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The Citizen, 1990-05-02, Page 24PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990. Minister's Study 1,2,3 strikes...you’re in! in God’s ball game BY REV. CAROL McAVOY MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN IN BRUSSELS, AND KNOX PRESBYTERIAN IN BELGRAVE Take me out to the ball game .....I Yes those summer days are coming fast, or it sure feels like it. Many of us are pulling out the old glove, dusting it off and oiling it just right. Tossing the ball around with a friend, practising that home run swing. We are itching to get into that game situation, to run and hit and throw and catch, in a game that is so popular here where we live. Technically we may not be playing in the Sky-dome ... but when we catch that pop fly to end the inning, or we score that winning run, well we might as well be there! Kids and adults alike are scram­ bling to get their names registered and to set up a schedule, and several churches in Brussels are following suit. What better way to get together and share good times together, than in a friendly game of ball. So, the adult mixed church slow pitch begins. And you know, it all got me to thinking about the game itself. It is a very precise game isn’t it ... not too much room for errors. Each pitch is calculated against the batting style of the batter. Fielders carefully calculate their position on the field, according to whether they are left or right handed ... the jump or reach that they have ... and depending who is running on base. Each team cunningly capitalizes on the mistakes of the other team. There is little chance for error. And the epitome of this is the ritual at the plate. 1...2...3 strikes ... YOU’RE OUT ... period. How often we can live life like this too. We say to a person (not literally, mind you, but just the same) ... 1,2,3, strikes YOU’RE out! “He’s had his chances.’’ “How many times does she expect me to believe that story.” “I’ve had it up to here, no more!” “That is the last straw.” It is very hard to for us in our humanity to forgive, to continue to give people another chance. How easy it is to write a person off, give up on them, close the book. Jesus talks about forgiving peo- pie 70 times even. In other words, as often as necessary. Over and over again. Even though we find this a difficult thing to do, we can know that in Jesus Christ, God offers us this forgiveness, time and time again. Regardless of how far we fall he is there to pick us up again, and give us another chance, new life. ' The story of the prodigal son tells us this. Before the son has even reached his home and begun to apologize, the father has run out to meet him and welcomed him home. How many of you are familiar with the feeling of MISSING the easy pop fly catch that would have ended the game victorious for your team? Maybe you hung your head ... watched all the other layers skulk off the diamond, kicking the dirt, utterly disappointed. Your coach was slumped down on the bench, not even looking at you. What a feeling it is. Imagine if you did this ... lost the whole season on that catch, and instead of the coach and players looking dejected and blaming you ... they all ran out to right field, hoisted you on their shoulders and showed that it didn’t matter. Can you imagine! That’s the kind of love and unconditional support we find in God. You can’t find it in people, even at their best ... but you will always find that love and forgiveness in God. Listen hard, look deep inside and you will hear and see .... God says to each one of us .... “1,2,3 strikes .... YOU’RE IN!!!!” Brussels and Wingham churches welcome musicians this weekend Three area churches are gearing up to welcome two special visitors to the Wingham and Brussels area this weekend. A group of women from Wing­ ham United, St. Andrews Presby­ terian and Brussels Mennonite Fellowship became acquainted with Cathy Rempel Quicke through attending retreats at Pioneer Camp, which is part of Inter-Var­ sity Christian Fellowship. It is these women who have helped to organize a weekend of inspirational activities, so Cathy and her hus­ band Bob can bring their joyous ministry of music and scripture to Huron County. Cathy Rempel Quicke is a pro­ fessional Christian musician and a student of theology. She was bom in Saskatchewan with a visual disability which left her legally blind. In spite of this handicap, she obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Saskatchewan in voice and piano. She realized that God was leading her in a special way and out of her personal struggles has come a depth of ministry that is a blessing to all. Bob Quicke is a dramatist, preacher and youth minister and is presently taking graduate studies in theology. He has worked in design engineering, the computer Blyth United Church news Greeters at Blyth United Church Sunday, April 29 were Lloyd and Mary Walden. Ushers were Rod, Debbie, Kevin and Carrie Ansley. In charge of Junior Congregation was Norma Ramirez. Diane Fergu­ son was Nursery leader. A floral arrangement of pink carnations on the piano was placed in loving memory of Marjorie McNall by the Sparling family. The senior choir’s anthem was entitled “Because He Lives’’ accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Boak at the piano. It was announced that anyone interested in helping with Vacation Bible School contact Evelyn Caldwell at 523-9324/4224. This Friday, May 4 is the annual garage sale held at the Blyth arena from 7 - 9 p.m. For pickup on Thursday, May 3 call Joan at 523-9569 or Bonnie, 523-9326 be­ fore then. Following the announcements Rev. Ramirez gave the Minute For Missions. Scripture reading was John 21 (1-19) and the topic for the sermon was “Doing Mission for the Love of Christ”. industry, the trucking business and at one time ran his own bus company. Throughout his schooling and working life he has been associated with drama and music. His work with Sunday School, Scouts and a rock band has brought him into contact with the youth scene. Bob and Cathy were married in September 1989 and make their home in Vancouver where they both attend Regent College. On Saturday morning, May 5, Bob will be the guest speaker at a Men’s Fellowship Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship. His topic will be “Faith and Business — Are they mutually exclusive?” The cost is $4.00/person and anyone attend­ ing will be most welcomed. For further information call Bruce Campbell 357-1648, Ross Heming­ way 887-6348 or Bill Keil 357-2636. Tickets are also available at Rad­ ford Auto in Brussels. A ladies’ spring conference/re- treat will be held at the Wingham United Church from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 with Cathy Rempel Quicke as speaker, soloist and facilitator. Her three sessions will be (1) Finding your God, (2) Finding yourself, (3) Finding yourself in God. Good food, good music and good fellow­ ship will be the order of the day. To find out if there are any tickets left for this event call Gwen Laidlaw at 357-1721. Brussels Mennonite Fellowship, who are presently without a pastor, have invited Cathy and Bob to lead their Sunday morning worship service at 9:30 a.m. After Sunday School a noon hour potblessing lunch is being organized to give people an opportunity to become better acquainted with Bob and Cathy. Anyone wishing to attend this service will be warmly wel­ comed. On Sunday evening, Cathy and Bob will again join together to put on a Sacred Concert, sponsored by the Missions Committee of Brus­ sels Mennonite Fellowship. Cost of admission is $3.00/person, but elementary school children will be admitted free. Due to the large attendance expected, the concert is being held at Melville Presbyterian Church in Brussels. Proceeds from this concert will go for missions work and Brussels Mennonite Fel­ lowship wish to express their sincere apreciation to the members of Melville Presbyterian for gra­ ciously allowing this event to take place in their church. Anyone wishing further details about this weekend can contact Gwen Laidlaw 357-1721, Eleanor Ward 357-3898 or Bev Brown 887-9621. Cranbroolc Compiled by Mrs. Mac Engel. Phone 887-6645 Season’s last euchre held Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Tickner returned home on Sunday after spending the winter in Florida. Allan and Lynn Fretz visited Lynn’s parents, John and Mrs. McKinnon in Hillsburg and Lynn remained for the weekend. Foresters’ Euchre The last euchre of the season for the Canadian Foresters was held on April 27 with 16 tables playing. The many prizes were given as follows: high, Hazel McKenzie, Mary Bell; low, Jean Rolof, Verna Tunney; lone hands, Annie Engel, Bill Beirnes; lucky tables, Donald Clark, Margeurite Beirnes, Ann McMurchy, Merle McIntosh, Mar­ gery Ritchie, Roberta Simpson, John Subject; score of 71, Iona McLean, Jean Bewley; least moves, Violet Smith, Jim Smith; tallies, Mel Jacklin, Lloyd Smith, Alvin Ott, Agnes Harrow, Erma Brighton, Ken MacDonald, Ruth Martin, Isabelle Craig, Lourdes Genosa, Bill Dobson, Beatrice Ott, Marg MacDonald, Harold Met­ calfe, Bill Craig, Lome Smith, Iola Subject, Jean Conley, Joe Martin, Brenda Perrie, Becci Ruppel, Dor­ othy Hamilton, Lois Hart, Marjorie Metcalfe, Helen Dobson. On behalf of the Foresters Wil­ fred Strickler thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the card parties so well. K JH ONTARIO R MARCH k i OF DIMES Developing the ability in disabled odults BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH King Street 887-9313 Rev. Cameron McMillan Sunday, May 6th 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Church School 12:15 p.m. Church Membership Class 2:00 p.m. Callander Nursing Home Service God who touchest earth with beauty, make my heart anew. Blyth 9:30 a.m. ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA REV. DAVID FULLER, B.A., M. DIV. May6,1990 Easter 4 HOLY COMMUNION Brussels 11:15 a.m. Melville Presbyterian Church BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00-Morning Service Sunday School 9:30a.m.-Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us! HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH AUBURN PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE 526-7515 10:00 a.m.-Sunday School 11:00 a.m.-Morning Service 8:00 p.m.-Evening Service Wed.-Discipleship Training Fri. 7:30-Youth Sat. 10:30 a.m.-Kids Klub A BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMEDCHURCH HIGHWAY4, BLYTH Rev. W.H. Lammers Sundayat10a.m.and7:30p.m. Sunday School 11:00a.m. The Church of the ‘ ‘ Back to God Hour” and “Faith 20” Back to God Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith 205:00a.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 “Eveningappointments available”