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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-08-24, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994. From the Minister's Study Give thanks this summer, pastor says By Steven Webb Knox Presbyterian, Cranbrook Summer holidays. This means something different for each of us. As young people it means time off school for a few months, a time to get a summer job, a time for younger people to enjoy them­ selves. For others it means a time to take a break from the regular, to get away for awhile. Others wonder what the words mean since they seldom get any. A break for most of us is important, whether it is a day long or a few weeks long, it is needed. It allows us to refresh ourselves, forget our work for awhile, and enjoy something different. It allows us to spend time with our family and friends, getting re-acquainted, catching up on old news and creating new. But by the time this is printed, summer will be over for most people, school will be about to start and fall will be fast approaching. All that will be left of this summer will be memories. What will your memories be? A far off place where fun was had by everyone. The number of bales that had to be moved, the grain harvest or the chores that were done every morning and night as you watched your neighbours head down the lane. Will you remember the weather, the amount of rain, the temperature or the fact that the lake was beautifully warm while you were there? Will you remember the people you met, the things you did, the country you saw or the places you visited? Will you remember the excitement of children, the family get-togethers, the lime you shared with others or the time you spent all by yourself? Will you remember God, the way God cared for you, the way God provided for you and that perhaps you forgot to say thanks. Often it seems that when people get away for summer holidays or any holidays, they really get away, leaving everything behind. They forget though that God is not left behind, that God goes with them wherever they go. God does not take time off from us, nor are we able to get away from God. Too often I encounter people who want to take time off from God, get away from God and enjoy themselves. Their understanding of God leaves me amazed, wondering what kind of God a person has to get away from. My God is different, my God provides beauty in each and every day. My God provides for all that I need, provides opportunities to experience the excitement of life and the joys that it holds. Even those times when things go wrong, God is there to care for and support me. My summer is full of wonderful memories, of times spent with my family while away from home and work, memories of things that happened at home, with the people that fill my days and yes even of times when tragedy struck those close to me. For in the beauty and harshness of life, God is found. Perhaps that is the plan, perhaps the breaks are God’s way of helping us with the difficulties that we face, reassuring us that there is beauty and peace, love, and fulfillment. Perhaps God is telling us it is like a trade off, "You serve me, I will serve you." Perhaps God just loves us and wants us to give love in return. The holidays are nearly done as we said, but as you stop to think about them, whatever they were for you, think also of God's place in them. Think about what was given, what was discovered and what you did in return? Remember to give thanks. McDowells greet at United On Sunday, Aug. 21 worshippers at Blyth United Church were greeted by Feme and Harvey McDowell. Ushers were Joan and Lavem Clark and sons, Shawn and Ross. Erica Clark was at the piano. The nursery was in charge of Julie Wheeler. The service opened with Call to Worship and hymn Let Us With a Gladsome Mind, followed by prayer of approach and words of welcome by Rev. Stephen Huntley. Prayer of Confession was repeated in unison. Rev. Huntley read a story to the children about Alexander having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. "When we are alone", he said, "We n ay think that we are the only ones having bad days." Jesus had days like that, too, but he knew that God loved him. Rev. Huntley told the children to remember that God loves them loo and helps them to keep going. The anthem How Great Thou Art was sung by the choir, accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Boak, director of music. The Old Testament lesson from I Kings 19:16, 19-21 was read by Loma Fraser. Gospel lesson from Luke 9: 51-62 was read by Rev. Huntley, whose sermon topic was "The Man Who Wouldn't Look Back." We all experience fear, rejection and discouragement in our lives but Jesus can help to overcome these, he said. Sometimes we may become frustrated trying to fit God into our lives, but the story challenges each one of us that we have a commitment in our life and as a church that we keep our hands to the plough. Hymn My Hope is Built on Nothing Less was sung. Minute for Missions was given by Lenora Davidson followed by the pastoral prayer and The Lord's Prayer. The closing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. Commissioning, Benediction and choral response followed. The coventing service for Rev. Steve Huntley is on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Church services throughout August are at 10 a.m. The service begins at 11 a.m. on Sept. 11. There will be a Sunday School meeting Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The bake sale will be held Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at the home of Jack and Rita Blake and out in front of The Citizen. Donations of baked goods are to be left at the church by 9 a.m. This is a UCW fundraiser. The regular UCW meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. Prayers are with Ralph Caldwell, who is a patient in Clinton Hospital. Missionaries hear music The Gospel Echoes presented a ministry of music at the Auburn Missionary Church on Sunday, Aug. 14. The congregation enjoyed the singing of their many songs including In the Lovely Name of Jesus; Have You Tried the Man of Galilee?; Open My Eyes and The Graduation Song. The Gospel Echoes group enjoys ministering in churches but they are really doing prison and detention centre services to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the inmates. The congregation is looking forward to hearing the King's Messengers on Sunday, Aug. 28. Several families have been enjoying the fellowship and the services at the Missionary Conference Grounds located in Slayncr. Al the morning service on Aug. 21 Virginia Stright sang Blessed Assurance. Pastor Carne s message was "The Significance of Symbols" with scripture from Exodus 12: 7-13. In this scripture the Israelites were given specific instructions in what to do. For those who followed the instructions it was a night of deliverance. The blood of the lamb on the door posts did not save them but their obedience to God. Communion is a testimony of what the Lord has done for you, Pastor Carne said, and we give testimony of accepting Christ individually. It is a personal experience. Christ's body was broken because of our sins. Baptism is a marvellous symbol. It reveals a new life in Christ. As people were bom in trespasses and sins they become new creatures in Christ. II Cor. 5-17. A new birth is followed by a new life, and the cleansing of God deals with actions and attitudes. After the morning service the congregation of Auburn Missionary Church gathered al Frank and Anna Ewald's Estate down by the Mailland River where Pastor Came led a baptismal service. Those who followed the Lord in baptism were Bill Irwin, Virginia and John Stright. ¥)ucanlosealot more than.ydur4£eriCc drinkingand driving. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday August 28 - Pentecost 14 Morning Prayer - BCP Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, Brussels 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Rector, The Rev. E. Paul Acton, 887-9273 fXbu 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 HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 Sunday 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 - Pastor Bob Lewis, 526-7441 BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 Joint Worship Service for United and Presbyterian congregations at Melville Presbyterian Church August 7 - September 4,1994. 11:00 a.m. Ethel United Church closed August 7 - September 4,1994 Worship the Lord, Give Praise to God A BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH-523-9233 Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:30 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. Visitors ‘Welcome ‘Wfteefc.f.ctir accessible MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy - Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. BRUSSELS MENNO NITE FELLOWSHIP Sunday, August 28 - 9:15 a.m. Singing Tune-Up Time 9:30 a.m. WORSHIP SERVICE 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School For All Ages Final Friday, August 26 for “The Sound of Summer Players” from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. for children ages 5-12 Pastor Tom Warner 887-6388 WISDOM— Elder Elwin Garland 887-9017