Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-11-29, Page 17Minister’s Study THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1989. PAGE 17. Advent a time for reflection BY REV. BONNIE COLE ARNAL WALTON-BLUEVALE PASTORAL CHARGE The season of Advent begins on Sunday. Advent is a time of preparation. That is not startling news. Our society is involved in a time of preparation. Some time during mid-October city depart­ ment stores were decked out in Christmas finery. The ad cam­ paigns are urging us to get that unique and special gift for each person we love. I have already heard Christmas music on the radio. This week a woman ahead of me in the cashier’s lineup bragged that with these purchases, her Christmas shopping was now done. But Advent is not an invitation to get caught up in the Christmas rush. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation. It is filled with the joy, wonder and anticipation that comes with a new baby on the way. But it is not just an opportunity to get sentimental about the dear little baby Jesus. The birth of that child, that Word-made-flesh changed the course of human history. For us to be faithful followers of Jesus today, we are invited to be open to God’s power to change us and our world. So it is appropriate for us during Advent to reflect upon our lives and to discern where change might be needed. The Advent scripture passage gives us some direction as to where we might seek change. Romans 13 suggests that we ‘conduct our­ selves becomingly ... not in quar­ relling and jealousy.’ Now there is some food for thought! What does that passage say to us when we complain, “I just can’t get along with that person”? Perhaps we behave something like turtles. If you tap a turtle on the shell it automatically closes itself up within its shell. When we get a tap of some kind we often close ourselves up and don’t follow for God’s possibilities. But if we can stay open to God’s transforming power we can change and others can change as well. Sometimes we judge others and say, ‘‘Oh they’ll never change.” Deep down that may mean that we really think that we ourselves can never change either. But the truth of the matter is that God can and does change us. Every so often we hear a heartwarming story of parents who decide to adopt a troubled child. The child is sullen and angry because of past abuse and depriva­ tion. But eventually the uncondi­ tional love of the parents wins the child over and the child is trans­ formed into a person who can joyfully love and be loved. God’s love for us is like that. God loves us unconditionally. God loves us too much to leave us the way we are. The Advent season calls us to renew our faith in God’s coming kingdom Trusting in God’s faithful­ ness we can be transformed and grow more Christ-like. Special Pro-Life service held On Sunday, November 12 an Ecumenical Service was held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Wingham. Over 125 people took part in this prayer vigil. The purpose for the evening was to give witness to the sanctity of life. Rev. J. Vaudry welcomed all to the service which was initiated by Wingham Voice for Life and prepared by the Wingham ministerial association. Father S. Soltysik led the first prayer instruc­ ting us to seek good, not evil. He said that people have instinct to care for the health, growth and beauty of their body. The great treasure of human life is entrusted to them. Unfortunately today’s society negates the sanctity of human life. In faith and hope people turn to God to pray that civilization will see the sanctity of life in all. Mrs. Hiske Bakelaar read the old testament lesson from Exodus 2: 1-10. Rev. D. Madge led the responsive reading Psalm 139: 1-18. Captain B. Linkletter prayed the Thanksgiving. He reminded those present to be thankful for the human family, for the gift of Jesus Christ the Son of God, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and for our ability to be creative. Mrs. C. Keyvenhoven read the new testament lesson Matthew 2: 13-18. The meditation was given by Rev. D. Thielke from the Christian Reformed Church in Lucknow. Using the new testament lesson Rev. Thielke preached that the voice of Rachel crying for her children can be heard everywhere is the world today wherever life is being snuffed out and whenever life is held cheaply. In every land where abortion is allowed there is a deep sorrow for the children who are no more. God’s people should not feel discouraged but should carry on in hope and continue working for justice until all the anguish of human suffering is gone and the children live who ought to live - that is all children destined by God for life. God will give us strength. Rev. D. Whitelaw offered an Act of Contrition stating one must repent before God, receive forgive­ ness, create a clean spirit and serve God. Following prayers of intercession Rev. Vaudry gave the final bene­ diction. A time of fellowship fol­ lowed in the church hall. Blyth UCW alive and well and working together Things are alive and well at Blyth U.C.W. At the regular meet­ ing on Nov. 23, President June Peck noted that when you read over the lists of names of people, involved with the U.C.W. be it ladies who made pies or biscuits for the summer caterings, who worked at the Garage Sale or who sold clothes, etc. at the Harvest Bonan­ za, if makes you tremble with excitement to think of all those people working together for the benefit of our church. President June thanked all who helped this year in each of their capacities. Plans were made for the final meeting of 1989 to be held at the manse on Dec. 11. Mrs. Daer and Mrs. McClinchey conducted the worship on the theme ‘‘God Supplies our Needs”. June closed the meeting with a reading and a prayer. A lunch was served by Lenora Davidson and Vera Badley. 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” BacktoGod Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith20 5:00a.m. weekdays, Global T.V. All visitors welcome BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Creator of the starry height, Come in Thy holy might. King Street 887-9313 Rev. Cameron McMillan Advent Sunday,Morning Worship December 3 Communion 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Church School December 2 2:00 p.m. Children’s Bazaar 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 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! SURPRISE!!! ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Dec. 3/89 Advent 1 HOLYCOMMUNION REV. DAVID FULLER, B.A., M. DIV. 9:30a.m. 11:15a.m. Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, Brussels 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” Have you heard the news? Rick Mclnroy and Margaret Shortreed are getting married! It’s true! Come see for yourself. The ceremony is to take place in Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels on Saturday, December 30, 1989 at 4:30 p.m. The newlyweds would like to entertain all their friends on this special day with dancing from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Brussels. Another reception will be held in Marmora on Saturday, January 3, 1990.