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The Citizen, 1989-11-15, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989. From the Minister’s Study We must put sacrifice in proper context BY THE REVEREND DAVID A. T. FULLER, B.A. M. DIV. ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH BRUSSELS TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH BLYTH November is a unique month of the year for in it we take time to remember those who have preced­ ed us in the journey of faith. We started the month with the feast of All Saints’, a day in which we give thanks to God for those great women and men of faith who have witnessed to the coming of the Reign of God. A day later, on the second of November, we comme­ morated a day of remembrance for All Souls’, the faithful departed, who are now in the care of their loving and forgiving Creator. And this past weekend we remembered those who died in war, particularly those who died in the Great War and in the Second World War. Such dedication to “remem­ brance” is both commendable and necessary. After all, as children of God, we are called to give thanks for all the great blessings that God has given us. Those blessings include personal, social, political, economic, and religious freedoms. So “thanks be to God” for the thousands of women and men who died, and for those who are still ravaged by the brutality of war, so that we may enjoy these freedoms. However, in the midst of our “remembrance” and “thanksgiv­ ing” for those who sacrificed so much, let us not forget the “here and now”, the 1990’s and the fast-approaching new century. We cannot afford, in an age plagued by the threat of nuclear holocaust, almost irreversible pollution, and blatant social injustice, to think solely of the sacrifices of the past. We must put these sacrifices into some kind of context. We must make sure those great sacrifices were not made in vain. It is mind-boggling to see that on the 50th anniversary of the beginn­ ing of World War II we live in a world that seems to be bent on destroying itself. Day after day we hear of statistics that tell us how just one year of military spending by the United States and the Soviet Union, channeled into agricultural and social programs, would elimi­ nate global hunger and recession. Such statistics certainly illumine the words of Dwight D. Eisen­ hower: “Every gun that is made, every war ship launched, every rocket fired, signifies a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, from those who are cold and not cloth­ ed.” It seems to me that with every dollar we spend “over-protecting” ourselves, and with every day wasted not feeding the hungry and clothing the cold, we make a mockery of the sacrifices of 50 and 70 years ago. The people involved in those horrible wars fought and died for justice, freedom, and peace. Where is “justice” when newborn children in Asia, Africa, and Latin America starve because their starving mothers cannot pro­ duce milk? Where is “freedom” when people are harrassed by the R.C.M.P. or the C.I.A. when they write letters to the leaders of opporessive regimes, objecting to their violations of human rights? Where is “peace” when the com­ bined nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. are capable of destroying every form of life on the planet? As we continue to prepare for yet another war, one may well ask “where are the great changes that previous wars have promised? I come from a family with a very long and very honourable military tradition. I am proud of that because it reflects a belief in service and sacrifice. However, having lost family in a war that promised justice, freedom, and lasting peace, I cannot help but be incensed when I see our society still embracing the values that run so clearly against the values my uncle fought and died for. It is time that we as a society truly use November to remember the past and take steps that will prevent history from repeating itself. Amen! Peace the theme of Bly th United Church minister's sermon Greeters for November 12 church service at Blyth United Church were Harvey Snell and Vera Bad- ley. Ushers were Les, Evelyn, Ian and Christy Caldwell. Flowers in the church sanctuary were from the funeral of Joseph Marks, placed in his memory by the family. Deepest sympathy is extended from the congregation. Lorna Fraser was in charge of Junior Congregation while Mary Lou Stewart was in Nursery. The senior choir’s anthem was “Let There Be Peace” accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Boak. It was announc­ ed that the regular U.C.W. meet­ ing will be held Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Also, for the month of November, there will be a mitten tree in the Narthex. Donations will go to Family and Children’s Services in Goderich. Scripture readings were taken from Isaiah 2(1-5) and Luke 6 Sunshine Unit holds Remembrance meeting The Sunshine Unit of the Blyth U.C.W. met November 9 in the church parlour. Gladys Caldwell and Hennie Meier were in charge of the devotions. The theme chosen was “Remembrance”. The hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” was sung with Melda McElroy at the piano. The scripture reading from second Timothy was read. Hennie and Gladys each gave a reading on Remembrance Day. “Stand up for Jesus” was sung. Gladys gave a reading and closed with a nice poem, “Our Heritage” and prayer. Ollie Craig took the study from the Mandate and told of the United Church interface projects. They are attempting to acquaint themselves with other faiths, such as Jewish, Hindu, Buddist, etc. as well as several other Christian denomina- tions. Among these faiths they found very Christ-like people. One of their projects is Vision Cable T. V., which they support. Bea Chambers co-president then took over thanking everyone for their help. She also thanked Lenore Davidson for taking charge of the October meeting in her absence. Feme McDowell read the minutes; Lenore Davidson, the card report; Marjorie East, the treasurer’s re­ port; Gene Snell, the birthdays. Roll call was answered by 18 members. The December meeting is on December 14 with a pot luck dinner at 12:30. Catherine Caldwell and Myrtle Vodden are in charge. The meeting closed with the U. C.W. benediction and singing grace. A dainty lunch was served by Vera Badley, Lenore Davidson and June Peck. Achievement nights planned for 4H clubs Life is fast paced. Families are involved in a variety of activities at home, at work and in the commun­ ity. Sometimes there does not seem to be enough time to get meals together. What we need are “Good Foods ... Fast”. That was just what the name of the fall 4H project was. Members have been busy cooking nutritious meals that are fast to make. Their wrapup programs are fast approaching and the public is invited to attend their evenings of skits, exhibits and demonstrations. All programs begin at 7:30 p.m. The nights are: Tuesday, Nov­ ember 21, Brussels Community Centre; Thursday, November 23, Exeter Public School; Monday, November 27, Ethel Public School; Wednesday, November 29, Brook­ side Public School; Wednesday, November 29, Clinton High School; Monday, December 4, Auburn Hall. (27-36) and formed the basis for sermon entitled “The Peace that God has designed for Us”. Rev. Ramirez began his message by reflecting on a major news event. The world, as well as the people of Germany reacted with awe and joy this week at the opening of the wall separating East and West of the country. One wonders if this is a beginning of one Germany after so many years of division. This event is symbolic of what God wants for the world. Rev. Ramirez said that the sooner we learn to live together in har­ mony and peace and realize we are one human race, the sooner we will find the peace that God had designed for us. In Isaiah it reads “And He shall judge among nations and shall rebuke many people and they shall beat their swords into plow shares and spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” God wants us to look after each other as brothers and sisters and take care of His creation. This weekend as we remember lost ones in past world wars we remember their great sacrifice for our freedom. Let us realize also at this time that God in Christ has given the supreme sacrifice once and for all for redemption of us all. Rev. Ramirez said that Jesus is our example, we must follow his command to love one another as he has loved us. I Luke 6 v. 27 Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.” We should treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated. We should also lend to one another, expecting nothing in re­ turn - our reward will come from God. We would be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful. Only if we live in this manner can v^e ever expect to have the peace that God has designed for us - peace eternal. The service concluded with sing­ ing of “0 God of Love, O King of Peace”. Melville Presbyterian Church BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00 - Morning Service Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us! ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Nov. 19/89 Pentecost27 HOLYEUCHARIST REV. DAVID FULLER B.A.M. DIV. 9:30a.m. 11:15a.m. Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, Brussels BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH King Street 887-9313 Rev. Cameron McMillan Sunday, Morning Worship November 19 Church School Facilities for babies and pre-schoolers Sovereign of Peace - Let peace reign in all the earth 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. 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, Global T.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME 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 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”