HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-03, Page 27By Tom MurrayKnox United Church, BelgraveI’ve had a couple of interesting
comments recently about what it
means to be a member of the local
church.
It’s always intrigued me that at
first glance most people are reluctant
to commit to being a member. I
believe it stems from our place of
busyness in our present day and
from our fear of the unknown.
In our United Church tradition too
much has been attached to being a
member that has nothing to do with
being a Christian. For, in reality,
being a member of a local church
has everything to do with what God
asks us to do already.
You would probably agree with
me: if I said that we should get along
with each other at church, that we
should respect each other’s opinions,
that if we asked people to lead we
would be willing to follow their
leadership, and that we should grow
in our faith so that we can use it well
and live out what we believe.
This is exactly, what being a
member of the local church is all
about.
It may sound more formal but in
reality it’s nothing more than what I
just explained. What we ask of each
other is nothing more or less than
what God already asks of us.
Some people have justifiable
hang-ups about becoming a member
or may never feel ready to sign a
piece of paper saying that you will
be a member.
That’s okay.
But recognize what God asks of
each one of us regardless everyday:
1. I Will Protect the Unity of
Christ’s Body…by acting in love
toward each other … by refusing to
gossip … by following the
leadership we’ve entrusted to each
other.
2. I Will Respect the Other’s
Opinion…by accepting their right
to select their own path…by
allowing them to speak as I
listen…by honouring their choice
of belief.
3. I Will Share the Responsibility
of My Church…by warmly
welcoming those who visit…by
praying for its maturity and its
consequent growth… by inviting
friend and stranger alike to worship
with us.
4. I Will Serve the Ministry of My
Church…by developing a
servant’s heart… by discovering
my gifts and talents… by beingequipped to serve by my pastor.5. I Will Support the Witness of
My Church…by attending
faithfully… by living a godly life…by sharing regularly what God hasblessed me with in wealth,
strength, and benefit.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009. PAGE 27. From the Minister’s StudyMembership the real deal
Good finds
Consumers were out in full force last weekend as St.
Ambrose Catholic Church in Brussels held its annual
bazaar. Merchants filled the church’s auditorium on
Saturday selling everything from household decorations to
candy and pies. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street
Blyth United Church
Office: 519-523-4224 Rev. Gary Clark
All Welcome
Sunday, December 6
Worship Service & Sunday School
at 11 a.m.
Dates to Remember
Thursday, December 3 ~Facing Facebook - 7-8:30 pm
Sunday, December 6 ~White Gift Sunday & Mitten Tree
~Food Bank Sunday
~ Sunday School rehearsal for
Christmas Concert at 9:30 am
Youre Invited
to come worship
with us
Sunday, December 6
Brussels Public School
at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday School for children
4 to 11 years of age (mornings only)
Childcare provided for infants and toddlers
Coffee & cookies after the morning service
For additional details please contact:
Steve Klumpenhower 519.887.8651 Rick Packer 519.527.0173
Chris McMichael 519.482.1644
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
Welcomes you to come
and worship with us
Trinity, Blyth
9:15 a.m.
519-523-9595
St. John's, Brussels
11:15 a.m.
519-887-6862
Sunday, December 6
Please join us for worship
SUNDAYS
Morning Service 10:00am
Evening Service 7:30pm
BLYTH CHRISTIAN
REFORMED CHURCH
Pastor John Kuperus
Hwy. 4, Blyth
MELVILLE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
BRUSSELS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available
519-887-9831
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship
- Sunday School
9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service
getlivingwater.org
Pastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848
Living Water Christian Fellowship
10:30 a.m. ~ Worship & Sunday School
at Blyth Public School,
corner of King & Mill
Tuesdays 7:30 pm - Wingham Bible Study
1st & 3rd Wednesdays 7:30 pm - Women at the Well
Fridays 7:30 pm - Youth Group
Evangelical Missionary Church
December 6: Luke 1:68ff2nd in Advent - ‘Peace’‘Saved’? - From What?Holy Communion
Come Celebrate Jesus
Sunday, December 6
at
Brussels Mennonite Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Together for Worship
Guest Speaker: Rebecca Yoder Neufeld
10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
11:00 a.m. Sunday School
Noon Potluck Fellowship Meal
Everyone Welcome!
Pastor Brent Kipfer 519-887-6388
YOU ARE WELCOME
9:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. - Sunday Morning Worship
Mid-week Bible Study
C H U R C H O F G O D ,ANDERS
O
N
,
I
N
D
I
A
N
A
Timeless Truths
For Today
308 Blyth Rd. E., Blyth
Pastor Les Cook ~ 519-523-4590
Blyth Community Church of God
BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Sandra Cable, Worship Leader
Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca
Sunday, December 6
Ethel United Church
Worship Service and Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.
Brussels United Church
Worship Service and Sunday School - 11:00 a.m.
Celebrating our Christian Faith together in worship
REV. DAVID WOOD
119 John’s Ave.,Auburn
519-526-1131
www.huronchapel.org
9:30 a.m.
Sunday School & Small Groups
10:30 a.m.
Morning Worship Service
UPCOMING
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
“The Best Christmas
Present Ever!”
Christmas musical for the entire
family to enjoy
Sunday, December 6th at 7:00 pm
“Christmas Gathering”
Adult Banquet
Friday, December 11th at 6:30 pm
Tickets $15
- call church office to reserve
1-877-513-5333
Talk to us instead.
TOLL-FREE