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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-08-27, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27,1997 PAGE 15. From the Minister's Study, Wisdom, our highest value, says minister By Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Blyth Christian Reformed Church We live in a very materialistic society. The highest goal for many is to make as much money as they can, so they can enjoy as much as they possibly can of all the material things this world offers. For some, that still may not be a whole lot, but their pursuit is the same. I have spent enough time in my life doing without basic material things to understand the immense urge to improve one’s lot. Having to share a pair of skates with siblings, not having the money to pay for a soccer uniform, and such things, has been part of my life. I have known what it is like to do without. So I am thankful that I am better off today. It has made life undoubtedly easier and more pleasant. But I have also learned that happiness and fulfillment is not the result of having more material goods. I have known too many people who had all the material things they could want, but who were not very happy people. In fact, having greater material riches has been a negative factor in the lives of many people. It made them materialistic. It became the standard by which they measured human success. They began to live for such riches, it became their god. And they sacrificed many higher values on the altar of this god. One higher value, one greater good to pursue, is wisdom. The Biblical book of Proverbs says that "wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with it." It also says: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" I have known people who were poor in material things, but they had great wisdom They were a blessing to those who came to know them. They had great peace and contentment. Their lives were rich in meaning. And others profited greatly from them. They enjoyed fulfillment in their lives. Where did they get wisdom? Proverbs 2 tells us that "the Lord gives wisdom ..." It is a gift. But it is one that we can go after. James 1:5 tells us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” The book of Proverbs, and in fact the whole Bible, says a lot about wisdom. Reading it tells us rather quickly that the quality of our lives depends far more on having wisdom than on having material things. And the greater our measure of wisdom, the greater also will be the true enjoyment of our material riches. Our highest goal should therefore be the pursuit of wisdom. And that is ultimately found in following Christ Jesus, "who has become for us wisdom from God." (I Corinthians 1:30). THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA are welcome this Sunday AUGUST 31 - PENTECOST 15 HOLY EUCHARIST Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. Wheelchair accessible St. John’s, Brussels 11:15 a.m. MELVILLE St Michael’s welcomes new priest PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service Wheelchair accessible By David Scott Expositor Editor Moving to the country might help improve Father Dino Salvador's golf game. The new priest is the pastor for a cluster of two parishes - St. James in Seaforth, St. Joseph's in Clinton, and one mission - St. Michael's in Blyth. Salvador was given the assignment for this area by Bishop Sherlock of the London Diocese. This is the first time the Catholic Church has clustered three churches together in this area. In the past, St. James and St. Columban shared a priest. But things have been realigned Shortage of Priests "In the next couple of years there will be a shortage of priests," said Father Salvador. "It's not too long ago all the smaller churches had priests. There's just not the numbers (of priests) now." He completed his studies at St. Peter's Seminary in London. He was in the seminary eight years, including a one-year internship in Windsor at Most Precious Blood Church, then six months at St. Benedict's in Sarnia where he was called to be a deacon there for a year. Father Salvador was ordained at St. Peter's Cathedral in London on April 28, 1990. From there he spent three years in Leamington at St. Michael's and in Chatham at St. Joseph's for four years before being reassigned to this area at the end of June. First Time as Pastor He admits things are really different here with a lot more responsibilities. This is the first time he's been pastor. Mostly his work has been as an associate priest in a larger church with a pastor. There is a lot more administrative work than he’s had in the past, especially with three churches. When you're along the 401 corridor things can be hectic and rushed. I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit," he said. One of his hobbies is golf but hopefully he'll find some more time to play the local links, even with his busy schedule as pastor of three churches. "I'll try to fit it into my schedule ... With two parishes and a mission Welcome Father Dino Salvador is the new pastor at St. Michael's in Blyth and at the Roman Catholic Churches in Seaforth and Clinton. it's going to be a challenge for everybody and myself." New Mass Schedule In the past, the three churches had a total of five masses. "Since I came it's impossible to keep up that new schedule," said Father Salvador. So there are now three masses - one per church - on the weekend. For a four-month trial basis, Blyth will have mass Saturday night at 7 p.m., Seaforth will have mass at 9 a.m. Sunday and Clinton at 11 a.m. Sunday. Then the times will rotate with the three churches. This is on a trial basis, pending review, says the pastor. So far, he has received no complaints regarding the new schedule. "It's always good to see the church full," he says. Aside from his cluster of churches there are clergy duties of visiting nursing homes, retirement homes, hospitals and schools in the communities. Right now Father Salvador is touching base with all the church committees and with the parishes. The tri-church population is fairly large including approxi­ mately 375 families in Seaforth, 330 families in Clinton and 75 in Blyth. "I'm looking forward to this. It’s my first time being pastor. People have been very welcoming and friendly and overall receptive." His first two weddings are in September then one in October, in Seaforth and Clinton. John Brothers, a social worker who has office space at St. James Rectory, is available to see parishioners in Seaforth, Clinton and Blyth, and other members of the public, looking for help with family problems, marital difficulties, addiction counselling, etc. He is available a few days a week, says Father Salvador. Local man speaks to Quakers Tony McQuail, a member of the Lucknow Worship Group of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) gave the Sunderland P. Gardiner lecture to the yearly gathering of Quakers from across Canada held this year at Bolton for the third week of August. Sunderland P. Gardiner was a well loved Quaker minister of the 1800s and the lecture named for him is a highlight of lij» Canadian Yearly meeting. McQuail’s title was "Balance is Beautiful, Ecology, Economy, Politics and Sex. Where has the spirit led?" Drawing on his personal experience, McQuail explored the spiritual miracle of the environment and our place in it. He Continued on page 19 We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 The Blyth United Church will be meeting with The Blyth Community Church of God for the month of August Please join us there at 11 a.m. each Sunday for our Morning Worship HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 ASSOCIATE PASTOR - YOUTH - JEREMY SHUART 523-9768 Sunday Monday Wednesday Friday 8:30 a.m. - Morning Worship Service 10:00 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Worship Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service 7:30 p.m. - New Hope Support Group 7:30 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study 7:30 p.m. - Youth Please join us for worship this Sunday Sunday Morning Service -10 a.m. Evening Service - 7:30 p.m. Psalm 103:1 Praise the Xgrd, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the JCyrd, O my soul, and forget not all Jlis benefits. BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 you 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 Phone 523-4590 McConnell St., Blyth Sundays during August 11:00 a.m. Joint Service at Melville Presbyterian Church Brussels and Ethel are both closed for the month of August. Rev. Chris Johnson is on holidays until Sept 2. In case of any pastoral emergencies, please contact the Rev. Cathrine Campbell at 887-9831. Our regular services begin again Sunday, Sept. 7. YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND.