From time to time, in the course of nature, after a member has died the congregation attends the Burial. We come, knowing our own mortality, to renew our faith in him who said in the face of a friend's death 'I am resurrection and Life', and so to claim courage and comfort for our bereaved companions. Thank God for this strong and kindly means by which the Church can do its healing stuff at funeral and tangi.
In much the same way, in the course of sin-infected nature, when a member has fallen into open sin, the congregation faces a crisis. It can shut its eyes to the facts and carry on as though the distress belonged elsewhere, not to itself. It can dissociate itself from the whole business by denouncing the sin and cutting off relations with the offender. Or it can acknowledge its own share in the spiritual feebleness and lovelessness which have contributed to the sin, plainly (through its representatives, Or it bishop, vicar, laymen) show its continuing friendship for its member, and take every practical step to repair the damage done.
We cannot doubt which course we should try to take. In face of death our duty is clear; so it is in face of sickness. We have our Lord's unmistakable direction; St. Matthew 10:8 and 11:5, 6. St. John 20: 21-23. Every congregation is called to be the living agency of God's increasing purpose to raise the dead, to heal the sick, and to reconcile the sinner.
God help us, clergy and people, to live up to this calling.
+HENRY WELLINGTON.
FIRST COMMUNION AND ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST COMMUNION
SUNDAY, JULY 23rd.
For some months we have been in touch with the Diocese of Polynesia and the N.Z. a visit to Masterton of eight Fijian men for a Anglican Board of Missions about a project for eight Indian or Solomon Island Anglicans for period of three months and then consecutively eight Indian or Solomon Island Anglicans for a similar period.
The general plan has been endorsed by the Vestry, who regard it as an excellent opportunity to get to know better, Anglicans from another Diocese, and to extend to them the hand of Christian fellowship. I am informed that the Fijians intend to give half their earnings towards the building of a church in the area from which they come, and this can only be regarded as a fine and outstanding example of the Christian stewardship of time, talents and money.
I am sure that our parishioners will extend to the men a warm hospitality, and will invite them to their homes. Plans about the arrangement of liaison between parishioners and visitors for this purpose will soon be announced.
The Right Rev. John C. Vockler, Bishop of Polynesia, O.G.S., who is sponsoring the project from the point of view of his diocese, writes in warm appreciation of our acceptance of the plan. He says: "We are most grateful for what you have done to make this possible. It is a real step forward in self help for our men and gives a great boost to morale. Bless you!"
All the men are, of course, from the Fiji Islands, and in the event that in the second contingent Solomon Islanders are chosen, these will be from one of the Solomoni settlements in Fiji itself. Some of us were stationed for a while in the Polynesian Diocese in the earlier stages of the war, and can recall the fine and upstanding qualities of the Christians we met there.
It is planned that the first group of visitors arrive in Masterton in the middle of November.
Great progress is now being made with the Youth Hall, and a number of vigorous working bees have been held, mostly concerned with interior painting. At last after a long period of time and many man-hours of work we can see our goal in sight, and look to the day when we shall have the hall in operation. I think that at the commencement of this enterprise we had in mind the famous words attributed to Sir Walter Drake: "There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continewing unto the end untyll it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory." It will be a source of satisfaction to all who have participated when we can say with truth: "Something attempted, something done", and that something in the service of Christ and His Church.
The late Halford E. Luccock, wrote thus concerning the modern heroes of the Church: "I received a Church bulletin which contained a note from the pastor to the congregation that moved me deeply, as accounts of truly great heroes always stirs the soul. In his note the pastor expressed his joy and pride in the members of the congregation who had "braved the rain" in order to attend the Service on Christmas morning.
Just let that picture sink into your imagination. Earnest Christians, on the high festal day of their faith, nobly daring the raindrops, some no doubt even lifting umbrellas, and resolutely walking out to the garage, climbing into the car, and coming to Church. Evidently such valour merits a Te Deum. Who says the race is sinking down which owns lads and lasses like that?
Truly such martyrdom calls to mind early martyrs, who "conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight."
(See Epistle to the Hebrews, II 33-40.)
A bishop from New Zealand once said of the Diocese of Polynesia that it is "mostly water". This is a reasonable geographical description, in that the diocese covers about 7 million square miles, peppered with about 600 small islands.
The work of the diocese is centred upon Fiji, and its clergy are stationed at bases in the Fiji Islands, in Tonga, and in Samoa. It works a good deal through church schools, all of which are concerned with primary education. A children's home for neglected and destitute children is in process of establishment.
Under M.R.I., St. John's Theological College at Suva has received a Warden from America and a Sub-Warden from Canada, and it is indeed a multi-racial training school for future clergy, in that it includes amongst its students Fijian, Tongan, Melanesian and Samoan personnel from within the diocese, as well as representatives of other races from other Pacific dioceses.
Here is a prayer for Polynesia :
O Lord, whose first travelled in mission around a great inland sea, let the same unresting zeal carry Thy good news across the wide spaces of the Pacific. Bless Thy servants in the Diocese of Polynesia, sustain their labours, prosper their purposes, make good their hopes, hallow their gifts. Let every obstacle of distance or difficulty yield to the energy of Thy living Spirit unto the prosperity of Thy truth, in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Expressions of appreciation have been heard recently of anthems presented at Evensong by St. Matthew's Choir. Special mention was made of the anthem on the occasion of the special Service at Queen's Birthday weekend, which was attended by many visitors to Masterton for the Hui Arahi.
From the Guild has come the proposal that there should be a Gala this year, with a wide participation of Church organisations getting in behind it. Those organizations that have met at the time of writing, since this challenge was sent out, have expressed their whole-hearted "Speak unto the (people of St. Matthew's) that they go forward." (Biblical passage adapted to our situation).
Recent meetings have included a visit from the Rev. Roger Robert was welcomed as Elected Member, and Mrs. G. Nepia as a prospective shaw, Vicar of Pahiatua, who spoke on "Repentance and Penitence", member. At this meeting Mrs. H. Maunsell bringing new light on an old subject. The following month took the form of a domestic session.
The Group is in good heart and goes ahead under able leadership. All the scouters attended the Hui Arahi held at Te Ore Ore, and heard a good deal about the "new look" for scouting. The Committee ably dealt with the afternoon tea on one of the afternoons of this conference with its dominion-wide representation.
There was a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Guild, which was preceded by intercessions for the parish and its homes and people. The members expressed considerable interest in the news that a Gala might be mooted for this year, and were ready to have a share in such an enterprise. Members wish every blessing to Mrs. B. Reeves in her recovery after her recent time in hospital.
"Thank you very much for once again sending the Harvest Festival gifts to Sedgley. The generosity of the parishioners is of practical help to us and their kindness is much appreciated. Yours truly, Peter Nilsen."
"Reading maketh a full man," is the well-known dictum from Francis Bacon. Do you read books about the faith?
We recommend for your reading (when it is again available--further supplies are on order from overseas) -- "Ring of Truth", by J B Phillips. The eminent translator of the New Testament wrote this book "because of a deep concern for many Christians whose simple faith in the basic statement of the Christian Creed is being undermined by the widespread dissemination of the views of some modern scholars."
Canon Phillips' experience in translating the New Testament convinced him that what is written in the Gospels, however much modern scholarship may try to explain it away, has indeed the 'ring of Truth.'
In this personal statement of faith he shares the exciting discoveries he made in the course of translation, and his delight in them; he communicates the fruits of his scholarship and his intimate knowledge of the New Testament; but even more, he offers his spiritual certainty to those Christians who may be bewildered by the destructive tone of so much Christian writing.
"Ring of Truth" will do much to combat current skepticism. The average Christian, dismayed by theological argument, will be reassured that here is a New Testament scholar who is still convinced of the validity of the Bible and its relevance to contemporary experience.
Dr. L. T. Wolcott former missionary to India and now Professor of Missions at Scarrit College Tennessee writes: "India's masses must become familiar with Christian literature. To be sure, we have been teaching the people to read. But what do they read? Attractive Soviet magazines and books written in the language of the people are found in nearly every bookstall, home, and workshop. But even in most Christian homes Christian literature is absent. Why? The Church must answer this question."
Scripture circulation for India in 1965 was 3,276,858 an increase of 700,000 compared with the figure for 1964. Population increase--12 million per year !
The Sunday School at Upper Plain continues to flourish under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. R. Garrity, and the attendance at Holy Communion is fairly consistent. The new kneelers made and donated by local residents of this district are a big improvement.
Our Sunday School at Kopuaranga continues its activities under the direction of Miss E. Street. We notice that the cold weather seems to be a stimulus to Church attendance in this district, and recall that the largest congregation we can remember was on a day some time back now when the white flakes of snow were falling during the Service, and snow lay on the ground "crisp and even" if not deep.
The Church at Rangitumau is a Union Church, and the Anglican trustee is Mr. P. Evans of "Linden Downs". We have no organist here to accompany our singing of the hymns, but are fortunate in having in the congregation some who are prepared to "Let it go!" This makes a good substitute for the organ; after all, our Maori brethren seem well able to sing heartily to the Lord without any musical accompaniment.
Miss D. Williams looks after our Sunday School very ably, and we are grateful to her for this. We meet for Service in the Mount Bruce Hall on the fourth Sunday of the month. Here we have an organist in the person of Mr. F. Scarr. Thank you, Mr. Scarr for all your help!
St. Matthew's Herald: Mesdames Andrews 5/-, D. M. Wyeth 10/-, E. Honey 6/-, H. Bowes 10/-, W. H. Steer £1, L. S. Nicol £1, Owen Jones 10/-; Mr. C. Palliser £1.
JULY
2-SUNDAY. TRINITY VI. See Calendar.
3-Monday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's).
5-Wednesday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
6-Thursday,
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
2.15 p.m. St. Matthew's Ladies' Guild.
7.15 p.m. St. Matthew's Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
7-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. St. Matthew's Youth Club.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
4.15 p.m. Boys' Confirmation Class.
9-SUNDAY. TRINITY VII. See Calendar. 10-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.
11-Tuesday.
7.30 p.m. Sunday School Teachers' Staff Meeting.
12-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
13-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice. 1
4-As for Friday 7th.
16-SUNDAY. PRE-CONFIRMATION SUNDAY. TRINITY VIII. See Calendar. All Candidates to attend Pre-Confirmation Evensong at St. Matthew's, 7 p.m.
17-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
18-Tuesday.
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch).
19-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives Group (St. Matthew's, Lansdowne).
7.30 p.m. CONFIRMATION.
20 Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m.
Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
21-Friday. As for Friday 7th.
22-Saturday. 7 p.m. Preparation for First Communion.
23-SUNDAY.
FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAY AND ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST COMMUNION. All Communicants are warmly invited to keep this Anniversary, both to join in fellowship with those making their Communion for the first time and for their own spiritual benefit.
24-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
25 Tuesday.
ST. JAMES' DAY.
7 a.m. Holy Communion.
2.15 p.m. Mothers' Union (Afternoon Branch).
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men).
26-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
27-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice,
2.15 p.m. District Visitors' Guild.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting.
28-Friday. As for Friday 7th.
30 SUNDAY. TRINITY X. See Calendar.
31-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
BIBLE CLASSES: St. Matthew's, Sundays, 9.15 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS: St. Matthew's Parish Church and St. Matthew's Lansdowne, 10 a.m. (Family Service at St. Matthew's, 3rd Sunday); St. Matthew's West, 10 a.m. (Family Service, 2nd Sunday, 2 p.m.); Epiphany and Harley St., 10 a.m. (Family Service, 3rd Sunday); also Sunday Schools in Country Districts. During school holidays, pupils attend Church, where usual attendance stamps are given.
At the time of writing we have not had the Annual Meeting, so it is not possible to give an assessment of the Stewardship Campaign at the moment. The overall picture, however, is on the one hand promising and on the other not as successful as we had hoped. On the promising side we have had offers of Sunday School teachers and helpers for Working Bees and Flowers in the Church. The names of the ladies who have offered to take their turn in bringing flowers for the Church have been handed to Mrs. Dearness and she will be contacting them.
In the next week or two I shall be arranging Teachers' Courses which will be available to those who have offered to help in the Sunday School. The first step here will be to re-arrange the Junior Church to allow for Standard 2 to be given their lesson separately. On the unsuccessful side of the Campaign it seems unlikely that we will be ready to become a Parochial District for another two or three years. This is due to the economic situation. We will be taking definite steps in this direction and those steps will be announced later. A great amount of work and prayer has to go into the consolidating of the work here and this will need the co-operation of everyone.
May God bless you all,
Geo. Simpson.
Each Sunday, 9 a.m. Holy Communion (second and fourth: Liturgy).
Each Sunday, 10 a.m. (except third Sunday.) Sunday School and Junior Church.
Each Wednesday, 10 a.m. Holy Communion (second and fourth: Liturgy).
Third Sunday, 10 a.m. Family Service.
SPECIAL NOTE: Young Wives' Thursday, 27th July: Husbands' Night. Speaker: Mr. Murphy of the Periodic Detention Centre, Lower Hutt. Mr. Murphy's Subject will be "Teenage Boys". He will be accompanied by the Reverend Robin Smith who is Chaplain. Mr. Murphy is an ex-Policeman and is doing excellent work amongst boys who have been sentenced by the Courts to week-end and evening detention.
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."
May 21:
Susan Elizabeth Godwin.
Michelle Joy Reiri.
June 4:
Peter Edmund Collins.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life."
June 2
William Anthony Gibson Cooper.
June 6:
Thomas Eli Allen
Original copies of St Matthew's Herald available at Wairarapa Archive, 04-42/11-15