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