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The Citizen, 1991-04-24, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991. PAGE 19. From the Minister’s Study Church, for many, means an extension of family submitted by Pastor Gordon Bauman, Brussels Mennonite Fellowship WRITTEN BY MELODIE DAVIS I knew it was going to be a two, perhaps three tissue worship ser­ vice. Sometimes I think I can measure the worth of a good sermon by how many tissues I use up! Our pastor of eight years was leaving. First of all, the piercing beauty of a violin solo sent me groping for my purse. Then the sight of our pastor, walking in like it was just another Sunday started the tears up again. Finally, a man who had been hospitalized with a brain injury came in. unassisted: a walking miracle. Yet the tragedy of his family’s experience hung in the air. A third round with the tissues. And the service hadn't even begun. Okay - so maybe my hormones were over-reacting. Actually 1 don't know why 1 was so weepy that day. There were a number of dry eyes, people who probably felt just as deeply about our church as I did. But I was glad for the freedom to cry openly and laugh with some others who were in tears too: “This was sure a three-tissue worship service!’’ “Forget the tissues," my friend said. "I brought paper towels!” Perhaps even the thought of a bunch of weepy folks turns you off. For me, the openness to laugh or cry, to share hugs or handshakes, to enjoy a deep intellectual, politi­ cal or even frivolous potty-training discussion, to share meals, marri­ ages. deaths and births - all means family. Church, for many people, has come to mean family - extend­ ed family. Church is more than just a place to make you “feel good". Church is like no other gathering during the week, a place where the purpose is not to be productive or come to a consensus or any of the things we normally associate with groups of people meeting together. The church is meant to be God at work in the world today, and the purpose of Sunday morning worship is to gather to worship God together. But beyond these lofty, “theolo­ gical” reasons for being a part of a church, the practical benefits are not “bad” reasons either. 1. Many people find children a reason to go back to church, if they’ve somehow left the church for a period of years. Somehow we want our children to experience some of the same nurture, teach­ ing, love and fellowship we experi­ enced growing up in a church. 2. It’s a good way to get to know others when you’re new in town. 3. It’s a place to enjoy the aesthetic: music, art, drama, a good speech. 4. Church can be a place to use your extracurricular hobbies and gifts. Churches always have need for people who can play piano, sing, teach, run committees, coach teams, or direct theatre. It’s a place to give of yourself and share what God has given you. 5. People in a church are often the first to respond with help when there’s an illness, death, or other need. People in a church back up that casserole or dish of chicken with sincere, heart-felt prayer. 6. A church community is people to celebrate with: half the fun of having a wedding or new baby or going away on a big trip is having people to share it with. (Why do you think so many people go to church at Christmas and Easter? Somehow a celebration needs to occur with people!) 7. A church community helps build memories, for you and your children. 1 used to wonder if going to church with small children was worth the hassle, but now 1 know the memories they’re developing from all their experiences and friends at church will likely last a lifetime. 8. But the best reason for being part of a church community is simply to be good to yourself: you need the time of reflection that worship provides, a stirring of the soul, or perhaps the touch of a friend. Melodie Davis is a columnist, wife and mother of three from Harrison­ burg, Virginia. ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA REV. DAVID FULLER, B.A., M. DIV. April 28 Easter 05 MORNING PRAYER Blyth 9:30a.m. Brussels 11:15a.m. BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 Honoured Former Brussels resident Roy Cousins (second from right) recently received his 60-year jewell for his membership in the Masonic Lodge. Taking part in the ceremony were: (left to right) Bruce McCall, George Cousins, Laurie Campbell, Roy Cousins and Bill Vincent, District Deputy Grand Master. R. Cousins gets 60 year pin Former Brussels resident, Roy Cousins, now of New Market, recently was honoured with a 60-year pin from the Masons at a special ceremony. Very well-known in Brussels, Mr. Cousins operated the Cream­ ery for many years, beginning in 1939 and was village Reeve from 1946 to 1955. He began his association with Masons in Elora on January 18, 1929 when he was initiated into the Irwin Lodge No. 203. In September he became affiliated with Black- and in 1931 with Simcoe Lodge No. 79 Bradford. Shortly after purchas­ ing the creamery, he affiliated with St. John’s Lodge No. 284, Brussels, where he has a Life Membership. In June of 1945, Mr. Cousins was elected Worshipful Master and served two terms from 1945-1947. In 1951-52 he was appointed by Norman Hoover to serve as District Secretary and at the 1952 Commun­ ications of Grand Lodge was ap­ pointed Grand Steward by the Grand Master. Mr. Cousins has served two terms as chairman of Wingham and District Hospital Board and was a trustee of Wingham and District High School Board. He is a member of Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection 14th Degree and Rose Croix 18th Degree in Guelph and a member of Moore Soverein Consis­ tory 32nd Degree in Hamilton. Mr. Cousins was also a devoted member of Brussels United Church during his years there. Three members of his family reside in Brussels: John, George and Bette. Eldest son Laurie lives in London. UCW members hear Easter readings The general meeting of the U.C.W. was held in the Church basement April 3 with 30 ladies present. The welcome was given and a poem “Spring Charm” was read by the president. After the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were given it was announced a bale is being assembled the last two weeks in April. The May meeting is to be held as a pot luck supper in the basement at 6:30 p.m. Isabel Wheeler and Joan Ber­ nard took over for the worship. Joan read “An Easter Gift to Us”. The hymn, “Crown Him” was sung. The scripture was taken from Mark 16, chapter 1 followed by The Lord’s Prayer. Isabel read a story of “Give Me The Easter Spirit Lord”. The hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” was sung. Jean Bewley showed her slides on China and questions were asked. Benediction was given and a social time followed. Hostesses Adah Smith and Luella Mitchell served lunch. Mennonite Fellowship news Elwin Garland delivered the sermon Sunday, April 21 at Brus­ sels Mennonite Fellowship. He spoke on “Compassion” using Matthew 25: 31-46 as the text. Compassion cannot be forced. It comes from the heart, but is inspired bv God. Compassion makes us more vulnerable, and more willing to take a risk of sharing the hurts of others. Wendy Martin led the worship service, while Lena Siegers led the congregational music, accompan­ ied by Nancy Elliot-Greenwood. Various meetings were held throughout the week at the Church. The Third Annual Talent Auction, with proceeds going to Missions, was held Friday evening at the Church. The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held Saturday morning. 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 28 Morning Worship Service Sermon “Jesus, the True Vine” Church School - Nursery 9:30 a.m. Ethel Worship Service Jesus is the man who cares for others. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 10:00 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service, Guest soloist - Tim Harden 8:00 p.m. - Evening Service Wednesday - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 - Youth i BLYTH CHRISTIAN A REFORMEDCHURCH HIGHWAY4, BLYTH OR. W. H. LAMMERS Sunday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00a.m. The Church of the “Back toGod Hour” and “Faith 20” Back to God Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith20 5:00a.m. Weekdays,GlobalT.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME Melville Presbyterian Church BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy We welcome 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. you to come - Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service and worship with us! BRUSSELS MENNONITE Designed by Darlene Hemingway Do you mean the Brussels Mennonite Fellowship? It sounds like Fun! f 9:30 A.M. - Worship Service 10:30 A.M. - Sunday School Pastor - Gordon Bauman Elder - Sharon Freeman 887-6564 COME FOR THE FUNDid you hear about that church?