Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-12-03, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3,1997. From the Minister’s Study Happy Christian New Year By the Rev. Christine Johnson Brussels-Ethel Pastoral Charge United Church of Canada Happy Christian New Year! Nov. 30 was the first Sunday of our Christian year. It is also called the first Sunday of Advent and its theme is Hope. Dec. 7 is the second Sunday of Advent and its theme is Peace. Why do Christians celebrate a different calendar? Don't we have EDYTHE IRENE SMITH Edythe Irene Smith of Wingham passed away Thursday, Nov. 27 1997 at Braemar Retirement Cen­ tre, Wingham. She was 81. Mrs. Smith was the dear mother of Norma and John McDowell, and Barbara and Marvin Liley all of London, and Douglas and Lynn Smith of Westfield. She was the loving grandmother of Mark Vogl, Shannon McClinchey, Cara Vogl, Michael Smith, Jacqueline Smith and Teresa Smith. She was also survived by four great-grandchildren, her broth­ er Gordon McDowell of Clinton and her sister Jean and John Gear of Wingham. Mrs. Smith was predeceased by her parents John L. and Elizabeth (Snell) McDowell, her husband, Gordon (1984), and her sister Eve­ lyn Smith. Visitation was Friday Nov. 28 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at McBumey Funeral Home, Wing­ ham. The funeral service was held Saturday Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. Rev. J. Rea Grant officiated. Interment was in Wingham Cemetery, Turn berry Twp. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the chari­ ty of one's choice would be appre­ ciated as expressions of sympathy. N.E. (PETER) HARDY A resident of London, who sum­ mered in the Londesboro area, Peter Hardy passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, 1997 at St. Joseph's Health Centre. He was 80. Bom in Toronto, Mr. Hardy was vice-chairperson of the Toronto Blue Jays from the club's beginning in 1976 and reached the position of CEO in 1982. In 1945 he joined Labatt Brew­ eries, rising through its ranks to reach the position of president in 1969, vice-chairperson in 1973 and chairperson in 1981. Mr. Hardy was the beloved hus­ band of Dorothy Hardy. He was the dear father of Gayle and Pat Waters of Bayfield and Beverley and Michael McTigue of Telluride, CO. Also left to mourn his passing are his 12 grandchildren, Andrew (Max) and Shelagh, Harry, Jake, Ben, Cass, Sam, Jan, Jon and Jodi, Jill and Joel. He was the loving great-grandfather of Madeleine and Cameron. Friends were received at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London, Monday, Nov. 24, then on Tuesday at the Humphrey Funeral Home-A.W. Miles Chapel in Toronto. Cremation followed. A private family service was held in Toronto. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. .. enough confusion in the way we organized our months: school year, fiscal year (which could be any month to any month), calendar year? Yet, for Christians, our year is defined by the story of Jesus and his life on this earth. The Christian year is made up of six seasons: Advent, Christmas, Season after Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Season after Pentecost. As we experience these seasons, we learn and grow in faith in relationship to Jesus Christ. We begin by reliving Jesus' life from birth (Advent and Christmas), through his healing and teaching ministry (Season after Epiphany), his death and resurrection (Lent and Easter), to the birth of the Christian Church and our work in the world today (Season after Pentecost). In a sense, we re-enact the drama of these season in order to continually be reminded of the work of God's spirit in our lives. That is why, as Christians, worship is central to our lives. In our worship services, the seasons provide a framework by which we can live our lives according to Christ's story and not simply the ebb and flow of our own story, or the story that is imposed on us by the world. In a sense, the drama of the liturgical seasons appeals to all our five senses. As embodied spirits, we can participate fully in that drama. We see the changing colours through banners and other decorations in the church. We hear the words of scripture, the beautiful sound of music. We touch our place of worship each Sunday, and each other, through the shaking of hands. We taste the meals of fellowship, and the greatest meal, communion. We smell the candles burning, the fresh evergreen, the flowers in each of their seasons. The seasons give Christians a framework for their lives. It offers great pageantry in terms of our worship in church, but it also provides a method by which we can reflect on our own personal life. In terms of Advent, for example, we are waiting and watching for the coming (Advent) of the infant Jesus into our own lives. The large question is, "How do we prepare?" Are we excited or does it just mean a dreary round of busy-ness in order to deal with that holiday we call Christmas? I think Advent is one of the most mis-used seasons of the Christian church. We all want it to be instantly Christmas. But our job during this time is to wait, as painful as that may be. And to watch. To be diligent about not only our physical preparations - shopping, baking, decorating - but also to be diligent about preparing ourselves spiritually and mentally for this great miracle about to happen. For many, it may seem silly to prepare for something when we know the exact date and the outcome. And perhaps it’s true that it has become old hat. But our preparations must also deal with the mystery and power and the amazing grace that enters our world when we allow the Christ child a room in our own hearts. The thing that is hard to accept and perhaps something that we still haven't quite understood is that we have to prepare the way for God's spirit to be fully revealed in our lives. And this is our job during Advent We prepare by "making the path's straight", by clearing up the clutter of our busy lives. We prepare for Christ's coming by opening ourselves to God through prayer of worship or singing. We prepare by participating in the church, the Body of Christ, by acting as a partner in the business of making miracles happen - by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick. We prepare by simply remembering the story and by letting the story of Jesus speak to us in a new way. We prepare by hearing the good news that we are adored by God and it is that adoration which feeds our spirit and inspires us to participate in a relationship of adoration with God. Each season in our Christian year has the power to offer to us a glimpse of the kingdom of God, the realm of this earth where God's way of truth, peace, love and justice prevail. In Advent we prepare ourselves for the entire Christian year, for the coming of the Christ child into our lives and for the power of God's love to transform ourselves and the world. Happy Advent! Happy Christian New Year! Rebekahs plan float The regular meeting of Morning Star Rebekah Lodge #315 took place on Nov. 25 with Noble Grand Sis. Lorraine Edwards presiding. It was reported that the United Nations Pilgrimage for youth speak-off will be held this coming year on April 3. A float is being entered In Brussels Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 6 to be jointly sponsored by Western Star Lodge #149 and Morning Star Rebekah Lodge #315. The Christmas party will be held on Dec. 9 at 6:30 jj.m. in the form of potluck supper, with a social time after the meeting. The names of Friendship sisters will be revealed at that time. IVe welcome your letters 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 DECEMBER 7 - ADVENT 2 St. John's, Brussels - 11:15 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Trinity, Blyth - 5:30 p.m. - Pot Luck & Christmas Decorating (No morning service In Blyth) Rev. Nancy Beale Wheelchair accessible MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service 7:30 p.m. - Evening Bible Study 2:00 p.m. - Wednesday afternoon Bible Study Wheelchair accessible We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrlne Campbell - 887-9831 HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 ASSOCIATE PASTOR - YOUTH - JEREMY SHUART 523-9788 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 Jesus 3s <ltt Ktason Jor The Reason You are welcome at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Sunday, December 7 Second Sunday of Advent 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Christian Education Pastor Ben Wiebe 887-6388 Please join us for worship this Sunday Sunday Morning Service -10 a.m. Evening Service - 7:30 p.m. BLYTH CHRISTIAN J*or unto us a child is bom, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, jflnd he will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, ter, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest A Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 ZWheelchair accessible BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Christine Johnson - Minister Church Office 887-6259 Home 887-6540 December 7, 1997 Second Sunday in Advent 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Ethel Confirmation Service with Communion Fellowship time to follow ***** Morning Worship Brussels White Gift Service Potluck lunch (finger foods) to follow Monday, Dec. 8-7 p.m. - Study Session Sunday, Dec. 14 - 7:30 p.m. - Ecumenical Community Choral Concert ALL ARE WARMLY WELCOME!