I am glad that many of you find helpful my practice of writing on ONE subject in my monthly letter. This month, however, there are two matters I must mention.
1. MEN IN THE MINISTRY.
A Conference on this subject will be held at Wallis House from July 28-30. Men who have applied for training for the ordained ministry have already been enrolled to attend it. They will meet with a panel of the Church's representatives to learn what will be required of them in the Ministry and to discover whether they have the ability to fulfil themselves in it.
I hope Clergy will look round their men and tell likely ones about this Conference. It could be a turning point. And I hope that men who are asking where they are called of God to serve will speak to their Vicar with a view to joining the Conference.
The programme for Whitsunday will vary in different parishes according to size and nature. All will keep the feast of the Holy Spirit of truth at least in their own churches at the principal Sunday Service; and there will be an opportunity for united services at other time of day. Where these coincide with Evensong and are held in other churches than our own, they should be attended by duly appointed Anglican representatives. So may we receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon us, to be Christ's witnesses.
2, ACT OF COMMITMENT.
As the Archbishop writes to the Clergy of the Province, Whitsunday (May 14th) will be kept this year with special enthusiasm. For on that day every parish and congregation of the five negotiating Churches in New Zealand will have the chance to join in thanking God for our united conviction that He wills us to find union for the fulfilment of his mission in the world. Every parish and congregation will thus have the chance to associate itself with the 'Act of Commitment to find a basis of union' into which our appointed representatives will have entered on May 10th in the Cathedral.
In both Services, the national Act and the local Thanksgiving, our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will renew his Church in the unity for which Christ prays, and make of us all together, penitent and obedient, the tool for finishing his job.
+HENRY WELLINGTON.
"The new arrival in the Parish who doesn't wait for the clergy to call first (being mind-readers (?) they're supposed to know these things anyway, never having been told), but who come up to us and say in effect, "Well, I'm so and so. We've just arrived in your Parish and we're living at so and so. What have you in your organisations that will meet my needs? And put me on your Stewardship Campaign Roll as a subscriber."
Now this has happened several times lately, and we sidesmen and vestrymen are delighted at this approach and introduction. These people have got the right idea. We who are in the very middle of this work for the Lord and his Church know only too well the overwhelming demands made on our clergy, their time and energies. There's not only Sunday duties and the hours of preparation that they call for, but baptisms, funerals, weddings, counselling, advising, in fact everything from office boy to managing director. And we do know this, that they are always available to anyone at any time who needs their help and guidance.' -The Rover.
It is almost three years since the current Stewardship Campaign came into being, and, acting Churchwardens and Vestry, we are not now holding a repeat campaign at St. Matthew's. We wish to avoid the expense entailed in such a Campaign, and are quite confident that all who already give in accordance with the principles of Steward ship will wish to continue without such special exhortation. We will, therefore, soon be forwarding a fresh supply of envelopes to all who already support the Church in this systematic way.
It is perhaps very appropriate at this time that we review our giving programme. As in all walks of life today, the Church finances have been affected by rising costs. To enable us to fulfil our work as a Parish, we do in fact need an increased income over-all.
It is also a time for Parishioners who have not joined up with the Stewardship method of giving to consider whether they should do so now. In the financial management of parish affairs, budgeting is imperative to plan and maintain a steady economy. The Stewardship system gives us that stability, and we invite those who wish to make a start to leave their names at the Parish Office.
Let us go forward in faith together, in a spirit of service and united endeavour.
Yours sincerely,
W. E. Lemberg (Convener). J. E. Broad (Country Districts' Representative).
St. Matthew's Herald: Mesdames S. H. H. Berney 5/-, H. Renouf £1, I. Wilkinson 10/-, Rolls 10/-, W. Wilson 5/-, Dearness 5/-; Mr. V. Heath 10/-, Miss A. Francis 6/-, Wyber 5/-, Mesdames Reeves £1, Lockwood 10/-, J. Elliott £1; Sister K. King £1.
My dear Young People,
At the invitation of your Vicar I am to have the privilege of conducting two children's missions at St. Matthew's and afterwards at the Church of the Epiphany.
You may ask "What is it all about?" Well, this is something for YOU. It is not a week of church services, but it is not an entertainment either. The mission is for all children and young people from kindergarten and primers up to forms one and two. On the first Sunday of the mission there is a Family Service, first at St. Matthew's and then at the Church of the Epiphany on the second Sunday. A tea for all children of St. Matthew's Sunday Schools (including St. Matthew's West, St. Matthew's Lansdowne and all the country Sunday Schools) is held on one Sunday afternoon, and a similar tea for the Epiphany young people on the second Sunday.
During the week happy half-hours take place after school for all children up to standard four, and a special session for forms one and two. At both these sessions exciting thriller serial stories are told which beat anything you see on television. You will love every minute of these daily gatherings.
Then on the Saturday evening a quiz session is held at both St. Matthew's and Epiphany, and the mission concludes with a Family Communion on the Sunday morning.
Ten days or so before the mission begins you will all receive an invitation from me, together with a printed programme. This will be POSTED to you, so be on the lookout for your own letter. Be sure to attend the Family Service on the first Sunday in order to receive the special attendance cards and to hear all about the fishing I would like you to do. You are in for a great time and I am looking forward to meeting you all.
So, until the mission, young people,
I am, Your friend To Be and Missioner,
Captain H. SUTCLIFFE, Church Army.
Oh! I almost forgot. The mission dates are:
ST. MATTHEW'S SUNDAY SCHOOLS: JUNE 18th-25th.
EPIPHANY SUNDAY SCHOOLS: JUNE 25th-JULY 2nd.
Writing about the Act of Commitment, the Archbishop of New Zealand has stated
"From the earliest meeting of the Joint Commission on Church Union the making of an Act of Commitment negotiating Churches has been envisaged as taking place as an open expression of our commo desire to seek a basis of organized union. Last year all five Churches concerned gave approval of this step to their national assemblies, conferences or In the case of our own Church the action of Synod was to be ratified by the seven synods and by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Melanesia. These bodies have given their approval.
In order to remove any doubts as to what the Churches now agrees to be committed, the Commission decided that the Act should be named "An Act of Commitment to find a basis of union and common action."
The Service to mark the decision of the five Churches to take this action will be held in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Wellington, on Wednesday, 10th May, 1967, at 8 p.m. In addition to the Service in Wellington Cathedral, opportunity for every parish to enter into the occasion is being provided by an Act of Thanksgiving on Whitsunday. The Commission commends this to every parish."
AT ST. MATTHEW'S THE SPECIAL PRAYERS OF THANKS GIVING WILL BE OFFERED AT ALL THE CUSTOMARY MORNING SERVICES ON WHITSUNDAY, AND IN THE EVENING THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL EVENSONG OF THANKSGIVING WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE METHODIST AND PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATIONS. THE PREACHER WILL BE THE REV. RUSSELL MARSHALL OF WESLEY CHURCH.
This special Service will be preceded by the period of prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on the Ascension Day and continues until Whitsunday.
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."
March 5:
Michael William Aitkenhead.
Brett Ivon Aitkenhead
Warwick Stephen Aitkenhead.
March 12:
Katrina Millicent Sutherland.
March 19: Karen Julia Keating.
Carol Jensine Gaudin.
March 26:
Anthony Charles William Roberton.
Tracy Lee Hollis.
Wendy Robyn Judd.
April 1:
James David Jennings
April 2:
Nigel Cameron Drew.
April 9:
Margaret Anne Millward.
"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."
March 25:
Dale Frederick Wadham and Pamella Ann Richards,
Kevin Thomas Lochore and Carol Gwendoline Phelps.
March 27:
David Wi Parana Taylor and Katarina Raukohore Ratapu.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life."
March 14:
Vincent Seymour Wilton,
March 22:
Michael Milton Buchanan,
Arthur Philip Bennett.
March 25:
Wayne Darryl Perkins.
St. Matthew's Scouts and Cubs are greatly looking forward to getting established in the youth hall. A number of parents have assisted with the working bees held under the direction of Mr. W. Lemberg, and the ladies of the Scout Committee and also scouts have assisted from time to time with the morning tea break.
The new tents purchased by the Committee were used for the first time during the Easter Camp and were greatly appreciated by the boys. The camping standard of the boys has improved a great deal during the year, under the direction of the District Commissioner, Mr. S. R. Pawson, who gives so magnificently of his time and knowledge to the training of the troop. We are tremendously indebted to him for all he does for St. Matthew's Scout Group in addition to his other responsibilities.
We heartily congratulate Mrs. Joyce Mitchell, Akela of the "Koa" on the completion of her training course at Tatum and the gaining pack of the Wood Badge. Several boys have now passed their tests for the much desired Duty to God emblem, and thirteen boys have gained their Athletes and Swimming Badges. Ten boys have gained their first star and three others their second star. Congratulations!
As from the beginning of May, Mrs. Mitchell wishes to hold the Cub meetings on Wednesdays. She plans to take the lads on a visit to Mt. Bruce to the Wild Life Reserve and would appreciate transport from parents for the trip. The Vicar desires to express appreciation to all members of the Committee for their interest and help, and thanks Mrs. C. M. Fair for her valuable secretarial assistance. The members of the Scout Committee are: Mesdames W. N. Fair, Hardy, R. Main, T. McKnight, A. J. Wilson; Messrs. C. M. Fair, W. Lemberg, D. Mills, G. Reeves, W. Small; Rev. F. Saunders.
This was a thrilling occasion with a good attendance of children, who entered with bright eagerness into all the fun and games provided by the organisers. The whole thing was planned out by a committee of Sunday School teachers comprising Messrs. K. Stone, P. Judd; Mesdames J. Pahl, C. E. Scadden and N. Russ, and the resulting joyous occasion was a fine tribute to their enterprise. The arrangement of the competitions and games for the senior section was supervised by Mr. P. Judd, who drew from his experience a varied repertoire of interesting activities. Our thanks to all concerned.
The Vicar and his colleagues desire to express sincere thanks for the generous Easter Offering. The Easter Offering at the Epiphany Church was handed uncounted to the Rev. U. G. W. Simpson.
Just a note in case any of our parishioners have a load of soil to get rid of! We need a load or two to improve the environs of the St. Matthew's Youth Hall.
MAY 1-ST. PHILIP AND ST. JAMES' DAY.
7 a.m. Holy Communion.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's).
3-Wednesday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
4-THE ASCENSION DAY,
7 a.m, and 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m.
St. Matthew's Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice
5-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. St. Matthew's Youth Club.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
7-SUNDAY IN OCTAVE OF ASCENSION DAY. See Calendar.
10-Wednesday.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
8 p.m. St. Paul's Wellington: Historic Service "Act of Commitment to Find a Basis of Union and Common Action."
11-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
12-Friday. 6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
14-WHITSUNDAY. See Calendar. Thanksgiving following "Act of Commitment". Knox and Wesley congregations to attend St. Matthew's at Evensong. Preacher: The Rev. Russell Marshall.
16-Tuesday.
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch).
8 p.m. Archdeacon's Visitation and Institution of Churchwardens for all Wairarapa parishes, at Wairarapa Maori Pastorate, Cole Street.
17-Wednesday.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's, Lansdowne).
18 Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
19-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
21-TRINITY SUNDAY. See Calendar.
22-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.
23-Tuesday.
2.15 p.m. Mothers' Union (Afternoon Branch).
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men).
24 Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
25 Thursday.
10.30am. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m Scouts,
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
2.15 p.m. District Visitors' Guild.
26-Friday.
4.15 p.m. Boys' Confirmation Class.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. St. Matthew's Youth Club.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
28-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. See Calendar.
29-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
31-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
BIBLE CLASSES: Sundays: 9.15 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS: (Except on Family Service Sundays). Parish Church, 10 a.m.; St. Matthew's West, 10 a.m.; (Family Service 2 p.m. 2nd Sun day): St. Matthew's Lansdowne Sunday School, 10 a.m.; Epiphany, 10 a.m. Harley Street School, 10 a.m. Sunday Schools also in Country Districts. No Classes during school holidays. Children attend Church, where attendance stamps given.
By the time you read this we shall be into the second stage of the Stewardship Programme. I would like to express my appreciation of the excellent work done by the band of women who carried out so success fully the first stage. In one week the whole of the area was covered and every home on the list received the advertising sheet. To the best of my knowledge the Roll is now up to date. It rather surprised me to note, however, the number of changes in an area I had visited only a few weeks before. The "turn over" in population in this area is quite large, For this reason I must emphasize the need of all parishioners to keep me informed of any change they discover.
The second stage is now, as I have said, under way and you will have received, or will receive a visit from one of the men. I am sure you will receive them in as kindly a way as you received the women. It was very heartening to discover how welcome you made the women. Only two people in the area expressed the desire not to have a follow up visit; this is very encouraging indeed.
The third stage will be assessment. That is to say, we will decide whether or not we have the necessary support to become a separate Parochial District. Please continue in prayer for the work of the area as you have done in the past.
May God bless you all. GEO. SIMPSON.
First and Third Sundays: Holy Communion, 9 a.m.
Second and Fourth Sundays: New Liturgy, 9 a.m.
Junior Church and Sunday School: 10 a.m. (except for School holidays).
Family Service: Third Sunday, 10 a.m. Holy Communion: Third Sunday, following Family Service. Evensong each Sunday at: 7 p.m. Each Wednesday: Holy Communion, 10 a.m.
Sunday, 14th May, Whitsunday: Joint Evening Service with St. John's Methodist and St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church in the Epiphany to commemorate "The Act Of Commitment". Preacher the Reverend W. S. Brettell.
Young Wives: Thursday, 21st May, 7.45 p.m.
Original copies of St Matthew's Herald available at Wairarapa Archive, 04-42/11-15