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The Citizen, 2000-10-04, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2000. PAGE 15. From, the Minister’s Study Unabashed confessions of a tree lover By Joan Tiichlinksy Duff’s, Walton and Bluevale United Churches I had the honour of being asked by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority to take part in the tree planting ceremony at the George Taylor Conservation Area near Walton on Sept. 23. I thought I would share with you some of the thoughts I expressed on that occa­ sion. I must begin by confessing that I am an unabashed, life-long tree lover. In fact, I would go so far as to stay that I need to have trees around me. As my family drove back to Ontario from Winnipeg in May, we came through the United States and after driving through the flat, unin­ terrupted lands of North Dakota, I was yearning for a glimpse of tree- covered hills by the time we reached Michigan. As ar child, I lived in Waterloo beside Breithaupt’s Bush. My home for the last 12 years was on a tree- lined street in the core area of Kitchener. And, while I was awaiting word in April on where the United Church was going to settle me after my com­ missioning, I braced myself for a move to another part of the country which would certainly have its own beauty, but may lack my needed cluster of trees. Therefore, I was very thankful to be settled in WaltOn, where large trees surround our home. My soul craves the life-giving presence of trees. Of course, we have also learned that all human beings need trees because they clean the air, providing oxygen and sustaining life. Unfortunately, we have not always respected this need to nurture and sustain what is living on this planet, and that includes trees and other human beings. For those who believe that the Hebrew scriptures of the Bible informs their faith, the pas­ sage of Genesis that talks about humans having dominion over every living thing, has been twisted and manipulated to condone the exploita- UCW meets Blyth UCW met on Tuesday, Sept. 26 with 21 present. Diane Ferguson, welcomed all. The theme of the meeting was addiction. Loma Fraser and Laurie Van Wyk read several verses of the Bible which dealt with addictions. Mrs. Ferguson introduced the guest speaker Merle Thomas, man­ ager of the Huron Addiction Centre in Clinton, who gave a very educa­ tional talk on the different addictions such as prescription drugs, over-the- counter drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs, gambling, anorexia, work, food. Thomas said to never use someone else’s prescription drugs. Also if you feel you can’t handle your problems get help fast, even with loneliness, stress or bereavement. The rummage sale is Oct. 13 and 14. Help is needed. Call Bev Blair, Brenda McDonald or Nancy Wasson. A thank you note was read from the stewards for the muffins, etc at the Thresher Reunion. Oct. 10 is the West Huron UCW fall rally slumber party at Dungannon. If you need a ride phone Diane. Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m. members are making pies in the church kitchen. The next meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. Roll call is to be answered with supplies for a food hamper. The Women’s Day Out planning meeting is Oct. 16. Lunch was served by Erma Mason, Mary Lou Stewart and Adeline Campbell. tion of other human beings, our land, water, animals and yes, our beloved life-giving trees. Clear-cutting in Canada and other parts of the world, has affected the ecosystem of all people. Many of us are finally learning this, and trying to reverse the damage we have done for centuries. It is not easy, but most assuredly, necessary. It is also neces­ sary to understand that all of creation is interdependent, something the people of the First Nations of this country have understood and have tried to teach us, often with dismal results. We are not here to use, abuse and exploit our resources but called to live in harmony with all of creation. I do not believe that we will be punished for our actions but there would be a natural consequence if we were to continue our maddening ways. We are called to be good stew­ ards of this creation of which we are an integral part, Being good stew­ ards includes care and nurturing of the water, air and land that sustain life. We bringing about a world that is healthy and life-giving. This memorial forest provides a marvellous opportunity for each of us to practice good stewardship. It also allows us to nurture and cele- are co-creators with God in brate our relationships with others. Both of these, contribute to whole­ ness in our living and beings. Let us give thanks for those whose lives we remember and celebrate and for these trees which express our love and thankfulness in a tangible, life-giving way. Steaming Jeff Cardiff tended to piping hot corn for the Melville Presbyterian Church’s barbecue on Sunday evening. (Vicky Bremner photo) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA l/au cute welcome tfiiy Sunday OCTOBER 8 - PENTECOST 17 MORNING PRAYER Trinity, Blyth St. John's, 9:30 a.m. Brussels Wheelchair accessible 11:15 a.m. Rev. Nancy Beale - Rector - 887-9273 you are. ^Welcome at the BLYTH COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School - for ages 3 to adult 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday morning 10 a.m. Wednesday evening 7:30 p.m. Plan to join us, Sunday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. for the dedication of our new church building. Phone 523-4590 308 Blyth Rd., Blyth U Blyth United Church Sy corner or uinsiey & Mill btreet Come Worship The Lord With Us Sundays -11:00 a.m. Worship Service & Sunday School October 8 - Thanksgiving Celebration October 15 - Anniversary Sunday Guest Minister - Rev. Ramirez Fellowship luncheon A Minister ~ Rev. Ernest Dow ALL ARE WELCOME HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH Auburn - 526-7555 PASTOR DAVE WOOD - 523-9017 / Sunday Wednesday Friday 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. - Family Bible Hour - Morning Worship Service - Evening Worship Service ■ Prayer & Bible Study • Youth /airt aiM&bip tfu& Sunday Morning Worship Service ~ 10 a.m. Evening Worship Service ~ 7:30 p.m. “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." Romans 3:22B-24 BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS - Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service Wheelchair accessible Nursery care available We welcome you to come and worship with us. Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Joan Golden - Supply Minister Church Office 887-6259 E-mail - bepc@ wcl.on.ca October 8 Ethel United Church 9:30 a.m. Brussels United Church 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to come and worship with us Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Ethel Communion - 9:45 - 10:30 Family Bible Hour and Sunday School 11:00 - 12:00 Prayer & Bible Study Tuesday 8 p.m. John 14:6 - Jesus said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE, no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Everyone Welcome For more information call 887-6665 Sunday, October 8 ~ 10:00 a.m. Brussels Mennonite Fellowship will have their Thanksgiving Service at Camp Hermosa, Goderich (No service at Brussels Mennonile Fellowship) Elder Don Procter 357-3557 Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart.