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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-09-20, Page 18BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service "Golden Rule" Church School - Nursery 9:30 a.m. Ethel Morning Worship Church School Jesus is the Man who cares for others A Welcome to all MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 141sT ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Sunday, September 24, 1995 7:30 p.m. Men's Choir "Harbouraires" of Goderich Guest Speaker: Rev. John Congram No Morning Service 887-9831 Wheelchair Accessible PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1995. From the Minister's Study Exchange pastor praises community spirit By Rev. Ian Diamond Blyth United Church Regular readers of The North Huron Citizen may have picked up on the fact that I have recently come to Blyth from Australia. I am here on a five-month parish exchange with Rev. Stephen Huntley of the Blyth United Church, who has now settled into ministry in my home parish in Bowral, NSW, Australia. So here I am. A foreigner in a strange land! Coming to terms with a different climate! Adjusting to the Canadian accent! Respond- ing to the priorities of ministry in a challenging environment! The amazing thing is that at the core of it all, nothing is really new! The vibrance of the Christian faith and witness transcends culture. It hasn't taken me or my family long to feel that we are "no longer strangers", for the acceptance and goodwill of the people of both the church and community has been extremely generous. I can just imagine, in four months' time, one of my children questioning "But daddy, why do we have to go home?" In the few weeks that I have been around, I have sampled the creative delights of the Blyth Festival. I've noticed the army of visitors who have filled the Memorial Hall through the season. Why do they come, some from as far as western Canada and the USA? Why? The plays resonate with life. They portray human situations in a fashion which intersects with our experience and frees our emotions, and gives us permission to be whole people, to laugh or cry, to empathize with others, and even to reflect on our own lives. Just over a week ago, Blyth was overflowing with people for a different reason, the Threshers' Reunion. I was told not to miss it. Why? Because it brought people together to celebrate culture and life. There was some focussing on the past, with the vast array of mechanical and artistic displays. But there was much more than that. There was music to entertain and stir the soul. There were all kinds of articles for viewing and sale. And there was a sense of commun-ity. Reunions, new friendships, recreation and lots of visiting! Two major events in a small village in Huron County! From my study I see these as reminders of what the church is called to be and give as an expression of its life in the community. No, I don't mean the church is to be on about creating "grand events" as some kind of community service. The point is that the church is already a community that has a unique capacity to resonate with the whole of human life, because its founder, and sustainer, lived and died for it! People will always respond to causes when they are aware that their lives and their experiences are being taken seriously. When we worship God as part of a community of faith we are addressed and embraced by the One who created us in the first place! So the church's book, the Bible, is not some outdated volume of history but a living book Word which addresses the inclusive hopes and hurts of humanity with good news: that in Jesus Christ there is life, and that it is abundant! Remember that God's goodness and love are new every morning, and every day! THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday Sept. 24 - Pentecost 16 Morning Prayer - BCP Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth St. John's, Brussels 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. I `God Relentless', sermon title Greeters at Blyth United Church Sunday, Sept. 17 were Dorothy Scott and Lois van Vliet. Ushers were Diane, Kim, Jeff Ferguson and Les Rutledge. Nursery was Linda Stewart. Elliott Diamond carried the Bible and placed it on the pulpit. Call to Worship was given by Rev. Ian Diamond. Hymn This is My Father's World was sung followed with Prayer of Praise, Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon. Ann Elliott introduced the Sunday School teachers and leaders. They were dedicated by Rev. Diamond and welcomed by the congregation. During the theme conversation with the children, Rev. Diamond showed them a money case with a kangaroo on the front. It contained 10 coins. When counted out there was only nine. One little girl found it over in the corner and it was given to her to keep. This is the way God works, Rev. Diamond said, with the help of others. He loves us and helps us. The children then retired to Sunday School. The Psalm was #619, "How Great is Your Name". The New Testament Lesson I Timothy I, 12- 17 was read by Bev Snell. The choir anthem was 0 How I Love Jesus with director of music Phyllis The September meeting of the Blyth UCW was held at the United Church at 2 p.m. Sept. 14, with 13 members present. Rev. Ian Diamond was a guest. Lenora Davidson opened the meeting with a poem "Almost Autumn" followed by prayer. Hymn 0 Master Let Me Walk with Thee was sung, accompanied by Susan Howson at the piano. Scripture Psalm 145 verses 13-21 was read by Vera Badley. The true story behind the poem that inspired millions was shared by Vera Badley and Lenora Davidson. "Footprints" was composed by Margaret Fishback, a young woman searching for direction at the crossroads in her life. The creation of the poem, its subsequent loss, and astonishing rediscovery are intertwined with a life full of challenge, adversity and joys. The result is a ipernorable Boak at the piano. Gospel lesson: Luke 15, 1-10 was read by Rev. Diamond. The sermon theme was "God is Relentless." In the church one just never knows what is in store when the spirit moves among people, he said. God is like Jesus, Jesus never gave up on people. God is relentless, constantly searching for the lost, embracing the found, scattering grace with reckless abandon. Rev. Diamond recalled the story when Jesus told about the farmer who went out, to sow? He was reckless, slinging the seed everywhere. It yielded a harvest. Jesus said that that is the way God works. Spreading the Word of Hope, of Love, of Truth, with extravagance, and even waste. Jesus also told of the farmer who had a field of wheat full of weeds. Jesus said that such is God's way of running God's kingdom. John Calvin, the great reformer of the church saw this point when he warned that "it is vain to seek for a church free from every spot." The Gospel reading told of Jesus under fire from the Pharisees and Scribes. They started nasty rumours. Jesus responded by telling two stories: one about a lost sheep, the other about a lost coin. God delights in finding missing persons. offering of the heart and soul, giving warm spiritual and emotional renewal. "Footprints" has appeared on plaques and cards, calendars and posters - treasured by millions all over the world. Joann McDonald gave the A team of young people who recently went to Albania on a two week mission project, shared some of their experiences at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship during the morning service, Sunday, Sept. 17. Christy Pardys of BMF was one of the mission team. The church's Mission Committee had arranged and organized the service. Erla Koch was worship leader. Anne koT, ON. This is the way God works. Relentlessly. That is what the Kingdom of God is like, Rev. Diamond said. At church, Christians are joined in celebration with people of all kinds, not of their choosing, but God's. The God whom they worship loves them unconditionally. God is like the shepherd who risked everything, including the loss of the 99 sheep, in order to find just one who had gone astray. Or the woman who wouldn't rest until she had found the quarter. And at the end, in both stories, there is rejoicing! Hymn There was Ninety and Nine was sung. Minute for Missions was given by Susan Howson followed by the Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer. Hymn Love Divine, all loves excelling was sung. Commissioning and Benediction. Prayers are with Tilly Mains in Clinton Hospital. Tickets are now available for the Friday, Oct. 13 Variety Concert, 8 p.m. at Memorial Hall. The Fall Rummage Sale is Oct. 20 - Oct. 21. The Church Fall Supper is Nov. 3. Church anniversary is Oct. 29 with Rev. Roger McCombe as guest speaker. Fellowship luncheon will follow. Fall Bible Study is Sept. 27 at the manse. treasurer's report. President Bonnie Shannon conducted the business, using the Bible reference Dorcas Acts 9: 36 - 42. Roll call was answered with Bible verse from 11 Samuel. The meeting closed with Benediction. service and Darlene Hemingway played for the offertory. In the afternoon, several members of the congregation went to an open house in Elmira to honour Marion Wideman on her 75th birthday. There will be a hymn sing service Sunday, Sept. 24 at the church. Thought for the week: True service for Christ is love in Qrkiia&Cloihg.t 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 You are Welcome at the BLYTH CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sund?y‘School for Children and Adults 11 - 1215 - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McConnell St., Blyth it\ 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. Ail Visitors Welcome rWheefeltair accessible Blyth UCW talks of 'Footprints' Mennonites travel to Albania ism