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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-01-07, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016. PAGE 3. Clark congratulates Blyth team on Church Cup win Greeting worshippers at Blyth United Church on Sunday Jan. 3, were Fred Hakkers and Marilyn Craig. Ushering were Nancy Hakkers and Laurie Sparling. Marilyn Scott was pianist, Katie Dockstader, choir director and Bryce Glousher ran the power point. Rev. Gary Clark wished everyone a Happy New Year and drew attention to the announcements printed in the bulletin and rolling on the screen of the Power Point. He congratulated the team from Blyth United for winning the Huron - Perth United Church Hockey Tournament on Dec. 28 after so many years of coming so close. Emily Phillips brought the trophy and placed it at the front of the church. The choir sang the first verse of the new song "0 God, Send Us Your Spirit" and the congregation joined The Cup The fifth annual Church Cup was held at the Blyth and District Community Centre on Dec. 28 and for the first time in its history, the cup stayed in Blyth. Shown is tournament emcee Rev. Gary Clark presenting the trophy for the tournament to Drew VanWyk and Reid Button of the Blyth squad. The tournament welcomed six teams from churches across the county to compete. (Denny Scott photo) Holiday travelling weather ideal Happy birthday to Jaxson Bromley who celebrates Jan. 8; Marion Young, Jan. 11; Charlie Shaw (90th) Jan. 12; Grant Sparling Jr., Jan. 13. Well, the Christmas season is over and many of us have celebrated many times. My family and I celebrated on Dec. 26 with my sister Nancy Daer and her family. On Dec. 27 we travelled to Heidi and Kyle Martin's of Gowanstown for brunch to celebrate a Christmas get- together. Although some of us picked up the going 'flu, on the whole everyone had a good Christmas. The weather was itc REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order - 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 exceptional for travelling with no Now comes the task of snow on Christmas Day and getting back into the routine of temperatures on the plus side. everyday living. Lord, how can we know the way? (J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907) Thomas said to Him, "Lord, how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "1 am the way" John 14:5-6 This is the first day of a new year. We are setting out on a journey to which we can have no knowledge in advance. The road is one on which we never have gone hitherto. We know not what any day will have for us...what our duties will be, what burdens shall be laid upon us, what sorrows we shall have to endure, what battles we shall have to fight. We cannot see one step before us! How can we know the wav? As we sit in the quiet, this first evening, and ask the question, we hear an answer which is full of comfort. Jesus says to us `7 am the way!" All we shall have to do, therefore, will be to follow Jesus. He has made a way through this dark world for us. He has gone over all the journey and opened a road for us at great cost. He went over the way Himself --we shall find His shoe -prints at every step. He has a definite way for each one of us. Every mile of the journey He has chosen- -and every place where I pitch my tent He has selected for me! "Leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps!" 1 Peter 2:21 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956 in the second time around. Tanner Brooks was invited to light the Advent candles and the candles on the altar table. Rev. Clark invited everyone to greet one another. The opening prayer was followed by the singing of the Lord's Prayer. The scripture reading was from Luke 2:41-52, The hymn "Once in Royal David's City" was sung. The choir sang the anthem "Go Tell It On The Mountain" Rev. Clark's message to the congregation was "Turning Point." Today is a great time for a turning point; a new year. It is a time for change whether in people, the church or the world. We have the opportunity to prepare for change. To prepare for change we must know where we are going. Many of us do not look forward to change and we don't see the signs of change. God gives us many signs of change. We only see the changes right around us and not the bigger picture. When the car dies we know that it should have been fixed long before it gives up. If we have a vision now is the time to plan and act on it. Jesus went to the temple when He was only 12 to challenge the leaders. The congregation has a choice to stay the same or find a new way to make reality happen. God only wants to hear a clear yes or no not the in-between answers. It is not about us but about our faith that belongs to God. It is often better when we have a friend that will do things with us. Like walking or going to a gym, we challenge one another and we also commit to one another. God will help us with our visions and help us to complete them. It took Jesus 30 years to start His ministry, we can start now and come to the annual meeting with a vision. The next hymn "I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me" was sung followed by the receiving of the offering, the offertory response "Good King Wenceslas" the offertory prayer, the prayers for the people and silent prayers led by John Stewart. The last hymn "In the Bulb There is a Flower" was followed by the blessing and the singing of the "Three Fold Amen." Those who had worn their hockey shirts in support of the team winning the Huron -Perth United Church Hockey Tournament were asked to come to the front to have a picture taken with the team and their trophy. Everyone was invited for coffee and treats before going home. FROM BLYTH Shee skin Coats B ainton's Old Mill Downtown Blyth 519-523-4740 gaue 71eat 4d %tc Let everyone know about your new bundle of joy! The Citizen Call for prices and details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 • Colour Printing • Posters • Letterheads • Envelopes • Business Cards • Business Forms • Brochures • Flyers • Carbonless Forms