Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-02-12, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1997 From the Minister’s Study Church — an hour just for you By Rev. Cathrine Campbell Melville - Brussels, Knox - Belgrave, Presbyterian Churches All over Canada, and indeed the world, there must be churches with caved-in roofs, lopsided where balconies have collapsed and, inside, full of people who have fainted. Why? Because of what is said by many "If I went to church, the roof would fall in", or "the balcony would collapse" or "everyone would faint". So as to spare the churches and people these calamities and tragedies they stay home on Sunday. One of the mind sets seems to also be that churches were built for sometime else. No church, that I am aware of, was constructed with a sign - "No, you may not come in!" Churches were and still are built to provide a place for people to come together and experience the pleasure and affirmation that comes from devoting time and attention to the Word of God - a Word that is as relevant today as it was it was first uttered. These churches are also pretty sturdy places that have seen a lot of things happen. So, I have a news flash for the non-attenders, who are fearful of the roof falling - it won't happen! I have friends who fall or fell into the category of "never attend" and when they finally did attend church - they were truly amazed. They were amazed, not because the architecture did not collapse in wonder - but because they were warmly greeted, they were with a whole pile of friendly folks, the sermon was not two hours long, but rather about 15 minutes and was about a concern that had been troubling them for some time. There was music, and talking and a chance just to draw a breath, and think. Not a bad way to spend one hour per week, wouldn't you say? In any given week we spend, on average, from the 168 hours available, 56 hours sleeping, 10 hours eating, 28 hours watching TV, 40 hours at work or school and eight hours on grooming - this totals 142 hours leaving us with 265 hours to do as we wish or approximately three and a half hours per day. Those hours are the time that we can give to ourselves and to betterment - whether it be personal or community. There is so much to do, from reading a good book, helping at the senior's residence, tutoring a child or visiting a sick friend. In fact, the list is only limited by your imagination. You can see where I would fit church attendance in - it is a gift of personal time for you. It is not an add-on to a busy life. It is a bedrock that enables us to live lives more fully. The words of Jesus are straightforward and clear, "Come to me, all you who labour and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11: 28-30). We are not given more to worry about, but instead we are given a gift that gives us the ability to carry the burdens we have and to deal with them in a life affirming manner. The Invitation is always there. Come and join those who have already found the place to recharge th~n spiritual batteries, meet people who are outgoing in the true sense of the word, hear music and prayer that gives that so much needed lift to your spirit and hear about the One who created us and Who cares, ever so deeply, for that creation. You may not have been to church for some time but that doesn't mean that it has to be never - make the decision that this week there will be an hour that is just for you. You will take lime to think and to find meaning and you will do it in a setting that is always there for you, without restrictions, or questions. There won't be any loud crashes, but there will be a warm welcome. BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Church School - Nursery 9:30 a.m. Ethel Morning Worship On Sunday, February 16 - the Session hosts a Pancake Breakfast at Brussels United Church. All are welcome! <ybu are 'Wefcome 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 Missionary Church reports growth By James H. Carne Senior Pastor "To be dedicated to the growth of Christianity, first in Auburn, and then throughout the world..." Success, in terms of our Mission Statement, must include significant gains in he number of people brought to faith in Christ. Last year was our best ever in this respect; 25 came to Christ: two children, one teen and 22 adults. Equally important is the nurtur­ ing of such converts so that they grow in grace and eventually become soul-winners. In the past our follow-up efforts have been sporadic; this year we appointed a director of discipleship, in the person of Pastor Enrique Aldaz, who has started the process of training and the provision of materials. Further expansion of ministry has resulted in the hiring of a half-time associate pastor in charge of Youth Ministries. Jeremy and Stephanie Shuart have been with us for half a year and their success is reflected in additional numbers and expanded programmes for our youth. A 19 per cent increase in average Sunday morning attendance required us to provide a separate service for 35-40 children. An increase of 11 per cent in average Sunday-school attendance necessitated the renting of the Village library and the creation of two more adult classes. The Sunday evening average grew by 18 per cent. as a regular once a month men's breakfast. A very beneficial revival and outreach meeting was held along with a couple of outreach banquets. The success of our mission is demonstrated also in a phenomenal growth in giving. Total receipts increased by 30 per cent; from $126,302 in 1995 to $164,539. Our Missions giving increased from $50,000 to $60,000, approximately, and represents about 36 per cent of total giving. Some of the increase of $30,238 comes from our investment in two work teams to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. In addition to the weekly responsibilities of sermon preparation and preaching, counselling, and prayer meeting leadership I served as Legion Padre, attending five monthly meetings and preaching at the annual Decoration Day and Remembrance Day services, attended one district and six local ministerial meetings, served four times as hospital chaplain, attended four chaplains' meetings and one seminar, wrote articles for two newspapers, attended District Conference, one pastor's retreat and 10 days of Camp meeting, served on both work teams to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, made 403 pastoral calls, 39 of these being new contacts, served as secretary of the Building Committee and on the Music, Programme, Vision & Goals, Nominating, Budget, Trustees and Christian Ed. Committees, gave leadership to the Deacons and taught a membership class. I counselled and performed four weddings, dedicated two children, baptized 11 people, attended or assisted/officiated at four funerals. Our goals for '97 include: 100 new converts, the acquiring of five acres for re-localion (in process), appointment of a director of outreach (Mission & Ministry teams, evangelism) and a minimal 10 per cent increase in attendance and finances. "To God be the glory, great things He has done!" Double duet sings at service '95 Average '96 Goal '96 Average Sunday School 79 87 88 A M. Service 108 120 128 P M. Service 50 55 59 Three members were received and one transferred. Membership is 52. In addition to the regular mid­ week Bible Study/Prayer meeting, Adventure Club for children and youth activity night, an Addictions Victorious support group, a men's, and teen's Bible Study and prayer meeting have been added, as well Interim Pastor Glenn Brubacher brought the message to Brussels Mennonite Fellowship on Feb. 2. Luke 10: 25-35 was the scripture lesson. Pastor Brubacher told of several Biblical characters who were issued personal invitations by Jesus, all in different formats, according to the individual needs of the people. He pointed out that today, people are given invitations by Christ in different ways, according to their life situations. They must acknowledge the validity of others' invitations whether or not they make sense to them. When Jesus confronted Peter after the three denials, Peter wanted to skirt the issue by drawing Jesus' attention to John, Pastor Brubacher said. "We too have the tendency to look al others and avoid introspection." Lichtys and Kochs provided special music in the form of a double duet. Ray Martin gave the children's story, and Joanne Steinman played for the offertory. Erla Koch was the worship leader and Mervin Lichty and Kathy Procter looked after the congregational singing. Those who have served in particular positions in the church and who have completed a term of office, and those who are beginning a term of office were acknow­ ledged during the service. The youth served "Groundhog Soup" at noon as a fundraiser. Following the meal and fellowship, a video entitled, "The Renegotia­ tion Model" was shown for all committee members. The youth have planned a visit to "The Meeting Place" in St. Jacobs, next Saturday, Feb. 8. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA you are welcome this Sunday FEBRUARY 16 - LENT 1 MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nancy Beale St. John's, Brussels 11:15 a.m. - Sunday Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Wheelchair Accessible HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 YOUTH PASTOR - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 Sunday Monday Wednesday Friday 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Family Bible Hour Morning Service Evening Service Addictions Support Group Prayer & Bible Study 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 “f)o everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of Goa without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." f’hilippians 2:14,15,16a BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest ~ Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 a.m.- Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service - Bible Study - Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 2:00 p.m. Wheelchair Accessible We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell 887-9831