St Matthew's Herald
April 1967

BISHOP'S LETTER

I am writing this Easter letter to you a fortnight before Easter Day, but you will not get it till a week or ten days after the Festival.

I cannot say how eagerly I look forward to keeping Easter with you again. It is the day of days for us Christians when in breaking bread as our Lord commanded we show forth his death and proclaim his resurrection from death.

The meaning of this today is the same as it was when Paul wrote about it to his friends in Corinth. It would be incredible that the defeated followers of Jesus who had been executed should meet each week to celebrate with joy his death, The only explanation of their joyful Sunday meetings is that they believed in his resurrection, That is the meaning of our celebrations also today. We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, and we rejoice that he is known to us in the breaking of the bread.

To proclaim the resurrection of Christ as a particular historical event requires evidence. Some of the most reliable evidence for it comes from letters which refer to it as a fact when talking about something else; some from the quality of our life together. I have read recently letters which refer to discussion of Christ's resurrection, and these are good evidence both that people believe that Jesus was raised from death and that people demand a re-examination of that belief.

I believe it is true that Paul mentions the resurrection of Christ in all his letters. He was writing soon enough after the death of Jesus for critics and enemies to have contradicted his claims that he and others had seen him alive, had they been in a position to do so.

Paul told Corinthian disciples that he had seen Jesus alive (1 Cor. 15 4-8 and 9. 1). He refers to the power of God who raised Jesus in Romans 4 24, 25; Philippians 3 10; Ephesians 1 20. He challenges men to know the same power for themselves, though they have not seen the risen Christ with their own eyes, in Philippians 3 21; Colossians 2 12; and to rejoice in sharing the same good news with others, Romans 1 4-6; 6 5; as Peter does too, 1 Peter 1. 8.

And it WAS good news, of the truth about God and the truth about man and the truth about death.

All this is first-class evidence of the Resurrection especially when put alongside the transformation of those who 'left him and fled' into a living, outward-looking Church, and the records which they collected in the Gospels and Acts.

It calls us to be such witnesses to Christ's resurrection that others will join us in the adventure of following him through life and death.

+HENRY WELLINGTON [Bishop Henry Baines, Bishop of Wellington, 1960-1972]

THE PARISH REGISTER.

HOLY BAPTISM.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

February 19:

Andrea Gaye Peachey.
Rachel Lesley Saggers.

February 5:

Shane Michael Stewart.

February 26:

Fiona Jane Esau.
Robert Gideon Campbell Cawte.

March 4:

Lisa Jan Cherry.

HOLY MATRIMONY

"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."

February 18: Ronald Charles Pilgrim and Colleen Janet Cockburn.

IN MEMORIAM.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life."

February 15:
Alice Pearce Coleman.

February 18:
Maude Elizabeth Alberta Pulford.

February 21:
William Merrett Satterthwaite.

February 23:
George Edward Sanders.

February 25:
Lewis Frederick Schwass.

FROM THE VICAR'S NOTEBOOK.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS.

Attention is drawn to the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, which will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, April 6th, at 7.30 p.m.

At this meeting reports will be presented by leaders of the various Church organisations, as well as the Churchwardens' Report, so that parishioners will be given a window into the many facets of life, activity, and fellowship associated with the Parish, finances and general business and work of the Church will be considered.

In addition parishioners will be called upon to elect the People's Churchwarden and the Vestry for the coming year. It is laid down in the statutes of the Diocese that all these must be communicants.

PLEASE ENTER THIS IMPORTANT DATE IN YOUR DIARY NOW.

CONFIRMATION.

As we have seen in the "Refresher Course" now proceeding at Evensong at St. Matthew's, Confirmation completes our entrance into the Church. This is why, every time a child is baptised, specific attention is drawn to Confirmation. These words are addressed to parents and god-parents alike:

"See also that (he) be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him; so that, strengthened with the gift of the Holy Spirit, (he) may come with due preparation to receive the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, and go forth into the world to serve God faithfully in the fellowship of His Church.

Will you help (him) to learn and to do all these things?" And all parents and god-parents have made this reply: "I will, the Lord being my helper."

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION FOR YOUNGER CANDIDATES RESIDENT IN THE PARISH WILL BEGIN IN APRIL. THE MINIMUM AGE FOR CONFIRMATION IS THIRTEEN YEARS.

As there will be, through the kindness of the Bishop, two Confirmation Services this year, all parishioners should be able to attend one of them. At a Confirmation, we who have been confirmed, sometimes many years ago, have the privilege of remembering in prayer those who are newly entering into the full communicant membership of the Church. At the same time we are reminded of our own Confirmation and what it should continually stand for in our living.

STAFF CHANGES.

By the time this magazine reaches you, the Rev. W. J. Gaudin will have completed his duties at St. Matthew's. His farewell will take place after Evensong on Easter Day, and he will preach the Sermon preceding the special Service of Easter Carols and Readings. He has done a fine job of work at St. Matthew's, and I here (in addition to what I shall say at the farewell gathering by way of tribute) set down my thanks and appreciation of his loyal and sincere help. He will take up his new duties as locum tenens at Spreyden from April 1st.

He will not have an immediate successor in the full-time ministry at St. Matthew's, and I am very grateful that in some areas of work assistance will be available from the Rev. R. B. Robertshawe, Chaplain to Rathkeale College, and from the Rev. F. Saunders of Wairarapa College. Both have been licensed by the Bishop as honorary Assistant Curates at St. Matthew's.

VISITING ST. MATTHEW'S PARISHIONERS.

During Lent the Vicar and the Rev. W. J. Gaudin have been engaged in a full schedule of visiting-endeavouring between them to call at as many homes as possible associated with St. Matthew's.

As mentioned earlier, calls are being made morning, afternoon, and evening as opportunity may offer and we both much appreciate the kindly welcome given us. The Vicar will continue the visitation beyond Easter and hopes to complete it by Whitsunday.

A visitation of the Country Districts will follow later in the year.

APPRECIATION

The staffing of Sunday Schools and Bible Classes is tremendously important, and I am most appreciative of the splendid work being done in this and associated fields by parishioners. This work amongst young people should have the highest priority, as it is here that the future of the parish is being shaped and young lives directed into the paths of Christianity.

There is a good deal of movement going on all the time in Masterton-good church people come and good church people are as rapidly transferred away to other towns. As a consequence, we can always do with additional help in Sun day Schools, Bible Classes, Youth Clubs, Scouts, Guides and similar activities. Here is a fine opportunity for you to serve Christ and His Church.

Wishing you every blessing,

Your friend and Vicar,
V C Venimore

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION.

Confirmation Classes for younger candidates will begin as follows:

Girls: Thursday, April 20th, 4.15 p.m.

Boys: Friday, April 21st, 4.15 p.m.

There will be a recess during the School Holidays. The Confirmation for these candidates will be in July.

AROUND THE PARISH.

Contributions from Parish Organisations are invited for this feature.

Mothers' Union (Afternoon Branch).

The Annual Meeting of the branch was held at St. Matthew's recently, Commenting the Vicar presiding. The Enrolling Member, Mrs. H. J. Bannister, presented the Annual Report, which revealed the wide range of studies and activities undertaken during the year under review. upon the meeting for prayer held each month, the Enrolling Member stated: "The short time of prayer before each meeting has been a spiritual joy to us all. All who have taken an active part have found much blessing in the preparation, and in their part in this time together. God's blessing has been upon them, and given courage so sorely needed, and our grateful thanks go up to Him for His help."

The election of Officers for 1967-68 resulted: Enrolling Member Mrs. H. J. Bannister. Secretary: Mrs. L. Michel. Treasurer: Mrs. W. Fleming. Committee: Mesdames V. Anderson, G. Barr, J. Minton, A. Madsen, F. Scarr.

The Vicar gave an address on the Church in Melanesia.

C.E.M.S. and Rugby Football.

Senior footballers from Rathkeale College were amongst the large attendance at the last meeting, when Mr. Brian Lochore held his audience spell-bound as he developed the theme of his address: "Football-1967."

A barrage of questions followed the address, and continued during the supper hour as rugby enthusiasts pursued various aspects of the game. The signing of autograph books was also much in evidence. We are grateful to Mr. Lochore for the topical treat he gave us.

The speaker at the April meeting, which falls on Anzac Day, will be the Rev. R. M. Gourdie, D.S.O. His subject will be: "Thoughts and Reminiscences of a World War II Padre."

St. Matthew's Young Wives Group.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday, March 6th, and our Vicar presided over a good attendance. Election of Officers resulted as follows Leader: Mrs. P. Allardice; Secretary: Mrs. P. Hale; Committee: Mesdames McNeilage, Stewart, Godwin, Millington, Faulknor, Apperley & Pollock. During the evening the Vicar was presented with a cheque for £15 on behalf of the group, this money to go towards the restoration of the Youth Hall. At the conclusion of business the Vicar spoke to members on the Christian Year.

THE PLUS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH.

From an address by Her Majesty the Queen at the dedication of the new C.M.S. Headquarters, London.

"In the early days of the Society the idea of technical assistance as we understand it attracted little, if any, public attention. Yet I believe that in a way it was the missionaries who started it all. Never content with a purely religious mission, they took with them a thoroughly Practical Christianity and through their schools and hospitals and through their personal concern and example they established a tradition of service and brought a new hope.

"Today any number of agencies are involved in technical assistance, in recruiting qualified men and women ready to serve humanity in its most pressing needs. But there will always be a difference between those whose motives are based on their Christian conviction, and those to whom technical progress is an end in itself. A member of a missionary society offers that additional dimension which might be called the plus of Christian faith.

"Technical assistance can be given by any qualified person, but better material conditions bring about profound changes in ordinary human existence. These changes can be very unsettling unless they take place against a background of strong spiritual convictions. The missionary today needs the same technical and professional qualifications as all the other people giving technical assistance. But in addition he has the far more difficult yet even more rewarding task of reinforcing these new techniques with an inner motive and conviction which alone can give point and purpose to progress and development."

PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE.

The Wairarapa Marriage Guidance Council announces that Lecture Discussion Evenings on Preparation for Marriage--for engaged and young married couples--will be held in the Marriage Guidance Council's Rooms, 30 Cole Street, on Tuesdays, April 11th-May 2nd and Tuesdays September 19th-October 10th inclusive.

To enrol for either of these courses, send names and addresses to: "The Secretary, Wairarapa Marriage Guidance Council, P.O. Box 308, Masterton."

TRY THE COUNTRY AIR! Parish and Sunday Schools Picnic.

"OYEZ OYEZ! OYEZ! THE PARISH PICNIC AND SPORTS DAY WILL BE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 8th!"

The Picnic is being planned this year by a Special Committee convened by Mr. K. Stone, Superintendent of St. Matthew's Sunday School (Parish Church). Last year's picnic centred upon the Matahiwi School and adjacent areas was a tremendous success, and by popular acclaim it has been decided to re-visit this splendid site.

Special transport by bus will be provided for those who wish to use it. Should the weather suggest a postponement to the following Saturday, this will be announced over Radio 2XB.

WATCH OUT FOR FURTHER INFOR MATION FROM YOUR PICNIC COM MITTEE. A great day of fun and fellowship awaits you!

PARISH NOTICE BOARD

APRIL

2--SUNDAY IN EASTER OCTAVE. See Calendar.

3-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's).

4--FESTIVAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION. Holy Communion, 7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Mothers' Union Archdeaconry Festival. 6 p.m. Cubs.

6--Thursday. 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.

7.30 p.m. ANNUAL MEET ING OF PARISHIONERS.

7.15 p.m. Scouts.

7-Friday 6.15 p.m. Kandahar Service. 6.45 p.m St Matthew's Youth Club. 7 p.m. Epiphany Bible Class and Youth Club.

9-SUNDAY. EASTER II. See Calendar.

10-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.

11-Tuesday. 6 p.m. Cubs. 7.30 p.m. Sunday School Teachers' Meeting.

12-Wednesday. 7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.

13-Thursday. 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion. 7.15 p.m. Scouts. 7.30 pm. Choir Practice.

14-Friday. As for Friday 7th.

16-SUNDAY. DEDICATION FESTIVAL AND HARVEST THANKS GIVING. See Calendar.

17-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.

18-Tuesday. 6 p.m. Cubs.
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch).

19-Wednesday. 7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's, Lansdowne).

20-Thursday. 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 pm Choir Practice.
4.15 p.m. Preliminary Confirmation Class for Girls, in the Chapel, St Matthew's.

21-Friday. As for Friday 7th. Also 4.15 p.m., Preliminary Confirmation Class for Boys, in the Chapel, St. Matthew's.

23-SUNDAY. EASTER IV. See Calendar. 24-Monday. 6 p.m. Guides.

25-St. MARK'S DAY AND ANZAC DAY.
8 a.m. Holy Communion,
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men). Speaker: The Rev. R. M. Gourdie, D.S.O. Subject: "Thoughts and Reminiscences of a World War II Padre."

26-Wednesday. 7.30 p.m. CONFIRMATION. The Right Reverend the Bishop of Wellington.

27-Thursday. 10.30 a.m., Holy Communion.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting.

28-Friday. As for Friday 7th. Also 4.15 p.m., Boys' Confirmation Class.

30-ROGATION SUNDAY. See Calendar.

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. attend Church, where attendance stamps given.

No Classes during school holidays.

NEWS FROM THE EPIPHANY SUB-DISTRICT.

Epiphany Roundup.

Organisations of Epiphany are already, or will be by the time you read this, in full swing for 1967. The Young Wives' Group had their Annual Meeting in February and the following extracts from the Annual Report show what an interesting year they had in 1966. Speakers included the Rev. Gavin Yates who was the speaker for "Husbands Night", Mr. R. Long whose subject was "Cuts of Meat", Mr. I. Robertson "The Handicapped Child", Dr. Henderson-"Cancer", Miss Ann Cockburn Field Scholar. The activities of the group included sewing for the Church Army, collecting wool for lepers, baking for new mothers and hospital visiting. Members of the Group also gave the Hall a good wash and "Spring Clean". They also provided a Choir for the Parish Concert, the Epiphany Festival Concert and Festal Evensong. have commenced with the same spirit; their first task to make flannel graphs for Melanesia. They meet on the fourth Thursday of each month and new members are most welcome. This year they have commenced with the same spirit; their first task to make flannelgraphs for Melanesia. They meet on the fourth Thursday of each month and new members are most welcome.

The Ladies' Guild is also an extremely active organisation. Their major activity for the year is a Sale of Work. Money raised from this venture is used for various needs which have included repairs and additions to the Hall and the paint for Clergy House. Members of the Ladies' Guild are also members of the Sanctuary Guild and do an excellent job of looking after the cleaning of the Church and floral decorations. They need help with this, and anyone who would care to help in this way should contact either Mrs. Dearness, Phone 7411, or me, Phone 5333.

In last month's magazine I mentioned that the Junior Sunday School was fully staffed. Since then the roll has increased, and it is envisaged that the classes will need to be divided before long. To meet this need we could do with another two teachers. One would meet the immediate need, but two would strengthen the work considerably.

We can, I am sure, look forward to some exciting developments this year in our move to consolidate and be established as a Parochial District. May God bless you all.

GEO. SIMPSON

SERVICES: APRIL.

First and Third Sundays: Holy Communion, 9 a.m.

Second and Fourth Sundays: New Liturgy, 9 a.m.

Third Sunday: Family Service, 10 a.m.

Third Sunday: Holy Communion, 10.45 a.m.

Junior Church and Sunday School each Sunday, 10 a.m. Evensong each Sunday, 7 p.m.

Bible Class and Youth Club: every Friday, 7.30 p.m.

Young Wives: Thursday 27th, at 7.45 p.m.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

St. Matthew's Herald: The following contributions towards the cost of publication are gratefully acknowledged: Messrs. E. J. Harris 10/-, V. Welch £1, A.P.B. 10/-, Miss E. Harris 10/-, Mesdames C. Gillon 5/-, Smith 10/-, F. I. Penistone 10/-, Harrison 10/-.

Original copies of St Matthew's Herald available at Wairarapa Archive, 04-42/11-15

St Matthew's Herald April 1967

DIRECTORY