The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 19

COURIER NEWS www.MyCentralJersey.com THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009 B-7 COMMUNITY LIFE: RELIGION MATTERS OF FAITH How to be a winner, ml a whiner, shmli not developed and died. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, take a ride to Princeton and ask Lisa Beamer, whose husband was not delayed 60 minutes from taking off in Newark on 911. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train that collided with another train head-on. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided a head-on accident with an 18-wheeler.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics behind Michael Phelps in Beijing last summer. Yes, every second of your life offers you the opportunity to live like a whiner or a winner. It's your choice! Be a winner all those around you will enjoy your victory! The Rev. Brent K. Hag-gerty is lead pastor of Stonecrest Community Church, 1 Frederick Road, Warren.

More information is available by calling 908-821-9700 or by visiting www.stonecrestchurch.com. By Rev. BRENT K. HAGGERTY STONECREST COMMUNITY CHURCH If you had the choice, would you choose to work with a winner or a whiner? Few things are more exhausting than being around a whiner. Equally few things are as invigorating as being in the presence of a winner.

May I suggest some principles taken from the Bible that I believe would promote a winner mentality in all of us as we work, play and live with others: The general rule of thumb is that a man or woman is to have eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep and eight hours to play. Eight hours equals 480 minutes or 28,800 seconds. In an eight-hour work day, how can we win? How can we invest our time wisely? How can we glorify God? How can we make others happier and more, satisfied? Solomon was a Jewish king who ruled as Israel's king prior to the birth of Jesus. Some believe him to be the wisest man in all of history. He wrote two of purpose; whether or not they have a sense of mission.

Proverbs 17:24 An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions. Insist on Integrity The second principle that builds winning into our work is when we insist on integrity. Nothing lasts without integrity. Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity works securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Never Make Excuses Excuse-making is a sign of laziness.

Proverbs has a lot to say about laziness; it calls the lazy man a sluggard. He says that a sluggard is always excusing, always blaming everyone else. Human nature tends to accuse others in order to excuse self. Proverbs 22:13 the lazy man is full of excuses. Ann Landers said, "A hypocrite is someone who is not themselves on Sunday." Never Stop Learning Winning at work involves this principle: We are never to stop learning.

Proverbs 18:15 "The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them. Ladies and gentlemen, God calls us to be open to new ideas. He says intelligent people want to learn and that stupid people are satisfied with ignorance. The intelligent man is always open to new ideas and facts; in fact he looks for them.

U.S. News and World Report wrote an article that reported that the average worker today must process and assimilate 24 times the information he would have had to a decade ago. Economize Your Energy We need to economize our time and our energy. Solomon says if you want to make it in today's world, you need to economize your time and your energy. Often we say, "Wow, where did our time go; where did this week go?" Time management is a spiritual issue because to waste time is being a poor caretaker of that which God has entrusted into our hands.

To waste time means to waste your life. Know the difference between "doing things right" and "doing the right thing." Ecclesiastes 8:6 There is a right time and right way to do everything, but we know so little! What he is says it this; don't waste your time; don't waste your energy and there is a right way to use both of them. The problem is that we are not skilled in using time wisely. Resist the Temptation to Quit Hard work leads to success. Proverbs 22:29 "So you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings! Proverbs 24:16 For even though a righteous man falls, he rises again.

If you are discouraged this morning, I want to encourage you to make a choice to be encouraged; to realize that you have life, you have strength, and you have abilities, even if you have to start over in a new job. Choose to persevere. Choose to consider the cup half full instead of half empty. To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby, whose lungs were In an eight-hour work day, how can we win? How can we invest our time wisely? How can we glorify God? How can we make others happier and more satisfied? the books found in the Bible.

One book is called The Book of Proverbs and the other is the Book of Ec-clesiastes. Both of these books focus primarily around life and work. They say nothing about the church. Solomon says that you can tell a wise man by the way he approaches his work. Today I'd like to consider how we can win at work.

I believe that Solomon suggests six principles that we can apply to our life. Almost all of us have a job; the foundation of our job success is putting God first. How do we do that? Work with Purpose the greatest difference between successful and unsuccessful people is whether or not they have REUGION toral teaching and Bible study will be offered at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Christ Tabernacle Church. All are welcome.

Call 732-585-4059. Christ United Methodist Church: Sunday worship services are offered at 8 and 10:30 a.m. 485 Hoes Lane, Piscataway. Call 732-463-1517. Christ Church: Sunday services at 11:30 a.m.

Pastor Wayne M. Davis will preach on, "The Greatest War, Part 6." The Church also is looking for bilingualSpanish-English interpreters for their Sunday services. 401 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield. Call 732-305-5701 or e-mail or visit www.christchurchnj Christian Community Chapel: 11 a.m. Sunday service includes praise team, Bible study and food and fellowship following the service.

211 Route 206, Hillsborough. Call 908-431-9244 or e-mail patirossaol.com. Clover Hill Reformed Church: Church school (ages 3 to grade 8) will begin 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 7. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday's sermon is presented by the Rev. Jack Cherry, "The Answer, My Friend based on Psalm 29 and St. John 890 AmwellRd, Hillsborough. Call 908-369-8451 or visit www.cloverhill church.org. ST.

JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH LCMS Watt Union Ave. Wlnaor Street (directly across from BBHS) Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (732) 356-1038 Sunday Worship Service Sunday School 9:15 Chlldran agei 3-etti grade! EVANGEL CHAPEL BrldgawaterCllnton One church meeting In 2 locations Visit us at 550 Stale Hwy 28 in Bridgewater or al 55 Leigh St. in Clinton 908-725-7777 Sundays: Clinton 10:30 AM, Bridgewater 9:00 4 10 30 AM For mom information visit us online www.evanaelcriapel.orn Bridgewater United Methodist Church 651 County Club Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 HUB-HD-IH. Rev. Vlckl M.

Brendler-Senior Pastor 8:15, 9:30 11 AM Childcare all services Visit us at: www brldgewaterumc.org HIlciAi'1l3 REFORMED CHURCH AT FINDERNE 581 Bridgewater Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Worship and Sunday School 10:00 AM WELCOME ALL 908-722-8453 I CALENDAR Dunellen United Methodist Church: Sunday service at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary, with Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. Rev. Hazel Shue conducts a traditional service with Bible reading, hymn singing and Communion each week. 150 Dunellen Dunellen.

Call 732-968-4347. Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross: Children's chapel service, 9 to 9:30 a.m. Sundays. For children up to age 6. Adults are invited to accompany children.

Regular 8 and 10 a.m. family Eucharist with organ and choir music and Christian Formation classes will take place during the 10 a.m. service, followed by a "coffee pause." Nursery provided during 10 a.m. service. Adult Bible study at 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and monthly Wednesday dinners at 6 p.m. 40 Mercer North Plainfield. Call 908-756-2438. First Baptist Church of Somervllle: Worship Service, Children, youth and adult Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. and worship service 11 a.m.

Sunday. Bible Study is offered on Thursdays at 7 p.m. on the Book of Revelation. All are welcome to attend. We are becoming Fishers of People (Mark NRSV).

132 W. High Som-erville. Call 908-725-1016 or e-mail fbcsomsecverizon.net. First Baptist Church of South Plain-field: Sunday school from 9:30 St. Francis Episcopal "Anglican" Church (732) 968-6781 400 New Market Road Dunellen Sunday 8 10am Holy Eucharist Sunday School Nursery 10am 5tfranci5dunellen.org fp GREEK ORTHODOX W' PARISH OF HUNTERDON COUNTY The Very Reverend Archimandrite George Nlkai Semes HSd at The Mernow owed Mtthrxtst Our 104 Allerton Rd Rt.

31S, Annandale, NJ Piitor'i Can: (7321 232-1034 mrw.giKliiircri.org Sunday Service! as Follows: Orthos 8 AM, Divine Uturgy AM Fellowship Coffee Hour 10:30 AM TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH 401 Greenbrook Road North Plainfield, NJ 07060 Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sanctuary For mora Information, plaaaa call (908) 754-2128 Biblical Preaching and Teaching in the Reformed Tradition Rev. David Taylor Call 908-725-1473. First United Methodist Church of Westfield: Voice of the Faithful presentation on the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches, 7:30 p.m., today. Father David Stout, rector of Trinity Church in Asbury Park, will present his views on the relationship between the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches, with references to his perspectives on the similarities and differences with both churches. Voice of the Faithful's goals are to support victims of clergy sexual abuse, to support priests with integrity, and to shape structural change within the Catholic church.

1 Broad St, West-field. Call Madeleine Korf-macher at 908-789-8477. Trinity Reformed Church: Sunday service, 10 a.m. June 7, in the church's Broek Chapel. Pastor David Taylor will preach on "The New Birth," based on John 3: 1-17.

401 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield. Call 908-756-2125 or visit www.trinitychurchnj.org. Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church: Service of Installation, 4 p.m. Sunday June 7, for new pastor, the Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo.

A light dinner reception will follow the service at the church. RSVP is requested. 170 Watchung Ave, North Plainfield. Call church office at 908-755-2781. 1L 8T.

JOHN EPISCOPAL CHURCH 158 W. High Somervllle 908-722-1250 Fr. Ronald N. Pollock, Rector Sunday Eucharist 6 am 10:15 am 9 am Bible Study, 10 am Church School vvvvw.StJohnSomerville.org The First United Methodist Church of Somervllle "The Church of the Gospel In Gins" 48 West High Street Somervllle, NJ 08876 (908) 725-1473 fumcsomervilleverlzon.net www.fumcsomervllle.org Sunday School 9AM Adults 9AM Grades 9-12 10AM WORSHIP SERVICE Childcare is Available Youth Activities for all Ages! Adult Bible Studies and 3 Choirs! to 10:20 a.m. for children preschool through 12th grade and worship service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Everyone is welcome. 201 Hamilton South Plainfield. Call 908-753-2382 or visit www.fbcsouthplainfield.com. First Baptist Church of Westfield: Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. 170 Elm Westfield.

Call 908-233-2494 or visit www.firstbaptist. westfieldverizon.net. First Unitarian Society of Plainfield: Sunday Service, 10 a.m. service Sunday, May 31, titled "Nuture Your Spirit" with Rev. Tracy Sprowls-Jenks leading the service.

Religious education for children and youth is also at 10 a.m. nurserychild care is provided. Wheelchair accessible. 724 Park Ave, Plainfield. Call 908-756-0750 or e-mail infofusp.org.

First Unitarian Universallst Fellowship of Hunterdon County: Regular Sunday services are offered at 9:15 and 11 a.m. Corner of Route 519 and Oak Summit Road, Baptistown. Call 908-996-3964. First United Methodist Church of Somervllle: Blessing of the Animals, 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, on the church lawn, weather permitting.

All pets are welcome and each should be properly controlled by leash or carrier, as appropriate. 48 High St, Somerville. Hydewood Park Baptist Church 100 Norwood Avenue North Plainfield, NJ 07060 Phone: 908-754-6363 officehydewood.org Rev. Miche Maniguet, Senior Pastor Ruben DeJesus, Director of Hispanic Ministries Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:45 AM 6:00 PM Evening Fellowship Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church 716 WATCHUNG AVENUE SUNDAY WORSHIP 908-756-2468 aw ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 15 West Somerset Street Summer Hours Rev.

Dr. Ronald Jones, Pastor 908-722-6111 www.stpaulrarltan.ora tends is asked to bring sealed food items to benefit the Food Bank Network. Route 28 and Milltown Road, Bridgewater. Contact Frank Bruno at 908-231-7005 or e-mail brunoco.somerset.nj.us. St.

John's Baptist Church: Annual Ushers Day, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7, will feature the combined Usher Boards with guest speaker Rev. Earl Bright, pastor of Bound Brook First Baptist Church, accompanied by his officers, ushers, choirs and congregation. 2387 Morse Scotch Plains. Call 908-232-6972.

Temple Beth AhmYlsrael: Services and Events, men's club meeting, 6:30 p.m. today. Shabbat evening service, 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, followed by dinner and music. Job Stress Workshop, 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 9.

60 Temple Drive, Springfield. Call 973-3764)539. Services Bradley Gardens Reformed Church: Sunday service is offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible study at 1 p.m., Friday choir rehearsal at 7 p.m. The church picnic at Duke Island Park will be take place at 11 a.m., Sunday, June 14.

124 Old York Road, Bridgewater. Call 908-722-0878. Cathedral International of Plainfield: Worship services will be offered at 6 p.m. Sundays; pas OK to be your partners No, it's not OK to go out of your way to treat other people like crap especially not with something so trust-dependent as sex, but not even with something petty, like zooming up the breakdown lane to get ahead in a traffic jam. Stop seeing your needs as special and others' needs as mere obstacles to getting what you want.

It doesn't get you ahead, it makes you a jerk. Re: Anonymous: Seriously? Every sperm is sacred? Sure she should say they're not exclusive, though it doesn't sound like that is assumed anyway; besides, assumptions are for (fools). Why all the hate? Carolyn, I'm disappointed in you. Not the Vatican I can live with that. It's not about the tomcattingcatting.

It's about Anonymous' callous attitude. If it were just about taking a prudish attitude toward sex, you might have a point, but I already said it wasn't just about that. Oh, and it's not "hate," it's disgust. Calvary Baptlit Church: Youth Fun Night, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. tomorrow; women's Fellowship "Bad Girls in the Bible," 10 a.m.

to noon, Saturdays, June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8. Vacation Bible School runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 29 through July 10.

324 Monroe Ave, Plainfield. Call Rev. John R. Bowden Jr. at 908-561-5187.

FIrat-Park Baptist Church: A pre-Father's Day Musical Celebration, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Featuring male choir and choruses from all over the area, singing psalms, hymns and spirituals. A freewill offering will be taken. 315 W.

Seventh Plainfield. Call Deacon Fred Hooks at 908-756-5322. Mount St Mary Houm of Prayer: Programs and Retreats, Six-, day retreat, June 26 to July 3, fee $385. Nonrefundable deposit required of $75; Personal Retreat Days, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: June 3, July 7 and Aug.

21. Bring a bag lunch. Cost is $20 per person. 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung.

Call 908-753-2091. North Branch Reformed Church: Heartlands Hayride Live Radio Show, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6. WDVR Radio and Rural Radio FM 89.7 will present their "Heartlands Hay-ride" program to benefit the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Everyone who at CAROLYN HAX It is not deceptive with am having sex with three people right now.

(Not literally, but you get the idea.) Two of them have no idea there is anyone else, and the third one might. My friends say I'm being deceptive, but I say it's fair game as long as I don't pretend I'm being exclusive and we always use protection. Who's right? Anonymous My evil twin hopes you fall hard for someone who treats you the same way you're treating these people. The answer to your specific question is that you're telling a lie of omission. If you fear the truth would upset them, then you're being deliberately deceptive.

Certainly if your sex partners are telling themselves they're in an exclusive relationship, then they need to take better care of themselves. However, I equate their mistake to letting an insurance policy lapse. That makes you the natural disaster for which they failed to prepare. So, repeating my answer, because it's my party and I can harp if I want to: i -MikMi, 1 1.