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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-11-25, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25,1992. From the Ministers Study, Pastor reminds,‘We are all one in Christ’ By Randy Banks Walton and Bluevale United Churches This week you are hearing from a newcomer to this column and to the county. For the past nine years I have had the rewarding and enriching privilege of serving two pastoral charges in Alberta and Manitoba. For me, this has been an exciting year of change and new challenges. For Canada, on its 125th birthday, it has been a distressing year marked by continuing economic recession, bizarre weather patterns, and the infamous constitutional debate. Economic recovery does not seem imminent. The weather, thankfully, operates outside our control. But, the attitudes we cultivate toward our country are of our own making. The referendum, however farcical it may have been, did reveal that Canada is perilously close to lapsing into total disunity. I am reminded of the barriers between Jews and Samaritans in New Testament times. In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a public well where they carry on a fascinating conversation. However, the gospel writer is careful to point out that “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” The term ‘tribalism’ has been used to refer to our tendency to prefer the company of people like us while avoiding and mistrusting outsiders. Tribalism is alive and well in Canada. I find it disconcerting that many school children in Ontario cannot name the capital of Manitoba while their counterparts in British Columbia have never heard of Fredericton, N.B. Adults are hardly blameless. It has long been a rather nasty and childish pastime for western and eastern Canadians to exchange gibes and insults. This is unfortunate because Canada is a magnificent country whose people are richly blessed and privileged. We would do well to show more than a passing interest in our home and native land. In 1967, MacGregor, Man. (the place from which I moved in July) twinned with a community in Quebec. This past spring, on the 25th anniversary of that centennial project, the United Churches in those respective communities exchanged greetings and information by video. Many more such unspectacular but sincere gestures of goodwill that do not directly involve politicians and constitutional lawyers would surely help to break down the dividing walls of hostility, intolerance, and ignorance that separate Canadians from one another. The apostle Paul described the followers of Christ as ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ‘ministry of reconciliation.’ (II Cor. 5. 19,20). This is a moment in history when all Canadians must work harder than ever to develop a deeper level of understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect. If I may paraphrase Paul who reminded the church at Galatia that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female,” (Gal. 3.28), there is also ‘neither western nor eastern Canadian, anglophone or francophone. All are one in Christ Jesus.’ 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 ‘Welcome 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 Couple resides in Wingham Denise and William Tedesco NETHER Y-TEDESCO Denise Yvonne Nethery and William Joseph Tedesco were united in marriage at Trinity Anglican Church, Belgrave, on July 25 at 3 p.m. Rev. Paul Acton performed the ceremony. Music was provided by organist Barb Bosman and soloists, Lisa Elliott and Kelly Bosman. Thomas Ireland, nephew of the bride, and Jennifer Cardiff, niece of the bride, also performed a song. Lessons were read by Linda Martens, Bob Hopper and Jeff Mann. The bride, given in marriage by her mother, is the daughter of Jean Nethery of Blyth and the late W. Alex Nethery. The bridegroom is the son of Darlene Campbell of Wingham and William Tedesco, Port Colbome. The matron-of-honour was Donna Barger, friend of the bride.. _ Bridesmaids were Angela Nethery and Connie Nesbitt, sisters of the bride; Karen Youngblut, friend of the bride and Laurie Dale, sister of the groom. The bride's niece, Becky Nethery, was flowergirl. The best man was Marc Nesbitt, friend of the groom. Ushers were Mark Tedesco, brother of the groom Andrew Mann, Barry Bushell and Jim VanderWoude, friends of the groom. Nicholas Ireland, nephew of the bride, was ringbearer. After the wedding, the dinner and reception were held at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Following a honeymoon in Antigua, West Indies, the couple resides in Wingham. The couple extends special thanks to their families and friends for making their day so special. Blyth’s UCW groups to join On Sunday, Nov. 22, Marlene Toll and Fred How son greeted the congregation at the Blyth United Church. The ushers were Joan, Stephen, Evelyn and Kristy Caldwell. Before the service Cheryl Cronin opened with a sing-song, accom­ panied by Phyllis Boak and John Ramirez. Rev. Ramirez opened the service with the Call to Worship, Prayer of Approach, Prayer of Confession and Silent Confession, followed by Assurance of Pardon and the hymn “O Sing A New Song To the Lord.” The Responsive Reading was from Psalm 25: 1-14, “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” The scripture was Matthew 15: 31-46. ‘Lord Speak to Me’, was sung. Rev. Ramirez' conversation with the children was, “What is an Ambassador, or Representative?” The children at the front are representing their respective families. Jesus sent representatives out to help others. The sermon was titled, “The fruit of our faith”. It was announced that as of Jan. 1 the two UCW units will join to form one strong UCW. As a result, there are a number of committees which need the help of all the women of our congregation. Mennonites enjoy special time Nov. 22, was covenant renewal Sunday at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship. Pastor Tom Warner spoke briefly from Matthew 9: 35- 38 and Matthew 11: 28-30. Some of the members of the Youth Group led the congregational singing. The congregation participated in a “Guess Who's Coming to Supper” event on Sunday evening. Guests and hosts had been matched up but hosts did not know who to expect for supper. A good time of fellowship was held in many homes Sunday evening. On Tuesday evening the ladies will hold their monthly meeting. Dave Rapson, owner of Total Demolition and Central Huron Recycling will speak. The Venture Club will not hold its regular meeting on Thursday evening but will have a bowling outing on Saturday instead. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday Advent 1 - November 29 Holy Eucharist - BCP 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. - Morning Worship "Living In Hope" ■ Sacrament of Infant Baptism - Church School/Nursery 9:30 a.m. - Ethel Morning Worship - - Church School "My face, It Is an oaken staff." 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. ■ BLYTH CHRISTIAN A REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH GUEST SPEAKER: Robert Datema Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.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. AU Visitors ‘Welcome. ‘Wheelchair accessible Pastor: Tom Warner 887-6388 Elder: John Baan 887-6967 9:25 a.m.: Worship Service with "Cornerstone" Gospel Singing Group 10:30 a.m.: Sunday School for all ages Saturday, Dec. 5: Self-Help Craft Sale 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Great Christmas Gifts BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP Welcomes You