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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-05-06, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010. PAGE 7. When I grumble about the weather (J.R. Miller, “Miller’s Year Book — a Year’s Daily Readings”) “The Lord has heard all your grumblings against Him!”Exodus 16:8 Does God really hear every discontented word which I ever speak? Does He hear when I grumble about the weather... about the hard winter about the late spring, about the dry summer, about the wet harvest? Does He hear when I grumble... about the frosts, about the drought, about the high winds, about the storms? Does He hear when I grumble... about my circumstances about the hardness of my lot, about my losses and disappointments? If we could get into our heart, and keep there continually, the consciousness that God hears every word we speak — would we murmur and complain so much as we now do? We are careful never to speak words which would give pain to the hearts of those we love. Are we as careful not to say anything that will grieve our heavenly Father? “I tell you this — that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak!” Matthew 12:36 He who complains of the weather — complains of the God who ordains the weather!”William Law A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956 Brussels Mennonite Fellowship marks 30 years Thirty years ago Brussels Mennonite Fellowship held its first public worship in the Melville Presbyterian Church. The Listowel Mennonite pastor, Brian Laverty, gave leadership initially but Doug Zehr began pastoral duties on a part time basis in July, 1980. When the Listowel Mennonite congregation suggested Brussels for a new congregation, four families - John and Mary Baan and family, Elwin and Linda Garland, Ross and Anne Hemingway and family and Howard and Alice Martin and family gave a definite commitment. So, the church planting project of Listowel Mennonite Church began. Shortly after the late Lorne and Marion Wideman committed to join. The five founding families soon were joined by five more families and so the first Sunday morning services were held in February of 1981 with Sunday School for all ages in the Brussels Public Library. The rented facilities soon became inadequate for the rapidly growing group. In June 1981, a house and the surrounding land was purchased from the late Clark and Hazel Matheson. The home was quickly transformed into a worship centre. The following Sunday, June 7, a worship service was held in the partially-renovated building. This gave birth to another treasured tradition. Once a month the congregation celebrates its blessings with a potluck meal following the service. On June 17, 1984 the groundbreaking service was held for a chapel addition. A major building blitz was held from July 2-7. Volunteers came from as far away as Pennsylvania. The Brussels congregation was able to worship in the new chapel the next Sunday, July 8. In 1987 a gymnasium/fellowship hall was added along with a new kitchen, an office and a new stairway to the Sunday School classrooms upstairs (former bedrooms in the old house). In the 1990s cement floors in the gym were tiled by Don Becker who designed the shuffle board, volleyball and basketball courts. In 1995 the old veranda in the north end was closed in for an office and meeting room. Over the years, Sunday School hasbeen held for all ages. Differentprograms such as Meals on Wheelswere started. This programcontinued from 1983-1999. In thefall of 1989-2001 the Self Help Craft Sale later known as Ten Thousand Villages Festival, was held to assist people from third world countries. Kids Corner co-ordinated with the churches in Brussels, grew out of Daily Vacation Bible School. Bible Study Courses and Ladies and Men’s Groups were begun. Quilts were made by ladies and sent to a Russian orphanage and other needy places. In 1983 the Community of Youth Fellowship of Brussels Mennonite Fellowship began in an attempt to provide wholesome activity for the youth in the church and in the larger community. Senior Worship services began in 1980 and now the churches in Brussels take turns having worship services at Huronlea Home for the aged. The children have a monthly fun night for Junior Kindergarten – Grade 8 students. In October of 2009, an interdenominational program called Connection was planned and led by younger generations for people of all ages. It is a monthly joint effort with Fordwich Brethren in Christ Church. Connection features contemporary music engaging worship bands and guest speakers from different backgrounds sharing their stories. Pastor Brent Kipfer started his work in September of 2001. The congregation, now 30 years old, is celebrating God's faithfulness in the past, for aligning in the purposes ofGod, for reassessing and sharpeningits understanding of God's vision. The 30th anniversary celebrationwill start on May 22 at 4 p.m. with apotluck wiener roast at Martins’ Landing (Alice and Howard Martin’s farm). On Sunday May 23 at 10 a.m. aservice will be held, followed by apotluck dinner. The guest speakerwill be Elwin Garland and songleader will be Lloyd Koch.For more information call 519- 887-6348 or e-mail: ahemingway@hotmail.com CCCC EEEE LLLL EEEE BBBB RRRR AAAATTTT EEEE WITH OUR REMAINING VETERANS APPRECIATION — HONOUR — REMEMBRANCE Saturday, May 8 & Sunday, May 9 Saturday, May 8th Huron County Museum North Street, Goderich Military Vehicles display + ALL Veterans allowed through museum at NO charge Sunday, May 9th North Street United Church 2:00 pm promptly CELEBRATION CHURCH SERVICE WITH RECEPTION TO FOLLOW CONTACT: JIM RUTLEDGE 1-519-524-1808 Bookofhonour3946@gmail.com On google www.menofhuron39-46.ca This is the 65th anniversary celebration of the end of World War 2 in Europe and will be the final celebration we will have with our remaining veterans. Those participating are — our veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Perth Regiment, the Celtic Blue Highlander, Ann Coulter, and honoured guests. ALL ARE WELCOME The times are changing The Brussels Mennonite Fellowship has come a long way since it began. Members purchased the Matheson home in 1981 and never looked back, slowly building a congregation and now, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. (Photo submitted) What a change The home of the Brussels Mennonite Fellowship has come a long way since it was first purchased in 1981. Major renovations were made in 1982 and now, after 30 years, it has developed into one of Brussels’ most important landmarks. (Photo submitted)