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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2019-05-09, Page 27THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019. PAGE 27. By Ernest Dow, Exec. Pastor, Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded once again of the significant contribution and impact our mothers have had in our lives. My own mother (now deceased) was not a large woman – especially after her scoliosis of the spine worsened, she would hardly have come up to my shoulders in height – but the contribution she made to my life was beyond calculation. God teaches us a couple of things in the Bible about how we are to regard our mothers. Early on in the 10 Commandments we are told, “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Ex.20:12) Paul notes to the early church (Eph.6:2) that this is the first commandment with a promise! It is right to obey our parents (Eph.6:1) – they are, after all, our first training ground for learning proper submission to authority in society. When children fail to learn this early on, others to whom they are responsible later on (schoolteachers, bosses) have a more difficult time as a result. Mothers are worthy of respect, besides honour. “Each of you must respect his mother and father...I am the LORD your God.” (Lev.19:3; note ‘mother’ is placed before ‘father’) A certain anti-authoritarian thrust in modern society might tempt youngsters to despise their mother, but God’s word indicates this is foolish. “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” (Prov.15:20) Scripture highlights seven key tasks a mother ought to do for her children. First and foremost is teaching them. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” My own mother was a hard-working farmer’s wife, so she taught me many valuable things both in the barn and the house. She helped me learn my Bible memory verses. When I had children of my own, she continued to provide valuable advice and tips on child-rearing. Second, a mother needs to correct her offspring – after teaching them, if they do what’s wrong, rebuke them and remind them to go about it the right way. “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” (Prov.29:15) Of course, correction needs to be accompanied by loving assurance that it is the action, not the person themself, that is bad or unwanted. Third, a mother is to comfort her child (perhaps in conjunction with correction’s reprimand?). Kids need to have someone they can turn to when hurt or bullied or ill. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Is.66:13) One time when my parents built an addition onto our house, as a 12- year-old boy I was clambering around in the trusses but fell over two metres to the floor, splitting my forehead open. I appreciated my mother’s comforting (and bandaging) that day! There are also less obvious functions a mother can perform, more behind-the-scenes. One of these is to ruminate on developments. Reflect on the forces at work in your child’s life and try to discern the potential significance of these for their future. Following the birth of Jesus, shepherds came to visit Mary, Joseph, and their holy Child. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Lk.2:19) What might be the unique purpose for which God is preparing your child(ren)? How is each one different from their siblings? Fifth, one of a mother’s most valuable things they can do for their child is to encourage their faith development. This helps prepare your offspring not just for this life, but also for eternity. Paul noted the significant role Timothy’s mother and grandmother played in acquainting his protegé with the Scriptures. “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also... But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2Tim.1:5; 3:14f) Sometimes I would wake up in the night as a young boy, and on the way back from the bathroom, as I passed the door of my parents’ bedroom, I would catch a glimpse of my mother kneeling in prayer at her bedside. She was actively involved in the women’s group at her church and attended a Bible study small group until late in her senior years. Her example still remains with me, even though she is gone. A mother needs to help her child realize she takes second place in their devotion. Our first priority in life is to love God; when parents die, God remains to be trusted in. Jesus taught His followers, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me...” (Mt.10:37) So, while we love our mothers and fathers, it is right to love Jesus more. (Perhaps a reminder sorely needed in our day of “helicopter parenting”?) Last, a mother needs to consciously give her children back to the Lord. It’s wrong to derive our sense of significance solely through our children, to be dependent upon them for our self-esteem, to live vicariously through their THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND HOLY MASS. OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m. 17 Flora Street Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday 9:00 a.m. 220 Carling Terrace Listowel: St. Joseph’s Sunday 11:00 a.m. 1025 Wallace Avenue N. Blyth United Church Est. 1875 OFFICE: 519-523-4224 Sunday, May 12 Intergenerational Service at 11:00 am Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Accessible Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca Drive Thru Lunch & Supper Thursday, May 16 Salads: Potato, broccoli & cauliflower, macaroni ham, tea biscuit and cheesecake 11 am - 12:30 pm and 4:30 - 6 pm ~ Tickets $13.00 Take out only Pre-order with Donna 519-523-9855 Orders on May 16th 519-523-4224 huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn Sunday May 12 - MOTHER’S DAY Sat. May 11, 9 am - noon: Ladies’ & Girls’ “Let’s Paint” Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jr. & Sr. YOUTH (Gr. 7-12) Evangelical Missionary Church Pastor Phil Delsaut “A Tribute to Mothers” (Prov.31:10ff) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, MAY 12 Nursery care available 519-887-6687 Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm ~ Soup & More 2 - a free community meal held in Melville’s basement, and made possible by the Brussels churches working together. Worship & Sunday School - 9:30 am Coffee & Snacks following the service We invite you to join our church family in: Youre Invited to come worship with us Sunday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School) Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m. Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon. Coffee & cookies after the morning service. For additional details please contact Pastor Andrew Versteeg 519.887.8621 Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173 Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743 Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH SUNDAY, MAY 12 Morning Service: 10 am ~ Guest speaker Mr. Stan Puklicz No evening service You’re Invited To Join Us In Worship Upcoming Event: All are welcome to come for Breakfast on Sat., May 25 from 8-11:00 am. Hosted by the youth group. The Regional Ministry of Hope BLYTH BRUSSELS Trinity St. John’s 9:15 am 11:15 am COME WORSHIP WITH US! Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca TheRegionalMinistryof Hope St. Paul’s Trinity WINGHAM 11:15 am These Anglican Churches Welcome You BRUSSELS United Church Intergenerational Worship Service Prepared by Katie Dockstader Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 am All are Welcome From the Minister’s Study Remember the Bible’s motherly contributions: Dow Continued on page 31