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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-10-23, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1991. From the Minister's Study ’Newness* comes with conditions and costs BY PASTOR TOM WARNER BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP As a ‘New Kid On The Block’, so to speak, I must begin with a word of appreciation for the warm and friendly gestures and greetings we have received from the commu­ nity. Our family has been here since July, yet we feel as if we've known some folks a lot longer, due to their interest and acceptance of us. Thank you. When it comes to newness, a favorite verse from God's message to us is II Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, she/he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” How often we regret a past expe­ rience or word that has been upset­ ting, hurtful or painful in some way. How often we live with deep feelings of shame and guilt for what we've done in the past. Yet, God is one who gives us hope. It is not remarkable that in His view He will make us new? All too often we think God is in the business of judgement and punishment. Why is it then that He offers a fresh start? Only upon a full pardon of the past can a fresh start begin. God is love ,it is said, but do I believe this? Or do I believe God is a mean old man sitting high and powerful, who gives harsh orders and impossible expectations? The joy of newness is not only once, it is ongoing. It is always available to us whenever we become aware of a regretful and painful past experience. The message begins with ‘if’. Couple honeymoons in Poconos united in marriage. Rev. Paul Ross performed the double ring ceremony. Barb Bosman was the organist and Deb Siertsema, cousin of the groom was the soloist. The maid of honour was Karen Popp of Clinton, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Julie Young of Blyth, friend of the bride; Angela Nethery of Blyth, friend of the bride and Anita Boven of Blyth, friend of the bride. Krista Hewitt of Belgrave, niece of the groom was the flowergirl. The best man was Richard Roet- cisoender of Goderich, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Wayne Wheeler of Brussels, friend of groom; Kevin Wright of Londes- boro, brother of the bride, and Dave Popp of Clinton, brother-in-law of the bride. Steven Jankowski of Londesboro, friend of the bride was the ring bearer. After the ceremony a delicious meal was enjoyed at Goderich Township Hall followed by a reception. Following a wonderful honey­ moon to the Pocono Mountains and a tour of the Finger Lakes region in New York State, the happy couple reside in Goderich. Kimberley and Jeffrey Roetcisoender This small two-letter word contains the greatest message possible. It begins sentences like: “If only I had said, ‘I love you, before it was too late’”; “If only I had not hurt that person”. “If, if, if -- words of regret, words of pain - but words of hope also. “If only I had a new chance to try again.” The message is one of newness. The old, regret­ table and painful past will be as if it were dead, passed away if we are in Christ. The new, fresh future is ours from God to write new atti­ tudes, new words, new experiences, new habits, if we are in Christ. But newness comes with condi­ tions and costs. For our family to be new here meant we had to say ‘goodbye’ to old friends and rela­ tionships. It meant that a cost of time spent with new friends and relationships would be required, unless I want to be a hermit. So it is with newness of life from God. I must be willing to leave the past and say ‘goodbye’ to the old habits, old pains and regrets. I must meet this condition which is an expression of repentance of old ways. Then I must be willing to meet the cost of exerting the time and effort to develop new attitudes, new habits and a new direction in life. To be a Disciple of Christ is to daily say ‘goodbye’ to the old, and ‘hello’ to the new. Only in Christ is this life transferring available. Only in Christ will I experience this power to enjoy newness and a fresh start. My concern for our new commu­ nity is this very wonderful message to become real and fulfilling for all who we may share it with. In the meantime, God's peace be yours. WRIGHT - ROETCISOENDER On Saturday, September 21 at Londesboro United Church, Kim­ berley Ann Wright, daughter of Garnet and Margaret Wright of RR 1, Londesboro and Jeffrey Roet­ cisoender son of Hielke and Teresa Roetcisoender of Auburn were Poetry reading opens WMS The October meeting of Melville W.M.S. was held in the church par­ lour. The President Helen Elliott opened the meeting with a poem “Come let us sing unto the Lord” and prayer. Hymns were sung with Helen Elliott at the piano. The sec­ retary's and treasurer’s reports were given. An invitation was read to attend Belgrave W.M.S. on Octo­ ber 21 at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Carolyn McAvoy is to be guest speaker. The next meeting is to be Nov. 12. The subscriptions for Glad Tidings are to be given to Isabel Adams. The E.M.A. slips were handed in. The offering was taken by Isabel Adams and dedicated by Helen Elliott. For the scripture each mem­ ber read a Bible verse with thanks included. Isobel Gibson had as her topic “Be Thankful during all sea­ sons”. The roll call was answered with a Bible verse containing the word thanks. Helen Elliott gave a report of the fall rally held at Kin­ tail. Helen read Romans 12 and a paper on “changing times” and prayer. The meeting closed with the mizpah benediction. Tea and cook­ ies were served by Isobel Gibson and Helen Elliott and a social time enjoyed. The Great Commandments, topic of minister's sermon Greeters at Blyth United Church on October 19 were Stephen and Joan Caldwell. Ushers were Brian and Bev Walden and Faye and Erin Bolger. Cheryl Cronin led in a sing-song and Rev. Ramirez opened the ser­ vice with Call to Worship. The hymn “When Morning Gilds the Skies” was sung. The scripture les­ son was from Mark 12: 28-34 and the hymn “O Jesus I have promis­ es” was sung. Rev. Ramirez' chil­ dren's story was the meaning of the cross, love of God and love our neighbours and help others. The choir sang a beautiful anthem “How Great Thou Art” accompa­ nied by Mrs. Boak. Rev. Ramirez' sermon “The Great Commandments” and how to live a life with God. Service closed with prayer, hymn “Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts”, Benediction and choral response “To God Be the Glory”. Next Sun­ day, October 27 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. will be the Anniversary Ser­ vice with Rev. Evan McLagan as guest speaker. Friday, October 25 at 6:30 is the Anniversary supper. Tickets available at Webster's or Wilson's store, $7.50 adults, $3.50 children. Harvest Bonanza dona­ tions will be taken up to Nov. 4. Sale of clothing is Nov. 7 and 8 and Bazaar and Bake Sale, Nov. 9. If you're prone to making excuses, consider the benefits of being part of a church family: Friendship. Worship. Service. Love. Purpose in living. Hope. We warmly irwite you to check us out, where the emphasis is on love, not on rules. 9:30 a.m. - Worship Service 10:30 a.m. - Christian Education Hour for all ages BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP Pastor Tom Warner 887-6388 Elder John Baan 887-6967 ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. E. Paul Acton 887-9273 OCTOBER 27 - PENTECOST 23 TRINITY, BLYTH 9:30 A.M. ST. JOHN’S , BRUSSELS 11:15 A.M. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service Wednesday - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth MELVILLE 11:00 a m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. -Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy A BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Dr. W. H. LAMMERS Sunday at 10 a m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Evening Service 7:00 p.m. at Clinton Christian Reformed Church Combined worship service commemorating The Reformation Everyone Welcome The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:00 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. AU Visitors 'Welcome 'Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 119th Anniversary Service - Rev. Dr. Frank Morgan, Guest, former minister, Trinity United Church, Kitchener and Kitchener-Waterloo columnist. - Evening Service - An Hour of Music - Guests: Soundsatlon Singers, Tee - Congregational Singing - Ethel Worship Service Tht Church's ant foundation is Jesus Christ htr Lard