December 1941

The season of Advent, on which we have now entered, speaks of the Coming of the King, and of His Kingdom. As this war develops we see clearly that the overthrow of the spirit of aggression and its replacement by the Spirit of Christ is our immediate task. Yet it is good to hear the Message of the Prince of Peace encouraging and helping us in the struggle, and I think that our Christmas Communions are going to mean a lot to us this year.

It is fitting, too, that the dedication of the war memorial pews on Sunday, December 14th, should come at this season. Naturally we shall think chiefly that day of the two great-hearted sons of the parish, life-long friends, who both have given their lives for the cause of Christian civilisation, but as we honour them shall we not also resolve that from the sacrifice of this war there shall come an order based on the principles of that Kingdom of which Advent and Christmas speak.

May this Christmas be one of blessing for you and for your loved ones wherever they may be, and may the New Year bring victory and peace.

Your sincere Friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The services during Advent are all designed to help us in our preparation for a right observance of Christmas Day. There are favourite carols and music which play their part in that. At 11 a.m. on Sunday, 14th December, the special service of Lessons and Carols will be held. The seven lessons are read by representatives of various parish organisations and are followed by carols.

Then, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, 21st December, we look forward to the annual service of special Christmas music given by our Choir.

MEMORIAL PEWS

At 7 p.m. on Sunday, 14th December, in St Matthew’s Church, at a special service, the Bishop will dedicate the first four memorial pews--two in memory of Ted Denbee and two in memory of Ivan McWhinnie. The pews are the gift of the parents, and it is fitting that the memorial pews of these great friends who went through Sunday School and Bible Classes together, and who gave their lives in the path of duty--one in the air, the other in Crete--should stand together in the Church of which they were faithful, manly members.

On the following Sunday, 21st December, at 11 a.m., two other memorial pews will be dedicated. These, too, will commemorate faithful and splendid service. One, given by friends will be in memory of Mr E. Hale, while the other, given by Sister Wallace Pinkerton, will be in memory of Mrs M. Pinkerton. Both gave a life-time of glorious service, and it is fitting that their memory should be honoured in the Church they loved.

Five other pews will be dedicated at this service. Some of the organisations which help our work wished to give a pew so that they might have a share in adorning their Church. It is interesting to notice that an old record of nearly 30 years ago tells how the old pews were brought to St Matthew’s and chairs added so that in a few years new pews in keeping with the church should replace them, or, if thought better, chairs should be used. Parishioners have shown that they dislike the chairs and now a start is being made with the pews and those who have seen them in the making are most enthusiastic about them. Pews are being given by the Ladies’ Guild, the Girls’ Club, the Fireside Club, the Bible Class and the Sunday School.

Already we hear of others who would like to give a memorial pew. There is no better way to furnish a Church than by gifts which commemorate those who worshipped there and who are still remembered with love and gratitude by those near and dear to them.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs M. M. Simpson, 4/-; Mesdames D. Thompson, E. J. Loader, F. J. Adcock, 2/6 each; Mrs Keilberg, 5/-, “Church and People” Messrs A. H. Marsh, W. L. Hunter, W. E. Vowell, C. R. Mabson, I. I. McGregor, R. Brooks, V. Heath, Mrs J. Crow, 2/6 each.

PRIZE-GIVINGS

Our Sunday Schools are nearing the end of the another year and we invite all parents and friends of the children to be present at the annual prize-giving functions. These gatherings are always well attended but this year the teachers have carried on magnificently under great difficulties and we want to see record attendances so that they may know that their efforts have been appreciated, and the children, too, will appreciate such evidence of parishioners’ interest. Taueru prize-giving is being held at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, 7th December. All other prize-givings will be held on Sunday, 14th December, at the following hours:

9.30 a.m.: Lansdowne: Public School.

10 a.m.: Upper Plain; Church.

2 p.m.: Kuripuni; Epiphany Hall.

3 p.m.: St Matthew’s; Parish Hall.

BISHOP BENNETT’S VISIT

A striking message to a crowded Church made the evening service on Advent Sunday at which the Bishop of Aotearoa preached, a memorable one. During his visit the Bishop addressed the pupils of St Matthew’s School and the Wairarapa College and also confirmed two patients at the Masterton Hospital. In addition, the Bishop gave a fascinating illustrated lecture to a men’s gathering.

CHRISTMAS DAY

More than ever will we need the Message of Christmas this year. Indeed, it is hardly necessary to remind you that all should make their Communion on Christmas Day.

There will be celebrations at St Matthew’s at 6 a.m, 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. A special service for children will be held at 10 a.m.

There will be celebrations at

Kuripuni at 9 a.m,

at Upper Plain at 9.15 a.m., and

at Taueru at 10.15 a.m.

Any unable, on account of sickness, to make their Christmas Communion in Church are asked to notify the Archdeacon and provision will be made for them to receive the sacrament privately.

We want our Church to be as beautiful as possible for Christmas, so that we shall be glad of gifts of flowers and greenery on Wednesday, 24th December. At St Matthew’s we should like them by 2 p.m., at which hour we would welcome many helpers in arranging the decorations. It is a busy time for all, but many helpers can do it quickly.

OLD GIRLS’ CONFERENCE

What should be a most interesting and worthwhile conference, open to old girls of any secondary school, will be held at Nga Tawa, Marton, from the evening of Friday, 2nd January, to the morning of Tuesday, 6th January, 1942. The conference will be concerned with the vital topics of the day, discussed by leaders who have made a study of them, and all present will have the opportunity, should they so desire, to ask their questions and make their contribution to the conclusions reached. The Bishop will be the chairman of the conference. Fuller particulars may be obtained from the clergy.

ST MATTHEW’S SCHOOL

The annual end of term function at St Matthew’s Collegiate School for Girls, Pownall Street, will be held in the School Assembly Hall on Wednesday, 17th December, at 7.3o p.m. The speaker for the occasion will be the Ven. Archdeacon Bullock, and all interested are invited to be present.

This School, ideally situated in beautiful surroundings and splendidly equipped, aims at giving a complete education. It has a fine record and present indications are that the next year’s roll will be even larger than this year. Day girls and boarders are taken and parents interested will find full particulars of the School set out in a new illustrated prospectus just issued. Copies may be obtained from the secretary, Mr H. M. Boddington, Church Street, Masterton, and the Principal is always ready to interview parents, by appointment, and show them over the School.

C.E.M.S.

The Bible study at the November meeting was so appreciated that members were unanimous in their desire for more such studies. At the December meeting there were many visitors and the speaker was the Bishop of Aotearoa. This was a splendid gathering, enjoyed by all. The next meeting of the Society will be on the first Monday in February.

KURIPUNI NOTES

As usual, a packed house greeted the children for their annual Sunday School concert. Miss Kemp, her assistants, and the children are to be congratulated on the excellent programme which was presented.

There will be no evening service at Kuripuni on Sunday, 14th December. That evening the Bishop is dedicating the war memorial pews in St Matthew’s, and Epiphany parishioners will want to join in that service. The Kuripuni services that day will be Holy Communion at 8 a.m., and prize-giving service at 2 p.m., when we hope there will be the usual splendid attendance of adults with the children.

Splendid success was achieved by the Epiphany Guild, under Mrs Whitton as president, at the annual Kuripuni Garden Party, held on Saturday, 29th November, in Sedgley grounds. Mrs L. B. Maunsell opened the party in a happy speech and a fine spirit of happy service was maintained by workers and by the large number of parishioners present. Over £60 were received--a splendid increase over previous efforts.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE

Many have handed in the names of their loved ones who are on active service for insertion in the Altar Book. On the first Sunday of the month at 11 a.m., and on the third Sunday at 7 p.m. all are remembered by name. Those whose names begin with A to C are remembered by name at 8 a.m. on the first Sunday, all from D to K on the second Sunday, all from L to Q on the third Sunday, all from R to Z on the fourth Sunday. The names are divided over the Thursday services in the same way. Additional names should be entered in the exercise book on the Church table or handed to the clergy.

CHURCH AND PEOPLE

This is the title of the new Diocesan paper which in February replaces the old Church Chronicle. The paper has more than a new name. It has a new form and new features and will strengthen our Church by keeping its members informed of the part the Church is playing in the life of the community. We want to see every Church family taking this paper. Mr R. W. Brooks, 18 McKenna St., is the local secretary. Just tell him that you will become a subscriber and he will see to it that you get your copy promptly and regularly each month. The subscription is 2/6 per annum and there are eleven issues each year.

BAPTISMS

October

28 Donald Miller

Erina Avis Cherry

November

1 Judith Ann Garside

2 Pamela Helen Mae Murray

Ninette Beatrice Te Bay

11 Charles Henry William Richardson

23 Helen Frances Richards

26 Joyce Marianne Ricketts

29 Alister Thirlestane Lauderdale Maitland.

BURIALS

3 Henry Leonard Fuller

5 Henry Wainscott

28 Harriett Bishop

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