One certain result of the recent limelight of the Indecent Publications Tribunal has been to advertise indecent publications. I hope nothing I write will give them any more free publicity.
But why? What's wrong with pornography? What harm does it do? Sociologists say that we cannot trace sexual crime to it, but that misses the point. It is not the safety of women and girls from assault or prostitution that is at stake so much as the way people think about sex.
Christians are interested in this because it is a human problem closely affecting their own children, and because personal relations within society matter more than any thing else in this life, and sex is a prime factor in these relationships. No wonder, then, that people protest at the commercial exploitation of natural sexual curiosity and because men and women are often fixated in pathetic sexual immaturity by (among other things) lurid literature.
What is wrong with it is not its dirt but its lies. Most boys and girls have enough sense of humour and balance to send the dirt where it belongs, but can they recognise the lies? For in a straight fight between imagination and intelligence, imagination wins. Pornographic literature lies about the glamorous delights of casual relations. It deceives boys and girls into believing that friendship certainly follows intercourse. It lies its way into their imagination till they become incapable of adult affections and slaves to artificially stimulated appetites.
This devaluing of sex from the means by which men and women learn to love and to create into an animal exercise common also to apes and goats leads man to violate his own nature and to deny his destiny. For sex cheapened and exploited in its central role no longer serves the common good as the dynamic drive of the creative artists, craftsman or scientist, but goes to seed. What we need to find is not the caricature of sex painted on so many bookstalls but such personal relationships, such wholeness as does justice to all the facts about human nature. And that is just what pornographic publications put out of the reach of their addicts.
For what then should we Christians work and pray? 1. That diseased minds which aim to make money by infecting others with their own distorted appetites should be healed. 2. That writers may be constantly found to tell the truth about human nature made in the image of God. 3. That we may have grace and wit, understanding and sympathy so to educate the young that they can grow to maturity in love, neither deceived or degraded by what they read and view, but with their eyes set on the humanity of Jesus and the perfection of His way.
+HENRY WELLINGTON.
Our prayers are asked for David Noel Swain of Karori to be made deacon by the Bishop of Southwark on October 1, on Letters Dimissory from the Bishop of Wellington.
OUR GOOD FRIENDS MR. AND MRS. ANONYMOUS.
Not everybody lives in the world of the motor car, but a good many do. When you open the garage door to get out the bomb to go off to Church (even though Shanks' pony is considered much more beneficial to health as a means of locomotion), do you ever wonder who invented the wheel? It was an ancestor of the modern Anonymous family. Theirs is a most distinguished family tree!"
Back in the days of Dr. Barnado, the pioneer of children's homes, one of the forebears of this family comes on the scene. The Barnardo exchequer had reached an all-time low,and the continued existence of the homes was in jeopardy, when a plainly dressed woman met Dr Barnado one day as he was walking with ruffled brow along Stepney Causeway. "I want to give you something," the lady said. The doctor swept off his hat, and received therein notes for £3,000. As you will no dbout have guessed, the good lady was an Anonymous.
But go a long way further back, and you will find earlier representatives of this family engaged in writing hymns. We are indebted to these, to whom the gift of poesy was given, for such popular and inspiring hymns as "O Come, all ye faithful" and the stirring and triumphant Easter hymn "The Strife is o'er, the battle won.'
Members of this family are even mentioned in the New Testament. There was the unknown benefactor who carried a pitcher of water in the middle of the day (as a kind of secret sign) and led the two disciples to the house made available by Anonymous for the celebration by Jesus and the Twelve of what we now call the Holy Communion; another son of the same clan had the job of town-clerk in Ephesus, and when the people went haywire and sought to take Paul's life, it was this man who in a level-headed manner calmed down the berserk mob.
Much more could be written about this distinguished family, but what I really want to say is that, thank God, we have a number of folk in our own parish who descend from this splendid line. These are they who are always ready some job is to be done, or some special need arises the task and see it through. They do not look for kudos or credit. In the name of the Church in this parish I express sincere thanks to all such who reside amongst us. Three cheers for the clan Anonymous. Hip! Hip!
How do the Anonymous family view their membership of the Church? Here is one testimony written by a member of the Anonymous family and recently quoted:
My Church is the place where the word of God is preached, the power of God is felt, the spirit of God is manifested, the love of God is revealed, and the unity of God is perceived.
It is the home of my soul, the altar of my devotion, the hearth of my faith and the centre of my affections.
I have united with it in solemn covenant, pledging myself to attend services, to its pray for its members, to give to its support.
It claims the first place in my heart, the highest place in my mind, the and progress concern my life in this world and in that which is to come.
I owe to it my zeal, my benevolence and my prayers.
When I neglect its services, I injure its good name, I lessen its power, I discourage its members, and I chill my own soul.
I have solemnly promised, in the sight of God, and men, to advance the interests of the Church by my faithful attendance, by never neglecting its ordinances, by meeting with my fellow members, by watching over their welfare, by joining with them in prayer and praise and service; and that promise I this day renew before God, my Father, Christ my Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit my Comforter.
Greetings to all.
Your Friend and Vicar.
V.C Venimore
The Annual Hospital Sunday Service will be on Sunday, September 22nd, at 7 p.m., this being the Sunday which immediately follows the Festival of Luke, the physician.
Luke was known in the early Church (and still is in Christian history) as "the beloved physician." In his vocabulary in the New Testament the original Greek reveals that he makes considerable use of technical medical terms. He reveals himself as a person dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel, both by words and through practical service. It is fitting, therefore, that this Sunday has long been observed by the Church as Hospital Sunday.
The Service will be attended by members of the medical and nursing professions, St. John Ambulance Brigade, and Red Cross Society. The sermon will be preached by the Reverend Malcolm Welch, Chaplain to the Wellington Hospitals. Mr. Welch has attended special courses of training for Hospital Chaplains overseas, and has recently been invited by the Bishop of Nelson to pioneer Hospital Chaplaincy work in the city of Nelson. He will be taking up this new appointment in November.
The Wanganui Collegiate School and Christ's College Old Boys' Associations (Wairarapa) will hold a combined Church Parade at St. Matthew's at Evensong on Sunday, October 29th. The preacher will be the Reverend Gordon Dempsey of Wanganui, an Old Boy of the Collegiate School.
The Vicar will conduct a special service for Masterton's Girl Guides on Sunday, October 8th, at St. Matthew's, at 2.30 pm.
Private Communions are administered throughout the year in the homes and hospitals in this parish, in accordance with the special shorter form provided for this purpose. If there is any person who is not at present on the Vicar's list, who would wish to receive the Sacrament in these circumstances, would they please ring the Vicar, phone 6566.
Many of the pews in St. Matthew's Parish Church are, as readers will be aware, Memorial Pews. It is sometimes supposed that all the pews in the Church have been dedicated in this way as Memorials. However, there are still a number of pews available for such dedication. Further information can be obtained from the Vicar.
The Intermediate Sunday School Dept. will be established on Sunday, October 8th, the Sunday following the rehallowing of the Youth Hall. This department will correspond to the age group which attend Masterton's Intermediate School, and we believe the establishment of this separate department will prove to be a considerable step forward. The staff will comprise: Mr. Peter Judd (Superintendent), Mr. P. Tasker, Mrs. R. T. Curtis and Mrs. C. E. Scadden.
An anonymous donor is to present a portable Communion Set for use by the clergy in the country districts, and for Private Communions. This is being given as a "thanks offering to God for inspiration received through worship at St. Matthew's." The same donor is also presenting new cassocks for the Servers at St. Matthew's Church.
This is going in magnificent style with a mixed diet of programmes for our meetings. What matter that our Vicar and leaders did seem rather stiff on Sunday recently after our vigorous padderminton session: we were glad to have them join in the fun and games! Con gratulations to our Youth Club Committee on their planning sessions and the ideas they have come up with.
We wish to make it known (so that the date will be kept free) that we are planning a HALLOWE'EN dance for the last Friday. in October. Admission will be by invitation only. For information ask any of our Bible Class members.
--Roving Reporter.
We welcome to the staff of St. Matthew's Sunday School Mrs. P. Andrew, who has taken over standards one and two boys, and also Miss Weston who is replacing Miss S. Whiteman in the Primary De partment. Many thanks to Miss Whiteman for all the help she has given, and every good wish to her for the future!
We were delighted to have our Diocesan President as guest speaker at our August meeting. Mrs. W. [Betty] Hurst spoke on "Courage" "a fine, bold, exciting word" and a very valuable quality. Women need courage to face difficulties and laugh at them, to admit their faults and make an effort to overcome them.
Visiting members from other branches of the Archdeaconry were charmed by Mrs. Hurst's bright and interesting dealing with this subject. Mrs. Cunningham presented her with a gift.
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."
August 26:
Heather Mary Bull.
Grant Donald Watkins.
"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."
August 19:
Edward John Waddington and Elizabeth May Cowie.
William John Cawley and Vicki Raewyn Bridge.
August 26:
Winston Leonard Cartmell and Helen Ann Dickason.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life."
We commend into the keeping of Almighty God all who have finished their course and kept the faith." We remember with thankfulness their lives and examples, their integrity and the spirit of service to Church and community which marked their going out and coming in amongst us.
August 24:
Edith Alice Francis.
August 26:
Charles Alfred Challis.
September 5:
Ellen Hurst.
September 8:
Eunice Mary Blake.
St. Matthew's Herald: Mesdames S. Jenkins $1, K. D. James $1, Page $1, C. E. Mountfort $1, Callister 25c, P. Donald $1, Miss A. Perry $1.
We go to press just after the first day of our Parish Festival. We began with large congregations throughout. Extra seating was needed for Evensong for the Service in connection with the Battle of Britain Commemoration. A telegram has just reached us from the Bishop (St. Matthew's Day) as follows: "Greetings to you all for your Festival in the words: Ephesians 3: 14 to 21. Bishop."
1. SUNDAY. PARISH FESTIVAL. DAY OF THANKSGIVING. See Calendar
St. Matthew's College Choir at 8 a.m. H.C.
Afternoon, 2.30 p.m. Children's Service, Clypping the Church, and Youth Hall Rehallowing.
Preacher: The Rev. R. M. Gourdie, D.S.O.
7 p.m. Thanksgiving Service and Banner Procession. Preacher: The Venerable H. S. I. Kenney.
2. Monday,
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives Group (St. Matthew's).
4. Wednesday,
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
5. Thursday,
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
2.15 p.m. St. Matthew's Ladies' Guild.
6. 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.
7. Saturday. Wairarapa Sunday School Competitions. 2 p.m. at St. Mark's, Carterton.
8. SUNDAY. TRINITY XX. See Calendar.
Special Service for Girl Guides at 2.30 p.m. at St. Matthew's.
9. Monday.
St. Matthew's Guides, 6 p.m.
10. Tuesday,
7.30 p.m. Sunday School Teachers' Staff Meeting.
11. Wednesday,
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
12. Thursday,
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
13. Friday,
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
15. SUNDAY. TRINITY XXI. See Calendar.
16. Monday, 6 p.m. Guides.
17. Tuesday,
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch).
6.30 p.m. Scout Group Committee meets.
18. Wednesday. ST. LUKE'S DAY.
7 a.m. Holy Communion.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's, Lansdowne).
19. Thursday,
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
20. 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.
22. SUNDAY. HOSPITAL SUNDAY. See Calendar. Special Hospital Sunday Service at 7 p.m.: Preacher, the Rev. Malcolm Welch, Chaplain to Wellington Hospitals.
23. Monday,
6 p.m. Guides.
24. Tuesday.
Mothers' Union Quiet Day, conducted by the Rt. Rev. G. M. McKenzie, Assistant Bishop. Commences 11 a.m.
25. Wednesday,
2.15 p.m. St. Matthew's District Visitors' Guild.
26. Thursday,
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting
27. Friday,
6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service.
7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.
28. Saturday. ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE'S DAY. 7 a.m. Holy Communion.
29. SUNDAY. TRINITY XXIII. SUNDAY BEFORE ALL SAINTS' DAY. See Calendar. Church Parade, Wanganui Collegiate School and Christ's College Old Boys' Associations. Preacher: The Rev. Gordon Dempsey.
30. Monday,
6 p.m. Guides.
31. Tuesday,
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men).
The members of the Ladies' Guild are very pleased with the result of their Sale of Work this year. In spite of the weather there was an excellent attendance and over $140 was made on the day. Following their monthly meeting where they sold one or two articles remaining after Saturday, the total proceeds came to $160. Congratulations to them for a fine effort. The ladies are grateful to all who helped, whether by bringing cakes or other items of produce, or by donations of money. Some donations of money were handed in; others appeared "mysteriously" on a stall. All were gratefully received.
Remember the date of our Festival? That's right! It is the 3rd of December. More information will be given later, but mark it now on the Calendar as the day on which without fail you will join in the worship of the Church and thank God for the many blessings of the past year. Also remember the date of the Evening of Entertainment: Wednesday, 29th November.
There has been a disappointing, drop in attendance at Evensong lately. Some would tell us that the days of the evening Church Service are numbered. Personally I do not think that this is entirely true. There are areas where Evensong is attended by a large number of people. In its own way Evensong is as important as any other Service of the Church. The preface to the Service sets out clearly its purpose. To acknowledge our sin, to receive forgiveness, to praise God, to hear His Holy Word and to ask for those things that are necessary for body and soul. Surely it is important to meet in God's House on the evening of the first day of the week, to give thanks to God for His many blessings and to ask for His guidance and blessing through the remainder of the week! I hope that, with the warmer weather coming, there will be an improvement in the numbers at evening worship!
May God bless you all.
GEO. SIMPSON.
1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays: 9 a.m. Holy Communion.
2nd and 4th Sundays: 9 a.m., New Liturgy. 3rd Sunday: 10 a.m., Family Service.
3rd Sunday: 10.45 a.m., Holy Communion. 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays: 7 p.m. Evensong.
2nd Sunday (8th Oct.) Evensong 5.15 p.m., and we go to worship at St. John's Methodist at 7 p.m. with the Methodists and Presbyterians. Afterwards there will be a cup of tea.
On Sunday, 1st October, there will be no Evensong here but we will go to St. Matthew's to join with them in their Festal Evensong and Procession of Banners.
Sunday School and Junior Church: each Sunday (except 3rd), 10 a.m.
Each Wednesday: 10 a.m., Holy Communion. (Liturgy, 2nd and 4th.)