Opinion

God is always present

In 1984 there was a primetime television show that aired that captured audiences attention. Perhaps because the family scenarios that took place were familiar patterns of conflict in any family.

The Bill Cosby Show demonstrated to us how to resolve family tensions through the portrayals of the characters on view. Humour was a large part of the scenes, and as we look back at those shows now, we see other dimensions of “family life”. 

We sometimes neglect or forget altogether, when trying to resolve conflict, that we all need to have some elements of patience and trust, mindfulness and flexibility.

Another modern philosopher, Erma Bombeck, in her column, “if I had my life to live over again”  wrote words like; “there would have been more I love yous, more I am sorry, but mostly, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back.”

I believe that God calls each one of us by name. God always calls us in love, even the times when we have made mistakes or done something we shouldn`t have done. 

God always says I love you   . . . . . . (insert your own name.)  we are claimed by him as part of his family  –  his sister and brother and mother, part of the kingdom, drawn into the inner circle of the mystery of the grace and love of God.  

During difficult times in family life, we need to remember that God is always present to love us and guide us and make each day of our lives count for something good in His kingdom.

Pastor Norine +

Rev. Norine Gullons  

South Dundas Evangelical

Lutheran Parish

Morrisburg/Williamsburg

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Depressed, You Are Not Alone

My heart aches for people who are depressed. I’ve been there. It’s no fun. 

Actually, it was easily the worst experience of my life. It was like living in a black hole. I felt helpless and hopeless, pretty much hating life. All my buddies were having the time of their lives (or so it seemed), and I was living in this dark world on my own.

The sad thing was no one had a clue what I was going through. I didn’t think anyone would understand, and I probably didn’t think they’d really care anyway.

What made it worse was that I didn’t know what in the world I was going through. Nor did I know what to do about it.

There were times when I was tempted to just end it all. It was probably a good thing that the small college I was studying at only had low buildings. I realized that jumping from them probably wouldn’t do the job.

Looking back, I still don’t understand why I went through what I did. 

Doctors talk about depression being caused by chemical imbalances. They say they can be triggered by everyday stuff like stress and tiredness. Or by going through other tough things. Me, I can’t pinpoint what made me so depressed.

What I have learned since is that I’m hardly the only one who’s struggled this way. 

I’m told that about one out of every five young people will suffer from depression. Many of these will have suicidal thoughts. Far more will attempt it than most of us realize. And what’s so desperately sad are the numbers who will succeed.

Considering what I went through myself, I now know that there were better ways of handling it. I wish I would have had the courage to talk to others and would have realized that there were people around who cared. And I wish I would have asked for professional help. I regret that I went through it alone.

Likewise today it breaks my heart to read of the Amanda Todds and all those who go through awful times or severe depressions. I ache for those who think there’s no way out but to end it all. 

The truth is that for all of us there are people who will listen; there are those who care, and there are qualified people who can help like doctors and guidance counselors.

One other thing that kept me going in my own dark tunnel was that I always had a vague sense that I wasn’t completely alone. I knew that there was a God in heaven who still loved me. 

Sure, I couldn’t figure out why he didn’t just make my sadness go away. I wondered why he didn’t answer my prayers just to make me happy again. But I did feel that there was hope. That someday the sun would shine again. And thankfully it did.

Depression is common and more so at this time of the year. So let’s be caring and sensitive to those around us. 

I love the quote attributed to Plato: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” 

Let’s also listen carefully and ask questions of our loved ones. Look and listen for changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, withdrawal, and sadness. Follow-up when they talk of suicide or death, when they get rid of their things, or when they quit stuff they used to enjoy.

And if it’s us who are depressed… wondering if we can go on, please talk. Please don’t go it alone. 

Know there really are people around who care and that can help. And know that God does love you dearly. With help, with him, you do have a brighter future. Better days will come. 

Like me, you’ll look back one day and say, “Whew. Thank God I got through that.”

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

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The Way We Live

The difference between the culture of God’s people, and the cultures of the world, must be clearly manifest. It is this clarity that allows for an informed choice, by those who would repent of their sin and turn in genuine faith to God for salvation. 

If the difference is not clear the choice cannot be clear. The free will of man is not served by the unclearness of the issue. If men, being free moral agents, will be able to make a self obligating moral choice, they must understand the issue without ambiguity. 

Therefore the Lord says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:7-9

The forsaking of one’s way of thinking, and way of doing things, is a major decision. But it is the decision called for in both the Old and New Testaments. It is certain that man’s way of thinking and God’s way of thinking, concerning matters of righteousness, do not agree. 

Notice that in God’s salvation appeal to the wicked and unrighteous, the forsaking of thoughts and ways, precedes the returning and receiving of mercy and abundant pardon. 

This reminds me of a time that a young man came to me asking how he could be saved. I asked him if he was ready to repent of his sin and he assured me that he was a “pretty good person.” 

But if one would attain to righteousness by his own efforts he must be perfect. Jesus admonishes us in the sermon on the mount, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) 

It seemed in the young man’s way of thinking, that in comparison with others he must surely qualify for God’s salvation. But according to Isaiah such thinking is to be forsaken, because by holding such thoughts one fails to “return unto the Lord,” continuing to trust in his own works for salvation.

But the bases for mercy and abundant pardon may not be found in the good works of men for Isaiah also says, “But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;  (Isaiah 64:6) Therefore we must look elsewhere for any righteousness we may attain to. 

So we are thankful that Jesus Christ has come, living the perfect life before the Father, that we could not; and by sacrificing His life, that was not deserving of death, Jesus has provided eternal salvation for all who will put their trust in Him. In Jesus we find the mercy and abundant pardon of God. (Romans 6:17-23)

As Christians we must keep the issue clear, and openly demonstrate the difference Jesus Christ has made in our lives. The way we think, and what we do, must demonstrate the difference to be expected by one who returns to the Lord. We must manifest the clear and present choice that is before the free will of each person every day.

Rev. George T. Frey, 

Faith Christian Center 

Morrisburg 

[…]

Always Be Ready

Well, here we are, a brand new year, 2013. We are not supposed to be here according to some wag. December 21, 2012, it was supposed to be all over. But we’ve heard these stories before, haven’t we?

I don’t know why it is that some people are so foolish as to claim to know something that even Jesus, the Son of God, said it wasn’t His to know.

In Matthew 24:36, we read Jesus’ words, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son but My Father only.”

Jesus’ words were in response to questions from His disciples as to when the end of the age would be.

The problem with all these presumptions is the danger that comes to us when nothing happens. People get to the place of ignoring anything that is said about the world coming to an end.

And that is a danger because it will come to an end some day when God, who created it all, determines that it is time.

Sinful humanity will one day be judged, Satan will be bound and God will make all things new where there will be no sin, no sickness, no dying.

That’s the promise of God.

Of course, those who have believed on His Son for the forgiveness of sin need not fear, we will be with God in His glorious kingdom.

Maybe you are thinking, “I’ve heard all of this foolishness before.”

May I encourage you to take a few moments to read 2Peter 3:1-16 and know that God knows. Back to Matthew 24, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will by no means pass away.”

I don’t know when the world as we know it will come to an end, and I don’t worry about it either. My hope is in Jesus Christ who tells me if I believe on Him that is, if I come to Him confessing my sins and trusting in Him to cleanse me from all sin, which He promises to do, that I need not worry about what happens in this life because He has gone back to His Father in Heaven to prepare a place for me and he will come again for me that I may be where He is, John 14:1-3.

That can also be true for you, for everyone. All you have to do is confess your sins, turn from your old ways of living to satisfy self and follow Jesus. I trust you will make that choice and believe in God, who knows all things.

For the past number of years, I have truly enjoyed writing this Perspectives Column as Pastor at the Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle. Although, as of December 30, 2012, I have retired from full time pastoral ministry I will continue to do so, along with other members of our clergy here in South Dundas. 

I wish God’s blessing on you and your families.

Maybe we’ll see each other around, as I do have eight good reasons to be around here.

God bless each of you for your kind words over the years. You will not soon be forgotten. 

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Editor’s Note: All of us here at The Leader wish Rev. Perry all the best in his retirement years, and, yes, we look forward to seeing him out and about in the community. 

We thank Rev. Perry for his many years of penning a Perspectives column and look forward to his continued efforts. We also welcome interim Pentecostal pastor, Rev. Lorna Casselman who will be joining our Perspectives Column writers.

[…]

 

HEY! Unto You a Child is Born

On this eighth day of Christmas what did your true love give to you? Eight maids a-milking?? I highly doubt it. 

But I’ll bet that since the 25th of December you haven’t thought a whole lot about what God has given to you. Hence, the reminder at the top.

If you were to ask any member of any of the congregations of the parish I serve, you would discover that I am a stickler for observing Advent – to me that means Christmas music waits until Christmas. 

The secular world has told us that the Christmas season begins when Hallowe’en is over. The Christmas music begins at the beginning of November and on the 25th of December it stops. It’s done. It’s over.

People have forgot that Christmas begins on the 25th of December and continues into January when on the 5th of January we celebrate the 12th Night – you remember the twelve days of Christmas, right? 

I love Christmas, and I love to hear the music of Christmas. I listen to the music throughout the Christmas season, regardless of what the secular world tells me. 

It reminds me into the new year, through all the noise and chaos in my life and all the chaos in the world that, hey, unto me, unto us a child is born.

As your life continues on into 2013, recollect the gift that God so lovingly and generously gave.

We are better people for him. The world is a better place for him. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and may God continue to fill your life with blessings in 2013.

Oh, and by the way, we are having a little 12th Night/Epiphany Potluck Party at St. James’ on the 5th of January. If you want to hear Christmas music, we will be singing Christmas music.

Come on along with your favourite potluck dish and join us in the singing. . . .oh, and did I mention the ever popular Epiphany Party Quiz?????

Cheers,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of 

Morrisburg, Iroquois 

& Riverside Heights

[…]

 

The Ongoing Gift

The Christmas gifts have been unwrapped. We have eaten the turkey, potatoes, dressing and pie. We have watched as a child in our church placed baby Jesus in the manager. We have decorated our homes with strings of lights, proclaiming that Jesus, the light of the world, has come, that darkness can never again be as black.

In a few days, Christmas 2012, will be behind us. Eventually, all the leftover food will be gone. We will now sing Epiphany hymns. 

We will take down the Christmas tree and put away the beautiful ornaments.

When we put away the snowmen, angels, bells and nativity sets, let us not put away the hope, peace, joy and love that comes down at Christmas.

May we put Christ at the centre of our days–may we remember that God’s ongoing gift to humankind is life.

God’s greatest gift to us was a child, a child who assures us of eternal life in His arms.

Jesus opened the eyes and minds of men and women to the great possibilities which lie within the realm of personhood.

Jesus loves us and asks us to walk in His paths of mercy, justice, caring and concern.

We are called to minister to others in a spirit of compassion and kindness–we’re to be Christ’s faithful and devoted disciples.

May the magic of the holiday season touch you, and may the New Year bring you peace.

Always remember that Jesus taught the value of life,the wonder and beauty of life, the joy of caring for each other.

This is the true gift of Christmas, and has nothing to do with purchases or wrapping.

It belongs to all of us. Amen.

Rev. Janet Evans, Iroquois United Church

[…]

A doggone thank you from the dogs and the South Dundas Animal Shelter

Dear Editor,

On behalf of a whole bunch of homeless dogs who now have found homes, I would like to thank everyone who is contributing in some way to the South Dundas Animal Shelter.

I would especially like to thank Bonnie McNairn and the Morrisburg Leader who give these dogs exposure every week in the paper. Without their help, none of this would be possible.

Thanks to all of the people who have donated food, treats, blankets and towels, money and cheques and a big thank you to Carol Armstrong and Myrna Whelan for all of the work they are doing behind the scenes.

Just so everyone knows, the Township pays me for four days food and shelter for the canines I am called to rescue. After that, I rely on your support so that I can help them get to the point where they can be adopted–sometimes this can take months.

Without your support, some of these adoptable dogs would have to be euthanized.

Dogs are just like our children–they need us to take care of them and keep them safe.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2013. Please continue to support the South Dundas Animal Shelter.

Kevin Casselman. 

Editor’s Note: Those of us involved here at The Leader add our thanks to everyone for their support and especially those people who have come forward and adopted the dogs. Since we first ran the story with Kevin and the plight of the dogs, we have featured 13 dogs in the paper. Twelve of the dogs have been adopted and another handful or more have been adopted before their pics even made it to the paper. Having made more people aware of the shelter and the dogs there has helped to make the shelter a first stop on many people’s “best friend” shopping list.

At the time of this letter, we still have one young fellow, looking for a loving, forever home…here’s hoping we can make him lucky 13, and get this very loving and very obedient mixed breed (yup the hound mix) a home. Please call Kevin at 613-543-2980. 

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Giving Birth at Our Age

Friends, first of all, may celebration of the birth of Christ child bring new life to you wherever you are.  The witness of scripture in the gospels tell the reader that this child would even the rough spots, raise the lowly, ignite the Christ-light in each human and affirm God’s presence in creation from before to beyond. 

This time of year belongs to faith communities to tell the story filled with wonder and joy, to sing joyfully, to share abundantly in response to God’s gift of revelation in Jesus the Christ. 

However you do this be assured that however it happens God will work wonders through your efforts.  

Whatever age you are, know that God does birth new life through you.  Blessings and peace for Christmas 2012, Rev. Arlyce

A Prayer for Christmas and New Year

by Nellis L. McClung

Lord, let me live while I can see the beauty of the 

blossoming tree,

The message in the wayside flower, and love it for its one short hour;

While morning song of lark and jay, can scatter all my doubts away,

And lift my poor heart from the sod, and tell them 

I am born of God;

While I can feel I’m linked with all the burdened ones who halt and fall,

While I can feel my share of blame in every cheek that’s dyed with shame,

While I can feel life’s burdens sweep across my heart and drive out sleep;

While I can suffer, hunger, strive, Lord, let me live

—for I’m alive.

But if the time should come when I forget to lift my eyes on high, forget to

Seek for love divine, or seek it but for me and mine; 

when my dim eyes

Shall fail to trace Thy image in each human face, when lulled by comfort,

Ease and pride, I find my soul is satisfied to build its house of wood and hay, 

Letting the old world go its way; content to preen before a glass where wounded

Ones barefooted pass, easing my conscience if I must by throwing hungry dogs

A crust, then, Lord, they crowning mercy shed and let me die

—for I am dead.

Written by Nellie L. McClung 

Copyright, Canada, 1915, Wm. E. Coutts

The Rev. Arlyce Schiebout

Lakeshore United Church

Morrisburg

[…]

Merry Christmas Seaway! Can you say HOLY SNOW? Just kidding, there was a dust over the green grass. It’s December and there is absolutely no snow. WHY! This is simply outrageous!  Whether you love it or hate it, snow just completes December. We can only hope for a bright white Christmas! 

Monday was our first snow day of the year! (If you even want to call it that. It was more of an ice day!) Hopefully there is more snow/ice days throughout the year as it was a nice break for both students and staff!

Seaway had a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside of the cafeteria for the annual Christmas concert! The audition times were on December 13 and 14 during MSIP.  Meet or Beat the Challenge started on December 3rd and ends on December 17th. Meet or Beat the Challenge is when each MSIP class brings in certain items such as, shampoo, deodorant, canned food items, etc. and the food/toiletries are donated to the South Dundas Food Bank.  Whichever MSIP class brings in the most things, wins a movie and a pizza party! There seems to be a tight race between Mme. Martin’s class and Mrs. Gilmour’s class. Good Luck to all!

To liven up the last week of school until Christmas Break, Student Council has made up a spirit week! Monday was Red & Green Day, when students wore green and red to get in the spirit! Tuesday was Christmas Character Day and, as I write this, I wonder if anyone will be coming as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! Maybe Rudolph will appear too.  Wednesday, today, is Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Did your grandma ever give you one for Christmas? If not run over to her house and take one! Thursday will be (W)Rapper Day, I might dress as a Christmas present… hm…! Friday will be PJ day! Get those nice and toasty warm footy pyjamas! If only I had some… Friday we will also be having a Christmas Concert! I am totally looking forward to that! Actually… come to think of it… I’m not, because my gym class has to perform a dance, great!  It should be a great concert! Good luck to all performing!

Need Christmas ideas for your teenage kids? Here are some popular ideas; Ipod/Iphone, Movies, Laptops, Clothes, books, Blackberry (Torch, Bold, Curve), Shoes, Games (Xbox, Playstation), Xbox, Playstation 3.

Seaway Spartans wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope everyone gets what they want and give more than they should! Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  Here are some words to live by:

“To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge.

[…]

 

Preparing for Joy

This afternoon I received a long distance call from Alberta from a long time  friend of mine that I haven’t seen for a few years. It was so good to hear her voice again!

It wasn’t long before we were on to familiar topics of discussion and updates on our families. That conversation was a time of joy in the course of daily work, and personal preparations for Christmas. 

The season of joy and light is not necessarily that for all people.  Even in the midst of Advent and Christmas preparations, our real life stories enter in and attempt to draw us into the dark places of our lives.

Parents become ill. Younger couples are  having rough times in their marriages. Some one is laid off work. A little child ends up in the hospital. The great unknowns in our lives can present us with doubts and darkness.

That is why I feel that it is important to take time to remember that God is our joy and our light. 

The Christmas lights we see in our neighbors’ houses can cheer us momentarily. The Advent candles we light in church remind us that God’s light changes the darkness in our personal worlds and transforms that darkness by grace into a path where fear is no longer necessary.

Remember the story of the shepherds who were overwhelmed with fear. 

Luke 2: verse 10  and the angel said to them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people. That means for you and for me. Let God handle the darkness, and prepare your heart for little joys this Christmas season.

Pastor Norine +

Rev. Norine Gullons  

South Dundas Evangelical

Lutheran Parish

Morrisburg/Williamsburg

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