The Citizen, 2007-07-12, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007. PAGE 19. By Pastor Brent KipferBrussels Mennonite FellowshipBrussels is celebrating the 135thanniversary of its incorporation on
the weekend of July 27-29.
We have all entered a story already
in progress.
When my family and I moved to
Brussels six years ago, we found out
that our house already had a name.
Some folks, remembering its
restoration in the 1980s, called it
The Trollope House. Others could
still picture when it stood by the
banks of the Maitland River, and
knew it as The Miller House. Still
others had read the history books
and called it The William Vanstone
House – tracking it back to the
original owner in 1856.
In our first months here, we heard
story after story about this place:
about families being raised, about
the house’s big move, even one
woman’s memory of stopping for an
emergency bathroom break during a
parade long ago.
Sarah and I were fascinated by all
this. We had entered a story already
in progress. Many chapters had
already been written. It would be our
privilege to be part of the next one.
Deep within, we all want to know
that we are part of a larger story, that
our lives have purpose, that we
belong. Ideally, we learn this as we
are growing up: that we are not
isolated, but are connected to a
family, to a community, to a God
who has written us into his great
story and longs to give us a key role
to play.
Life is short. Do you know why
you are here? Do you understand
that you fit into a story that is much
bigger than your own life? Too
easily we miss it.
Is life about accumulating the
most toys? Is it about pleasing
others? Is it about work? Are you
here to make a name for yourself? Is
the goal to enjoy as much candy (or
days at the beach or…) as possible? A long time ago, I met someonewho told me, “I have so much morefor you.” He saw (and continues to
see) the big picture – from first to
last. His name is Jesus.
In his brief time on earth, Jesus
lived like no other. His life brimmed
with passion, with purpose, with joy.
People crowded to get near him. He
was so full of life – life poured out
for others. Jesus said:
“I came that they may have life,
and have it abundantly.” (John
10:10)
Jesus wants to give us rich life
stories. No more blah, just-going-
through-the-motions-kind-of-life, no
flash-in-the-pan-life with no
substance. Right to the end, Jesus
was committed to freeing us up for a
life that is full, lasting, purposeful.
That’s why he was willing to die
for us. On the night before they
nailed him to the cross, Jesus
expressed his longing to God his
Father.
Do you know what Jesus was
saying in those last, intimate
moments with his Father? He was
talking about us – wanting to us to
have a life that not only counts – but
that lasts. He said:
“This is eternal life, that they may
know you, the only true God, andJesus Christ whom you have sent.”(John 17:3)This is the route to life: a growing,
personal knowledge of God through
his Son Jesus. With him, we find
meaning in the great story. God is
writing an epic. Jesus invites you to
step in. Learn to live. Learn real
love. Learn to know him. This is
why you are here.
And – as we do this together – it
will also guarantee that the next
chapter in our community’s story
will be a great one.
From the Minister’s StudyStory already in progress
Welcome
Rev. Sandra Yule is the new minister for the Duff’s Walton
and Bluevale United Churches. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
Duff’s and Bluevale United
Churches are welcoming a new
minister to the pulpit.
Rev. Sandra Yule arrives in Walton
from Ormstown, Quebec, a small
town of 3,500 just 20 minutes north
of New York.
Having grown up in Montreal,
Yule was working as a co-ordinator
of a women’s centre prior to
turning to the ministry. “I took a
theology course and basically got
hooked.”
Encouraged by a professor to
attend a theological institute, Yule
was eventually accepted into the
ministry.
Though the United Church of
Canada determines where a minister
will settle, Yule is quite comfortable
with her move to the tiny hamlet of
Walton. “Coming to Ontario is a big
change, but I am familiar with small
town ministry. That was where my
home congregation was while I was
raising my children.”
Yule has a son, who’s 29 and
teaching in China, and a daughter,
20, who is attending school in
Ottawa.
Her focuses in ministry are
community outreach, pastoral care
and , of course, considering her
previous career, social justice issues.
“It will be interesting to see how that
plays out here.”
As for time to settle in, Yule, who
moved from an apartment to the
spacious, old manse on June 29, says
she has some shopping to do. “I’ve
got to get some furniture.”
And of course, spend time getting
to know her new community. “I have
met so many people. Everyone is so
friendly. And I have a full schedule
already.”
308 Blyth Rd. E. ~ Pastor Les Cook 519-523-4590
B l y t h C o m m u n ity Church of God
C H U R C H O F G O D ,ANDERS
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,
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We welcome
Living Water Christian Fellowship
to worship with us
during July and August
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
“The Church
is not a building,
it is people
touching people
Please join us for worship
SUNDAYS
Morning Service 10:00am
Evening Service 7:30pm
BLYTH CHRISTIAN
REFORMED CHURCH
Pastor John Kuperus
Hwy. 4, Blyth
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
Welcomes you to come
and worship with us
SUNDAY, JULY 15
The Rev. Tom Wilson, B.A., MDiv. 519-887-9273
Trinity, Blyth
9:30 a.m.
St. John's, Brussels
11:15 a.m.
Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street
Blyth United Church
Office: 519-523-4224
Worship Service 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 15
All Welcome
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Sunday Worship Service
7:30 p.m. - Evening Worship Service
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - Adult Bible Study
Something for everyone!
Call the church for current Youth events
HURON CHAPEL
EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH
Auburn - 519-526-1131
PASTOR DAVE WOOD
BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Sandra Cable, Worship Leader
Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca
Celebrating our Christian Faith together in worship
Please join us at Melville Presbyterian Church
for services in July at 11 am.
Church services for Brussels Ethel Pastoral Charge
will resume August 5.
MELVILLE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
BRUSSELS
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available
Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 519-887-9831
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship
- Sunday School
9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service
getlivingwater.org
Pastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848
July 15: 1 Kings 17:17ff
Evangelical Missionary Church
Living Water
Christian Fellowship
Blyth Vacation Bible School
July 16 - 20
at Blyth Christian Reformed Church
NOTE:
Joint services for summer at
Church of God
308 Blyth Rd. E., Blyth
“Turning to
God amidst
Family Tragedy”
Duff’s, Bluevale churches
welcome new minister
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen