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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2008-06-26, Page 15THE CITIZEN. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008. PAGE 15.By John SchwartzentruberInterim PastorBrussels Mennonite FellowshipThere are few political events thatI find more tedious than anAmerican presidential race. As if it is not enough that the media bombards us daily with the details of a lengthy run for office of the President, we first must also suffer through the endless rigours of the primaries that determine who is chosen to represent each political party in the final rundown. At times, the words and antics of the candidates could be considered amusing if it were not for the sobering fact that one of these people will eventually become the most powerful person in the world. Sometimes the hopefuls muster creative oratory that is laden with patriotism, hope and promises approaching the sublime, although practicality and execution might be another story. On the other hand, we have likely all witnessed the ugly side of the elective effort where prickly partisanship deteriorates into demeaning personal attacks with no holds barred. Inevitably, the struggle between the candidates spills over into the general populace, igniting flaming rivalries between Democrat and Republican. Our American cousins exercise their franchise with a fervorthat makes the Canadian processlook tame by comparison.I recently witnessed a veryanimated election-focuseddiscussion among some Americans from both parties. While most of these people claim to espouse strong Christian values, they were ruthless in their efforts to prove the opposition wrong. Only their own party had the correct solutions to problems like poverty, crime, international issues and whatever else a president is supposed to “fix”. The Democrats were accused of being too soft on criminals and terrorists and too lenient with the public purse. And how were they going to fulfill all of their promises without raising taxes yet again? The Republicans were told that they would likely keep the Americans at war for who knows how long if they stayed in power. They were also charged with being insensitive to the needs of the poor and the underprivileged while letting the rich feather their nests very deeply. While the arguments from both sides were as old as the hills, the accusations were delivered back and forth with fresh and vitriolic harshness. At times, the debaters appealed to Biblical texts to support their views, hoping to gain the highmoral ground and invoke theblessing of Heaven to their sidewhile condemning the initiativespresented by the other party.After observing the rancorous debate for some time, I finally mustered the courage to break into the discussion with a question. Latching on to their appeal to Biblical references I asked, “Someday when we stand before God’s judgment throne, do you think he’s going to ask whether we were a Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative? Rather than examine our political history and affiliation, would it not be more likely that God will be looking at how we treated our fellow humans?” After a moment of reflective silence, an American in the group said, “There, now you’ve gone and made them all mad because they just can’t argue with that!” In Matthew 25 we read Jesus’ words regarding his criterion for judgment at the end of time. There is no reference to politics or partisanship of any kind. Rather, he decides the eternal destiny of the people from every nation by looking at their actions toward others while living on the earth. He says that if we fed the hungry, gave a drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, visited the sick or showedhospitality to those without a placeto stay, it was the same as if we weredoing it to him. If we neglected to dothis for others, we were, in fact,neglecting him. Ideology might serve to give direction to a group of like-minded people. Political promises and rhetoric makes for some interesting soundbites at election time. Sound theology helps to keep religion on course. However, at some point, words must translate into action. If we claim to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, our changed lives must actively reflect the kindness, care and call to justice that Jesus modeled when he walked here on earth. When it comes right down to it, it’s not about political alignment. It is all about how you and I personally respond to the needs that we encounter in our everyday walk of life. Talk is cheap. Acting on what we say can be costly, yet satisfying. From the Minister’s Study‘At some point words must translate into action’ The June meeting of Melville Guild and Women’s Missionary Society was held at the home of Jeanne Kirkby on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. with 10 members present. The theme of the meeting was gardening. Mrs. Kirkby welcomed everyone. This was followed by the scripture reading, Psalm 104: 1-24 read by Alice Marks. The hymn, For the Beauty of the Earth was sung followed by a prayer. Mrs. Kirkby gave the topic on the challenge of caring for the earth. Humans have been given clear instructions by God to care for the earth so looking after the earth is a God-given responsibility. Not to look after the earth is a sin. The world is facing environmental crisis of unparalleled magnitude. Alice Marks read a story about the Fern and the Bamboo followed by the singing of All Things Bright and Beautiful. Mrs. Marks presided over the business. She read a poem entitled Friendship’s Flowers. Thanks was given to Mrs. Kirkby for hosting the meeting and also to those who helped in any way with the mission Sunday service. The Women’s Missionary treasurer’s report was given by Leona Armstrong. Mrs. Kirkby gave the treasurer’s report for the Guild. Dona Knight and Mrs. Marks will set up the Guild display at the Brussels Fall Fair. Jean Bewley and Sheila Prescott offered to be in charge of devotions for the September meeting to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The roll call was answered by giving an environmental-friendly tip. A time of socializing and a lunch provided by Mrs. Kirkby was enjoyed. J. Kirkby hosts WMS/Guild PASTOR DAVID WOOD 119 John’s Ave.,Auburn 519-526-1131 www.huronchapel.org 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship “Government Prayer Sunday” Vacation Bible School “Out of Egypt” July 7-11 9:30 am - 12:00 noon Pre-register Today! Call 519-526-1131 x4 Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays Please Note... For the summer months, Sunday Small Groups and Evening Services are cancelled 308 Blyth Rd. E. ~ Pastor Les Cook 519-523-4590 B l y t h C o m m u n ity Church of God C H U R C H O F G O D ,ANDERS O N , I N D I A N A “The Church is not a building, it is people touching people Sunday School 9:45 a.m. - Christian Education for all ages 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service Mid-week Bible Studies See you Sunday! THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Welcomes you to come and worship with us Parish of New Beginnings Holy Eucharist - June 29 Rev. Thelma Kudelka Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. 519-523-9595 St. John's, Brussels 11:15 a.m. 519-887-6862 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 All Welcome Sunday, June 29 Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Emily Phillips Sunday school will resume September 14th getlivingwater.org Pastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848 Living Water Christian Fellowship June 29 - Matthew 6:1-8 10:30 a.m. ~ Worship & Sunday School at Blyth Public School, corner of King & Mill The Priority of Simplicity and Sincerity Christ-centred, Bible-believing, Fellowship-friendly, Growth-geared Pray God will keep Canada True, Glorious & Free BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Sandra Cable, Worship Leader Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca Sunday, June 29 Ethel United Church Worship Service - 9:30 a.m. Brussels United Church Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Celebrating our Christian Faith together in worship Rededication of World War I Memorial Window at 11:00 a.m. Special music by Seaforth Harmony Kings. Light lunch to follow. Everyone welcome. MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 519-887-9831 11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship - Sunday School 9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service Youre Invited to come worship with us Sunday, June 29th Brussels Public School 10:30 am and 6:30 pm 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