December 1943

We are approaching the end of what has probably been the busiest and the most difficult year in the history of our parish. Our work has been sadly handicapped, but, in spite of that, many of our activities have been maintained and extended, and you have co-operated in a wonderful way in the work of the parish.

Sometimes the bigness of the task of reconstruction following the earthquake blinds us to the splendid achievements of the past year. It is all to the good that most of you are looking to what must be done before we can rebuild. That is the true Christian spirit, but we must not let the big task which yet remains discourage us. Rather should we find splendid encouragement in what has already been achieved.

Nearly eighteen months ago the blow fell and in a few minutes the Church which symbolised three-quarters of a century of Christian effort here was destroyed. Many of you were badly hit.

Nevertheless, starting from nothing, we have built up a rebuilding fund which now approaches £9000. That is a glorious achievement. Let it encourage us to go forward to our goal.

Never was Christian service and witness needed more than it is today. We want the Christian army to be fully mobilised, trained and ready for its work. Sunday by Sunday we gather for that purpose. Let nothing keep you from the worship of your church.

May the joy of Christmas be yours in all its fulness, and may the coming hear bring us to victory and peace.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

We hardly need to be told this year that on Christmas Day all Communicants are required to make their communion. This must surely be the brightest Christmas that we have known for four years. We shalll want to come to give thanks and to pray that the New Year may bring us victory and peace.

Any, who, by reason of sickness or infirmity, are unable to attend the services on Christmas Day, are asked to notify the Archdeacon so that they may receive the Sacrament at home or in hospital.

Our offerings on Christmas day, at all services, will be given to the Earthquake Rebuilding Fund.

The Archdeacon has been fortunate enough to get assistance for Christmas morning so that the services will not be prolonged unduly. The services will be:

St Matthew's: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Holy Communion; 10 a.m., Children's Service.

Church of the Epiphany: 9 a.m., Holy Communion.

Upper Plain: 9.15 a.m., Holy Communion

Taueru: 10.15 a.m., Holy Communion.

PRIZEGIVINGS

The annual prize-giving functions for our Sunday Schools will be held on Sunday, 12th Decedmber. Parents and friends are invited to be present with the children to show their interest in this important side of our Church's work. The Lansdowne function will take place at 9.30 a.m., Kuripuni at 2 p.m., in the Epiphany Hall; St Matthew's (all branches) in the Parish Hall, at 3 p.m. The Taueru function is being held on Sunday, 5th December, at 2.30 p.m.

REBUILDING FUND

The month of November was a good one for the fund. Many donations were made. We set ourselves the objective of reaching £10,000 by the end of this year. We feel that if we can reach that figure we shall have accomplished a large part of our task. The Vestry have tried hard to get a reliable estimate of cost, but it will not be until early next year that the architect will be able to give us that. On Christmas Day the offerings at all services will be given to the fund. Parishioners will feel how appropriate that will be, and we can be sure that all will do what they can. The fund now stands at £6514 18s 8d in cash or equivalent, with promises amounting to a further £2221--a grand total of £8735 18s 8d.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONCERT

Our friends of the Methodist Church kindly lent us, free of charge, their Hall for this annual event. The hall was packed, people standing everywhere, and an excellent programme was presented. Never had the concert been presented under such difficulties, and Mr S. F. Taylor and the teachers are to be congratulated on the high standard achieved. We have fine Sunday Schools in this parish and it was good to see parishioners in such large numbers showing interest in their work.

DEVASTED MISSIONS

An appeal has been launched by the Archbishop for £35,000 to restore war damage in the mission field. Many will have heard the moving story told by the Bishop of Melanesia. the loyalty and heroism of native Christians has been wonderful. There is a note of urgency in the appeal because nurses and missionaries are re-establishing their splendid medical work, and they must have supplies and equipment. Schools are clamouring for re-establishment. The appeal is for a large sum but for the whole of New Zealand it is possible. Let each one of us just do what we can and then all will be well.

PARISH NOTES

There was a good attendance of parents and friends at the annual birthday party of St Matthew's Scouts and Cubs. An excellent programme was presented.

The annual prizegiving function of St. Matthew's Collegiate School for Girls will be held in the School Assembly Hall on Thursday, 16th December, at 7.30 p.m.

Last year the special service of Carols and Lessons made a strong appeal. Well-known carols are sun and lessons read by representatives of parish organisations. The service will be held on Sunday, 12th December, at 11 a.m., and on Sunday, 19th December, at 7 p.m.

The Sunday Schools and Bible Classes will resume next year on the first Sunday in February.

SALE OF WORK

This was supported magnificently by all parts of the parish, so that the results exceeded expectations. Prevailing conditions in the way of rationing made the work of stallholders difficult indeed, but goods came in for the sale, and a great band of helpers worked with a will. The receipts amounted to the splendid total of £200 3s 5d. We thank all who helped in this annual effort.

NOTABLE OCCASIONS

November was marked by three important visits. First came the visit of the Rev. J. E. Jones, of India, formerly of this parish. He was given a fine welcome and parishioners were most interested in the account of his work. Then came the Bishop of Melanesia, who gave a magnificent address on the Solomons, and made us determine to support the work to the utmost of our power. Finally we had a visit from the the Dean of Christchurch, who gave us a new vision of world-movements and showed how great can be the power of informed Christian thought in the face of present and post-war problems.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs McMaster, 10/-; Miss Carey, 5/-; "A Friend," Mesdames McGrath, Loft, Ward, 2/6 each.

"Church and People"; Mr P. G. Ramsay, 4/-.

BOYS' CLUBS

Capt. H. Sutcliffe has organised two Clubs which are proving most popular. The attendances are excellent and growing every week, and the programme followed is valuable and enjoyable. We wish this new venture in the life of our parish every success. The Clubs last for just one hour--from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and meet--for St Matthew's, in the Scout Den on Thursdays, and for Kuripuni on Mondays in the Epiphany Hall.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE

At every celebration of the Holy Communion we remember particularly before God those men and women of our parish who are on active service. Every name has been added at the request of some relative or friend, and each name is read on one Sunday of the month at 8 a.m., and on one Thursday at 10.30 a.m. When men are discharged from the forces their names should be taken off the list, but the names of those on furlough should be retained. There must be few, if any, parishioners who have no relative or friend on service. As each name is read we wish for, and ask God to give that one all that we desire for our own loved ones. It is good to find such large numbers always present at the early services, and latterly the number seems to have grown. That is good--good for ourselves and good for our cause. May those who fight ever be supported by our prayers.

C.E.M.S.

The subject, "The Sanctity of Human Life," studied at the November meeting was introduced by Mr W. L. Hunter, and gave rise to a fine discussion. The next meeting will be held in the Common Room on Monday, 6th December, at 7.45 p.m. The subject will be "Truth and Falsehood," and opens out for discussions questions such as hypocrisy, slander, propaganda and true education. These are matters of vital concern and all men interested are invited to be present.

KURIPUNI NOTES

A packed hall greeted the children for their annual concert in the Epiphany Hall. By every standard it was a great success.

The annual garden fete of the Epiphany Guild likewise proved an outstanding success. An appreciated programme was presented, afternoon tea was served, and the stalls did good business.

Parents and friends are reminded of the Sunday School prizegiving in the Epiphany Hall at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 12th December.

BAPTISMS

October

30 Carol Ann Brader

November

14 Patricia Ann Walker

Brian Ellis Whale

Neil Frederick Harding

20 Winston Leslie Grantham

Adrian Prentice Kjestrup

MARRIAGES

September

18 Richard Steuart Benner and Pamela June Heffer

18 Reginald Albert Wilton and Ida May Thompson

November

6 Reginald Benjamin Phelps and Irene May Common

December

1 Edward Arthur Sanko and Olwyn Maud Richards

BURIALS

November

5 Margaret Louisa Judd

12 Malcolm Smith

20 Alice Bicknell

27 Doris Irene Phyllis Stowell

30 William Walker

Original scanned image--121018--0025

Previous | Next

Scan-121018-0025.pdf