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The Citizen, 1992-03-25, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25,1992. PAGE 15. From the Minister's Study Funeral homes offer many services BY STEVEN WEBB KNOX PRESBYTERIAN, CRANBROOK A fascinating column title, “From the Minister's Desk”. If you ever saw mine you would wonder at times how I ever find anything on it let alone write anything from it. Yet you know, if I need anything, I can usually find it, despite what Patti says. I clean it at least once a month and sometimes as often as once a week. Anyway here is another thought from the midst of what others think is clutter, never mind what they think of the things I write. Today I went to a meeting of the ministerial that I attend and listened to a tremendous young speaker. He is a funeral director, not one that I have ever worked with but whom the others had. He spoke about some of the new changes that have been legislated and some that are coming about because of consumer wants in regard to funeral services. I have to admit that looking at funerals from the minister's point of view, I have never thought of funeral preparations and arrange­ ments as consumer items. I do real­ ize that many people today do look to the Church to provide services in the same way as people today do look to the Church to provide ser­ vices in the same way as they do their shopping, dental work and health or income tax. Yet it makes sense the way that it was described, these are major purchases, major costs. We were reminded that few peo­ ple would go out and buy a major appliance or make a renovation to their house without checking prices and making sure that they are get­ ting a good deal. Yet when it comes to funerals, people do not consider this. They are very trusting and I thank God that most funeral homes and directors are also very honest. It also made me stop and think of how fortunate we are that there are still the small town funeral homes that we know and have always felt comfortable with. Places that we can go and know without a doubt that they are more concerned about our needs and feelings than they are with selling “Consumer Items”. Yet, even though we are so well cared for and looked after, there are a few things that I felt you should think about as well. 1 have long known about prearranged funeral services, but I did not know all that could be done and the variety of things that can be arranged. I did not know of the range of services that are available from most funeral homes but there arc a lot. It is really surprising the number of services and types of arrangements that can be made. Did you know that you can pay today for your own funeral and that price is guaranteed? Did you know that you can make as many or as few of the arrangements as you want? You can pick your casket, your music or any number of things. You can also leave some of the arrangements to your family at the time of death so that they feel, and more importantly that they are, involved in the arrangements of something that affects them so dra­ matically. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to these prear­ ranged funerals and it depends a great deal on how you feel about it personally. Things like cost savings versus anxiety, your feelings versus theirs, yet all in all, preoccupation with dcaih, it may simply mean that you arc concerned about your wish­ es being carried out it may mean that you are trying to help your family in what will be a very stress­ ful time. It may also mean that you realize death is inevitable and not as frightening for those who die in Christ as it is for others. If any of this sounds interesting to you, go and talk with your local funeral director about them. Get the facts straight from them and please do not quote me on any of them, their services may differ. I do know however, that all of the funeral directors that I deal with, will talk with you about these services and answer your questions and help you make whatever arrangements that they can. 1 realize that this type of thing is not for everyone, but it is well worth our thinking about. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday March 29 - 4th Sunday in Lent at Trinity, Blyth St. John's, Brussels 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. The Rev’d E. Paul Acton, 887-9273 BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. Melville prepares for Easter February was a busy month with lots of learning going on at Melville Presbyterian Church. Through the month worshippers were greeted by Allan and Cheryl Krotz and family, Bill and Tammy King and family, Gerald and Isabel Gibson and Mary and Murray Huether. Elders for the month were Graham Work and Dave McCutcheon. Thirteen children met for two Sundays to study with minister Carolyn McAvoy to work towards their ‘religion in life’ badge for Scouts/Guides/Cubs/Brownies. The children learned various stories about Jesus' life, biblical characters and what it is to be a Presbyterian. Each child had to choose a mission project to carry out. Badges were presented with some leaders pre­ sent on February 23. Also this month a confirmation class was begun, as eight young ‘twenty something’ people consider the main ideas of Christina faith, and how that faith is relevant in their daily life. The second class was led by elders Brian and Elaine Armstrong, and Mary Douma. Some 75 adults and children enjoyed the skating and chili party on February 16, organized by the Sunday School teachers. The teach­ ers are also presently working on a new banner to beautify the sanctu­ ary and inspire worshippers. The church school will present this ban­ ner at a special service on Mother's Day. Melville's ‘thirty something’ group had a great time on February 22 with a pot luck super and games. Plans are underway for members of the social group to plan seasonal events throughout the year. Several gathered together on Saturday, March 7 for an intergenerational congregational event, a pot luck dinner and games afterward. Melville youth group continues to meet and grow, having three events in February: bowling, vol­ leyball and a discussion on AIDS. They enjoy getting together for good fun, and talking about their Christian beliefs and how they affect daily teenage living. Melville is preparing for Easter with a sermon series on Christ's seven words from the cross. The series continues for the six Sundays in Lent, and concludes at the now annual Maundy Thursday ecumeni­ cal communion service at Melville on April 16 at 7:30 p.m. The first Sunday will begin with the first word “forgive them father, for they know not what they do.” Also the children will learn about Lent and the events leading up to Easter by “Bible Pictionary”, dur­ ing their story time in church. On Sunday, March 29, the Ses­ sion of Melville will again host an evening to welcome the people wishing to transfer to or join Melville Church. They will be wel­ comed into the fellowship on Com­ munion Sunday, April 5. Elders for March are Jim Bow­ man and Jeff Cardiff, and the head usher is David Adams. Worship­ pers will be greeted throughout the month by: Jeff and Cathy Cardiff and family, Ethel Brewer and Dianne Huether and family, Dwayne and Tammy Gibson and family. CRC Spring Bazaar a success The congregation at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church was greeted by Bert and Carol Reinink on Sunday, March 22. Rev. Hanegraaf of Woodstock was the guest minister. The open­ ing hymn of praise was, “Hallelu­ jah, Hallelujah!” which was accompanied by Angela Verburg at the organ. Rev. Hanegraaf extended a warm welcome to the congregation ask­ ing everyone to give a special wel­ come to two new families who recently became members. Re­ ceived into the membership were John Jr. and Tina Bos of Auburn and Gerrit and Reino Wilts and their daughter Joanne of Londes- boro. Rev. Hanegraaf asked the con­ gregation to remember the sick and shut-ins through prayers, a visit, phone call or note. He also announced that pre-confession cat­ echism classes for the young peo­ ple would start after the morning services. After the reading of the law and a congregational prayer interspersed with some singing, Rev. Hanegraaf gave the message entitled, “ More Than Conquerors.” He mentioned that this was the season of Lent and read from Luke 23, which speaks of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. The service closed with the singing of hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” After the church service the chil­ dren, aged four to 12 attended Sun­ day school. The afternoon service was also led by Rev. Hanegraaf. The open­ ing hymn was “Great Is Thy Faith­ fulness” with Glenna Buffinga playing the organ. The congrega­ tion said the Apostles Creed in uni­ son followed by singing, congregational prayer and offering. The message was called, “Food that Endures”. Scripture reading was John 6, verses 22-35 with verse 27's, “I am the bread of life,” as the main point. Some of what he spoke on was that we struggle so hard in our labours for food, drink, treasures and pleasures but all of these things will come to an end. There comes a day when we all must die. He said we must work not in the first place for food that perishes, but for work that lasts unto eternity. When we believe in Jesus Christ and surren­ der our life to him we will be satis­ fied. We will want to be a worker for God out of the thankfulness to Jesus and we will have a vibrance to serve others. When the final moments come we will know there is life in eternity, in the heavenly Jerusalem. The closing hymn was, “In Sweet Communion Lord with Thee”. On Wednesday evening, March 18 the annual Spring Bazaar was held. Approximately $2,450 was raised. The bazaar committee thanks all of those who came out and all who donated items. On Thursday evening, March 19 a Prayer Service was held to ask for God's blessings on the upcoming growing season recognizing God as the Creator and Sustaincr of all life. 9:30 a.m. MELVILLE Turn to God who will give you pardon - Morning Worship Service - "The Prodigal Father" - Sacrament of Infant Baptism - Church School -Nursery ****** -Ethel Morning Worship Service -Church School****** PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. -Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service Tuesday - 4:15 p.m. - Kid's Klub Wednesday - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth BLYTH CHRISTIAN A REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH GUEST SPEAKER Sunday at 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. ******** The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:00 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. All Visitors ‘Welcome 'Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP •we like to hear the good news of Jesus •we like fun times as a family •we like potluck meals •we like special music Why don't you give us a try?$ 9:30 a.m. - Worship Service 10:30 a.m . - Sunday School for all ages Jesus is the Joy of Living Pastor: Tom Warner Elder: Elwln Garland 887-6388 887-9017