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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-01-03, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1990. PAGE 17. From the Minister’s Study Are the truths of old carols deep in our hearts? BY DON VAIR Christmas as officially observed on December 25. has come and gone, and we are not only just into a new year, but a new decade. Let us look briefly into these Christmas carols to see what gems of scriptural truth they contain; these songs that were on the lips of literally millions of people world- The truths that we focus in upon in a special way at Christmas, are for every day of 1990, and remain more solid than rock, for all the changing years to come. Leslie Cook and friend of the Blyth Christian Puppeteers were just two of the several entertainers to perform at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Hall last Thursday evening. CFFO skeptical of Ag. vision Ontario farmers should be skep­ tical of the federal government’s green paper, Growing Together, members of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario were advised by their president at their conven­ tion in Guelph early in December. “AgCanada’s vision document urges us to be more market responsive and become more com­ petitive, then new opportunities lie ahead it promises,” Jack Vander- kooy, CFFO president told the delegates. ‘‘But this same document offers very little in the way of identifying these opportunities,” he warned. Mr. Vanderkooy pointed out that just eight years ago, then Agricul­ ture Minister Eugene Whelan un­ veiled ‘‘Challenge for Growth: An Agri-Food Strategy for Canada”. That strategy promised renewed prosperity for agriculture by more aggressive marketing of our pro­ ducts on foreign markets. ‘‘Does it sound familiar?” Van­ derkooy asked. ‘‘What did the carols at Christmas, did you really understand what you were singing, or was it just all part of the celebration; along with the tradi­ tions of the tree, turkey, lights and fun? 1980’s bring us other than over- supply, depressed prices and trade subsidy wars? During the past decade export marketing strategies have failed because there are just no new markets to be found, other than those we might steal from competitors through artificial means.” The single most important issue facing Canadian farmers today according to Mr. Vanderkooy, are the current multinational trade negotiations. ‘‘Our pork producers and dairy­ men are learning the meaning of perestroika, American style.” Van­ derkooy said, referring to the current trade controversies with the U.S. about pork countervails and import restrictions on yogurt and ice cream. ‘‘How are we are to protect our fragile environment from the on­ slaught of our consumption-driven society, if U.S. competitors make it impossible for us to choose stewar- ship practices?” Vanderkooy won­ dered. munity hall, hospital and prison. These truths were sung by children in schools where even the Lord’s Prayer is no longer heard. ‘‘0 Come All Ye Faithful” says ‘‘...word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.” We understand from St. John chapter 1 that the “Word” always was, but was made flesh ie. came to earth as a baby conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin More needy families benefit from Bureau this Christmas For many needy area families this Christmas was a little brighter thanks to several local agencies. This year 740 children in 346 families county-wide received toys, food, and clothing from the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Co-or- dinator Peggy Denomme stated that this was an increase of 25 families over last year’s figures. Costs for the program will not be known until early 1990. Vangie Henderson of the Salva­ tion Army Citadel in Wingham estimates that close to 60 families, plus a few individuals, benefitted this year by the Salvation Army hampers. The Salvation Army serves people not helped by the Bureau, such as those outside Huron County in the Holyrood, Cargill, Bervie and Mildmay areas. The service also extends to Blyth, Gorrie, Whitechurch, Wroxeter and Fordwich areas, according to Mrs. Henderson. While the Christmas Bureau concentrates on families on general welfare assistance or mother’s allowance, the Salvation Army looks after singles, seniors and low income families who find the holidays a financial burden. The hamper contains children’s gifts, a turkey voucher, food supplies, nuts and candy and several days’ supply of canned goods. There are also hand-knitted items available for those who need it. Hullett Council approves study of township hall Hullett Township Council took steps at the Dec. 5 meeting of council to determine the structural soundness of the township hall in Londesboro. Council approved the hiring of W. E. Kelly and Associates to inspect the hall and prepare a report. The cost of the study will be $500. In other business, council gave final reading to a bylaw adopting the Community Improvement Plan for the village of Auburn. A bylaw was passed to put funds allocated for the operation of the Blyth and District Fire Area and unused this year into a reserve fund for future capital projects. The road superintendent was authorized to purchase a hot water power washer and to purchase and install a proper exhaust fan for the township workshop. He was also authorized to have oil and filter samples done on machines in 1990 at a cost of $290. A contract with Chamney Sanita­ tion for a three year period at a cost of $5200 a year was approved. Two township flags will be purchased to be placed in the Seaforth Community Centre and the township municipal building. Mary. ‘‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing” says ‘‘Offspring of the virgin’s womb.” This one who indwelt a human body was also the Christ, the Savior of the world. ‘‘Silent Night” says ‘‘Christ the Saviour is born.” Our carols go on to reveal that the World of Christ was in fact God. ‘‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing” declares ‘‘pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our This year the local Christmas campaigns were aided by a radio marathon on CKNX which was held a few weeks ago. The 12-hour marathon raised $5,616 including a single donation of $500. Donations were still coming in days later from listeners who were unable to get through, according to CKNX’s promotions co-ordinator, Trisha Freriks, who says the station is pleased with the results of this first time promotion and are plann­ ing to hold one next year. Melville Presbyterian Church BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00 - Morning Service Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service ( nil ull "'Hl We welcome you to come and worship with us! ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA January 7/90 Epiphany HOLYCOMMUNION REV. DAVID FULLER, B.A., M. DIV. 11:00p.m. 9:00p.m. Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, Brussels BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Rev. W. H. Lammers Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00a.m. TheChurchof the “Back toGod Hour” and “Faith20” Back to God Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith20 5:00a.m. weekdays, Global T.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME HURON SUPERIOR MEMORIALS “Established over 60 years” Serving Blyth, Brussels and all of Huron County Neil Elliott 153 High Street, Clinton Bus. 482-9441 Res. 482-1748 "Evening appointments available" HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH AUBURN PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE 526-7515 10 a.m. Family Bible School 11 a.m. Morning Worship 8 p.m. - Evening Service Wed., 8 p.m. - Prayer and Bible Study Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Youth Sat. 10:30 a.m. - Kids Klub Emmanuel” which literally means ‘‘God with us.” One of the most crucial truths to understand from our carols is that Christ was born to die. If you miss this gem, you miss the total meaning of Christmas. ‘‘Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” says ‘‘but with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn, they bore Thee to Calvary.” Yes friends, our carols tell us that this one who always lived, came to earth to die for you and me. John 3:16 ‘‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever be- lieveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Are the truths of these old carols just upon your lips, or are they in the deepest depths of your heart, because you have opened your heart’s door and personally invited Jesus Christ to come in; to wash away your sins in His bloodshed on Calvary? 1 trust by God’s grace that the Christ of Christmas lives within your heart making every day of this new year a day of praise and thanksgiving to God, for His mar­ vellous love.