Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No.26             SOUTHSIDE ORACLE          August 25, 2006

Exiles From Sin

Before me as 1 write is a story in today's Journal Sentinel:

"Dozens of illegal immigrants reached tiny Sicilian islands Monday as Italian boats searched for many others reported missing after trying to make risky crossings of the Mediterranean - the latest wave in a surge of African migration .... Many of those making the illegal journey flee violence or poverty in Africa, risking dangerous trips aboard flimsy boats to reach better economic opportunities in the European Union."

"Why," we ask, "would anyone risk his life just to go from one country to another?" The answer is two-fold. First, these North Africans now have a deplorable life of violence and poverty. From their perspective, life isn't worth living if it must be lived under such terrible conditions.       Second, they see the blessings of life in a country of the European Union as being so wonderful that it is worthwhile to try to get there in spite of the danger of drowning.

The same issues are involved in the spiritual realm.. A person enslaved by sin yearns to escape the wretchedness of his life. He knows that his addictions offer a blind alley from which there is no escape. He understands that the momentary thrill they offer do not bring happiness. He longs to escape, and though he is uncertain of the outcome, it is worth whatever price must be paid. In the words of Paul, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lard, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8). The price that is paid to become a Christian makes it all worthwhile.

But there is another side of this story. The Italians who are dealing with the wave of illegals probably cannot understand why the Libyans have invaded their shores. That is because they do not appreciate the blessings they enjoy in a flawed, but free society. They take their freedom and affluence far granted. So it is with many of us who have known only abundance. We inherited it and we don't appreciate it.

Spiritually speaking the same is true with many of us who have been blessed to know Christ from an early age. Though we have struggled with our own shortcomings, we cannot fully appreciate the travail of others who have clawed their way out of sin to find refuge in Jesus. Let us welcome these aliens of sin into the family of the redeemed.        Monroe Hawley

The Bulletin Board

Our Condolences - We extend our sympathy to two of our families who lost loved ones last week. Eugene Capitonoff, father of Jim Capitonoff, died August 11th at the age of 87. The funeral was last Thursday.. ..Albert Jensen, son of Karoline Jensen, died August 16^th of a heart attack.         The funeral was Wednesday from the Max Sass Funeral Home in Franklin .... Our hearts go out to both families in their loses.

Sunday morning class promotion and new adult classes will be September 10th.

Ladies' Retreat - "Recognizing the Enemy" is the theme of our Ladies' Retreat September 8 & 9 at the Sienna Center in Racine. Becki Kidd will be the speaker. The cost is $45.00 for those attending Friday and Saturday or $18.00 for those taking part in Saturday's events only_ Reservations need to be in by August 23r^d. Pick up a flyer at the church building or see Cathy Ribar.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 104; second service, 78

Our low attendance last Sunday reflects in part the 45 people who were away at the Southside camping trip at Blumound State Park

Every fifth Wednesday all of our midweek study groups meet together. Next Wednesday all our groups will worship and study together at the building at 7:00 p.m.

Remember the Labor Day Encampment at Fallhall Glen over the Labor Day weekend. The featured speaker will be Dale Smith who is well known to many of us. Wayne Alexander is directing the program and you can get details from him if you would like to attend.

Address Changes - M/M Scott Thomas and Beth Young. Contact us for Details.

Calendar of Events

September 1- 4 - Labor Day Encampment, Fallhall Glen.

September 8, 9 - Ladies' Retreat, Sienna Center, Racine

September 10 - Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.

September 10 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

September 16 - United Ladies' Day, Hampton Avenue Church, 8:30 a.m.

September 22, 23 - York College Fallhall Days, Fallhall Glen

September 25-27 – 43rd Annual Midwest Preachers' Retreat, Fallhall Glen

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