Our faith celebrates the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection is symbolized bythe cross which has appeared in many forms across many cultures in the 2000 years of Christianity. In our sanctuary today hangs a unique cross, specifically designed for this space and for this particular part of the larger universal church of Jesus Christ.
In 2007, this congregation replaced a perennially leaky 40 year old roof. We razed the lower, flat roof and raised a higher, pitched roof. With a dramatically raised ceiling, the cross that had graced the chancel since 1963 seemed no longer the appropriate size for the space. The architect, Erick Peterson (associated with Carlson Veit Architects PC), was asked to design a cross that would be the focal point of this sanctuary, a cross that artistically fit everything that he had in mind as he designed this beautiful place of worship. The result is this design by a single man attempting to convey all that each of us individually bring to our faith and to our understanding of what the resurrection means in our daily lives.
The richness of the faith community of John Knox depends on all of us sharing our thoughts about the cross – not only the physical cross in front of you, but the cross of the Resurrection, the place where God showed unending love and redeeming grace to all. This is a faith community where your thoughts and questions are welcome and valued. Welcome to John Knox Presbyterian Church!
JKPC has been a presence in the Keizer community since it was founded in June 1963. We open our building to various community groups including Iglesia de Jesucristo Puerta del Cielo and other community groups whose needs match our mission. We welcome visitors in our worship services and practice open communion for all believers.
The mark of a great church is not how many people come, but how many people live differently for having been there.
Church Organization
John Knox is overseen by the entire congregation, Session is the ruling body of the church. There are several committees and subcommittes within the congregation which help form the organizational structure of the church. Staff include the Pastor, Director of Music and office volunteers.
These are the committees of the church: Worship Personnel Administration
Session Mission
Nominating
Other Groups: Women's fellowship Knoxarians (social group) Iglesia de Jesucristo (an Hispanic congregation that shares the JK building)
John Knox Deacons
The office of deacon as set forth in scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Deacons are commissioned to, first of all, minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.
There are nine deacons...each assigned to serve a designated group of John Knox members and friends of the church. The deacons are responsible for the coffee hour following each Sunday worship service. Birthdays of members are recognized on the last Sunday of each month. Usually memorial services and wedding receptions are organized by the deacons.
In 2008 our Christmas "Giving Tree" started consisting of 5 families with 12 children. The families received gifts for each child and a gift certificate for the family. In addition, 4 families with 9 children, contacted the church for Christmas stockings. These families were given stockings filled with fruit, candy, hats and gifts.