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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-12-04, Page 19You're invited to worship with us this Sunday 10 a.m. - Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:30 p.m. - Evening Worship Service Rev. Ken Benjamins will lead both services "R0/4 (71teaez Z.ara'Ailwa;, .411d4aiit (7(540 R0149- sP4.4ty44/ss 4-41 BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Cathrine Campbell 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. 887-9831 Wheelchair Accessible Brussels Mennonite Fellowship invites you to join us in Worship each Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Christian Education (for all ages) Everyone Welcome! Advent BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 White Gift Sunday Congregational Pot Luck Luncheon to follow Welcome to this family and friends' time together 11:00 a.m. Ethel White Gift Sunday Love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign 11:00 a.m. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday DECEMBER 8 - ADVENT 2 MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth St. John's, 9:30 a.m. Brussels Wheelchair Accessible 11:15 a.m. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 YOUTH PASTOR - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 Sunday 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service Monday 7:30 p.m. - Addictions Support Group Wednesday 7:30 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1996 PAGE 19. From the Minister's Study Read any 'Good Books' lately? guitars. Bodie Craig delivered the Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 64: 1- 9 with the Gospel reading from Mark 13: 24 - 37 given by Rev. Huntley. "Copernicus and Chaos" was the theme of the sermon. He said, "Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The sights and sounds of Christmas are starting to abound." The Christmas season can be a chaotic time, he said. "The Gospel of Mark sounds like preparation is critical. He asks us to watch for signs of God's return." Advent, Rev. Huntley said, is about Jesus coming into the world, not just as a baby in a manger but a read it, believe it, and that is it. What a loss. If we take the time to read, to savour, to think about and to discuss with others the material that is in the Bible a whole new picture appears. There are stories that are as fresh as today's newspaper — greed, lust, ambition, love, good works, and hope are all there. We hear of Ruth and Jezebel — two quite different women who each had a profound impact on the course of history. We hear of David and Jacob who embodied all that is strong and weak in human nature and of the impact they had on the course of history. And we hear of Jesus and His disciples, who from a small country in the Middle East, gave out the message that changed the course of history and continues to do so today. For this one book is more than just the best selling book in the world (note that it is the best selling, not the best read) it is a library of all that we need to know to live successful lives and gain in spiritual richness. If you feel overwhelmed by the Bible or think you agree with the old idea that it is a book about dead people and little more, don't despair, there is hope. I urge you to join with others and form a Bible Study group or join one. Don't be afraid to ask your minister or priest questions — some of the best insights I have gained have come from the questions of others who put a new perspective on an old story. So for Christmas — give yourself a present — dust off that old Bible, or drop a large hint you want one for Christmas. Then, in the coming year enjoy your gift. Read about the fathers and mothers of the faith, treasure a psalm every day, join with others in studying a particular book, or biblical personage, there is so much that can be done. As Christians we have the good news — Christ came for us to save us. This is never news that is to be hidden away or discussed in secret meetings. It is good News! Read it, share it and rejoice! second coming; a time when God will complete the work of God recreating the world that began two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem. Rev. Huntley said Canada, Ontario, Huron and local communi- ties are undergoing radical restructuring. Hospitals are being closed, the education system restructured, transportation and other government ministries cut back or cut out and a national airline grounded. The very roots of our livelihood are experiencing great stress or chaos. In closing, Rev. Huntley said, "God is in the world, reconciling the world unto himself. This Continued on page 22 It was the first Sunday of Advent with the seasonal colour purple at the service at Blyth United Dec. 1. Rev. Steve Huntley, conducted the service. Michael Duthie, director of music, was organist. Greeters were Lenora Davidson and Joann McDonald. Ushers were Earl and Shirley Fyfe, Harvey Snell and Fred Howson. Rev. Huntley opened the service with call to worship and greetings. This was followed by the lighting of the First Advent Candle by the Uyl family, John, Ruth, Hannah and Emily. Rev. Huntley and Rick Howson led the congregation in singing Prepare the Way of the Lord accompanying on their guitars. For the children's time, Rev. Huntley explained the meaning of Advent. It is like getting ready for Christmas, he told them. "There would be no Christmas if Jesus was not born." He had a tree, asking them to put one ornament on it and will add one each Sunday until Christmas, preparing for Advent. The children's hymn, The Servant King was sung with Rev. Huntley and Mr. Howson accompanying on Rev. Cathrine Campbell Melville, Knox Belgrave Presbyterian Churches When you are doing your Christmas shopping you are bombarded with signs and slogans telling you to buy ... buy ... buy ... the latest whatever for it will make your life, better, more organized, more pleasurable, or more fun. How can you resist? Better buy two. Interestingly enough you probably have in your home something that you did buy, or were given, that will give you all the things the merchandisers advertise. However, it never needs batteries and one sizes does fit all. I am referring, of course, to your Bible. This is a book that is remarkable in every sense of the word and one that has not lost its freshness over time or countless attempts to modify it. Most times, for a lot of people I am afraid, the one thing the Bible does have is dust. It doesn't seem to get read a lot these days, and for many the messages are ones that seem to belong to another time and place. I think I know why. For years we seem to have thought we had to take the Bible whole, like a dose of strong medicine, in one gulp — just A penny spent Katie Williamson was spending her tickets wisely for the penny sale at the St. Ambrose Bazaar and Bake Sale on Saturday in the church hall, Brussels. Copernicus, chaos, sermon theme You are WeCcome at the BLYTH COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for Children and Adults 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McConnell St., Blyth