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The Citizen, 1990-12-18, Page 17From the Minister's Study THE CITIZEN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1990. PAGE 17. Find time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas BY REV. BONNIE COLE ARNAL WALTON-BLUEVALE PASTORAL CHARGE The clock is ticking away and Christmas will soon be here. In the church the season of Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, a time to get our lives in order so that the Christ Child can be welcomed into our midst. But I wonder how many of us take that seriously. There isn’t a great deal that reminds us of the Christ Child in the busyness in which we find ourselves at this time of year. Our time is filled to overflowing with Katherine and Steven Huether Newlyweds live in Toronto LARONE - HUETHER Friends and family gathered at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in Seaforth on Saturday, June 30, 1990, for the celebration and blessing of marriage uniting Kath­ erine Jane Larone and Steven Ray Huether. The- Reverend C. Gregory Gil­ son, B.A., M. Div. officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Larone of RR 4, Seaforth and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Huether of RR 3, Walton. Maid of honor was Faye Carnochan, friend of the bride, and bridesmaids were Cindy Mordaunt, sister of the bride, Bonnie Johnston sister of the bride, Nancy Spittai, cousin of the bride, and Patty Spittai, cousin of the bride. Flower Auxiliary sells tickets for Christmas draw Activities for the coming holiday season were outlined by the presi­ dent, to the Auxiliary to Wingham and District Hospital at the November meeting. Members will serve beverages and squares to the hospital staff at coffee break time Dec. 7 and the president Mary Lou Cameron, Myrla Frank and another appointee will judge Christmas window paint­ ing at the hospital Dec. 14. All babies born in the hospital during the Christmas season will be sent home in hand-made Christmas stockings and a shawl will be Christmas parties, concerts, family get-togethers, shopping, mailing Christmas letters and cards, clean­ ing, baking and entertaining not to mention the occasional squabble about who is spending Christmas with whom. It is little wonder that many folks heave a sigh of relief on December 26, very glad that it’s all over for another year. If this seems all too familiar maybe it is time to take a step back from our busyness and take stock of what we are doing. At Christmas we celebrate the mystery of God taking on human flesh and coming to the world as a helpless vulner­ girl was Jennifer Mordaunt, niece of the bride. Best man was Dan Arts, friend of the groom, and guests were usher­ ed by John Huether, brother of the groom, Craig Merritt, friend of the groom, Michael Ellis, friend of the groom and Joe Fleming, friend of the groom. Ring bearer was Robert Johnston, nephew of the bride. A duet was sung by Lucille and Jayne Delaney, friends of the bride and groom, with Jayne also playing the organ for the ceremony. Readers were Paul Peggy from Bridge of Allan, Scotland, cousin of the bride; Teresa Donnolly, friend of the bride; and Deborah John­ ston, friend of the bride. Katherine and Steve reside in the Beaches area of Toronto. --Walden Photography. presented to the New Year’s baby, compliments of the Auxiliary. Approximately 20 tables from Lucknow, Teeswater and Wingham will participate in Marathon Hospi­ tal Bridge for the winter season. The Auxiliary will be contributing to pieces of equipment for hospital use in 1991. Ten Teen volunteers are giving service to the Long Term Unit mostly and their contribution is greatly appreciated. A Christmas draw for a clock and soap basket will be made. Tickets are available at the gift case. Next meeting is January 28, 1991. able baby. What signs point to the fact that the Christ Child is near? We know Christ is near when we feel God’s unfailing love that nurtures us and^enables us to grow in our faith towards a new whole­ ness as persons. We know that Christ is near when we timidly offer a God and prayer and it is overwhelmingly answered. We know that Christ is near when we see the face of Christ in those we meet - perhaps in a warm smile, an understanding nod or even a phone call just at the moment we are feeling terribly Students present Christmas show Stormy weather and early dis­ missals have already warned us that winter is here to stay. At Clinton and District Christian School many activities have contin­ ued to keep students and staff busy for the month of November. The parent-teacher interviews were held successfully the even­ ings of Nov. 14 and 15. It was great to sit down and discuss that which is important in the learning of our children. One staff opinion that was used in describing the interviews goes as follows: “It is an inspiration to hear parents voice their concerns about, not only the academic, social, and emotional qualities of their children, but also Season stressful The Holiday Season is coming and it’s the time of year when all of us revive memories of season’s past, be they reflections of warmth or thoughts of disappointment and loneliness. Stress is inevitable at this time of year, however, the ways in which we cope and assist others to cope, allows us to regain control. Setting priorities, delegating tasks and keeping the true purpose of the season in mind will help individuals contend with the holiday demands. A shrinking bank account, ex­ haustion, over indulgence in foods and beverages and failed expecta­ tions can tarnish the season’s anticipated joy that can be replete with stress and escalating de­ mands. Sharon Anderson, Public Education Co-ordinator at the Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, sug­ gests, “Make yourself a list, not of things you have to do or should do, but things you want to do; and stick to it!’’ The widespread acceptability of inter-faith marriages has brought its share of “holiday conflicts’’ as a balance is sought to perform cer­ tain cultural rituals. Parents must ensure that their children under­ stand the nature of their different faiths. For the elderly and homeless their plight is only magnified. As the rest of the world carries on at a frenetic pace, the lonely are forced to look back at “what was’’ or “what may have been”. Family activities and the joy of being with those we care about is not a reality for everyone. Anderson adds, “use the time to share yourself with others. Be a volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. Invite another solitary person to share your holi­ day meal; or spend the day helping an organization that provides Christmas dinners for people who are alone.” lonely or afraid. Yes, the signs are all around if we are not too frantic and too busy to see them. I believe that the Christ Child will feel welcome when we begin to take charge of our own lives and how we prepare for Christmas. Perhaps it is time to sift through what we do. The meaningful traditions we can keep but the things we do just out of habit or out of a sense of duty we discard. In fact we might even choose to reach out and share the presence of the Christ Child with others. Those who are grieving, those who are ill, about their spiritual qualities.” The time was well spent. Students of grade 5-8 are invited to stay after school on Wednesdays until 4:30 to improve and practise their volleyball skills. Many stu­ dents are taking advantage of this extra-curricular activity under the supervision of Mrs. Roorda and Mr. VanLingen. Soon it will be time to consider making teams for the upcoming tournaments. Two collections have been held to date for the UPC campaign in connection with Computers for Kids. The goal is high; the symbols are slow to come in; however, an extension of the program has been announced. The campaign now runs until the end of May 1990. We hope parents and friends will continue to support our cause. Remembrance Day writings for BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMEDCHURCH HIGHWAY4, BLYTH DR. W. H. LAMMERS Sunday at 10a.m. and 2:30p.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 Faith20 5:00a.m. Weekdays,GlobalT.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 10:00 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service 8:00 p.m. - Evening Service Tuesday, 4:15 ■» Kids’ Klub Wednesday - Livestyle Evangelism Friday, 7:30 - Youth Melville Presbyterian Church BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy Dec. 23-11:00 a.m. - Family Service Choir Cantata: “God’s Perfect Gift” Dec. 23 - 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service - Sermon: “Christmas Music: Christ’s Song” ****** Christmas EveService; 7:30p.m. at Melville Shared serviceof Brussels United and Melville Presbyterian Dramatic Message-Special Music -Children’sTime Come and celebrate Christmas with us!! ****** Dec. 30-9:30a.m.-BelgraveService -Sermon: “Christmas Music: Simeon’s Song” We welcome you to come and worship with us! those who live in difficult family situations and those who are facing economic hardship may experience more pain, despair and loneliness at Christmas time than during the rest of the year. For them it can seem like they are forgotten by a celebrating world. If we so choose, we can make a difference in the lives of others by sharing our time, our love, our presence. So let us take the time to make this Advent season reflect the true meaning of Christmas. And may the Christ Child find room in our hearts to let his love and peace and joy dwell there. the Royal Canadian Legion contest were well received. The following students submitted entries: Willena Ramaker, Lynda Dykstra, Rachel Lammers, and Billy Kline in the senior division; and Jessie Haak, Frances Reinink, and Colin Burns in the junior division. Many of these students placed in the top positions after the judging. All fundraising campaigns are now over for this term; the students were urged to deliver all their products and finish turning in the monies. With the first term report cards handed out Friday, Dec. 7, staff and students are now turning all their energy into final preparations for the Christmas program. “A Christmas Gloria” in music and the spoken word will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 D.V. at 8 p.m.