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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-05-20, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1992. From the Minister's Study Look beyond the surface appearance PETER D. TUCKER B.A. B.D. BELGRAVE AND CALVIN-BRICK UNITED CHURCHES A short while ago I took my car in to a local garage because it was sorely in need of an oil change, lubrication and brake check. My action was stimulated in part because a special offer was advertised at the time. (I have never been able to resist a bargain.) Several times I have come home from farm auctions with “bargains” in tow. Each time I have been greeted with the words, (and justifiably so) “what in the world are you going to do with that thing?” Sometimes I know, and sometimes I don't know, but the point is that certain things in life are irresistible, simply because they appear to be bargains. My impression was that all was in good shape, as I try hard to maintain my vehicle as it should be maintained. But I gave routine permission for worn parts to be replaced as needed, went away, then returned in an hour expecting to find that the care was ready to go. As soon as I returned, I W. DeRuiter, guest pastor at CRC Serving as ushers for the May 17 morning service at Blyth Christian Reformed Church were Brenda Verburg and Gerry Exel. Mr. Walt DeRuiter was guest pastor for the day. After reading the Law, the hymn of Response was “In Sweet Communion Lord, with Thee.” The morning sermon was entitled “A Caring Mother”. The examples of Hannah (I Samuel 1: 9-18), and a Gentile Woman (in Matthew 15: 21-28) were used to portray a loving mother's persistence in faith, in relation to the well-being of her child. A caring mother will determinedly pursue what is best for her child and in these illustrations God's will recognized that something was wrong, for the car was still in the air with a mechanic hard at work on it. I had a sinking feeling in my wallet as I understood that my initial impression that all was well was far from accurate. In fact, the brakes needed a considerable amount of work done. Later I emerged from the garage with a mixture of relief and sorrow. The relief was because I was now sure of being able to stop in an emergency. The sorrow was because my monthly budget had been blown sky-high by unexpected expense. The everyday circumstances of life are very similar to our spiritual journey through life. Everything on the surface may appear to be rosey, but as we begin to examine in detail the facts of our lives we may well discover that surface appearances count for nothing. It has been said truly that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” but so many of us sail blindly on without any process of self-examination in place. Some simply assume that the purpose of life is to “have a good time.” The was sought out. These two scripture texts encourage parents to develop a prayer life of persistence and faith, with God's will always in mind. The evening service began at 7:30 p.m. In charge of nursery was Janie Wilts and Denise Ten Pas. Grace Datema served as the organist. Mr. DeRuiter chose to speak on the second chapter of Job. In the scripture illustration the severe trials and tribulations that Job encountered in his life, were discussed. Yet he persisted in faith and contentment, even when his friends became remote and his wife withdrew her support, and encouragement. Mr. DeRuiter said that in our own lives we also philosophy appears to be that of a man about whom Jesus talked. Without any regard for solid foundations he went about the task of building a house. All was well for a brief period. The house looked substantial. The owner was very pleased. But a storm came, flood water rose and it was soon apparent that the house was lacking in foundations, for it had been built upon sand, rather than a foundation of solid rock. He learned in a hurry that appearances are deceptive. As long as life is easy and the sun is shining, we may well see no reason for the examination of our lives. It is when the sun goes in, the storm crashed around us and the lightning of life strikes, that we need a strength and a companion­ ship greater than our own. A question then arises. “Where does my strength lie?” Is it in friends or neighbours? Is it in the things with which we have surrounded ourselves? Is it in our powers of intellect? There is a strength available to us which is always adequate for the pathways of life. That strength is God's strength. It is available to us encounter setbacks and crisis. He shared a personal loss that occurred in his own life, and reflected that no one welcomes these types of experiences but often when we have pulled through them and look back we realize just how much we have grown as a person, through the pain and anxiety. Often we learn to become more patient and we leam to rely on God. Can we remain content, satisfied, and all the while hold on to our integrity like Job, despite our personal crisis? Mr. DeRuiter ended by saying in spite of our hurts and frustrations our Lord will help us through every step of the way, everyday! immediately, and it is life's biggest bargain. It is free! Faith needs a foundation. That foundation is in Jesus Christ. When I drive my car these days I have a new confidence in its ability to stop in a hurry, and to protect THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday May 24 - 6th Sunday of Easter 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. 9:30 a.m. "Thank you 0 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 - 8 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth you are ‘WeCcome at the BLYTH CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for Children and Adults 11 -12:15 - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McCONNELL ST., BLYTH myself and others from harm and danger. That knowledge would not be mine unless I had looked beyond surface appearance and had a detailed examination done. Look beyond the surface appearance now. Your life depends on it! - Morning Worship - UCW - 30th Anniversary Service - Guest Speaker - Mr. Ian Hulley - Church School - Nursery ****** - Ethel Morning Worship Lord for the time that is now" Love, minister’s sermon topic Welcoming the congregation at Blyth United on Sunday, May 17 were Gordon and Catherine Caldwell. Ushering were Kathy and Sara McNichol and Colleen and Michelle McNichol. Hymns were “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “Savior Teach Me Day By Day”. John Ramirez was pianist. Leading Junior Congregation was Bonnie Shannon while Anne Elliott was in charge of the nursery. The senior choir's anthem was entitled “Wonderful Words of Life”. There will be a U.C.W. Executive meeting May 21. The third annual Mother's Day Tea is on May 27. On July 1 celebrate Canada's 125th birthday by walking, jogging, or bicycling from Wingham to Whitechurch. Next Sunday, May 24, Mr. Martin Baan will be speaking at the church about “Gideon Interna­ tional”. The scripture reading was from John 13 (31-35) and formed the basis for the message with the theme being Christ's new commandment. In verse 34, Jesus says “A New Commandment I Give Unto You That Ye Love One Another, As I Have Loved You”. By loving one another, men will know that we are disciples of Christ. Rev. Ramirez said that loving one another sums up the whole duty of Christians. He said that what counts is when we use ourselves to be God's instrument. He also stressed that Jesus said “Love One Another As I Have Loved You” - not as your mother, brother or friend loves you, but as Jesus loved you, enough to give his life for you - that is the type of love he demands. Many may memorize scripture and know a lot of theory but the question that will be asked of us on that final day will be “Have You Loved One Another?” The service closed with the singing of the hymn “The King of Love, My Shepherd Is”. During the postlude John Ramirez played two beautiful selections “He” and “How Great Thou Art”. MELVILLE 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. Walk on to church On May 24, Huron county churches will demonstrate that walking is an activity for the mind, body and sole. "Take Heart Huron", a new heart health program in Huron will be sponsoring an event called "Walk On to Church!" Parishioners across the county will be encouraged to walk or bicycle to church. The pur­ pose of "Walk On to Church!" is to encourage people to make physical activity a part of their everyday life. "We want to show that physical activity is easy to incorporate into your daily routine," says program coordinator, Heather Hoover. According to a survey conducted by the Huron County Health Unit, only 34 per cent of Huron County residents participate in physical activity at least three times per week. Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of heart dis­ ease. In Huron County, cardiovascular disease accounts for 26 per cent of all deaths. "Walk On to Church!" is one of more than 1000 walking events happening across the country dur­ ing Canada's Fitweek, from May 22 to May 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Canada's Fitweek is an annual celebration of active living. Thirty-nine churches in the coun­ ty will be participating in the nationwide celebration, including Belgrave-Calvin Brick United Church, Brussels Mennonite Fel­ lowship, and St. Amrose Roman Catholic Church (Brussels). Londesboro United news Greeters at Londesboro United Church on Sunday, May 17 were Carl and Kay Longman. Ushers were Bert Lyon, Don MacGregor and Rick Archambault. The choir sang an anthem. Rev. Ross's sermon topic was “Questions about Love”. The flowers on the memorial stand were placed in memory of Mrs. Laura Saunder- cock, a former Londesboro resident continued on page 23 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP 9:30 a.m. Worship Service Speaker: Pastor David Rogalsky 10:30 a.m. Christian Education Hour PASTOR TOM WARNER 887-6388 A ELDER SHARON FREEMAN 887-6564 EVERYONE WELCOME BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH GUEST SPEAKER: Rev. Nathan Elgersma from Kincardine Sunday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 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. ‘Visitors ‘Welcome ‘Wheelchair accessible