REMEMBER?
It is good to be reminded, for without memory you are an amputee, an orphan. Lose your memory and you are adrift from your own reality, a page torn out of your own story.
And memory is just as vital to a community, your family, trade union, nation. To ignore or to take no trouble to recall the tale of the place where you live or the church where you worship or the club you play for is to be conceited and uncooperative. And this puts all the greater responsibility on those who teach us history, one way or another, to teach us the truth and in language which speaks to us.
REMEMBER?
We remember Jesus. He is our memory. Those who share the memory of Jesus are the Church, moving along the tradition of apostolic succession, generation by generation, running back from the present hour and place to the slopes of Galilee and the hill of Calvary and an upper room. The memory of Jesus is no less wide than deep; relevant not only to all ages but also to all peoples.
Every generation the Church recalls, remembers and restates its vital memory of Jesus. As you teach your child, as you learn from your professor, as we meet in common prayer it is to remember Jesus as a person. Therefore this memory belongs to and is enriched in meeting other people with personal memories of Jesus more than lecturers about him. The New Testament itself is written to recall and pass on such personal memories, to announce and communicate the memory, Jesus. "Remember?" asks Elizabeth of Mary, Mark of Peter, Luke of Paul, Caiaphas of the witnesses, the Greeks of Philip.
This memory is constantly enriched and diversified first by the different voices passing it on and then by the different peoples cherishing it. This is one of the precious promises of the ecumenical movement, and of multi-racial communities like ours. The memory is shared with deeper understanding in the new light cast by contemporary science and by the scientific study of history. The need to bring under tribute to the memory of Jesus the universal needs of men as well as their greatest achievements accounts for the endeavour throughout the Christian Movement today to restate the memory itself, to interpret the Gospel though not to invent a new one, to revise the Liturgy, to realign the forms of the Church's life, to recommend the Christian way of life.
And here a great responsibility lies on our teachers and leaders, in the tension between orthodoxy secure and separate behind its defensive formulae and the need to reinterpret the Christian memory, exposed as he was and almost defenceless at birth and death.
Pray for those who teach and lead the Church in remembering Jesus that we may be true to him who came to bring all to God.
+HENRY WELLINGTON.
Prayers are asked for those being ordained in this diocese at All Saints', Palmerston North on St. Andrew's Day, 30th November, at 7.30 p.m.
Priests: Hector Percival Harold Davis, Stokes Valley. Henry Attwood, St. Matthew's, Palmerston North.
Deacons: John Clement Anderson, to All Saints', Palmerston North. Eru Potaka-Dewes, to Wellington Maori Pastorate.
This seems to me to be the obvious and vital theme for this month, which includes the Sunday School Festival. The importance of children attending Sunday School cannot be exaggerated. There are those who say: "My child has religious instruction at school." is not enough. This is splendid, but it It is most important that the child's life shall be directly linked with the Church and that he shall grow in direct awareness of himself as a member of it. It is the Church which Christ established to link the lives of men and women with Himself; it is the Church as an organization of people which is meant to bring the leaven of the Christian faith into the life and thinking of the community. There is no substitute for practising Church membership to guide and direct; as someone said humorously, but with a bit of a thrust into shoddy and complacent thinking, for all that: "Remember the banana: stick to the bunch and you won't get skinned."
But to lift this to a higher level of writing, let me quote from a statement by a President of the United States--"The future of the nation cannot be trusted to the children unless their education includes their spiritual development. It is time, therefore, that we gave our attention to the religious instruction of the children... to extend religious teaching to all in such a form that conscience is developed, and duty to one's neighbour and to God is understood and fulfilled." These words seem to me incontestable and the task and duty they imply is irrevocably laid upon all parishioners.
I am tremendously grateful to the fine body of Sunday School teachers who staff our Sunday Schools at and around St. Matthew's. It was fine to see the eager company of children and their teachers from Wairarapa parishes who gathered at Carterton recently for the Archdeaconry Sunday School competitions. We are reminded by such an occasion of faithful work being done in this sphere up and down the land.
The Sunday Schools Festival will be observed on November 26th, the Sunday before Advent, that is, on the last day of the Church's year. The children will then be promoted to their new classes, and settle down in them before the Christmas holidays. All parents are urged to attend the Special Family Services and Prizegivings as announced in the Calendar.
May all children in this parish, then, be helped in becoming actively joined into the life of the Church. We owe it to them, and to the future of our community and country.
Your friend and Vicar,
V.C Venimore
All Saints' Day falls on November 1st. There will be a celebration of the Holy Communion at 7 a.m. to mark this occasion. We shall also keep this important festival on November 5th. the Sunday following,
"On this day we commemorate not a single saint, but all those good men and women who have passed to their reward in heaven, and are linked with us. It is the day on which we remember especially our belief in the Communion of Saints, the whole number of God's servants both on earth and with Him.
"We know the names and deeds of many saints, but there must have been other Christians, perhaps just as Holy and as heroic, whose names we do not know ; but they are known to God, and all Saints' Day is an opportunity to remember the 'famous men' and also those that have no memorial', as the writer of Ecclesiasticus says." -- Charles Alexander.
To this may be added that on All Saints' Day we remember with gratitude to God many known to us who as ordinary members of Christ's Church have played their part in the service of God in their time on earth, and to whom we are indebted.
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."
September 16:
Margaret Jane Burnett.
September 24:
Nigel Randal Thomson,
October 7:
Marcus James Loader.
October 14:
Brent Steven Liddington.
Lance David Liddington.
Also one adult.
"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."
September 16:
Graham John Collins and
Elizabeth Anne Cockburn.
October 7:
Ian Maxwell Futter and
Patricia Watson.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life."
September 30:
Frank Louis Smith.
October 2:
Hubert David Monro Barton.
October 5:
Rupert Walter Perry.
October 14:
Ethel Maud Simpson.
Children have more need of models than of critics. --Joseph Joubert.
If telling were teaching my child would be perfect. --William L. Howse.
Contributions from Parish Organisations are invited for this feature.
A message of appreciation and thanks has already been extended to all who participated. It was a grand occasion, and highlighted the fine spirit of fellowship which prevails in the parish. A magnificent example of team work and co-operation. Grateful thanks to all!
An invitation is extended to all women of the parish to a Social Afternoon arranged by the members of St. Matthew's Ladies' Guild, to be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, November 2nd, at 2.30 p.m.
Again an outstanding occasion, with excellent congregations. It was good to hear the echoing hymns of praise and thanksgiving, and the voice of prayer voice of prayer uplifted to God asking for His continued help and guidance in all our endeavours. Archdeacon Kenney at the concluding Service of Thanksgiving expressed his delight at re-visiting Masterton, and gave a forthright sermon on our duty as Church members. It was good to have him with us, and afterwards he met many old friends. Likewise, at the Battle of Britain Commemoration, Canon V. W. Joblin gave a clear challenge to the great congregation present, and he too was able to renew old acquaintance.
The Re-Hallowing of the Youth Hall took place in the afternoon, when our neighbour from Greytown the Rev. R. Gourdie addressed the The hall is now in children on lessons from the apostle St. Matthew. constant use, and is proving a great asset. The Intermediate Sunday School has got off to a good start, and promises to be most valuable as a teaching medium.
In between, on Diocesan Sunday, the Vicar of Pahiatua, the Rev. R. Robertshaw, spoke on various aspects of the relation between the parish and the Diocese and about the work of special ministries, such as that of Hospital Chaplains.
May we all long treasure in our memories the inspiration of our Festival and carry this inspiration with us as we work and worship together for the extension of Christ's Kingdom amongst us.
We are glad to be able to announce that St. Matthew's Cub Pack is now able to take more boys. This is possible because of the offer made by Mrs. P. Andrew to help Akela, Mrs. Mitchell, with the work. Boys must be active members of the Church and aged between seven and eleven. We are grateful to Mrs. Andrew for coming forward with this offer of assistance, and have no doubt that many boys will wish to join. "It is great to be a Cub!"
This year's competitions were concerned with choirs and readings from the Bible. There was a real enthusiasm amongst the children. While, as the Archdeacon pointed out in his introductory remarks, the main thing is to do one's best, irrespective of placings, it seems right to record these results: First equal-St. Mark's, Carterton and St. Matthew's West; next St. Matthew's; next the Epiphany.
Next year's competitions will be concerned with other aspects of modern Sunday School work, e.g. mimes, modelling, posters etc. Mothers' Union (Afternoon Branch).
There was a good attendance at our recent meeting when the Rev. Ron. Taylor spoke of his work and conditions in Tanzania. Though churches were being built at the rate of two a week and ten secondary schools are run by the Church, there is still a great shortage of teachers and he made an earnest plea for volunteers.--A.M.B.
Hair-cuts which leave a shaved area in the form of a cross have been given to Christians in China as "shameful identification", according to report received by the Far East Broadcasting Company. Some Christians have been forced to sit in the gutter while Communist enthusiasts passed by spitting on them and reviling them, and others have been beaten and marched through the streets to be ridiculed by the crowds as "religious bad elements."
"A pre-christian Fijian chief left 672 memorial stones, each commemorating a cannibal feast. Who can visit Fiji today and fail to see what the Bible in Fijian has done? The same results can be seen all over the world. Western man neglects it at his peril." Dr. A. Capell of Sydney University.
The new Bishop of Carlisle told his Synodsmen that "our desks are littered with radical reports-enough fodder to put us in danger of ecclesiastical indigestion for years to come." It was not that these reports were without relevance or importance, he added. They were learned, interesting and valuable. "The danger is that they can be diversionary too. They can lure the Church away from its main task, which is educational and evangelistic, and by their very excellence they can deceive us into believing that they are crucial rather than peripheral. That main task must not be stayed by them, nor must our attention be diverted by an incessant stream of ecclesiastical reports which dissipate both interest and energy."
The centenary of the printing of the first Maori Bible in 1868, will be celebrated next year. Plans arranged by the Bible Society include: (a) The publication of a diglot version of the Gospel of Luke, The Acts of The Apostles, and The Epistle to The Ephesians-using Maori on one side of the page and Today's English Version (with illustrations) opposite. The cover will be in traditional Maori design of hammerhead shark. (b) The printing of a special series of Bible Reading Notes by the Scripture Union. (c) A series of meetings to be addressed by Dr. John Havea of Tonga.
1-Wednesday. ALL SAINTS' DAY.
7 a.m. Holy Communion.
6 p.m. Cubs.
2-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
2.30 p.m. Ladies' Guild Social Afternoon (all women invited).
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
3-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. St. Matthew's Youth Club in Session.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
5-SUNDAY IN OCTAVE OF ALL SAINTS' DAY. See Calendar.
6 Monday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's).
8-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
9-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m.
Scouts. 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
10-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
12-SUNDAY. REMEMBRANCE DAY. TRINITY XXV. See Calendar. The Rev. Peter Stuart, Chaplain to Victoria University, at St. Matthew's morning, Epiphany evening.
13-Monday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.
14-Tuesday.
7.30 p.m. Sunday School Teachers' Staff Meeting.
15-Wednesday.
6 Cubs.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. p.m. Matthew's, Lansdowne).
16-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
17-Friday, 6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. St. Matthew's Youth Club in Session.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
19-SUNDAY. TRINITY XXVI. See Calendar.
20 Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
21-Tuesday.
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch).
6.30 p.m. Scout Group Committee.
22-Wednesday.
2.15 p.m. District Visitors' Guild:Party for Members.
6 p.m. Cubs. p.m.
23-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
24-Friday.
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
26 SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT. SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL. See Calendar and Separate Notices.
27-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
28-Tuesday.
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men).
30 Thursday. St. Andrew's Day.
7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
29-Wednesday. 6 p.m. Cubs.
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.
It was a great thrill in the recent Sunday School Festival held at St. Mark's, Carterton, to have The Epiphany Sunday School come third in the Competition. First Honours were shared by St. Mark's, Carterton, and St. Matthew's West. Our congratulations to them along with St. Matthew's who were placed second. This is the first time that the Epiphany has "fielded a team" and it was good to see them do so well. The first three places in the Infant Reading went to the Epiphany. First, Mary Brett, second, Dianne McGonnell, third, Shona Simpson.
November is our Festival Month, with Festival Sunday being 3rd December. Please read carefully the following Calendar of events:
Sunday, 5th November: 9 a.m. Holy Communion. 10 a.m. Junior Church and Sunday School. 7 p.m. Evensong (Third study on the Creed ... And in Jesus Christ...").
Sunday, 12th November:
9 a.m. The Liturgy.
10 a.m. Junior Church and Sunday School.
7 p.m. SPECIAL EVENSONG FOR THOSE WHO INTEND TO BE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.
We shall be pleased to have the Rev. Peter Stuart, our Chaplain at Victoria University. An invitation has been extended to St. Stephen's Presbyterian and St. John's Methodist and to any who are University Students and who intend to be. Mr. Stuart will preach on the problems which face young men and women who attend University. A cup of tea will be served in the Hall following the service to give an opportunity to speak with Mr. Stuart informally. Ladies a plate.
Sunday, 19th November: 9 a.m. Holy Communion. 10 a.m. Family Service. 10.45 a.m. Holy Communion. 7 p.m. Evensong. (Fourth study on the Creed... "And in Jesus Christ (2)").
Sunday, 26th November: The Beginning of the Epiphany Festival.
9 a.m. The Liturgy.
10 a.m. SPECIAL JUNIOR CHURCH... For all Sunday School Children including Harley Street and Parents invited. "What is a Church Festival?" and Clypping of the Church.
7 p.m. Evensong (Fifth study on the Creed "Suffered under Pontius Pilate ... etc. . . . I believe in the forgiveness of sins").
Wednesday, 29th November: EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT-
7.45 p.m. An excellent programme is being prepared by Mr. Jim Hudson. Come one... Come all... and join in the fun!!!
Sunday, 3rd December, FESTIVAL SUNDAY:
On this Sunday we will commence our 7 a.m. Celebration which will continue through to Easter Day 1968. You will remember that this was our pattern last year ... SO...
7 a.m. Holy Communion at the Church of The Epiphany.
10 a.m. Family Eucharist at Hadlow School Hall... Guest Preacher: the Reverend Ron Taylor.
This service is to be held in response to a request that has come from many to repeat the very happy experience we had at Intermediate School following Captain Sutcliffe's Mission. 7 p.m. FESTAL EVENSONG. The Epiphany Guest Preacher-the Reverend Ron Taylor. Following the service we will be guests of the Ladies Guild at supper in the Hall.
A modern proverb? He who is baptised and speaketh against the Church speaketh against himself.
May God bless you all.
GEO. SIMPSON.