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The Citizen, 1995-08-23, Page 20Bowling for Bible knowledge Blair Miskie of Clinton was just one of many youths taking part in the Super Book Olympics during Blyth's Christian Reformed Church summer Bible school held this week. The top bowler had the opportunity to answer a question related to a Bible story in an effort to earn points for his team. BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. Joint Summer Worship Service Melville Presbyterian Church God who gives to life its goodness, Teach us now to laugh and praise you. Welcome MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Tim Purvis, Interim Moderator 11:00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - Belgrave Service Joint Service with Brussels United at Melville Presbyterian Church. Aug. 6 - Sept. 3. We welcome you to come and worship with us. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 Sunday 10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour 11 a.m. - Morning Service 8 p.m. - Evening Service Wednesday 8 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth - Pastor Bob Lewis, 526-7441 THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday AUGUST 27 - PENTECOST 12 HOLY EUCHARIST Rev. Nancy Beale Trinity, Blyth. St. John's, Brussels 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. You are Welcome at the BLYTH CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for Children and Adults 11 - 12:15 - Morning Worship Bible Studies Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McConnell St., Blyth BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH--523-9233 Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest The Church of the "Back to God Hour and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:30 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. Aff Visitors Welcome Wheelchair accessible PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1995. Pastor's sermon, 'Running with Perseverance' Greeters at Blyth United Church, Aug. 20 were Janet Lawrie and Joann McDonald. Ushers were Kerri, Laura, Heidi and Nicole Meier. Candice Howson was in charge of the nursery. Shirley Vincent was organist. The opening hymn was Morning Has Broken. Welcome and announcements were given by Rev. Ian Diamond. The Prayer of Confession was repeated in unison, followed by the Assurance of Pardon. The Old Testament lesson was Jeremiah 20, 7-13. With the children, Rev. Diamond's conversation was demonstrated by a half glass of water. He asked whether it was half empty or half full. Different opinions were expressed. It is the same with Jesus, he said, when they talked about important things, yet talked differently. Keep your eyes on me, walk with me, be my friend, and we will be one. Bring us together even when we disagree, he said. ¤ Hymn Saviour Teach Us Day by Day was sung. The New Testament lesson, Hebrews 11 verses 29 - 40, 12, verses one - 2, Luke 12, 49 - 56 was read by Rev. Diamond. The sermon theme was "Run with Perseverance". In Sydney, Australia at this time of year the annual City to Surf run takes place, he said. This is a run of 15 Ions. for anyone and everyone. Last year 35,000 participated. After the race a local newspaper ran the headline "At the finish line, they were all winners". In today's reading from the letter to the Hebrews, the Christian life is likened to a marathon race. First, there is the definition of direction: ''looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith". Then there is the reminder of the need to be disciplined: "lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely." There is also the assurance of encouragement. "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses." The requirements are spelled out: Christians are in a marathon, and if they are to finish they need faithful perseverance. "Some may regard this as a burden. But I see it as a gracious invitation, full of reassurance and good news, Rev. Diamond said. After all, in a world of competing priorities, where people of all ages are confused about life's purpose, these words offer a spirited answer. Only in Jesus Christ do we find any sense of integrity and ultimate hope and meaning. It is in being open to Christ, the true pioneer and perfector of our faith, that we endure and grow as his disciples." Running with perseverance involves discipline, and this will mean different things to different people. Not just a heroic human effort. It is a journey of faith in which Christians are led, jolted or simply nudged by the risen Christ in ways that enhance their growth in him. Rev. Diamond asked "Can we last to the end? Do we finish the race?" The good news is that Christians are not alone. They have a support team, he said, a great cloud of witnesses. The writer of Hebrews has an image in mind of an athlete catering a vast arena, with a capacity crowd of cheering spectators. And.they are cheering everyone on! People look around today, and see the saints of the time and the congregation urging them on with their witness. When they are weak and hesitate, their strength inspires. In addition there are the saints of history, and there is Jesus, the one who endured all, even the cross. He, too, is urging Christians on, feeding them in word and sacrament, inspiring them through His spirit. He enables them to persevere. The Christian life involves whole people, Rev. Diamond said. "At times we will be very aware of our limitations and our doubts." Some people would prefer to avoid dealing with or perhaps they feel guilty because of insecurity and struggles. With this in mind, the reading from the book of Jeremiah is instructive, he said. Here, the absolute grace of God absorbed all of the anger and bitterness of the prophet. At the end, the word of God, like a burning fire, refined Jeremiah's understanding and led him into a new depth of faith. At the point of allowing his true feelings to surface God ministered to him. And that was good news! God's word is secure. Like a burning fire, God overcomes every fickle attempt at manipulation. God is always big enough to absorb doubts, depressions and dismays. The good news is that God is a gracious, merciful and loving father. Finally, when Christians turn to the reading of the gospel today, they find Jesus promising division not peace. First, he uses the image of fire with its potential both to destroy and refine. Then he speaks of his own baptism, with its inevitable plunge into suffering. From that he points to the reality of division as a consequence of his coming. The good news here is that Jesus is the only hope. He is the one through whom every other claim and relationship is scrutinized. In him, lives are changed. Every relationship, even the most intimate, give away to the recreative power of Christ. Jesus calls Christians to a life of absolute surrender, and accompanies them along the way of the cross. As they travel, he is constantly at work recreating all relationships. Soloist sings at service Auburn Missionary Church congregation heard Cheryl Goff of Goderich, guest soloist, on Sunday, Aug. 20. Her singing There's Going to be a Revival in the Land; Love Found a Way and Hallelujah Praise the Lord thrilled the congregation. Pastor Came's message, "God's Gracious Gift," had scripture from Luke 15: 11-24. A personal gift expresses love, but when God gives a gift it should make us happy, Pastor Came said. In the story of the prodigal son, in Luke 15, God is the offended father and people are the prodigal son. Romans 3: 23 states, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." "While we were still sinners Christ died for us," Pastor Came said. "May we hear in a new way that this is for each one. We have no escape from judgement on our own but our passport to heaven is the bleeding wounds of Christ." The congregation is looking forward to Sunday, Aug. 27 when The King's Messengers will be guest musicians. A pot luck dinner will be held after the morning service to which all are welcome. Persevere to the end, having the courage to endure, whatever the cost, and at all times, may God's name be praised. Rev. Diamond said. The Church's One Foundation was sung. Following the offering and Doxology, the congregation was favoured with a solo by Rev. Diamond, We Praise Thee, 0 God, our Redeemer, accompanied by Shirley Vincent at the organ. The Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer followed. The closing hymn was Stan4 Up, Stand Up, for Jesus. Prayers are with Ralph Caldwell and Jodi Button in Clinton Hospital. Baptism Sunday is Sept. 24. Requests for baptism should be made to the exchange minister Rev. Ian Diamond. Anyone who knows of someone who is homebound, and would appreciate Communion coinciding with the next Commun- ion Service on Sept. 24, contact Rev. Diamond. Fall Bible Study will be commencing late September. Contact Rev. Diamond if interested. The stewards are asking for help in making their fundraising Garage and Bake Sale a success Sept. 7, 8 and 9. Donations can be made by calling Harvey Snell, Garth Walden or Steven Webster.