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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2008-10-16, Page 24By Pastor Brent KipferBrussels Mennonite FellowshipBy the time you read this, thefederal election will be over and the new make-up of the House of Commons should be clear. I have no idea what that will look like - but I do know that some will be pleased. Some will be disappointed. I would be surprised if anyone is completely satisfied. Our democratic process regularly offers voters hope and frustration. In politics (like almost every sphere of life), there is an ongoing tension between what is and what could be. During an election campaign, each party works to sell its vision for our preferred future and invites voters to entrust it with the keys of government. In a world of constant change, governments shoot for a moving target. One issue is addressed (maybe with courage and vision; maybe not) and three more appear on the horizon. I am not prone to cynicism. I believe that God has created us with a need for government and I am thankful that - despite all its warts and shortcomings - I live in country where citizens have a voice inchoosing its leaders and shapingpublic policy. Still, my expectations for government are modest. I want leaders of character and wisdom who act with justice and compassion. I want them to be held accountable for their decisions, but I do not really expect them to create heaven on earth. That government has already been established. When I was younger, I was a bit confused when I heard Isaiah 9 read at Christmastime. I understood part of it, but much of its significance escaped me. Thinking of baby Jesus in the manger, it seemed natural to hear, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” but how could “the government be on his shoulders”? What does Jesus have to do with the government? I could feel the grandeur of his description as “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” but what does it mean to claim that “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end”?Our culture trains us to think ofJesus in a box marked “religion,”separate from the concerns of daily work, family life, school, economics, community building - and politics. If we read the Bible carefully, though, we learn that God is very interested in all these things - including politics. It turns out that the government of Jesus will be the only one that endures - and the only one that will not disappoint. Followers of Jesus based their lives on the politics of a crucified (and risen!) King. What do the politics of Jesus look like? The government of Jesus turns leadership on its head by promoting servants and demoting power-lovers. It delivers good news for the poor, freedom for prisoners and sight for the blind. It carries out an aggressive policy of love - even to its enemies. Founded on generosity and justice, it is marked by abundance, gratitude and joy. It forces itself on no one because becoming a citizen in the heavenly country requires a free decision; noone is automatically born with apassport for this realm. Jesus announced that his reign is upon us. You can already sees glimpses of it although its full establishment is still on its way. If it sounds too good to be true (like an over-the-top campaign promise), you can take a look at this government’s track record: a leader who is willing to pay the full cost for his programme (death on a cross), an empty tomb, and lives already being changed.How we get this government? Itstarts by claiming Jesus as your kingand inviting him to reign in your own life. You will see it grow from there: his government and peace will just keep increasing. PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008. VIVIAN I. WILSON Vivian I. Wilson of West Wawanosh passed away Oct. 8, 2008 at Wingham and District Hospital. She was 93. The former Vivian Tiffin was the beloved wife of the late Wallace Wilson. She was dearly loved by her daughter Wanda Wilson of RR2, Auburn and will also be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews, her friends and neighbours. Mrs. Wilson was predeceased by her brothers Wilber and Joseph Tiffin and a sister Olive Boyd. Visitation was at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow on Friday, Oct. 10, from 2- 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was held at the chapel, Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. Interment was in Dungannon Cemetery. Memorial donations to Lucknow Presbyterian Church, Sleeping Children Around the World or SPCA-Huron County would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. From the Minister’s StudyGovernment of Jesus only one to endure Join us for Friend Sunday Pastor Brent Kipfer 519-887-6388 at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship October 19 9:30 am Special morning worship featuring a drama: Two Putz Shy of a Birdie and special music Noon Potluck Fellowship Meal Youre Invited to come worship with us Sunday, October 19 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 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 October 19 Please join us for worship SUNDAYS Morning Service 10:00am Evening Service 7:30pm BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor John Kuperus Hwy. 4, Blyth 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! Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street Blyth United Church Office: 519-523-4224 Rev. Gary Clark All Welcome Sunday, October 19 Worship Service and Sunday School at 11:00 a.m. Birthday Sunday Luncheon following the service with donation at door BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Sandra Cable, Worship Leader Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca Sunday, October 19 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 MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available 519-887-9831 11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship - Sunday School 9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service Obituaries ON $5.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $5.00 + GST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen ATTENTION YOUTH We will be going to “Superbowl '08” November 7 in Hamilton this is an Adrenaline Pumping, Non- Stop, Action Packed, All-nighter that will have you buzzing! Call 519-526-1131 for more details! PASTOR 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 7:30 p.m. Evening Service & Youth Service getlivingwater.org Pastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848 Living Water Christian Fellowship October 19: Ex. 7:8ff, 8:16ff 10:30 a.m. ~ Worship & Sunday School at Blyth Public School, corner of King & Mill “Dangerous Enchantment: The Fashionable Fascination of the Occult” Christ-centred, Bible-believing, Fellowship-friendly, Growth-geared Tuesdays 7:30 pm - Wingham Bible Study 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 7:30 pm - Women at the Well Fridays 7:30 pm - Youth Group (at the school) Sat., Oct. 18, 9-3 “HOME PARTY” - many vendors, gift ideas!