The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1986-12-30, Page 15From the Minister's Study THE CITIZEN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1986. PAGE 15. Should non-Christians have a Christian burial? BY JAMES H. CARNE, PASTOR HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH, AUBURN, ONTARIO. It all started with weddings. Like many other ministers I have long questioned the appropriateness of a “Christian” wedding for couples who want God to be a part of their marriage for the half hour, only, that the wedding ceremony lasts; except for emergencies, of course. And that got me thinking about funerals (and infant dedications and baptisms too, where the parents are not decidedly Chris tian! -But, that’sforanother time.) What really sharpened my focus on this subject was my return, after an absence of many years, to pastor the church in my home community where I first heard the gospel message and received Jesus Christ as my Saviour. As I visited up and down the familiar streets I was interested to discover those of my former neighbours who lived there still. Sure enough, the boyhood home of a pal of mine was still recognizable and his mother re sponded to my knock. Now, Jim and I had been close. We started to attend the church together and had become Chris tians about the same time. But, he did so at some risk. His father had forbidden him to go to church, and every time his disobedience was discovered, he suffered for it. Now, 30 years later, I am the pastor in the community, and a friend of the family. Jim’s father is still a professed atheist and is Brussels Bible Study holds last session The last Bible Study on Thessa lonians was held at the home of Marie McIntosh. In the morning the lesson was given under the capable leadership of Elizabeth Jamieson. At noon, a pot luck luncheon was partaken by all the members. A new study on Brussels man dies at 76 CLIFFORD HUNTER RILEY Clifford Hunter Riley of Brussels passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on Dec. 21,1986 in his 77th year. He was the son of the late John Riley and Elizabeth Wright. He is survived by three sisters: Evelyn, Mrs. Jack Hoph, Calgary; Irene, Mrs. Gordon Hoph, Stratford; and Marjorie, Mrs. Aaron Rease, Stratford. Also surviving are four nearing 80 years of age. The chilling possibility assaulted my senses: what is this man should die and the family should ask me to conduct the funeral service for a man who wouldn’t be caught dead in church while he was alive? What Peter will be presented in January and this is a wonderful way to learn the scriptures. Rev. Victor and Mrs. Jamieson are going to Chattanooga early in the New Year to take the Kay Arthur’s Precept Course for furth er studies. brothers, Gilbert of Orangeville; Oliver, Wroxeter; Ferguson, Wingham and Donald of Garnish, Newfoundland. He was predeceas ed by three sisters: Winnifred, Mrs. Sam Boulette; Jean, Mrs. Chester Alderson and Irma, Mrs. Lou Peachman. The funeral service was held at the M. L. Watts Funeral Home, Brussels on Dec. 23, 1986. Inter ment was in Maitland Bank Cemetery, Seaforth. prayer does one offer and what scripture does one read under those circumstances? There is no appropriate funeral ritual for the confessed atheist, or for others whowouldn’tprofesstobe such but who simply live as if God did not exist. I realize, of course, that the funeral service is for the benefit, largely, of the family, but how does one minister comfortably even to them, under such circumstances? There are two things that can be done. The first is that the honest and deliberate non-Christian can arrange to forego the usual “Christian” funeral, complete a Bly th Christian Reformed Church HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Rev. Roger Gelwicks Worship Services 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. The Church of the “Back to God Hour” and “Faith 20” Back to God Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith 20 5:00a.m. weekdays, Global T.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME with pastor and prayers, and opt for a mere gathering of the clan for thepurposeof camaraderie and comtniseration. The other option was expressed sheepishly by another former neighbour, a close friend of my father’s. Visitinginhishomeoneday, I ran these musings past him, partly pointed in his direction, I confess, for his previous involvement in things spiritual had been notice ably lacking. When I finished my speculating, hesaid, with awry smile, “Iguesslhadbetter be soon getting down to that church.” If the shoe fits, go thou and do likewise! BUSINESS DIRECTORY Rammeloo Rest Home •Room available •24hourcare [nurseonstaff] •Home cooked meals •$22.00 per day WHERECANYOU DO BETTER? Bus. 523-9478-Res. 523-4533 Filter Queen “IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN VARNA” 482-7103 APlease contnbute to.use O ^*sK1P5B1Canada! 6132346827 HELP BREAK THE PATTERN OF POVERTY > Bill Bromley Electric LONDESBORO PHONE 523-4506 1-800-265-9255 I. D. #3648 Brian Bromley 523-9483 Brad Bromley 523-9308 24 Hour Emergency Service Ward & Uptigrove Chartered Accountants Listowel 291-3040 Mitchell R.B. C.D. R.E. C.W. Brouse, C.A. R.H. Loree, C.A. G.J. Martin. C.A. R. C. Roswell, C.A. 348-8412 Karcher, C.A. Newell, C.A. Uptigrove, C.A. Advertising helps plan your budget. CANADIAN ADVERTISING FOUNDATION pRRmPOWER®"® a total, reliable fuel service WAYNE JEROME - SALES & SERVICE BELGRAVECO-OP AUBURNCO-OP 357-2711 or 523-4454 526-7262 TED MORAN Plumbing & Heating and Electrical •Plumbing •Heating •Sheet Metal •Air Conditioning • High Efficiency Furnaces 191 Josephine St.. WING HAM 357-2904 MANNING’SBUILDING SUPPLIES LIMITED HAMILTON STREET, BLYTH,523-9305 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8a.m. to5p.m. Sat. -8a.m. to noon ome see us forxoal, lumber, plywood, hardware paint, panelling, cement, and sports equipment Drive to Blytti ... where your $$ go further J K#- instruments & aCEESSlurilES Sorensen I Music 204 Main St. W., Listowel 291-3341 LyleYoungblut and son Plumbing and Heating BLYTH- 523-9585 SEPTIC TANK PUMPING M& E Sanitary Service Call Any Time KEN MILLER 887-6846 GARY EVANS 887-6583 BRUSSELS Frank Workman Electric “20 years serving Brussels iPj & area ’ ’ SS • Farm *Home • Commercial R.R.3,BRUSSELS 887-6867 Henry Exel Construction 1 ________ RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL, COMMERCIAL Brussels 887-6561 Cal Burke Electric ^^ Electrical L,d- kJ Contractors >_ Appliance & Refrigeration JjRjB Salas & Service SALES&WARRANTYSERVICE Wingham 357-2450 or 1-890-265-3025 40 Years Built by Quality & Service Open6daysa week j