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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1976-12-09, Page 8PAGE SA , ODERICH SIGNAL-STAR,THURSDAY, DECEMBER. 9, 1976" FROM INE MINISTffS STUDY BY THE t NORTH STREET REV. RALPH KING, UNITED CHURCH TEPID RELIGION "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.. Would that you were cold or hot!. . . . Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Revelation 3: 15,20 A guest is at the door, and, it is shut. At the door, of civilization? At the door of the sinner's heart? No; not in ivhe instance cited from Revelation. Readythe context, and it is. made clear that Christ is knocking at the door of His church. He has come to His own, and His own receive Him not. If He . could thoroughly possess the• church, she would leaven society, and the world would be .saved. But the church of Laodicea•, to whom these words were addressed, „was typical of any other church and had shut Christ out. We have often heard of turning people out of the church, but here is a church that has put out her Lord. We are not left to guess what had happened in the • church which had closed the door to the Master. "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." The indictmentis even stronger than the language seems to ' indicate. Dr. Campbell Morgan suggests that it is nearer the original meaning 'to say, "I wish you were either frozen or boiling. Let's not miss .the stinging force of these words. Christ says there is more hope for us when we are chilled ,to the bone by the blasts of sin 'than when we live in the drowsy atmosphere of half-hearted devotion to Christ. When the heart of the world is frozen in iniquity, it welcomes . the warmth of grace. • 91.09#r 7,04i1.244rit4 There's more In times of grossest un- belief and godlessness, the burning messages of Luther and Wesley broughL,.peopieto their knees, 'and great revivals were born. But it is m.uch more difficult to awaken a lukewarm church, since lukewarm Christians are far enough°away from the worst sins to be respectable and far enough away from God to feel that they may do as they please. Their faith is like half -cold tea- flat and insipid. Moderate warmth G es not purify water;, it must boil to. be made pure. Lukewarm. water does not generate any steam, either. Tepid religion is a most subtle heresy, and oftentimes more deadly than the heresies which have figured in the great. heresy trials of church history. The preacher who has it preaches correctly, but his heart does not burn with a passion for transformed lives. Parents who have it profess to be Christians, but they let almost anything else that comes along take precedence. over the. religious training of their children. Teachers of tepid religion talk about Christ, but do not t is frit until He is travai n. p born in the hearts of their pupils. The Lord spares, no words in condemning such a miserable makeshift of the gospel of the cross - a gospel Brecht,a' brilliant German. .Christian friends like that? born out of love divine, playwright, was ` a cynic This is certainly not how • I written and sealed in the plagued by the defeat of understand Christ's message, blood of God's own Son. goodness. But out of • the and yet I cannot question the William Booth said that t d `shambles of the world he genuine 'faith of the persons was mae an ardent salvationist by an infidel knew came a haunting cry for who• related to my friends in lecturer who had said, "I£ I "Christians, awake! The -But as Peter say.s,'. faith is believed what you Christians winter's gone! The snows not the whole story.`He says it say you believe, I' would never rest, day or night, help when he wrote, thisjudgementalway. depart, . the dead sleep on. is possible to have faith And though you may not long without 'goodness. I guess telling others about it." survive, get 'out of bed and most of us are guilty at oak alive!" sometime or another of being Lord with a burnt That stirred Booth; 'it 1 should stir us. 'If all of us Many of us understand dishonest or manipulating h loved our eart - if our faith were ng oilited f .te- our encounter people of sincere all kinds of reasons. Yet, we ling insao.pid ves, our works and our faith, yet who seem to lack all resent it deeply when it is witness would be telling a that very necessary done to us. Of course, God diffefent story for the growth Brecht's .depression as we people in the name of God for b The Bluewater Centre for the Developmentally Han- dicapped took first prize in the general category for this float advocating peace on earth and good will toward men. - (staff photo) Church questions Ont. government something that uplifts and who gives faith can also give enfolds us: of His kingdom. goodness. As Bruce Larson says ina recent article, faith ' is Peter continues to say. we essential .but it is not enough. can have faith and goodness We need more in order to .but be without knowledge. discover the fulhiess' of the -Mr. Larson talks about the gift God" gives us'in Jesus `dumb Christians who try to • The United Church's London Conference executive is asking that the Provincial Ministry of Health be more critical of itshealth delivery system. In •a paper presented to the executive November 10th by the Conference's Division of Mission chairman Rev: Glen Wright .of Exeter, criticism was directed to the Federal Government's Bill C- 68" which limits the Federal increase in cost sharing to the provinces to113 percent. in 1576, 10.5 percent- in 1977-78 and 8.5 percent in 1978-79. The paper which was prepared by the Division of Mission suggested that the present 50- 5 0 050 Federal -Provincial sharing of health costs based on present programs instead of actual health needs was not an equitable program since TO THESE 1 Yea though f walk through the valley -of the shadow of death. I shall fear no evil. for Thou art with me. —23rd Psalm 111111/1111/11111111111111111.1111111111111111111111111 economically depressed areas .of Canada could not bring medical care up to the standards enjoyed, by more affluent parts of onr country. The paper suggested that increased revenue for health care be raised through ,a graduated incometax rather than through increased sales taxes or increases in health 'care premiums since the latter hurt the poor.. In calling for a revamping of the health care delivery system, it was suggested that more emphasis be placed on preventative health are through public health channels; . that lower cost home care and convalescent chronic care units be con- sidered to avoid the high hospital care costs and, that cutbacks • (hospital bed reduction): seemed irresponsible for any hospital (such as Victoria Hospital in London) that was being used. to its capacity. DO SOMETIIING. FOR SOMEONE i3 .i DAY QR NIGHT The paper was debated and passed by motion of the executiveand is to be sent on to government - W. J. D-enomme ii FLOWER it SHO . �. „GR4. Phone 524-8132 Agent for 24 -hr. FILM DEVELOPING ' Bob McCALLUM Representative 11 Cambria Rd., Goderich z t 524-7345 ORGANIST REQUIREDEl Holmesville United Church, commencing January 1977. [I6 For further details or interview p PHONE 482-7150. • • // hi S U N DAY IN THE CHURCHES BEREA-BY—THE—WATER LUTHERAN CHURCH Meeting at Robertson Memorial School • Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle 'Affiliated with the. Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada CORNER OF ELGIt.AND WATERLOO STS Pastor- C. Fred Day SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 A.M. (Blake and Eldon Streets, Goderich) j .1:,. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1976 i 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all i 11:00 a.m. Worship /. SERMON: "THE REALITY OF REPEN- 'j . TANCE" Marvin •L: Barz, Pastor * 524-2235 "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all" Acts 10,36 Christ. push or conjure bully • - BETHEL HOLINESS_CHAPEL BIBLEMISSIONARY.'into II Peter 1: 5-7, we read; family or friends into the Do your best to add goodness Kingdom. Just because we i to your faith; and to your have faith and goodness goodness add knowledge; to doesn't mean we're smart your knowledge add self about people. control; to your self control We can have knowledge add endurance; to your en -.and still have no self control. durance add godliness; to Beyond self control there is your godliness add brotherly endurance that can withstand love; and toyour brotherly all the tests and setbacks that love add love." So, while "faith may come in an average day. is all important it is not the But beyond all that, you can end all for Christians. To it have all these things and still must be added • goodness, not lead a godly. life. and knowlege, self control, en- beyond that, you can be godly. durance, godliness and most and, still not have love. important of all, love. Very The„ philosopher Nietzche often, someorall of these asked, elements are missing in our "If Christians wish us to faith, believe their Redeemer, why This week, I have been don't they look a little more agonizing over what a person ' redeemed?" Too bad. he of unquestionable, faith, couldn't have warmed presuming to. speak for God, himself around the fires of g said to a friend of mine who love that burn in the hearts of had a son dying with cancer, so many great Christians. "The reason your son has Because you and I know. cancer is because there is an these are the ones who bring evil spirit in your lives. Get us Christ's healing when we right with God and he won't are sorrowing, discouraged have the cancer." I heard of-- or downcast.--- another instance when -Yes, we may have faith but someone else was told their we need all those other things child w,as killed in a car ac- mentioned by Peter. Above cident because God wanted to all; let us pray for love and teach them a lesson. • the ability to pass it on to Who in the world needs others. BUS ROUTE TO ALL GODERICH Call 524-6543 for a ride L I CHURCH Sunday School 9:50 a.m. ( ( . Classes for all ages (7 i Worship Service 11:00 a.m. [ ] . - Prayer 6:30-7:00 p.m. Evangelistic' Service 7:00 p.m. 1 ( Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God i { • Huron St. & Walnut St. i i Kennison W. Lawton, Pastor . 524-2785 1. A. D. PROFIT Alexander Douglas (Sandy) Profit, 294 Eldon St., Goderich, died November 29. in Westminster Hospital, London, after being in ill heath for about seven mon- ths. .He was born June 19, 1906 in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Alexander and Jessie (Robertson) Profit. He moved from Edinburgh to London, England, in 1936 and to Goderich . in 1959. He worked as a•barber. During World War 11 he served with the. Royal Artillery and fought with valor during the liberation of Belgium, ium, being awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre and Medal Militaire. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, and of, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109, Goderich. - He was married August_ 21, 1929 in Edinburgh to the former Janet Watters who MONUMENTS MARKERS- Bronze Plaques- Cemetery Lettering For expert counsel and a fair price rely on a firm you can trust. T. PRYDE & SON LTD. Serving Huron and surrounding area since 1920. Head Office - EXETER, ONT. DON ' DENOMME Full time representative - Appointment any time. PHONE: 524-2373 OR ,524.662 Visit Our showroom at 7a Hamilton St. in Goderich and ask Mr. Denontnne about our Seasonal discounts flow' In effect. predeceased him March 17, 1972. �. He is survived by one j daughter, Mrs. William (Jean) Tucker, London; three sons, .Alexander ft Douglas, ' Windsor; and Thomas W. Profit and Stanley Profit, both of Goderich; nine grand- children; and two sisters, one in Scotland 'and' one in Australia. Funeral service was I Thursday, December 2 at the l' Stiles Funeral Horne with the i Rev. G.L. Royal officiating. / Cremation followed in Mount Pleasant Crematorium,^f Pallbearers were Stan, i - CHRISTMAS PROGRAM SUNDAY DEC. 19th 10:00 A.M. Tom and Alex Profit; Bill i Tucker and Bill Tucker Jr:; i 11:00 A.M. REV. CARL DEBOER and Alex Varga. i MISSIONARY FROM JAPAN The ' . Royal' Canadian • Legion, Branch 1119, held a memorial serviC i at the ( 6:00 P.M. - Y.P.'S WORD OF LIFE CLUB funeral home Wednesday i evening. y 7:30 P.M. EVENING SERVICE London. WORSHIP. SERVICE 11:00 A.M. EVENING MEETING 7:00 P.M. • SPECIAL MUSIC Pastor Preaching December 17th Sunday School Christmas Program "We invite you to come to Church and Sunday School" CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH •AYriELD ROAD AT BLARE STREET EVANGE-LISTIC ° REV. R. BRU 10:00 A.M. FAMI —FUNDAMENTAL BACHER Pastor LY BIBLE SCHOOL WED. 7:30 P.M. - PRAYER MEETING Matthew 5:8 North Street United Church • The .Rev. Ralph E. King, B..A.,. B.D.; Minister t Miss Clare McGowan, Visiting Assistant �. Mr. Lorne H. Dotterer, Director of Music ) Sunday School Ages 10 and up at 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for ages 3 to 9 from Worship at 1.1:00 a.m. SUNDAY; DECEMBER. 12, 1976 • 14� The Third Sunday in Advent Worship. at 11:00 a.m. The Sacrament of Baptism Sermon: "GOD WAS IN. CHRIST" Worship at 7:00 p.m. C.G.I.T.lCHRISTMAS VESPER SERVICE Refreshments served after the evehing service. Nursery Facilities at both services Conxea'and Worship with us ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH r~ }} Third Sunday in Advent ( December 12th THIS iii WELCOME TO THE FRIENDLY CHURCH ? 1 Viij ?:.,....,...2............--,..,..,......._.-.......,' .. ;_ .._� .._.. ;� ;�.; ;�... 2..._..,.._,._.._..-. i SUNDAY DECEMBER 12�h '���� �� .�. _._.._.�..,..^.._..� FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH t i AT 8P.M. MR. HARRY SPENCER WILL SPEAK PLUS SPECIAL MUSIC AT HURON MEN'S CHAPEL AUBURN * WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM ( Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec) MONTREAL STREET (near The Square) 'Rev. W.H. McWhinnie F.R.G.S. - Organist: Mr. Frank Bissett 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship SERMON: "THE INCARNATION" Special Music Come and bring your friends •I 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Junior Congregation 11:00 a.m.. Nursery and. Children's Program 11:00 a.m. Morning Prayer - the Rector - Sermon: "THE GREAT FUEL CRISIS" /_2_ ' St. Matthew 25:8 / 7:00 p.m. Youth Group Rector: the Rev. Robert J. Crocker • s i Choirmaster -Organist: Joseph B. Herdman ...-.................................._..-....- .... _.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._._ .. �._.._.._. _:.�.._.r j i ...! . f THE SALVATION ARMY. 524-93x1 , i Home League (Ladies) Wed. 8:00 P.M. i (( WEEKDAY Prayer & Bible Studies Thurs. 7:30 P, M. t i OFFICERS CAPTAIN G. HERBER CAPTAIN M. MacKENZIE I } t 18 WATERLOO ST, S. Knox Presbyterian Church THE REV. G. LOCKHART ROYAL, B.A., M. DIV. Minister THE REV. RONALD C. McCALLUM, Assistant WILLIAM M. CAMERON, Director of Praise SUNDAY, bEC-EMBER 12, 1976 Sermon;, Sermons For Advent: (3) "THOUGHTS FOR A THIRD CANDLE" (Nursery Facilities) --- WHITE GiFT SERVICE ---- ( Consolidated Sunday School Retires From' Service ). Enter to Worship Depart fo serve ,� i.a,(r•�.,asw•...ri...r+o-•rv..a...rrrV�rew.rr..r..r+�.•.-...r.+rw°ur•...r 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship r w....s-a.+.rW.. SUNDAY SCHOOL— 9:45 A;M. FAMILY WORSHIP -11:00 A.M. EVANGELISTIC SERVICE — 7:00 P.M. All Are Cordially Invited to Attend u.V.vl.^`_.:r_ v.rl..str.i. .+.--"r. \:1.r-�wr .,+...1.-.:'.�..'rw / . _.r_..v>\..-....rw..'r...'r...'�.r_ar�...'.r...wa..�...1r i..�G�.. _.r'.►:I•� � . Victoria Street United Church ;i a itl PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME t 7:30 P.M. FESTIVAL t F CAROLS AND LESSONS } WITH'SPECiAL MUSIC 1:30 P.M. BENiMILLER CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL l - • W-ROC -C-O-M-E •...h.Y1v.A.^W..'+►n•w...•..........,.-....---.iV..fi..M4iI1 sYVws.,............•r.a.. ..+.w.wA.Hswr , i L HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP Minister: Rev. John DN. Wood, B.A.B.D. Organist and Choir Director: Mrs. J. Snider 11:00 WHiTE GIFT SERVICE WITH THE SUNDAY Sl"tHOOL E -AS