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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-10, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10,1997. From the Minister’s Study Princess Diana and the cult of personality By Rev. Stephen Huntley Blyth United Church The tragic news of the death of Diana Princess of Wales has struck a deep chord in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. The outpouring of grief following that fatal car crash is unlike anything the world has experienced in recent times. Following the death, inevitable questions are being raised: Why did this tragedy occur? How it could have been averted? These and other questions have punctuated the conversations of media persons and ordinary citizens alike. Who, what, or whom is responsible? There are those who point the finger at the paparazzi, the relentless pursuers of news/gossip who try to cash in on celebrity success. Others point to the tabloids who pay millions for that sensational picture of revealing expose. Still, others say the blame lies at the feet of those who would purchase publications whose main purpose it is to publish the personal and intimate details of the lives of the rich and famous. There must be some accountability, too, on the part of celebrities for they benefit from the hype that is raised. In the media reports thus far, the main culprit that I believe directly responsible for the Diana tragedy is what has been termed the "cult of personality." So far, I have not heard this phenomenon mentioned in news reports. In the later half of this century "the cult of personality" has taken on gigantic proportions (that is not entirely new, the Gospels record how Jesus was hounded by hungry crowds anxious for even a touch of his garment!). Today entire magazines are devoted to the private affairs of peoples' lives. {People Magazine) The largest single publication in the U.S., is not’ USA Today, but the National Enquirer. Sports stars are given a "king's ransom" for a paycheque and lifted to godlike status. The frenzy in which the life of the rich and famous has taken on has become an obsession. I believe that the adoration of people who make headlines is not entirely unhealthy. We need people to look up to and there is such a thing as healthy escape, living vicariously through the accomplishments of another. However, when this escape becomes obsessive and the personal matters of celebrities become news we have crossed that line. I hope and pray that the tragedy of Diana's life and the outpouring of grief surrounding her death can move past tears to repentance. It is a sad and spiritually unhealthy society that worships creatures instead of the Creator. May each of us in our hearts examine how we play a part in tragedies like Diana's and turn our devotion instead to God. It is the Lord our God alone who is worthy of all our attentions; the One who fills us, knows us and meets our every need. Welcomes Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 10 US in Worship September 14 ^0ChrlTPSenlCe «affUC?Ho" Pastor Ben Wiebe TRAVIS GREGORY POWER Travis Gregory Power passed away in infancy, at Woodstock General Hospital, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1997. He was the dear son of Jackie Cook and Richard Power of James Street, Woodstock, loved brother of Tristin Cook and dear grandson of Jessie Power of Woodstock, April Cook and her friend, Joe Phelan, of Blyth and Greg Cook and his friend, Judy Mason, of Belgrave. Travis is also survived by great- grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, Friends called at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham, Satur­ day, Sept. 6. A private funeral service was held Saturday. Rev. Mary Jane Hobden officiated. HELENA DRAGSTRA Helena Dragstra of Goderich Twp., passed away at Alexandra Marine and General hospital, Goderich on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997. She was 84. The former Helena De Ruyter was the beloved wife of the late Theunis Dragstra. She was the dear mother of Rena and Bill Kolkman of Londesboro, John Dragstra of Goderich Twp. and Martha Harriot of Victoria, B.C. She was the loving grandmother of Robert and Lissa Kolkman, Stephen Kolkman, Katrina, John Tanis and James Harriot and great-grandmother of Leticia, Kurtis and Marlayna. A granddaughter, Helen, predeceased her. The family received friends at the McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, Goderich on Sunday afternoon and evening. Funeral service was held at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Goderich on Monday, Sept. 8. Rev. Jack Quartel officiated. Pallbearers were Ken Sowerby, Lawrence Lassaline, Gilbert Vanden Heuval, Kase Vanden Heuval, Walter McIlwain and Don Budnark. Interment was at Maitland Cemetery. Please join us for worship this Sunday Sunday Morning Service -10 a.m. Evening Service - 7:30 p.m. &salm 1112 $ 3 Great are the works of the Jfgrd; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds and his righteousness endures forever. BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH A Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible Pastor talks of Christian life Pastor Ben Wiebe brought the message to Brussels Mennonite Fellowship on Sunday, Sept. 7. Philippians 2: 1-11, was the text for the sermon. Pastor Wiebe stated that a Christian Life is living up to the gift you have been given. "We have been given forgiveness, so we need to forgive; we have been given mercy so we need to be merciful; we have been given love so we need to give love," he said. Life depends on that of Jesus Christ. Real humility is a strength, - it allows people to serve one another. "As Christians we need to be responsible - to recognize the gifts God has given us and to use them. With false humility, we notice the faults of others, but we must look for their gifts too." Pastor Wiebe entitled his message, "Life Worthy of the Gospel". Paul Siemon was the worship leader. Kathy Procter was the pianist with Thelma Steinman leading the singing. Tim Procter played for the offertory. 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 HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 ASSOCIATE PASTOR - YOUTH - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 Sunday MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service Wheelchair accessible 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 Story Hour/Little Lambs We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA are welcome this Sunday SEPTEMBER 14 - PENTECOST 17 MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth St.John’s, 9:30 a.m. Brussels Wheelchair accessible 11:15 a.m. BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 Sunday, September 14 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Ethel ***** Morning Worship Brussels "Come Join The Cirde" - Surujay School begins today in both churches. AU children are welcome to be a part of our church family. Please phone the office if you would like more information. YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND. Fun, Discovery, and Bible-Centered Learning! • Story Hour: ages 4-6 • Little Lambs: ages 2 & 3 Blyth Christian Reformed Church Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. -11:40 a.m. beginning Sept. 24 Please arrive early the first morning to register your children For more Information call Anita Boven 523-9492 Coffee. (Breath A Community Bible Study • Share questions and concerns • Enjoy friendship and refreshments Ww* No previous Bible knowledge necessary Blyth United Church Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 24 Nursery & Children’s programs available at Christian Reformed Church Evening program at Femmy VanAmersfoort’s hdme Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. • 9:00 p.m. beginning Sept. 24 For more information call Joanne VanAmersfoort 523-4202