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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-03-01, Page 28PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018. From the Minister's Study It's been written, we only have to read it By Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Blyth Christian Reformed Church In a recent exchange with someone who writes for our local newspaper, I suggested that he write a story about the imminent arrival of balmy spring weather. It happened to be cold and blustery at that time and spring seemed too distant. I suggested to him that if he wrote the article, it might come true. He responded by saying that if he could write an article in a newspaper that would come true, he wouldn't want to waste ink on the weather. He would write about something far more important that would be of lasting benefit. This exchange got me to thinking about what I would write in a newspaper article that would come true once it was published. I would hope that I would not be too selfish, although, as we well know, the ancient tales tell how those who were granted three wishes quickly wasted them on foolish things that have no lasting benefit to anyone. I do have to confess that at the very moment I am writing this article, I am suffering from a very stiff and sore neck, and it would be tempting to wish it away. There would be no lasting benefit to anyone, but, at the moment, it does seem quite important to me. Perhaps I would be less selfish, and I would write an article that would eliminate the food crisis many in our world are facing. We don't know what starvation is here in the west, but many people go without a proper meal for days. If I could write an article that could change how things are, would I provide food security for all? That would certainly be more beneficial than me wishing away a stiff neck. Or perhaps I could write an article that would reverse climate change. Or I could write an article which would foretell the disappearance of cancer. Having an opportunity to benefit millions would be wonderful. But would just one newspaper article be sufficient? If there is no more cancer, there would still be war. If there is no more war, there would still be poverty. If there is no more poverty, there would still be family squabbles. Solving one problem would serve to accentuate others. There would be no end to the number of newspaper articles needed. The Citizen would not be able to print all the articles necessary Graber visits Continued from page 2 offered me a couple of very nice visits, along with sisters Robyn and Jill. So great to see them mature into fun individuals. A visit to Barrie showed us how school-age kids change and grow in a few short weeks. Rock climbing is the newest endeavour for Ella and Sloan, so another bit of education for us. FaceTime with Hark in Edmonton shows that giggles are the new thing for him. The rewards of being a grandparent are quite evident for us this past week. Oh, such fun. Take care of yourself, Betty G.W. BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED to solve all the world problems. What would be far better would be to discover the heart of the problem. What is the cause of the problems in our world? Is there one root cause? If there is, is there anything we can do about it? If we return to my stiff and sore neck, I would love to eliminate the pain today. But it would be far better to discover what is causing the pain. Do I need a new pillow? Do I need to work on my posture? Is there stress in my life which is causing tension in my body? Finding the root of the problem and treating it would be far better than eliminating the soreness in my neck today. We all have our ideas about what might be the root cause of all our problems. Some define the root as being economic: there are limited resources accompanied by an unfair distribution of those resources. Others would say that the root is self-centredness: too many people think only of themselves. Others might identify the problem as being a lack of knowledge: if only we knew more, we would know what to do. The Christian Bible defines the problem in another way. Beginning in the first few chapters of Genesis and repeated over and over again, the root of all of the problems in this world is defined as a broken relationship with God. When humanity decided to go it alone, when we decided to turn our backs on God, this caused the rest of our problems. The good creation that God had made began to deteriorate, causing all kinds of problems that indicate that things are not the way they are supposed to be. When we decided to forsake God, God has let us experience the consequences of not having his sustaining hand care for us in all areas of life. Further, turning our back on God has resulted in brokenness between The Regional Ministry of Hope Everyone Welcome! Trinity Anglican Church St. John's Anglican Church BLYTH BRUSSELS cS. 9:15 am 11:15am MINISTRY OFFICE 519-357-4883 Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca ® The Regional Ministry of Hope COME WORSHIP WITH US! BRUSSELS United Church Welcome to Sunday morning worship & Sunday School at 11:00 am Hillary MacDonald (905) 246-7386 Macdonald.hillary@gmail.com Everyone welcome Sunday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School) Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m. Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon. Coffee & cookies after the morning service. For additional details please contact Pastor Andrew Versteeg 519.887.8621 Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173 Blyth United Church Est. 1875 Sunday, March 4 THIRDS NDAY N 111104, We continue to journey into the wilderness Lent 3 Worship at 9:30 a.m. Hillary MacDonald OFFICE: 519-523-4224 human beings. Not respecting, honouring or obeying God has led to us not respecting or caring for others. If that is the problem, then we can also identify the solution. If the problem is a broken and ruined relationship with God, then the solution would be a restored relationship with God. And God provides that restoration in Jesus Christ. Through faith in him, God welcomes us back into full relationship. Does that solve the world's problems? Does that solve the problem with my sore neck? Not immediately. The work of God through Jesus Christ is still in process. But the article has been written, not in the newspaper, but in the Bible. There we learn that at some point in history God will make all things new. The creation will be renewed, and through Jesus Christ we will be renewed as well. There will be no climate change, no poverty, no war, and, thankfully, no sore and stiff necks. We don't need to write a newspaper article that will solve the world's problems. It has already been written. We simply need to read it and know that God cares enough for us to bring about renewal. 'You're (invited ]o john 71s 7CesItp SUNDAYS Morning Service Evening Service 10:00 am 7:30 pm BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743 MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, MARCH 4 We invite you to join our church fami,y in: Worship & Sunday School - 11 am Coffee & Snacks following the service Come out and meet our new minister, Rev. Charmila Ireland Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Soup & More 2 - a free community meal held in Melville's basement, and made possible by the Brussels churches working together. Nursery care available 519-887-6687 HURON CHAPEL Every Sunday In Auburn @ 9am & 11 am FOOL'S DAY huronchapel.com THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND HOLY MASS. OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m. 17 Flora Street Winaham: Sacred Heart Sunday 9:00 a.m. 220 Carling Terrace Listowel: St. Joseph's Sunday 11:00 a.m. 1025 Wallace Avenue N.