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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-08-11, Page 11THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2005. PAGE 11. From the Minister's Study Wrestling with one’s views on Jesus By Pastor Brent Kipfer, Brussels Mennonite Fellowship At least one person in our community is disillusioned with the Christian faith. If you have been to the Brussels swimming pool this summer, you may have noticed some graffiti like this: “God is not real”, “sin = pleasure”, “Life: Don’t waste it to get to heaven”. Few are so honest about rejecting the claims of Jesus. I have come to different conclusions about the reality of God, the nature of sin and the meaning of life. In fact, I have staked my life on Jesus Christ because I am convinced that 1) he is alive and God is real, 2) true pleasure is found not in sin but in a love relationship with God, and 3) we can taste the joy of heaven in daily life as we put our trust in Jesus. I also believe that God’s love for the writer of those graffiti messages is strong and tender and true. When Jesus walked the roads of Palestine, his presence evoked strong reactions from those who met him. Some were attracted to his message and manner; they dropped everything to follow him. Others were curious; they were drawn to him but put off making a life­ changing decision. Still others - including many of the religious leaders - reacted against Jesus. They knew that if they accepted him, they could no longer remain the same. What about you? If you share the beliefs of the graffiti writer, what led you to your convictions? Have you been hurt by the church? Turned off by inconsistencies in the lives of Christians you know? Disgusted by stories of the Crusades - or the style of some TV evangelists? Shaken by an experience of suffering? Simply unconvinced by the message of Jesus? Is it mainly an intellectual issue for you or more of a gut-level response? If you would like to explore these questions further, I encourage you to find someone you trust (maybe even a Christian!) and be honest about your questions and objections. Face- to-face conversation can be far more satisfying than graffiti - or even a newspaper article! Back in the days of the Soviet Union, an atheist university professor asked a Russian farmer if he believed in God. “Yes, I do,” the farmer answered. “But why? Why should you believe in him? Did you see him?” “No,” said the farmer. “But neither have 1 seen a Japanese person. Just the same, I believe that the Japanese exist. Our army fought against them in the last war. This is proof enough for me. If there is no God, why do you fight against him?” WI sponsors big quilt show in Mississauga The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) are holding a quilt show and sale called “Quilts, Quills and Bears” to be held Sept. 16, 17 and 18 at Hall 1 of the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga. Over 600 new and heritage quilts and wall hangings from all over Ontario will be displayed and many will be for sale. Included in the sale will be a trillium pattern queen-sized quilt made by the Majestic Women’s Institute of Brussels and a maple leaf pattern queen-sized quilt made by a Majestic Women’s Institute member, Lucy Hesse. Renowned quilters and workshop leaders, Nancy Bergman, Cheryl Wray and Kathleen Bissett will give hands-on workshops. Viewers will have as chance to vote for their favourite quilt, and will enjoy live demonstrations, a merchant mall, and a variety of door prizes. All show-goers are invited to bring a teddy bear to donate to Good Bears of the World - Canada. WI’s goal is to completely fill an emergency vehicle with thousands of teddy bears. They will be distributed to police, fire departments, hospitals, etc. to comfort anyone experiencing an emergency or distressful situation. All kinds of bears are welcome - purchased or handmade. Show co-ordinator, Arthena Hecker says this is a show not to be missed. “We are excited by the beautiful quilts and various techniques being offered for both show and sale-. The workshops will be of interest to all levels of quilters.” Show times are Friday, Sept. 16 - noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 17 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 18 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door for adults, $12 for seniors and WI members and $10 for children under 12. Advance tickets are available for $10. To order call the FWIO provincial office at 1-519-836-3078. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Community Living hosts TVetcMied cpw, to cwce information night, Aug. 18 Wingham & District Community Living Association (WDCLA) will be hosting an information night, on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on services available to those facing intellectual challenges. The event will take place at the Jack Reavie Centre, 153 John St., Wingham. The night is being held in co­ operation with over a dozen agencies and groups including the Huron Respite Network, Partners in Employment, Special Olympics, Family Home Program, Thames Valley Children’s Centre, Foundations and the Ontario Disability Support Program. Literature will be available from several agencies unable to send representatives. The information provided will be of particular interest to those with intellectual challenges, their family and friends. The WDCLA has supported those with intellectual disabilities for over 40 years in north Huron and south Bruce Counties. They currently provide supported independent living, group homes and family residence support for over 60 individuals. In addition the association runs a summer youth program. SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. St. John's, Brussels 11:15a.m. The Rev. Tom Wilson, B.A., MDiv. 887-9273 ON $4.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $4.00 + GST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen foot, fa, cwndAift Sunday, August 14 Morning Worship Service - 10 a.m. Evening Worship Service ■- 7:30 p.m. BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor John Kuperus 4 Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Church Office 887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca August 14: Matt. 5:1-12 "The Church is not a % Building, 9. It is People Touching B People" Sunday 9:15 a.m. - Prayer Meeting 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service Phone 523-4875 308 Blyth Rd. E. ~ Pastor Les Cook 523-4590 HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH SING ASONCjiOF Auburn - 526-1131 PASTOR DAVE WOOD Christ-centred, Bible-believing, Fellowship-friendly, Growth-geared 10:30 am Blyth Public School Pastor: Ernest Dow - 523-4848 http://getlivingwater.org Donation-based N. PASTORAL COUNSELLING • Marriage • Family \ • Budgeting Down- and-Out For the month of August Brussels & Ethel Congregations are worshipping with their friends at Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels Worship in Brussels & Ethel United Churches resumes September 4, 2005. Sunday 10:30 a.m.Morning Worship Service For the month of August there will be special guest speakers nn WednesdayTV 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. NO Sunday School in August Evening Worship Service Adult Bible Study Aduit & Youth Bible Study MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS 11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service We welcome our friends from Brussels United who will worship with us for the month of August. August 20th Doors Open and Royal Tea from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm August 21st Guest Minister the Reverend Eva Schury from Wheelchair accessible Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 Blyth United Church Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street Sunday, August 14 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Minister: Rev. Robin McGauley Office: 523-4224 Blyth United Church is a welcoming community of faith. We celebrate God's presence through worship and study, and through responding to the needs and gifts of each other. Sanctuary