Our Story

Knox & Zion: Our Vision

One of the greatest strengths of Knox and Zion is our deep-rooted culture of caring, generosity, and community. We are strong relationally, and those who join us for worship and fellowship consistently tell us that they feel genuinely and warmly welcomed. The events and initiatives we undertake are thoughtfully planned, well-executed, and well-attended — and when resources are stretched, our community rises to meet the need with remarkable generosity. In all things, we strive to reflect God’s love and grace — within the church and beyond it.

Our vision is to be a church that is truly relevant and engaged in the life of our villages — a congregation that serves as the hands and feet of Christ, meeting practical needs with compassion and pointing people toward a personal relationship with Him. We are committed to nurturing and equipping new leaders, thinking creatively, and remaining open to fresh approaches and new possibilities.

We want to meet people where they are — whether that means reaching out to young families, offering meaningful connection for seniors, or simply being a visible and welcoming presence in the community. We are growing our culture of generosity, deepening our commitment to prayer, and working to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors finds a place to belong and a way to serve, grounded in their own spiritual gifts.

“Above all, we want Knox and Zion to be a spiritual home — a place where people are known, loved, and invited into deep and lasting fellowship.”

Above all, we want Knox and Zion to be a spiritual home — a place where people are known, loved, and invited into deep and lasting fellowship. We are committed to building strong, trusting relationships with our neighbours and the broader community, for the glory of God and the good of all.

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Mission & Outreach

Operation Winter Warmth — Knox & Zion

What began in 2001 as a coat drive for disadvantaged school children in the Greater Toronto Area has grown, over the years, into a deeply impactful ministry serving the Muskoka community. Since 2012, Operation Winter Warmth has distributed brand new, warm winter coats to children, teens, and adults across the region — made possible through the generous support of national retailers and the faithful giving of our own congregation.

In 2022, Knox Presbyterian Church in Port Carling joined alongside Zion to strengthen this initiative even further. Together, the two churches have established a coat closet at the West Muskoka Food Bank, delivered coats to Wahta Reserve, and made coats available at both the Bala and Port Carling Libraries. Cash donations have allowed the churches to shop for families with specific sizing needs, and a significant contribution was made to help fill a container of supplies shipped to Ukraine in January 2022. For the past three years, the program has partnered with the West Muskoka Food Bank to purchase new coats for their clients — a partnership that continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Bible Study — Zion

Both congregations have the opportunity to gather for Bible Study at Zion — either in the warmth of a family home or at the church itself — and it has become a cherished time of rich fellowship, shared learning, and spiritual growth.

Each summer, Zion has offered a well-attended adult Bible study led by a knowledgeable and deeply committed seasonal resident. These gatherings have provided wonderful opportunities to explore Scripture together and engage in thoughtful, lively discussion. Past studies have covered the creation narrative in Genesis 1–3, the books of Ruth and Jonah, and most recently, The Power of Prayer. One memorable series invited participants to bring their own questions — sparking some of the most rich and thought-provoking conversations the group has had.

Seder Dinner — Knox & Zion

For several years, Knox and Zion have had the joy of hosting a Seder Dinner for the wider community at the Torrance Community Centre. This meaningful and much-anticipated event deepens understanding of the Biblical roots of the Christian faith, fosters interfaith awareness, and embodies the spirit of hospitality and community that defines both congregations. It is an evening that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

Soup Tuesday — Knox

Nearly 20 years ago, Soup Tuesday was born at Knox Port Carling — and it has been warming hearts and filling bowls ever since. Originally started by a former minister, this weekly gathering brings together congregants and members of the wider community over soup, fresh bread, and good conversation in the lower level of the church. Over the years, the prayer and devotional portion of the gathering has evolved to include readings from the Iona Abbey Prayer Book and reflections from Rev. Matthew Ruttan’s UP! devotional.

Today, Soup Tuesday continues to be a place of genuine community and quiet faithfulness. With welcoming signage now extended to the wider public, there is a renewed and exciting hope to welcome more neighbours to the table — extending Christ’s mission one bowl of soup at a time.

Hope and Hospitality — Knox

Launched in the fall of 2024, Hope and Hospitality is a bi-weekly liturgical prayer service with a heart for the local community and the wider world. Through meditative prayers and Taizé hymns, participants gather to pray for the churches, the Port Carling and Zion communities, our province, and our world — and then continue the evening together around a shared potluck dinner.

At its core, Hope and Hospitality is about aligning our hearts with God’s mission and building genuine, Spirit-led relationships with one another. It is a space to slow down, pray with intention, and be reminded of what God is already doing in our towns. We hope this gathering will continue to grow — drawing in more church members and community members alike — and that it will become a cornerstone of our life together as a missional, prayer-rooted community.

Food Cupboards — Knox & Zion

At Knox and Zion, we care deeply about our neighbours. To help those in our community facing food insecurity, both churches have established accessible food cupboards stocked with non-perishable items — available to any resident whenever they are needed, no questions asked. It is a small and practical expression of a deeply held conviction: that loving our neighbours means meeting them where they are.

Kids’ Club — Zion

For over 30 years, Kids’ Club was one of Zion’s most cherished community ministries. Held once a week during the school year at the Torrance Community Centre, this beloved after-school program built trusting, lasting relationships with children and families throughout the community. Supported by volunteers from both the church and local families, Kids’ Club offered Bible lessons, crafts, recreation, and a healthy snack in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment — a true expression of Christ’s love in action.

Kids’ Club holds a special place in the heart of Zion, and we look forward with great anticipation to the day it resumes and continues to grow in new and creative ways. We are prayerfully and excitedly exploring how best to bring it back to the community that has benefited so deeply from it over the decades.

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One congregation, rooted in Muskoka

Knox and Zion are two small churches sharing one heart — a community of faith rooted in Muskoka’s land and seasons, and open to all who seek a place to belong.