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