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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-10-22, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22,1997. PAGE 19. From the Minister's Study, Christ our advocate By Rev. Cathrine Campbel) Melville, Brussels & Knox Belgrave Presbyterian Church In a recent issue of Maclean's Magazine there is a whole section devoted to law schools and their ratings. These will be taken seriously by prospective students and in the ratings there are warnings that the legal profession is not a universally beloved one. What was notable as well, was the variety of fields within the legal profession from environmental law, native law to alternative dispute resolution. These law schools will produce lawyers skilled in the interpretation of the law, which daily seems to become more and more complex. A good lawyer is to be treasured whether you find yourself in difficulties with the law or just want your affairs put in reasonable order. However, these lawyers should be wary for the definition of their expertise seems to vary depending on the experiences, good or bad, that people have with the legal profession. *• In some circles, it is fashionable to tell "lawyer jokes". These jokes are not particularly witty, in the most part, but they are usually unkind. These jokes do have a rich history going back to the Romans in the one source I checked but, as with all "jokes", you must consider the motivation behind them. If you based your opinion of the legal profession on those "jokes" you would think that lawyers are the lowest of the low and mean no good to anyone. I then think of the lawyers that I know and wonder if I have missed a step somewhere for they are honourable and upright men and women who are seriously concerned about their clients and their community. They devote their time and energy to causes that may not be popular but are right. They are people who think their profession is more than making a living. As a young man being interviewed recently said, "Anyone can make a living". What he and others want is more than just that, they want purpose and a feeling of being a contributor to society. There is another term for lawyer - the French one, that of one who speaks on behalf of others. The difference in word use seems to bring a difference in understanding as well. When we hear "advocate" we understand that to be one who can speak for and about you. There is a contrast with the word "lawyer" For a good cause The annual sale at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship, which features products made in Third World countries is always a big success. Bev Brown, who was helping at the sale this past week, shows off a pair of earrings. The craft show is well-attended by people looking for unique gift ideas for Christmas. Local Quakers to study simplicity which we understand to be one who speaks for and about the law. It is quite a contrast and is one that we find clearly delineated in the Gospel accounts. On one side was the Sanhedrin, the lawyers if you will, and on the other side there was Jesus. He was, and still is, the most powerful advocate for all of us. He made no distinctions between rich or poor, learned or hot, sinner or saint. He embraced all folk and still does today. We never are without a friend, a spokesperson, and love. We are never to be fearful of losing our way for the way is given to us in the commandments of our only judge and we are given the freedom to follow them. If we stumble and fall we are not condemned to hopelessness but we are to give our regret, our contrition and promises to God and we are to be reassured that there is both judgement and forgiveness. Never be afraid. It is a wonderful thing to give our concerns over to Christ who as is stated in 1 John 2:1 "My little Children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Sale helps Third World countries Last weekend, products and crafts from over 25 countries were available at the Ten Thousand Villages - Crafts of the World Sale at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship. This annual event is organized by the Missions Committee of the church. The Mennonite Central Committee arranges the purchase of goods at a fair local price from Third World artisans. They are brought to North America and distributed through stories and sales such as the one held in Brussels. Over 30 volunteers helped with the set up, staffing and clean up so that 90 per cent of the proceeds of the sale could be returned to Ten Thousand Villages. Many area residents look forward to the sale every year. Some are getting a start on Christmas shopping while others look for items such as unique musical instruments, toys, baskets and figurines to add to their collections. The items at this sale are not to' be found at any other stores in this area, reports Pat Pietrik, project co­ ordinator. MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. * Belgrave Service Wheelchair accessible We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 Blyth United Church Anniversary Service Oct. 26 - 11:00 a.m. guest - Rev. Jock Tolmay (former minister) Fellowship luncheon after church Everyone welcome Please join us for worship this Sunday Sunday Morning Service -10 a.m. Evening Service - 7:30 p.m. There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under J leaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 ASSOCIATE PASTOR - YOUTH - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 - Morning Worship Service - Family Bible Hour - Morning Worship Service - Evening Service - New Hope Support Group - Prayer & Bible Study - Youth Sunday 8:30 a.m. Monday 10:00 a.m. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Friday 7:30 p.m. BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 Sunday, October 26, 1997 12 I*1 Anniversary Service - Brussels United Church 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Rev. Eric Ledrew - Guest speaker Lunch to follow You are welcome at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Sunday, October 26 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:00 noon 2:30 p.m. Worhslp Service Christian Education Soup Lunch Installation Service for Pastor Ben Wiebe ...but I have called you friends” John 15:5 Pastor Ben Wiebe The local Quaker Worship Group which meets at Bluevale has taken "simple living" as its theme for its Friendly Evening discussions. Simplicity was the theme of one of the discussions this past spring and they wanted to explore it in more depth. Jeanette Sears, from Clinton, described how her family made an intentional effort to live simply and discussed life choices and purchasing decisions with their friends. Quakers see ecological, social justice and personal reasons to live simply. There is a growing concern that the consumer society is gobbling up the natural world which supports all life on earth and that there is a need to live sustainably. Friends have a saying "live simply so that others may simply live" which speaks to the Continued on page 23 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 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 OCTOBER 26 - PENTECOST 23 MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth St. John’s, 9:30 a.m. Brussels Wheelchair accessible 11:15 a.m. 7:30 p.m. "Musical Celebration" featuring The Harbouralres, Brussels United Church Choir, Brussels Public School choir and band Reception to follow There is no worship service In Ethel on Sunday, Oct. 26 Monday, Oct 27-7 p.m. - Study Session Tuesday, Oct 28-4 p.m. - Confirmation Class in Ethel Friday, Oct 31 - Possibility Day - Call 887-6540 to sign up COME AND CELEBRATE!