Pane 6, The Heeald, Friday, December 28, 1979 Mormons offer this message in the spirit of Christmas The First Presidency af The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued the following Christmas message: “Nearly two millenia ago, on a still and starry night, the wondrous cry of a newborne bahe issued forth from a humble shelter in the little town of Bethlehem. “For unto us a child is born,” wrote the prophet Isaiah, “unto us a son Is given.. and hisname shall be called Wonderful, Coun- cellor. the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." “During this most precious season, when miBions the world over pay tribule to one of the most Significant events in the history of the world, we join in praise of Jesus, whose birth was, indeed, a momentous occassion, as were his life and ministry. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should nat Perish, but have everlasting le, “This is my work and my glory,”’ the Savoir said, “to bring to pass the im- mortality and eternal life of man.” . “On another occasion, he declared, “J am_ the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” “Although the Lord's condemnation of sin and hypocrisy was implacable and swilt, his message was also one of forgiveness, and of peace and joy, love and goodwill, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shail abide in my love.. that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” “With the sweet sounds of Christmas bells and carols in our ears, and in the. loving warmth of family and home, let us join in praising the Lord with heart and voice. We pray that all families of the world will be blessed with the sweet influence of the spirit of the Lord, not only during this special season, but always, “We know and declare that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God; that he is the Savior aud Redeemer of the world. We sing with the angel of the Lord and the multitude of the heavenly host, and with all mankind, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The statement was issued by Church President Spencer W. Kimball and his “two counsellors in the Firat Presidency, President N. Eldon Tanner, first coun- sellor, and Preaident Marion G. Romney, second coun- sellor, The First Prealdency is the chief governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Sainis. Many look to The assistance of one kind ‘wherever there is a Salvation Army has asm us. Through the years, ins., and maybe the ‘sin The Salvation Army donations, Service Clubs personnel to ‘man’ the . Besides the Christmas raised at Christmas will most joyous one. THE ARMY HELPS OUT holidays. It has been a very important com- munity and organizational task for many years. This is as it should be! In the Name of the Prince of Peace, ‘The Army’ will try to help donor as we have to the recipient of the gift. We try to be good ‘stewards’ of what is entrusted to developed a trust in The Army. They believe that we know where the real need exists, and they have confidence in our integrity. This demands an ‘extra mile’ investigation to ensure that money, etc. entrusted to us will be distributed wisely. Too, we must try to seek out those who are reluctant to ask for assistance in spite of obvious need, Particularly the aged, the shut- command of Captain David Thompson placed the traditional Christmas Kettle in the majls, in Terrace and Kitimat to raise funds for the Christmas Hamper Project. Also, businesses in the two cities received a letter asking for asked to give a donation of time, money and raised will he used for distributing gifts to those in hospital and nursing homes, and undoubtedly there will be numerous worthy situations throughout the balance of the year, when funds We are counting on the general public's sup- port throughout the year to make Christmas a Salvation Army for or another during the legitimate need, The uch responsibility to the the general public has gle-parent’ family. Terrace Corps, under and other groups were Kettles, Hampers, the money be needed. Building MONTREAL (CP) Bishops of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches met unofficlally recently to ‘build bridges.” The Catholic group wap led by Maurice Cardinal Roy of Quebee City, the Anglicans by Archbishop Edward Scott ari , Uplands Baptist Church Zion Baptist Church 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service 7:30 p.m. Singing and Bible Study Wednesday 8:00 Home Bible Studies bridges of Toronto, primate of the church In canada, The meeting heard a report on last -February’s meeting of South American bishops at Puebla, Mexico, attended by the Pope. John Paul, and on laat year's Lambeth Conference. Church focuses on natives By ALAN ARBUCKLE REGINA (CP)—A year of repentence over the injustice done native pecple is slowly taking shape for United Church members in Saskatchewan, but the process is proving painful for many. Rev. Bob Haverluck, who helped develop the idea, says there Js a feellng that “any easy response would be in- adequate" to the problem of native-white relations, That’s why about 500 church leaders and mem- bers meeting in Melfort, Sask., last June decided to adopt the repentence theme, It was more & com- prehensive response than a resolution suggesting some kind of project or financial commitment, says Haverluck, on staff at the Prairle Christian Training Centre In Fart Qu’Appelle. He and his group faced the problem of steering church membere away from a hangup on guilt and a sense of hoplessness arising from a deep-seated problem. There's a feellng of numb- ness as people try to face so many problems, especially one a6 sensitive raciam, he says, 3 "So the year of repentance is first of all trying to engage the basic hurt we are part of, whether or not we ourselves had anything to do with any overt acts.” Rather than deciding on a course of action, ‘we begin by doing nothing,” in the hopea of coming to an un- derstanding of the situation and grieving over it. The next ‘step is to see what created it and “to move to- wards making apology.” Peter Williams, a Saskatoon minister.and the 1970 president of the United Church conference, says the response has been mixed, with rural churches taking the moat interest. “Our (clty) people don't underslend, really, what repentance means," he says, adding that it goes beyond guilt to acknowledging whether a person has benefited from injustice, and “most of our people have not arrived at that point.” “Even within our leaders in our church there is some apprehenslon about ail this.’ But apprehension or not, Willams plans a meeting with leaders from other churches to see whether the repentance theme can be broadened beyond = the United Church, = Haverluck worked on a ‘committee that spent two years preparing the theme for the Melfort conference. Patterns of racism, he says, were established more than 100 years ago when treaties were written, reserves established. and a soclal system adopted that eft natives out of the economic and political power struc- ture. Given a problem so basic to Saskatchewan soclety, Haverluck realized that nothing was golng to change until white people admitted that “in many respects we buggered up.” A period of mourning and an effort at understanding were needed before an effort could be made to look at radical structural changes that would not repeat ald patterns. Haverluck says the com- mittee realized that some congregations just wouldn’t understand what was in- volved. Others began studying native culture, making an effort to visit Indlan communities and ponder the position of Christians in the process. Williams has noted that while congregations in Ga major cities in the province have clung to thelr con- servatisim, some rural con: Bregations, often those close to Indian reserves, have caught the spirit of the project. Churches In Rosetown, Sask,, although — tot surrounded by a large Indlan population, have held workshops and sent speakers on the theme to men's clubs, In Nipawln, a service club picked up the theme and looked to the United Church for speakers. Group leaders in Bible study groups have made nse of a discussion kit preduced by the church, Since June, natives have not been a big part of the project because there firet was a need to educate United Church members, says Williams But he hopes the third rhythm of reprentance — coming to know ‘thoae who have experienced injustice and seeking new directions — will change that. ‘What did your Christmas mean By ALLAN SWIFT MONTREAL (CP) -~ No one disputes that the Christian character of Christmas ia declining in importance, giving way ta increased emphasis on shopping, family get- togethers and parties. Not to mention car ac- cidenis, hangovers and a week in Florida. Shoppers may be reminded of it by a nativity scene in a store window — . now a rare slight — on when they hear on the radio the disco version of Joy to the World, the Lord has Come. Some deplore the com- mercialization of Christmas. But would Christmas be celebrated if it were not for its overwhelming com- mercial aspect? It might be relegated to the same status as the Feast of Pentecost. Besides, the retail trade woul fall flat. The moat profitable weeks for moat businesges come just before the magic day. In fact, Christmas came fairly late in church history — net until the fourth cen: tury. The word . Christmas-. ce ae > reminder: to the secular oe . er Pastor Bob Lesyk 635-2807 _.-. Corner of Halliwell and.N. Thomas = " 9:45 a.m. Bible Teaching Sunday School ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE Christian Reformed Church does not appear in the Bible, although the Jewlsh December festival, Han- nukah, la mentioned in St. John's Gospel in the New Testament, ag “the Feast of Dedication.” That the Christmas festival has pagan relationships, borrowed from ancient celebrations of the winter solstice, is well known. Many cherished Christian custome have non- Christian origins. The Christmas tree, for example, originated in Aisace in the 16th century and was ¢s- tablished in Engiand early in the 19th century by Prince Albert, We are indebted to Holland for Santa Claus. Whatever its origins, no Christian festivity is celebrated as widely and as superficially, both inside and outside the church. But several Christian spokesmen recently in- terviewed believe the message of Christmas, the Incarnation — God made flesh — still carrles some impact in secular society. “The Christmas celebration’ ia firstly @ ’ world that there is a God,” declared Bishop Reginald Hollis of the Anglican diocese of Montreal. “To the person in despair and loneliness, this can bring a real meaning and hope to life. To the indiffcrent, successful person, this can bring a questioning of values.” The bishop also evoked the International Year of the ‘ Child-In his annual address - * fo'parishionerass| eee a “By focusing on the baby Jesus, it draws our attentlon to the potential, the needs and the privileges of children. The hope of the human condition is por- “" . “ trayed in the reality that He . You Are Welcome at Uplands . tonk human flesh and that Corner Sparks and Keith Sparks Street and Straume Avenue Hin dying wasfor us men and i our salvation.” Pastor Paul Mohninger Reverend S. Van Daalen he ar Robert Lebel . Sunday School . Terrace 10:00a.m. Roman olic Bishop o Home 635-5309 Sunday School - Remo 1:00 p.m. Valleyfield, Que., also Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. mentioned the Year of the Child, as well as Mother Theresa of India, winner of the Nobel] Peace Prize, “The message of Christmas is the expression of mercy towards those who are small, in a world of power," said Bishop Lebel. “Relatlons between groups are more and more relations based on force, not on jus- tice, Jesus was the example of a child who wasn’t big or powerful.” . To Rey. Claude Laver- diere, pastor of a French- language Baptist church in suburban Longueuil, Christmas Is “‘the meeting of two extremes, the love of ’ Godand the misery of men,” "Thia is why we must meet, above the legends and 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 5:00p.m, Worship Service 4726 Lazelle Avenue 635-9019 Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m. Sunday School. Adults Discussion. 11:00 a.m. - Holy Communion for the family Minister: Reverend Lance Stephens - 635-5855 House of Praise 3406 Eby Street 635-3015 — 635-3657 SACRED NEART PARION 4830 Straume Avenue, Terrace 635-2312 SATURDAY EVENING 7:307.m. SUNDAY MASSES 9:00a.m, SALVATION ARMY 4637 Walsh Avenue ee Sunday Worship 10: 30 a.m. Education & Instructlon. Thurs. 7-8: 30 Vt: .m. the traditlons,- the livin . * a ™ SUNDAY se A class for all ages Christ. only Hope tee ton : _ 9:30a.m. Christian Education Hour humanity. It is important to 11:00 a.m. Family Worship Service give this year to Christ. 7. vat : - —_————— :40 p.m. Evang istic Sarwation Meeting Welcomes CLUB DISCRIMINATES . ; gs You To SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (CP) 7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting — The Boys’ Club of Santa WEDNESDAY Worshi Cruz violated state law by 7:30 p.m. Ladies Home League Fellowship P refusing to admit girls, a SATURDAY Judge ruled recently. 7:30p.m. Youth Group Christian Counselling Emergency Welfare Spiritual Resources 635-5446 or 635-2626 KNOX UNITED CHURCH 4907 Lazelle Avenue Minister Reverend Dave Martyn 635-6014 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Corner Sparks Straet and Park Avenue ~ Rev. Herman Hagen B.A. M.Div.0. 635-3465 Worship Service - 11 a.m. Church School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Schoo}, Confirmation Youth and Adult Classes Holy Communion first Sunday each month Worship Service 11:00 a.m. CHURCH OF GOD 3341 River Drive Torrace, B.C. 638-1561 -¢ ho Tht Most Famous Bashet in the Would * ~Véiome Miao It's time to eall your Welcome Wazon hostess. | 835-5309 Reverend R.L. White Sunday School 10:00.a.m Reverend R.L. White Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. ‘ Evening Worship 7:30 p.m. “ Prayer Service Wednesday 7:30 p.m. [lols Mohoinger Fuplyn Anweiler 635 5571