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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-17, Page 16By Pastor John KuperusBlyth Christian ReformedChurch On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the North Huron council had a meeting at the Knights of Columbus hall to swear in the new fire department. I believe this meeting was the conclusion of a lot of work, and the beginning of something new. The firefighters walked in all dressed in uniform and wearing their hats. They had a very professional presentation as a department. Each firefighters was called by name and came forward. The person put their left hand on a Bible and raised their right hand and swore to the following, ”I solemnly and sincerely swear that I will truly and faithfully execute and perform the duties of firefighter as a member of the Fire Department of North Huron. I will do so with integrity, dedication and diligence; to protect our citizens to the best of my skill and knowledge and to act at all times in a manner benefitting the trust and confidence placed in me by those I serve; to take pride in all my endeavours and to treat my peers and superiors with respect. As I answer to alarms, both day and night, I promise concern for others and a willingness to help all those in need, so help me God.” Wow! What a tremendous blessing, the firefighters of our community are committed to our protection and are willing to address those needs both day and night. The oath ends, with the request to God for his help. Fellow community citizens, this is really an honour to have our firefighters serving in this way. The new fire chief, John Black, gave a speech, where he acknowledged that he was honoured and proud in leading this group of dedicated and caring firefighters. He drew our attention to some traditions being carried forward and some new traditions will be introduced. His words caused me to wonder as to what new traditions we ought to expect. On the other hand, I was encouraged, because I get the sense that he is not interested in simply living off the inheritance of our fathers. Our new chief will be bringing some innovation to our community and to build on what is here. Chief Black continued by explaining some of the symbolism. On the sleeves of our firefighters is a special emblem of the true Canadian Maltese Cross. At the centre of thecross is a badge of the maple leafsignifying one united fire service from coast to coast. The Maltese Cross has been a symbol of firefighters for hundreds of years and dates back to the crusades. It began with hundreds of knights of St. John of Malta who protected the crusaders who were attacking Jerusalem from fire that was thrown at them by the defending Saracens. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honour, which was the cross that is similar to the one worn by firefighters today. The cross is asymbol of protection. It means thefirefighters who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you, just as crusaders sacrificed their lives for fellow man so many years ago. Wow! The cross holds significant meaning of people laying down their lives for others, beginning with Jesus Christ, it continued with the crusaders and to the present day with our firefighters. When thinking about the symbolism of the cross, I like to highlight the words of apostle Paul who called us to put on the full armour of God. He said, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the powers of this dark world andagainst the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6: 12). Now I know that a lot of calls firefighters respond to are flesh and blood, yet in light of the cross there are things that are happening that our natural eyes do not see and be aware of that. Putting on the physical gear is important, but putting on the spiritual armour is also very important. Chief Black explained the eight points of the cross hold specialmeaning. They represent tact,gallantry, dexterity, observation, perseverance, loyalty, explicitness and sympathy. Our firefighters need perseverance and loyalty as they get called out of bed in the middle of the night. They need sympathy for the fires, the rescue calls and accidents they attend to. They need gallantry and dexterity to be able to respond to each situation they find themselves. As a community we can support PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009.From the Minister’s StudyA pledge and a prayer to serve and protect Come Celebrate Jesus Sunday, December 20 at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Together for Worship 10:45 a.m. Coffee Break 11:00 a.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant “The First Christmas Broadcast” Thursday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Refreshments to follow Friday, December 25 12:00 Noon ~ Christmas Dinner For anyone who is free to come! Pastor Brent Kipfer ~ 519-887-6388 getlivingwater.orgPastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848 Living Water Christian Fellowship at Blyth Public School, corner of King & Mill Evangelical Missionary Church Sunday, December 20: 4th Sunday in Advent: Love Worship & Sunday School 10:30 am John 1:1-24 Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Celebration 7:30 pm “Recognizing the light that Made You” “PRIDE Check: God’s Blessing, Mercy, and Favour -- for the Humble” Luke 1:39ff BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Sandra Cable, Worship Leader Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca Sunday, December 20 Family Christmas Services 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 Dec. 24th - Christmas Eve “In The Barn” at Ethel at 5:30 in Brussels United Church at 7 p.m. 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 Please join us for worship SUNDAYS Morning Service 10:00am Evening Service 7:30pm BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor John Kuperus Hwy. 4, Blyth Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street Blyth United Church Office: 519-523-4224 Rev. Gary Clark All Welcome Christmas Eve Service December 24th at 7 pm Sunday, December 20 Worship Service & Sunday School at 11 a.m. Birthday Sunday Christmas Open House at the Manse from 2-5 pm Blue Christmas Service at 7 pm Youre Invited to come worship with us Sunday, December 20 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 20 MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available 519-887-9831 11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship - Sunday School 9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service 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 Sunday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. North Huron Wescast Community Complex, Wingham Join in the fun and meet us on the ice! Hot cocoa and goodies will follow, see you then. FAMILY SKATE NIGHT Continued on page 20