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
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«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