Knox Presbyterian Church Oakville ON

Knox is part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. As Presbyterians we are first and foremost followers of Jesus Christ. Our belief in the Trinity — God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit — is central to our faith. We trace our roots back to those who walked with Jesus, believed in Him, and received the eternal life He promised.

Knox’s first service was held in April 1833 on the banks of the nearby Sixteen Mile Creek. Since then, worshippers have enjoyed services and fellowship for more than 175 years. The current red-brick Gothic style building was dedicated to the glory of God on May 20, 1888.

We are guided and inspired by our mission, our vision and our values. Our mission is to develop empowered and loving disciples of Christ, who as a church family are committed to sharing and caring for each other and those in our community and world.

 

Question: How do I get to the church? And if I’m driving, where do I park?

Answer: Knox is located at the intersection of Lakeshore Rd. E and Dunn St. in downtown Oakville. (The address is 89 Dunn St.) The church’s prominent steeple is visible above the shops that line Lakeshore Rd. and makes it easy to spot from a distance.

Three bus routes either pass the doors or have stops nearby: 2 Lakeshore, 14 Lakeshore West and 17 Kerr. All three have stops at Dunn St.

If you’re driving, free parking is available on Sundays in a municipal parking lot on Robinson St., located just behind the church building. There’s also street parking available throughout the area.

Question: What should I wear?

Answer: Some people dress up for church and some people dress more casually. Do what’s best for you.

Please note, however, that we’re a scent free church. Some members of the congregation have scent-related allergies, and so we respectfully ask that you not apply perfume, aftershave or scented lotion prior to coming to worship.

The sanctuary is also not air conditioned (at least not yet—our New Roads Project is aiming to fix that), so please dress in something that will be comfortable in warm summer weather. Our lower level is air conditioned (thanks to Phase One of the New Roads Project), so if you find it’s too warm in the sanctuary, you’re welcome to head to the downstairs hall. There’s a huge TV with the livestream of the service, comfy couches, and usually coffee, tea, or cool drinks.

Question: What should my kids do?

Answer: Kids are welcome to join in our children’s programs or remain with their parents. There are “worship bags” provided at the entrances to the sanctuary with colouring sheets, activities, and a small snack, to offer kids some hands-on ways to engage with the service. During the service, children will be invited to head downstairs to our children’s worship centre, if they’d like to do so. Parents can come, too, if it will help the kids feel more comfortable. You can learn more about our Young Children and Worship program here.

Downstairs in our Nicoll Hall, we have a “cozy corners” area, which features comfy couches and chairs, a change table, an assortment of toys for babies and toddlers, and a big TV with a livestream of the service so you won’t miss a thing. This is a great alternative spot for parents with little ones who need a little more space to move around, or who would like a comfier place to nurse their babies.

Question: What’s the music like?

Answer: We don’t believe there have to be only “traditional” and “contemporary” worship services. Our music director and praise team leader choose a blend of meaningful and beautiful music selections and hymns for each service. Some are led from the piano, and some from the organ. We also have a Chancel Choir that helps lead worship, and they always welcome new members.

Question: What do you believe?

Answer: If you want the short answer, we believe:

The Trinity—God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—is central to our faith. God is the Father to whom we come, the Son through whom we come, and the Spirit by whom we come.
The Bible inspires and guides us in what we believe and how we live. Presbyterians think of the Bible as the written word of God. We consider it the most authoritative source for faith and practice. By reading the Bible, succeeding generations know what God has done and what God requires.
Worship gives Presbyterians an opportunity to praise, listen, and respond to God. In worship we celebrate two sacraments—Baptism and Communion—which are visible expressions of the gospel given as a way to enter and encourage Christian growth. We encourage active participation in worship through prayer, music, Scripture-based preaching and teaching, and fellowship.
All are equal in the eyes of the Lord and each person has the ability to provide powerful and effective ministry to others. We support ministry within and outside of the Knox church family. We encourage and help individuals to recognize, develop and use the gifts with which we have all been individually blessed, to minister to the needs of people.
We strive to be a friendly, welcoming congregation relevant to, and actively involved in, our community.

Question: But what does ‘Presbyterian’ mean, anyway?

Answer: Presbyterianism was originally established in Scotland by John Knox during the Protestant Reformation. The word Presbyterian means “elder” and it refers primarily to a system of church government, although it also encompasses the beliefs, doctrines, and identity we hold as part of our denomination.

Unlike some other Christian churches, the Presbyterian Church doesn’t have bishops or archbishops. Instead, we have “courts” that are made up of ministers and elders who together make decisions and carry out the work of the church.

Question: Are you an affirming congregation?

Answer: Yes. Knox’s Session has voted to permit same-sex weddings in our sanctuary, and our minister, Rev. Jacqui Foxall, will officiate at same-sex weddings. LGBTQI individuals are also eligible for election as elders in our church.

We celebrate unity but not uniformity. There’s no requirement for members or adherents to subscribe to the same understanding of marriage as our Session. The Presbyterian Church in Canada holds two parallel definitions of marriage: that of a union between a man and a woman, and that of a union between two persons. Individuals are permitted to choose which of these definitions they hold. However, homophobia and transphobia have no place in our church. Regardless of what theology of marriage you hold, all of us are called to treat each other with love and respect.
 

Download Knox Presbyterian Church vCard with Service Times

Click here to contact the church  

Download Minister Rev. Jacqui Foxall vCard with bio

Click here to contact Rev. Jacqui Foxall  

 

https://knoxoakville.com/  

 

 

Knox Presbyterian Church is located at the intersection of Lakeshore Road and Dunn Street in downtown Oakville.

Three bus routes either pass the doors or have stops nearby: 2 Lakeshore, 14 Lakeshore West and 17 Kerr. All three have stops at Dunn St.  

Free parking is available on Sundays in a municipal parking lot on Robinson St., located just behind the church building. There’s also street parking available throughout the area.