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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-01-22, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22,1997 From the Minister’s Study Finding new church can be daunting By Rev. Chris Johnson Brussels and Ethel United Churches It was only July that I moved to your community and it takes a great deal of adjustment to unpack, set up a new household, begin a new job, get your children settled into a new school, and basically begin all over again. One of the downsides of being a minister is that throughout your lifetime, you will probably live in many different communities. It doesn't give you a chance to establish deep roots, to make long and lasting friendships and to feel the same connection to the community that someone who has lived here their whole life might feel. The advantage, however, of a minister always feeling a bit like a stranger, a bit like a wanderer, is that they always have a special affinity with those folks who might feel that they're a bit on the outside of your community, those people who have moved in and may be having a few troubles feeling like they fit in. The established community members are rarely even aware of new people and the challenges they face as they try to make a home in their new community. It's not mean-spirited or vindictive, it's not because people don't Care (because I know they do), it’s just that sometimes it takes a bit of extra work, a bit of extra time and effort to let an "outsider" know that they are an important and vital part of the community. As the minister, most of these problems are minor for me because I have an instant community in which I am part. I am meeting all sorts of new people and enjoying it greatly. But let's consider a family who might come here to start a new life and new job and does not know anyone. If you are in this situation, my sincere encouragement to you is to think about the possibility of becoming a part of a church community. It's a daunting task to look for a new church. Perhaps you're not even too certain whether or not you have faith in God. Maybe you're mainly interested in a Sunday School for your children. You might be seeking to find some answers to an empty feeling inside and not sure where to turn. Or maybe, you are simply looking for a community in which you can feel that you have a part, that you belong. There are many reasons why we seek to be a part of a church. If you are even just considering it, I would like to offer you a few suggestions. Before you even decide to attend a worship service you may wish to make an appointment with the present minister, get a tour of the church and possibly a list of the groups and activities which are part of that church. Even if you are already a member of a certain denomination, and would like to continue in that denomination, ask tough questions about beliefs and policies so that you get an idea of whether or not this is a church in which you would feel comfortable. Attend the worship service without making a commitment. Is the congregation warm and welcoming? Do they try to make you feel comfortable? Is it obvious that you are the only stranger? Did you find the worship service meaningful and uplifting? Hesselwoods greet at Blyth UC It was Epiphany 2 and the seasonal colour green at Blyth United Church's service last Sunday. Greeters were John and Vera Hesselwood. Ushers were Harvey Snell, Brenda Brooks, Nicole Kerr and Lloyd Sippel. Rev. Steve Huntley conducted the service. Michael Duthie, director of music, was organist. Lorie Falconer looked after the nursery. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee was the opening hymn. The children's hymn Shine Jesus Shine. A solo was sung by Jolene Coburn entitled A Light is Gleaming, accompanied by Mr. Duthie on piano. The Old Testament lesson from I Samuel 3: 1-10, was read by Susan Howson. The Gospel reading was taken from John 1: 43-51, and delivered by Rev. Huntley. His sermon was on "The Four Pillars of Faith." Fellowship and worship was the theme. The good news is God gives the Holy Spirit to enable people to do all four of the pillars. Worship must be regular and people must be regular and people must prepare for it and not just sit back, he said. Fellowship is sharing, com­ panionship or a body of associates. Coffee break on Wednesday mornings is an excellent Continued on page 14 Make sure that you speak to the minister. Give them your name and phone number if you are interested in learning more. If you have observations, especially those of a critical nature, share them with the minister. It is only through hearing the comments of visitors that the congregation will learn how to greet newcomers and those seeking a new church. If you are transferring your membership from another church in the same denomination, and are already a fairly active and committed church worker, take some time to get to know the new church before you accept a position. Enjoy the break from your previous church, especially if you've always been a teacher in the Sunday School, in order to simply worship and observe how this new church goes about its business. Then if there is an area in which you would really enjoy working, you'll feel more ready and committed after having taken some time off for your own spiritual development. One of the recent changes in our culture is that people will shop around for a church. No longer do we just go down to the church at the comer. We examine a church in order to judge if it is the right one for us. When my husband's parents moved to a new city, they spent a whole year going to all the various United Churches in order to find the right one for them. If you have no denominational loyalties, you have even more choice. The only thing I find with non-church goers is that they expect church people to be perfect, and so have very high expectations of what a church is. But all church congregations have their strengths and weaknesses, so you'll have to be patient sometimes and attend for a few different Sundays in order to truly and sincerely assess whether this is the right place for you. Being part of a church family is a good way to get to know the community in which you have chosen to live. I would encourage you to seek and explore, and you just might find something exciting and fulfilling for your life. As a newcomer to this community, I know that it takes a lot of courage to start again. Yet, I believe that God is with us on that journey, and I know that all the churches of this area would warmly welcome you and your family if you care to take the first step. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 YOUTH PASTOR - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 Sunday Monday Wednesday Friday 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service 7:30 p.m. - Addictions Support Group 7:^0 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study 7:30 p.m. - Youth you're invited to worship with us this Sunday 10 a.m. ~ Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:30 p.m. - Evening Service Both services will be led by Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Lord is my Shepherd, / shall not be in want. ” (Psalm 23:1 BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship Church School - Nursery ***** Ethel Morning Worship How beautiful the march of days Are you new to the Brussels area and in search of a church home? If you would liike to learn more about either Brussels or Ethel United Church, we would be delighted to meet with you. Come and visit us in Morning Worship or call ahead for a tour of our church and a chance to meet the current minister. We look forward to meeting you. MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 2:00 p.m. BRUSSELS - Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service - Bible Study - Bible Study The Annual Meeting has been postponed to February 9,1997 Wheelchair Accessible We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell * 887-9831 Jou are ‘Welcome 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 THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA you are welcome this Sunday JANUARY 26 - EPIPHANY 3 MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, 9:30 a.m. Brussels Wheelchair Accessible 11:15 a.m. TOLP ELVIRA THEY ALWAYS r do the samcoldthing im church,anpSHE saipALBERT.. wuy po You expect church to be any different than Ei/a?*i'oNe gets m a rut at TTMES>, 0UT WE'RE TRYING TC> BR^AX. OUT OFOOR& J HS-PUS LOOY.AT MBW WAV'S OF Worshiping akjp 5erviM6i6op. Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Christian Education (for all ages) Everyone Welcome! Interim Pastor Glenn Brubacher (887-6388)