Knox Now…
Homeward Bound:
Richard’s Sabbatical Travel Log
A Fall Vodcast Series
Thanks for tuning into this special episode of “Homeward Bound.” Please let us know how you are enjoying the series.
Today, we have a truly heartwarming journey to share with you. It’s a story of brotherhood, adventure, and the love language that binds us all.
Imagine three brothers embarking on an epic 250 km bike trip in Jeju Island, and an East Coast road trip in South Korea, with their spouses. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, no — it was an adventure of our lifetime.
Series Synopsis
Join Richard as he takes a three-month sabbatical in Korea. “Homeward Bound: Richard’s Sabbatical Travel Log” isn’t just a journey through different locations in Korea; it’s an exploration of self, faith, and what it truly means to come home.
Each week brings new stories, all tied together with thought-provoking Bible verses that connect Richard’s experiences with timeless truths. Through his explorations and reflections, you might find inspiration for your own exploration of what ‘home’ truly means.
To comment on this vodcast, suggest upcoming topics, and check out Previous VODCASTS
Click HERE.
Knox Neighbourhood
Sending out huge thanks to all the artists, organizations, sponsors, and the curious and committed who took part in the Ecotones Arts Festival. Thanks for your all your help and support!
Next Worship
December 3, 2023
10 am
‘Hope in the Wilderness’
with Rev Dr Richard Chung
Reading:
Mark 13:24-37
2023 Advent Worship Series
A Journey of Renewal
In this Advent series, “A Journey of Renewal,” informed by Richard’s sabbatical travels, we embark on a spiritual journey of renewal, revival, and regeneration. Like Richard’s quest for renewal in different places, we’ll explore how this Advent season can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and collective renewal. Each Sunday, we’ll delve into themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, discovering how they intersect with our sabbatical journey and our longing for home.
The Story Behind:
Knox Advent Wreath
The large Advent wreath that sits at the front of the church, during the season, is now more than 40 years old! How did this particular wreath come to be?
The minister at the time, the Reverend Dr. Gordon How, expressed a desire for a large Advent wreath to be placed at the front of the sanctuary, with four candles to represent Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, and a centre Christ candle. Bob Coulter, a congregation and choir member, volunteered to construct the wreath. He designed it and carefully worked on it in his workshop in the basement of his home. It was a creative endeavour. When it was first used it was actually suspended on lines from the ceiling – a “floating” wreath. It was then reworked, using, as a base, the bottom of an unused chair from the T. Eaton Co., his workplace. It was made to be separated into two pieces for easy storage. He would probably be a bit surprised, but very pleased, to know that the wreath is still used every year.
The wreath has been in place every year since then. When the hymn book Voices United came into use there was a perfect song available to use annually in our candle lighting tradition. We now sing VU #7, ‘Hope is a Star’, every year, as the candles are lit each week of Advent. Each of the four weeks is represented by a verse.
Advent Candle Lighting
Advent 1: December 3, 2023 – “Hope”
Liturgist: Today, we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of hope. This candle symbolizes the hope we have in Christ’s coming, the hope that dawned with His birth in a humble manger.
Reader: Isaiah 64:1-9
Liturgist: In this season of Advent, we eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises and the dawn of a new era.
Reader: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Liturgist: We look to God to restore us, to bring hope to our weary hearts.
Light the first candle.
Together: May the light of this candle remind us that in Christ, our hope is secure. Through Him, we find hope for the future and the strength to endure.
Advent 2: December 10, 2023 – “Peace”
Liturgist: Today, we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of peace. This candle represents the peace that Christ brings into our world and into our lives.
Reader: Isaiah 40:1-11
Liturgist: As we journey through Advent, we find comfort in the promise of Christ’s peace.
Reader: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Liturgist: God’s love and faithfulness bring about a peace that transcends understanding.
Light the first and second candles.
Together: As we light these candles, may we experience the peace of Christ in our hearts and share it with a world in need.
Advent 3: December 17, 2023 – “Joy”
Liturgist: Today, we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of joy. This candle symbolizes the joy that fills our hearts as we celebrate the arrival of our Savior.
Reader: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Liturgist: In this season, we rejoice in the transformative power of Christ’s presence.
Reader: Psalm 126
Liturgist: Even in times of sorrow, we hold onto the promise of joy in Christ.
Light the first, second, and third candles.
Together: May the light of these candles ignite the joy in our hearts as we celebrate the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Advent 4: December 24, 2023 – “Love”
Liturgist: Today, we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love. This candle represents the love that shines forth from the Christ child born in Bethlehem.
Reader: Isaiah 7:10-16
Liturgist: God’s love is made manifest in the birth of Jesus, offering us profound love and renewal.
Reader: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Liturgist: God’s faithful love ensures an everlasting renewal of our spirits.
Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.
Together: As we gather by the warm glow of these candles, may we embrace the love and renewal found in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
…“be kind and stay safe”
Find Knox
5590 Balaclava Street
Vancouver, BC
V6N 1L1 Canada
