding of the gospel and help us to navigate faithfully through these waters of Amidst the turmoil and insecurity that inevi- change. We also have insights and experiences tably accompany times of transition, we are from which they can benefit. reminded that some things do not change - at our core, we are still about embodying God’s As the Church throughout the world faces new love and hope and good news in a world that challenges and opportunities, each of our needs them more than ever. This is something churches will be stronger if we remain open to we know how to do. learning from and supporting one another. How we make changes in our church is as As we move into an uncharted future, we bring important as the changes we make. As we with us a rich tradition, deep wisdom, and begin to implement the decisions that the profound stories that have the power to shape upcoming General Council will approve, we will and reshape us. need to make sure we keep asking ourselves key questions: These are rich, exciting, anxious, Spirit-filled times. With courage, humility, and hope we will . Where do we see the Holy Spirit? follow the Spirit down old and new paths . How does this action reflect God’s wherever it may lead us. ======

Editor’s Note: As an first-time participant and eyewitness to the events that unfolded at GC42, there is little doubt that the United Church of Canada will undergo radical structural changes depending on the success of its anticipated remits.. However, our church can be expected to continue espousing the values it has cherished over the past 90 years while embracing some new initiatives. Some of these are:

 Increased Mission and Service; encouraging community outreach activities  Social justice – child poverty, advocating for reform of prison conditions,  Living in Right Relationships with Aboriginal people and the Environment  Becoming an Inclusive and Affirming Church  Strengthening Ecumenical Partnerships A few of the things that struck me the most included the diverse delegation of faith groups, the extent of global partnership with churches, and the commitment of the UCC to its ecumenical partners. I had no idea of how extensive this was. As well, there was a celebration and Signing of Mutual recognition Agreements with the United Church of the Phillipines and the United Church of Korea. On Saturday October 17, as a permanent committee member of Programs and Mission, I’lll travel by bus to Niagara Falls to witness and celebrate the signing of the Full Communion Partnership with the United Church of Christ (USA).

**A WORD TO THE 42nd GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Dear Sisters and Brothers, on behalf of the global, ecumenical and interfaith delegation to the 42nd General Council of The United Church of Canada we bring you greetings in your 90th year as a united and uniting church. Our delegation wishes the United Church God’s blessings at this important assembly. We thank Moderator Gary Paterson for his leadership in and beyond this church over the past 3 years. We look forward to working with the new moderator elected from the excellent slate of candidates and to further engagement with General Secretary Nora Sanders, Executive Minister Michael Blair and other United Church staff and members. We thank the people of Newfound- land and Labrador for their generous hospitality. For many of us the history and experience of communities here echo experiences where we live. We feel at home here. We are a diverse delegation of different faith groups, global partner churches and ecumenical partners in Canada and the world. We relate to the United Church in many different ways and we treasure the United Church of Canada’s willingness to be open and inclusive. We have experienced and celebrate a core commitment of the United Church to active engagement, working with others, to renew and restore right relations with all peoples and creation. We are impressed with the careful way many different cultural expressions are woven into the community. We have seen and heard a lived expression of the United Church commitment to becoming an intercultural church. We feel ourselves a part of the community of discernment at this critical time. We are family. We belong together. At this time – facing structural, financial and demographic challenges - it is tempting to turn inward to find solutions. You may feel alone in facing these challenges and believe that these internal matters must, for now, consume you. You are not alone. You are accompanied in mission and ministry, by support and prayer, from around the world. We build our relationships on what we can do together: to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. We journey together at all times, and even more closely in challenging times. We encourage you to uphold your history of strong leadership in the ecumenical community nationally and globally. Continue to be risk takers and innovators. Continue in your commitment to work with others on all matters unless conscience prevents. Continue to find ways to speak with and for partners on critical issues of justice, care for creation, and human rights. Continue to witness in the world beyond yourselves. Continue including partners in your planning and consider options for your future that include new and creative ways of global and ecumenical engagement. The peoples of the world are in peril. Injustice, oppression, violence and discrimination are rampant and must concern us all. We hold this knowledge in our minds and hearts as we consider God's call to the United Church at this time.

Church, including church structures, must be connected with an underlying vision for the mission of God on behalf of God’s people. We understand a critical priority for the United Church is strengthen-ing local communities of faith. Those communities will grow stronger precisely when they know they are part of a movement that is much larger than themselves. We have witnessed the liveliness and passion of the people of The United Church of Canada sharing the mission and ministries they have been called to. We join with you in the work and the prayer of this General Council, seeking to know and to be faithful to the will of God for The United Church of Canada. Thanks be to God. Members of the Global, Ecumenical and Interfaith Delegation Bishop Reuel Marigza - United Church of Christ in the Philippines Rev Bae, Tae Jin -Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea Rev Gesner Paul - Methodist Church of Caribbean and the Americas, Haiti District Rev Johnson Mbillah - Program for Christian and Muslim Relations in Africa Rev Peggy Mulambya Kabonde - United Church of Zambia Dr. Esha Faki - Peace for Life Ms Marilia Schuller - KOINONIA, Brazil Rev Miguel Tomas Castro - Emmanuel Baptist Church, El Salvador Rev Chris Ferguson - World Communion of Reformed Churches Jennifer Henry – KAIROS Canada Rev Willard Metzger – Mennonite Church of Canada Bishop Michael Oulton – Anglican Church of Canada Bishop Peter Hundt – Roman Catholic Church Rev Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan – Canadian Council of Churches Rev Karen Georgia Thompson – United Church of Christ, USA Rev Campbell Lovett – United Church of Christ, USA Dr Veeresh Gadag – Hindu Community Dr Mumtaz Cheema – Muslim Community

*reprinted from www.gc42.ca/news/word-42nd-general-council-united-church-canada; graphics added.

May God Be the True Focus of Your Upcoming Thanksgiving Family Celebrations!

http://www.believe.com/articles/Making-God-the-True-Focus-of-Thanksgiving/

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With the FEDERAL ELECTIONS fast approaching, The UCC has released an election kit. As well, at the GC42 , the Executive of the General Council has been asked to create resources for congregations to better understand and advocate for alternatives to ``first-past-the-post-elections`` in Canada. The goal is to better understand proportional representation and its impact on Canadian elections. Below is the UCC`s current position on elections. WHAT WE BELIEVE LET YOUR VOTE COUNT ON OCTOBER 19th We witness to our faith in a just and life-giving God by advocating for justice and peace. An election is a key opportunity to evaluate political issues through the lens of our faith, and help shape the leadership of our country by engaging in the political process.

ADVOCACY and ACTION

The United Church has a long history and An election is a time when Faith and Politics tradition of being called to the public arena by intersect. our faith. As a church, we understand we have a call to be active participants in issues and Our participation must be informed and concerns facing our communities, our nation, responsible. and our world, informed, inspired, and suppor- ted by our actions. www.unitedchurch.ca/getinvolved/takeaction

ABOUT Prayer Nuts thing was held in place with wooden hinges carved right into the piece. These prayer nuts would usually be attached to a belt or a rosary.

The inside panels could also open, by way of more tiny wooden hinges, and revealed even more miniature carvings. Because of the round shape of the prayer nuts, these scenes would be spectacularly detailed, with rows of lifelike

little figures. Imagine the patience and the skill one would need to create something like this! In addition to tiny, beautiful prayer books and rosary beads, people of the past liked to In addition, the prayer nuts were often scented express their love of religion and beauty with with a variety of perfumes, so that the scenes objects known as prayer nuts. These artifacts would be an even greater sensory experience were not actually carved from nuts--rather, for their owners. they were carved from wood, but tiny enough to look like walnuts.

Prayer nuts were mainly produced in northern Europe during the 16th century. Due to the incredible skill required to make these items, only the wealthy could afford them. In addition to being a symbol of a person's faith, they were also a status symbol.

This prayer nut is from the 1500s; most came from Dutch regions. Today they're prized as incredible works of art, and can be found in many museums.

http://www.visualnews.com/2015/02/11/16th-century- The outsides alone were marvellously carved prayer-nuts-hide-miniature carvings with intricate designs, including text. Every