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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-03-15, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2007.One of the special things about theInternational World Day of Prayerservice, an ecumenical Christianservice, is recognizing that people around the world, in their own time zones are using the same service of worship. It gives a particular feeling of connectedness. On March 2, the set day for the service, this area was recovering from an ice storm. Many communities did, however, hold their service that day. Londesborough’s UCW decided to postpone the service for a week. Under much better weather conditions, those at the service still felt that special connectedness with sisters around the world. Another unique feature of theservice is that each year the serviceis prepared by women’s councils indifferent countries. The women of Paraguay had prepared the service for 2007. This practice means we learn about that land and the life of its people, particularly the women. Paraguay is a small, land-locked country in the heart of South America which has been plagued by wars and dictatorships. The people are recovering from poverty, environmental destruction and repression. Paraguayans are known for their handmade spider web lace or nanduti and their folk music. The women attending Londesborough’s service watched a narrated video which gave insight into the land andits inhabitants.The service was titled UnitedUnder God’s Tent. There are many references to tents and cloaks in the Bible. The title was chosen to symbolize the journey towards the unity of all humankind with respect for differences. In the book of Genesis one finds the story of Abraham and Sarah, who with their tent set out to start a new nation. The women of Paraguay feel the world is still journeying to be one nation united under God’s cloak/tent. Women who attended a service were encouraged to wear a shawl or cloak as in the manner of a prayershawl, being wrapped in God’s care.At the end of the service womenpulled the shawl over their heads like a tent. The strands and patterns of the nanduti lace are intricately woven together to create beautiful pieces. Similarly the peoples of the world can be drawn together in harmony through faith in God’s care and love. This unity will not come easily. In Ephesians 4: 1-16 Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus to work and live in harmony. He believed that for the world to live in mutual respect each person must value the personalities and gifts of others. The service at Londesborough was led by president Barb Bosman, Jane Hoggart, Rena Kolkman and Lena Nesbit. Several appropriate hymns were included such as In Christ There Is No East or West and Make Me a Channel of Your Peace. Other women read segments representing the voices of women of Paraguay. The gospel reading, Luke 13: 1-9, tells of a fig tree that for three years bore no fruit. When the owner wanted to cut it down, the gardener convinced him to give the tree more time. The Gift of Time was the title of the message by Rev. Pat Cook at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, March 11. With the boys and girls gathered at the front, Rev. Pat talked about what is needed to make plants grow. They cut an apple to show God’s sign in the centre. She remarked to them that all of us grow in different ways. Then they discussed how each of them could help others grow. By a loving, caring example seemed to be the consensus. The responsive psalm, Psalm 63, speaks of God’s constant love that stands the tests of time. In her message, Rev. Cook, reminded the adults that no matter how many times a person repents and turns back to God, He will welcome them. God has infinite love and time to give all of us time to change. John and Barb Jewitt favoured the congregation with a duet, Mansion Over the Hilltop. Rick and Brenda Konarski led the Lenten Tennebrae that third morning of Lent. Their theme was to celebrate the faith, hope and love found at the cross. The minute for mission read by Joan Whyte reassured Christians that God will not let one of His children be tested beyond what they can endure. A corner drop-in centre associated with St. Stephens’ Community House brings people back from the edge and helps renew their lives. The successes they experience are made possible through the funds donated to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church. The flowers in the sanctuary that morning had been placed in loving memory of Lloyd Josling by his family. Please join the Sunday school on Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. for the annual crokinole party. This is always a noisy, fun evening so come along and be a part. Snacks will be provided. Time, minister’s message The Happy Gang Seniors of Londesborough played host to two card parties at the Londesborough Community Hall last week. For a week that began with severe weather, both events were fortunate to experience good conditions. On Thursday afternoon, March 8, a card party to benefit the auxiliary of the Clinton Public Hospital included dessert. On hand to welcome guests were auxiliary members, Shirley Carter and Alice Andrews of Clinton. Shirley gave a short presentation on the work of the auxiliary and mentioned plans for the future for which funds raised at the card parties would be used. She thanked everyone for coming. There were 16 tables of card players. When results were tallied, Murray Forbes was declared high man with 80 points. Similarly, Shirley Gilders won the prize for high lady having scored 76 points. Having successfully played five lone hands, Willis Bromley won the men’s prize for most lone hands. The lady’s prize for most lone hands was shared by Joanne MacDonald and Irene Heimpel for four. A bird door knocker donated by Nature’s Nest for a door prize was won by Doug Cartwright. The other door prizes, donated by members of the Londesborough seniors group, were a wooden lamp won by Eileen Kuenzig and an afghan won by Ruth Shiell. There were also draws for 30 items donated by Londesborough members. On Friday evening, there were 17 1/2 tables of euchre players gathered at the hall. With 79 points George and Deanna Bacon were the evening’s high couple. Mabel Wheeler and Helen Dale placed second with 74 points. For scoring 70 points Willis and Marie Bromley were awarded third prize. With a tally of six, Charlie and Millie Johnston were the most lone hands winners. The Happy Gang Seniors will hold their next euchre party on Friday, April 13. UCW hosts World Day of Prayer Kid’s Books I WANT TO BE A COWBOY A child’s introduction into what it’s like to be a real-life modern cowboy. $3.99 I WANT TO BE A VET Do you know a youngster who wants to be a vet? This colourful book gives a hint of what the job entails. (Ages 4-7) $3.99 I WANT TO BE A TRUCK DRIVER For the youngster who dreams of trucks, a small, illustrated book that gives an insight into what it’s like to make a living driving a truck in Canada. $3.99 MA, I’M A FARMER Fred didn’t like his city job so he decided to become a farmer. But things proved tougher than he thought so he added hi-tech gizmos to his farm. Michael Martchenko writes and illustrates his story. $6.95 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 The Citizen Other great books available at... BARNYARD GAMES & PUZZLES For kids who like the farm this book contains 100 mazes, word games, jokes and riddles, brain teasers and fun activities illustrated with lots of cartoon barnyard animals. $12.95 THE BARNYARD READ-AND- PLAY STICKER BOOK Stories of farm animals and activities, plus the chance for kids to create their own stories with 80 reuseable vinyl stickers. $10.95 THE HORSE FARM READ-AND-PLAY STICKER BOOK For kids who love horses, this book provides information on everything from feeding and grooming horses to safety with horses and riding tips. Added pleasure with 80 reusable vinyl stickers. $9.95 What is the point of life? Is forgiveness possible? What happens when you die? What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today? The ALPHA course * an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening manner * more than 2 million people worldwide have already found it to be a worthwhile experience * Alpha is for everyone, especially: those wanting to investigate Christianity, new Christians, newcomers to the church, those who want to brush up on the basics For information, call Harvey at 519-523-4711 “An Opportunity to Explore the Meaning of Life” NEWS FROM LONDESBORO 16 tables in play at euchre party CCllaassssiiffiieedd aaddvveerrttiisseemmeennttss ppuubblliisshheedd iinn TThhee CCiittiizzeenn aarree nnooww aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn oouurr wweebbssiittee aatt wwwwww..nnoorrtthhhhuurroonn..oonn..ccaa