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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2014)
in other words december4 2014 Things To Ponder: At Just the Right Time By Grant Williams Timing is always important. Think of some of the things that require perfect timing: passing a basketball, taking a picture, or saying the right words, to name a few. But of all the events in human history one stands out as not only being at the right time it was also perfect in timing. “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5). When I was growing up no one had a problem calling “Christmas” Christmas. Schools had “Christmas” programs and cities put up “Nativity” scenes. Things have really changed. In many towns it is no longer possible to enjoy many of the activities we took for granted. It would seem that here in America, the “Land Of The Free,” we would be able to express our beliefs without restrictions. Why have things changed so much? Is it because Christians don’t act like Christians anymore? When Christ came to earth He showed us what God is truly like. He taught His early followers to be just like Him. It seems like many Christians have lost their way when it comes to acting like Jesus. Instead of being loving many have become selfish and proud. For many Christians forgiving others has been replaced with judgmentalism and condemnation. Is it any wonder the world is no longer impressed with the claims of Christ? Some one asked Gandhi one time why he rejected Christianity and he told them he had no problem with Christ or the Bible, it was the Christians he knew that turned him away from Jesus. This Christmas we have been given the opportunity to make a fresh start by showing the world the real Jesus. Christians have always been in a perfect position to reflect the love of God to a desperate world. The world is hungry for acceptance and a fresh start. Many people are looking for the hope that comes from knowing Christ. Unfortunately the message has remained veiled behind our preoccupation with receiving the blessings we feel entitled 21 to. We need to keep in mind that Jesus called us to a life of service, not luxury and comfort. Somehow, this Christmas let’s make every effort to return to the true meaning of Christmas. Remember God’s perfect timing in sending His Son to save us? Let’s do our best this Christmas to reflect the same love He has shown us by putting other people before ourselves. Instead of buying things for ourselves let’s find ways to show our love to others less fortunate than we are. Do you know someone that would be encouraged by a little extra attention? We can make a difference if we remember God has put us here to be His ambassadors until He returns in glory. Merry Christmas! Senior Center Board Elections Senior Center Board elections happen during the general membership meeting at 10 AM on December 12. Terms expiring are Bob Eastman, Carl Holsey, Tommy Sherman and Sandy Welch. Holsey, Sherman and Welch have agreed to run again for these three year terms. Nominations may be made from members and added to the slate during the December meeting. Come on down, vote and stay for lunch. The four newly elected board members assume office January 2015, joining the current 8 other board members. Bridge Street Bits ‘TIS THE SEASON to give expressions of thanks. In keeping with this tradition the Center would like to say thank you to Vernonia’s US BANK for their generous donation of turkeys for our last annual Thanksgiving Dinner here at the “purple building”. And thank you to cook Wendy and company for the tender cooking of them. It was a great meal! LOOKING AHEAD: Once again past Senior Center president BILL JAMES and Company will be returning to town and will be putting on a Christmas Day spread here at the Center. This is their gift to the Vernonia Community. Come one come all that day December 25 th . LAST Christmas Day Dinner to be served in our building. and Sunday 9-5. Table rentals are $10 each. First come first served so call the Center NOW to reserve yours. 503-429-3912. Items do not have to be homemade. SENIOR AQUATIC FANS: GOOD NEWS! Community Action Team is offering a limited amount of tickets to be used at the Forest Grove Aquatic Center on a Preventive Health Grant. Call our office or come in and see Pat to sign up. First come first served. Seniors 60 and over. AS THIS YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE we have a list of ‘lasts’… but new things, people, and places are on the horizon as we make the transition to relocate. One thing won’t change! Our commitment to serve our wonderful seniors in the Vernonia Community! Come in and see about ways YOU can be a part of this change! SENIOR CENTER CHRISTMAS BAZAAR will be held at this building as well on Dec. 12, 13, and 14. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday hours are 1-5. Saturday Vernonia Senior Center 446 Bridge Street FROM PAM AT THE THRIFT STORE: Come in and check out our continual flow of Christmas and not so Christmas items. We appreciate your patronage and also your donations to help support us and give to the community as well. FROM THE DESK OF KAREN MILLER/Community Action Team. Looking for ways to save on water and energy? • Fix Leaky faucets • Add energy efficient showerheads • Install low-flow faucets and showerheads • Set water temperature at 120 degrees • Insulate water heater with a blanket • Wrap any exposed pipes • Take a five minute shower instead of a bath • Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers efficiency. For Senior Services: Community Action Team Karen in Vernonia 503-366-6581 Marge in Clatskanie/Rainier 503-366-6581 Heather in Scappoose/St. Helens 503-366-6542 503-429-3912 Church Directory (in alphabetical order) Assembly of God Sunday School: 9:45 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Evening Prayer: 6:00 PM Wayne Marr, Pastor 662 Jefferson Avenue 503-429-0373 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sunday Schedule: Sacrament Meeting: 10:00 AM Sunday School & Primary: 11:20 AM Relief Society, Priesthood and Young Women: 12:10 PM Roger Cook, Branch President 1350 E. Knott Street 503-429-7151 Grace Family Fellowship Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Thursday Prayer: 6:00 PM Greg “Mac” McCallum, Pastor 957 State Avenue 503-429-6790 www.GraceFamilyFellowship.org Nehalem Valley Bible Church Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 10:45 AM Wed. Ladies Bible Study: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 7:00 PM Sat. Men’s Prayer Meeting: 6:30 AM Gary Taylor, Pastor Grant & North Streets 503-429-5378 Open Door Gathering Place Service: Sunday 6:00 PM Grant Williams, Pastor 375 North Street St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wednesday Religious Education: 3:15-4:30 PM Sunday Mass: 12:00 PM Rev. Luan Tran, Administrator 960 Missouri Avenue 503-429-8841 Vernonia Christian Church Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service in Youth & Family Center: 11:00 AM www.VernoniaChristianChurch.org Sam Hough, Pastor 410 North Street 503-429-6522 Vernonia Foursquare Church Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 AM Children’s Sunday School Carl Pense, Pastor 850 Madison Avenue 503-429-1103 Vernonia Seventh-day Adventist Church Sabbath (Saturday) Services Sabbath School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM www.VernoniaSDAC.org Larry Gibson, Pastor 2nd Ave. and Nehalem St. 503-429-8301
