Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-01-15, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15,1992. From the Minister's Study Don’t pack Christmas away with the decorations BY STEVE WEBB Have a look around. Do you see it? Listen! can you hear it? Is any­ one still talking about it? Not like­ ly. The only thing you might still hear about Christmas is the com­ plaints about the bills that are still to come in the mail. Most of the Christmas decora­ tions are down and packed away for another year. The trees that you see lying on their sides have a bit of tinsel hanging from dry branches. The rush, the excitement and all the talk of Christmas has died away. Some welcome this, some think of it as just the passing of seasons and some like myself are sad to see it go. Oh I know that it can only last for a short time, especially within the Christian calendar but ... Just think, only a few weeks ago the children were filled with an excitement that made them bubble over. An excitement that was creat­ ed by the fantasy of Santa and all the elves and the reindeer, of pre­ sents and snow and stories. It was also created by the wonder of a child and a stable, of animals and angels and shepherds. Somehow, in their minds, this was all mingled together on Christmas morning and the excitement within was bursting out with squeals of laughter and joy. And it got you too! You got caught up in it as well. Even if not in the same way as the children, you felt the excitement as well. The wonder and mystery that sur­ rounds Christmas morning got you in its grip and you felt a certain joy and peace. Everything seemed brighter and better. The world rejoiced in the Christ child and the miracle that touched our lives in such a tremendous way. We cele­ brate with family and friends and with the joy of children our salva­ tion. What puzzles me is where it went. Where is that feeling? Is Christ gone? Have children become joyless? Have we suddenly been forced to act sober and somber in response to our religion? It's almost as if it's okay if it's Christmas, then we can celebrate but let's get our acts back together for the rest of the year. Not so. Now is as great a time to celebrate as any, now is the season of Epiphany. Epiphany is the reve­ lation of the Christ Child as the Son of God to the gentiles. That is you and me. Now is our time to rejoice for now we realize that Christ came as the child in a manger not only for God's chosen people, but for all people. Now we are among the chosen of God, is that not some­ thing to rejoice within? So, if by accident you packed Christ away with the Christmas decorations, take him back out, continue your celebration and rejoice that Christ has chosen to come to you. Blyth United hears of Jesus* baptism Greeters at Blyth United Church January 12 were Linda and Donald Stewart. Ushers were Lorna and Kathy Fraser and Lloyd Sippel. Norma Ramirez looked after the nursery and Elaine Brown looked after Junior Congregation. Rev. Ramirez opened the service with call to worship. The hymns “Fairest Lord Jesus” and “Softly and Ten derly” were sung. The scripture les­ son was from Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22. Pro-Life sponsors TV documentary The Wingham Pro-Life Chapter met for its monthly meeting on Jan. 6. Rev. Vauldry opened the meet­ ing with a reflection of Christmas and the incredible birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Members marvelled at the powerful circum­ stances Christ overcame. It remind­ ed them of the Pro-Lifers work, and the many difficulties we must also be willing to endure. A reminder was given to tune in to Channel 8, CKNX on Sunday, January 19 at 7:30 a.m. to view The choir sang a beautiful anthem “More Love to Thee” with Phyllis Boak at the piano. Floral arrange­ ments from the funeral of John Young were placed by his family. Rev. Ramirez' sermon was “The Baptism of Jesus the son of our sal­ vation.” He said that no matter how great a preacher he cannot prevail unless our minds and our hearts are open to God and welcome the “Feel The Heartbeat”. A sympa­ thetic, personal documentary which looks at unwed mothers; their courage, their needs, and what is being done to help them. An upcoming ad will be placed in the Wingham Advanced Times Plus displaying the logo “Some Life Is Protected, Some Is Not”. A government bill was passed in Oct. ’91 regarding the removal of non-commercial field signs effec­ tive in 1993. That in turn means any existing Pro-Life signs will gospel. The service closed with prayer. The hymn “My Faith looks up to Thee” was sung. Benediction and choral response followed. In hospital are Shirley Fyfe and Barb Musty. Dates to remember and children's choir practice, Thursday after school; Coffee Break, Wednesdays 10 - 11:30; annual congregation meeting Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. All reports are to be handed in by January 17. ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. E. Paul Acton 887-9273 2nd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY - JAN. 19 (M.P.) TRINITY, BLYTH ST. JOHN’S, BRUSSELS 11:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. have to be removed in the near future. A reminder was given to all pro- life members that membership pay­ ments for 1992 are due. Funds were sent to support “No Way Out”, a clinic which offers support to women and alternatives to abortion. It is located directly across from a very active abortion clinic. The motion to send money to encourage ‘Straight Talk Youth Counselling’ was also made and supported. This program is receiving excellent results. BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship -Church School - Nursery 9:30 a.m. - Ethel Worship Service O safe to the Rock that Is higher than I 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 ‘Beginnings’ theme of Sunshine UCW MELVILLE The Sunshine Unit of the Blyth U.C.W. met Jan. 9 in the church parlour. Gladys Caldwell and Hen- nie Meier were in charge of the devotions. The theme chosen was “Beginnings”. The hymns, “Standing at the Por­ tal” and “How Sweet the Name of Jesus sounds” were sung. The scripture reading was taken from Genesis chap. 1, verses 1-8 and John, first chap. 1-5. Hennie lead in prayer followed by the wor­ ship on “New Beginnings” led by Gladys. Hennie closed with prayer and a reading “The Remarkable Lady”. Melda McElroy took the study and gave a very informative talk and question period on the life of Prayer Sunday held at Brussels Mennonite On Sunday, January 12, Pastor Tom Warner continued his series on “Humbleness, Heaven, Heal­ ing”. He based his message on Chronicles 7: 12-22. Prayer cards were also filled in and distributed during the service. Following the Christian Educa­ tion Hour the congregation and friends gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a pot luck meal. After lunch Tom led the adults in a prayer session in the Chapel while the Youth entertained the children. Four points were emphasized: cleansing, exaltation, revival of faith and love, and community. John Wesley. The year 1991 marked the 200th anniversary of his death. While he was alive, he spoke out against the evils and abuses entrenched in his society. He protested against the slave trade. He challenged the privileges of the rich and oppression of the poor. He took steps to eliminate violence against women. He set up social services to care for the poor. He was a man ahead of his time. He insisted that all we have is God's, and that as God's stewards, we need to use our resources and our possessions - to improve God's earth. Bea Chambers, President, presid­ ed for the business portion of the meeting. She read a humorous The Venture Club for community children grades 3-6 met on Thurs­ day evening in the gymnasium, for the weekly meeting. Any children of the appropriate age are welcome. Several committee meetings were also held in mid-week. The Youth have planned a “study break” of skiing on Friday, Jan. 17, weather permitting. There will also be an evening of adult fellowship at the Church on Saturday evening, Jan. 18. Volleyball, board games, crokinole, etc. will be on the agen­ da for an informal evening of fun. All are welcome. poem and all repeated the U.C.W. Purpose. The minutes were read by Feme McDowell and 20 answered the roll call. The treasurer's report was given by Marj East. The birth­ day money was received by Gene Snell. On April 26 the morning service at the Blyth United Church, will be in charge of the U.C.W. in celebra­ tion of their 30th anniversary. Lavonne Ballagh will be the guest speaker. The Harvest Bonanza is set for Nov. 5, 6 and 7. The meeting closed by all repeat­ ing the U.C.W. benediction and the singing of grace, followed by a dainty lunch served by Feme McDowell, Marj East and Bea Chambers. Men's Life is starting their second session on Monday, January 20/92 8 p.m. at the home of Murray and Doreen Slertsema. We will be studying the booklet entitled "Be a Winner." This booklet covers topics such as worry, grief and anger. We will explore these themes from the Bible with a special concern to find practical ideas which we can use in our personal Ilves. 7 lessons In all, and we meet every other Monday. We would be delighted to have you as part of our group. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. -Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. BLYTH CHRISTIAN A REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH DR. W. H. LAMMERS Sunday at 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. ******** 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. All Visitors “Welcome ‘Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP 9:30 a.m. - Worship Service 10:30 a.m. - Christian Education Hour for all ages Pastor Gordon Bauman 887-6388 Crown Him Lord of All Elder Sharon Freeman 887-6564 Everyone Welcome Annual Meeting - January 21,1992 at 7:15 p.m. (Storm Date January 22)