St Matthew's Herald, June 1967

BISHOP'S LETTER.

Every parish, by the time you read this, will have had notice of the measures to be introduced to Synod 

(a) to finance the development of the Church in rapidly growing areas of population; 

(b) to finance the stipends of the clergy and parish assistants increased to keep in step with rising costs since 1965 when they were last fixed. 

In considering these proposals we should bear in mind certain basic facts which apply to both of them.

First, in the Church in the Wellington Diocese, as in every Diocese, we are responsible for each other. Anybody who does not recognise this is playing with his Church membership, no more adult than other playboys. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." We have, of course, also accepted responsibilities beyond the Diocese, towards the rest of the Province, and to the wider Church, and, more recently, as partners in the inter-Church or ecumenical activities to which we com mitted ourselves on May 10th. We practice this mounting responsibility by the efficient economy of each parish working to a budget which takes good care of its own needs as far as it can go, which provides, wherever possible, for the needs of other parishes and Church enterprises unable to pull all their own weight, and which supplies the money required by overhead projects belonging to and adopted by Synod. These general expenses are financed by a levy on every parish.

Secondly, the Diocese must have enough money to plan ahead and pay for the development and staffing of extension projects adopted by Synod, which outrun the capacity of the local parish or parishes, in Hospitals, serving Universities or new towns. It would be ludicrous if the whole cost of serving Victoria University fell on the parish of Kelburn, in which most of the University lies; no less if the whole cost of serving the development in Featherston, Upper Hutt or Porirua, now or in the future, fell on those parishes alone. In varying degrees those and other enterprises outstrip the resources of the parishes where they are located, but the Church deserves to lose respect either where it lacks the foresight to prepare for new duties or where it fails to make provision for those of its people who fall outside the scope of its regular services.

With regard to stipends I expect the main recommendation will commend itself to you as right and inevitable. In considering the Easter Offering and allowances and increments, remember that we clergy are ordinary mortals, as vulnerable to jealousy as anybody. It is wrong to put in the path of a priest any avoidable occasion for invidious comparisons. Where they already exist let us get rid of them. And note that because we share the conviction so well set out by Presbyterians in 1965, that the stipend provides the support necessary to allow men to devote their whole time and talents to the service of God through the ministry and enables them to perform their duties without undue financial concern, it is desirable to have a uniform rate of stipend, not one measured by the scale of the job.

+HENRY WELLINGTON.

FROM THE VICAR'S NOTEBOOK. 

JUNE HIGHLIGHT! CHILDREN'S MISSIONS. 

Captain H. Sutcliffe, C.A., arrives in the parish on Sunday, June 18th, We shall and he will be commissioned for his Missions at the 8 a.m. Holy Communion at St. Matthew's. Pray that God will bless both Missions, the first at St. Matthew's (for St. Matthew's, St. Matthew's West and St. Matthew's Lansdowne Sunday Schools, with all other district Sunday Schools associated with the Parish Church), and the second for children in the Masterton South area.

Captain Sutcliffe is well-known already to older parishioners for his vigour and zeal in pastoral work in earlier days in this parish. For some years now he has been entirely engaged in Children's Missions, and has considerable skill and experience in this specialised field. His Missions have been a popular and joyful experience for children wherever they have been held, and not for the children only but also for adults, especially parents! Full details will be announced in due course, but please note in the meantime the dates of the Missions:

ST. MATTHEW'S: JUNE 18th-JUNE 25th.
EPIPHANY: JUNE 25th-JULY 2nd.

FOOTHOLD IN THE ANDES

What do I know about the Andes? Well, I have heard and seen photos of the famous statue, Christ of the Andes. It stands a short distance south of the snowy peak of Aconcagua, and was erected in 1904 as a symbol of peace between Argentina and Chile after a dispute which lasted over half a century. A Spanish inscription on the 20 ft. high pedestal states: "Sooner shall these mountains crumble into dust than that the peoples of Argentina and Chile break the peace which at the feet of Christ the Redeemer they have sworn to maintain." which preaches a sermon. Here is a statue which preaches a sermon.

But did you know that the Anglican Church does missionary work in this area? WE SHALL SEE A DOCUMENTARY FILM (COLOUR) ON THIS SUBJECT AT EVENSONG AT ST. MATTHEW'S ON SUNDAY, JUNE 11th. Appropriately enough, this is St. Barnabas' Day, and so commemorates one of the earliest missionaries of the Church. Those who have "home" mission boxes are asked to hand them in at this Service.

COUNTRY DISTRICTS

Wainuioru
Seating accommodation was at a premium at last month's service at Wainuioru. Participating in the Service were young people from the Vicar's Group, St. Matthew's Bible Class.  A magnificent afternoon tea and a fine gathering for fellowship concluded the visit. It was a most notable and inspiring occasion for residents and visitors, and we thank our Wainuioru parishioners for their warm and generous hospitality.

Bideford

The Bideford Church is amongst the oldest buildings of historic interest in our area, and reminds us, when we gather there for worship, of our links with those pioneers who have assembled there before us. Arrangements are being made for a signpost on the main road to indicate the turnoff to the Church.

St. Alban's, Taueru
As the Service at St. Alban's on Sunday, June 18th, coincides with the festival of St. Alban's Day, we plan to make this a special occasion. Details coming up.  Preacher: Capt. H. Sutcliffe, C.A.

Regarding the Act of Commitment.

A milestone in N.Z. Church history was reached on May 10th, when the five negotiating Churches entered into "An Act of Commitment to seek a basis of union and common action." Here in Masterton this was commemorated with momentous and inspiring Services of Thanksgiving. Readers generally will be interested in the following from the official brochure "Between Ourselves", as giving an indication of some of the subjects under consideration and study between the Churches:

THE FAITH OF THE UNITED CHURCH

"The Churches need to know if they do truly hold the fundamental Christian faith in common. To reassure one another on this, a statement of faith 'The Faith we Affirm Together' has been drawn up. It is not a statement of what might be the special emphasis of any one Church. It is a statement of what we share.

When it is revised and approved by the Churches it will become a part of the Basis of Union. It is not a new creed, but it will clearly show the faith which enabled the union to come about.

BAPTISM

We are agreed as to what Baptism means. However, while four Churches administer Baptism to believing adults and their children, one Church administers it to believing adults only. There are deep convictions behind these different rules. Much heart searching, study and discussion went on before the representatives of the Commission found a way by which they could together recommend that the united Church will recognise both the baptism of believing adults and of their children.

HOLY COMMUNION 

This service, carried out in obedience to Christ's command, is central to  the worship and life of all our Churches. 

An agreed statement has been drawn up. Supper as Thanksgiving, Commemoration, Communion, Anticipation and a Showing-forth. What ought to be included in every normal celebration of the Lord's Supper has been agreed on. 

Different customs, practices and rules regarding the worship of our most of all. When the Commission looked closely at the meaning of these differing outward actions, it found much common understanding as to what is intended by these actions. Moreover, the Commission found what everyone can see, that there is steady growth and understanding of this Sacrament among all our churches.

CONFIRMATION 

The Commission sees initiation into the full privileges and responsibilities of membership in the Church as a continuing process. We anticipate that this process in the united Church will include, Baptism, Confirmation and participation in Holy Communion.

Confirmation will include the affirmation of faith by the candidate, and seeking of God's' strengthening power through the Holy Spirit, and see this in the setting of a congregation which cares for the candidates and shares the way with them.

In some Churches, it has been customary for the bishop to lay on hands and ask God's blessing on the candidates, in other Churches for this to be done by the parish minister, and other Churches again have not had anything quite similar to this. This and other questions (such as the age of candidates, and how they are to be prepared) will be studied further.

MINISTRY

The Gospel can be commended to the 20th century world only if the whole Church, and not a small group of "professionals,' is engaged in the work of ministry to the world. But that is what Christ intended anyway. He Himself is the real Minister, God's servant to the world. He calls the whole Church to minister to the world in His name. Christ calls the ordained ministry to help the whole Church fulfil the common task of ministering for Christ.

It is in this setting that the Commission sees the ordained ministry in the United Church.

The Commission sees in the ordained ministry a place for Bishops--for pastors of pastors to help ministers and congregations in their regions to fulfil their ministry, and to be the ministerial witness to continuity and unity in the Church. Among the ministers of Word and Sacrament (the Presbyterate) there is value in including some who will remain in their secular occupations. There is urgent need for our world to see practical service as a ministry. It is proposed that within the ordained ministry there be those whose lives are devoted to practical service (the Diaconate). Some of these Deacons will be men and women in secular work, some in the employ of the Church, e.g., social service. Those in training for the full-time Presbyterate will first be admitted to the Diaconate to learn from those wise in the ways of practical service.

This presents a pattern of the ordained ministry that conserves the best in our common heritage, is fresh and less "clerical" in outlook than our present ordained ministries.

Three of our negotiating Churches have a small number of women in their ministries and one does not permit the admission of women to the ministry. It is proposed that all the ministers in good standing of the five negotiating Churches be received into the ministry of the united Church in the Act of Union, but the question of admission of women to the ministry of the united Church after union be decided by the united Church itself.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

It was necessary to have available the work on the Ministry before the work on Church Government could proceed. This year Church Government will be the key topic under consideration, and it is the question that is the keenest interest to most Church members." 

More on this theme later, as the discussions proceed.

THE PARISH REGISTER.

HOLY BAPTISM.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

March 26:
Wendy Robyn Judd.

April 16:
Nicola Ann Jaine.
Simon James O'Donaghue.
Grant Stephen Clement. 

April 13:
Sandra Gail Udy.
Peter Gordon Jessop. 

April 30:
Daren John Manks.
Andrew Corvin Morris. 

May 7:
Heather Dawn Guise.
Maureen Lorna Owen.
Karen Lynette Owen.
Deborah Ann Owen. 

May 13:
Paul John Nielsen.
Also four adults.

CONFIRMATION.

"Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed." 

Alan John Aplin.
Alan Stuart McEwen.
Zakie Terence Saba.
Jacqueline Banks.
Judith Gail Bibby.
Alexandra Mary Cheetham.
Helen Rose Duffy.
Madeline Grace Fitzherbert.
Margaret Anne Millward.
Susan Joyce Nolan.
Marlene Phyllis Oliver.
Alison Mary Parker,
Lynette Elizabeth Anne Pascoe.
Christine Mary Pritt,
Janet Mary Pottinger.
Sheryn Anne Reichenbach.
Julie Marilyn Smith.
Elizabeth Margaret Wall.
Alison Joy Wilson.
Sara Jean Mannington.
Kristin Dorothy Wagg.
Wendy Marie Napier.
Claire Francis Smith.
Patricia Ann Tatton.
Susan Constance Eva Hosken.
Elizabeth van Praag.
Rebecca Mary Hughes-Johnson.
Jane Sargood Mills.
Elizabeth Anne Fawcett.
Victoria Glendining Rhodes.
Ann Clevedon Sadgrove.
Robin Diana Harding.
Rosemary Elizabeth Knight Reeves.
Janet Mary Coghill.
Toni Elizabeth McWhinnie.
Nicola Mary Langley.
Mary Olive Newland.
Carmen Norma Skeet.
Janice Margaret Napier.
Marilyn Mary Nichol.
Trixie Donaldson Richards.
Gladys Mary Watts.
Elaine Rae Gray.
Dawn Marion Wishart.
Esme Valda Walker.
Audrey Lottie Friend.
Coral Margaret Sanders.
Wendy Anne Little.
Christine Elaine Bridge.
Linda Christine Nuttall.

HOLY MATRIMONY.

"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."

April 15:
Clifford John Patrick Henson and Carole Dianne Nielsen.
Warwick David Metcalfe and Thursa Ann Leighton. 

April 29:
Stanley Lewis Radford and Kaye Diane Gillions. 

May 6:
Alan John Aplin and Cherri May Burt.

IN MEMORIAM.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life."

April 1:
Albert Felix Smith. 

April 24:
William Pierce Williams. 

May 8:
Julia Mary Hutchison. 

May 13:
Charles Thomas Richardson.

PARISH NOTICE BOARD

JUNE

1-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. St. Matthew's Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice. 

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

4-SUNDAY. Trinity II. See Calendar.

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

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

7-Wednesday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle. 

8-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class. 

9 Friday. As for Friday 2nd. Also 4.15 p.m. Boys' Confirmation Class.

11-SUNDAY. ST. BARNABAS' DAY. See Calendar. Film "Foothold in the Andes" at Evensong at St. Matthew's. "Home" mission boxes to be handed in.

12-Monday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Guides.

14 Wednesday.
6 p.m. St. Matthew's Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle. 

15-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice. 

16-Friday. As for Friday 9th.

18-SUNDAY. TRINITY IV. CHILDREN'S MISSION BEGINS. Captain Sutcliffe to be commissioned at 8 a.m. Holy Communion, and to speak to children and introduce the Mission at 10 a.m. Family Service.
2 p.m. St. Alban's Patronal Festival. Preacher: Capt. Sutcliffe. 

19-Monday. 3.30 p.m. HAPPY HALF-HOUR (All ages to Std. 4).
4.15 p.m. THRILLER SERIAL (Forms 1 and 2).
6 p.m. Guides.

20-Tuesday.
3.30 p.m. HAPPY HALF-HOUR.
4.15 p.m. THRILLER SERIAL.
7.45 p.m. Mothers' Union (Evening Branch). 

21-Wednesday.
3.30 p.m. HAPPY HALF-HOUR.
4.15 p.m. THRILLER SERIAL.
7.45 p.m. Young Wives' Group (St. Matthew's, Lansdowne). Speaker: Captain H. Sutcliffe.

22-Thursday.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
7.15 p.m. Scouts.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
3.30 p.m. HAPPY HALF-HOUR.
4.15 p.m. THRILLER SERIAL.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
7.30 p.m. Vestry Meeting.
2.15 p.m. District Visitors' Guild. 

23-Friday. As for Friday 9th. Also 3.30 p.m. HAPPY HALF-HOUR. 4.15 p.m. THRILLER SERIAL.

24-Saturday. NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST. 7 a.m. Holy Communion. 7.30 p.m. "IT'S IN THE BAG!"

25-SUNDAY. TRINITY V. See Calendar.
FAMILY EUCHARIST at St. Matthew's at 10 a.m.
11.15 a.m. Special FAMILY SERVICE at Epiphany to launch Masterton South Children's Mission.

26-Monday.
6 p.m. Guides.
3.15 p.m. Epiphany THRILLER SERIAL.
3.45 p.m. Epiphany HAPPY HALF-HOUR. 

27-Tuesday.
2.15 p.m. Mothers' Union (Afternoon Branch).
7.45 p.m. C.E.M.S. (The Church's Fellowship for Men).
3.15 p.m. Epiphany THRILLER SERIAL.
3.45 p.m. Epiphany HAPPY HALF-HOUR.

28-Wednesday.
6 p.m. Cubs.
7.30 p.m. Fireside Circle.
3.15 p.m. Epiphany THRILLER SERIAL.
3.45 p.m. Epiphany HAPPY HALF-HOUR.

29-Thursday. ST. PETER'S DAY.
7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
4.15 p.m. Girls' Confirmation Class.
7.30 p.m. Choir Practice.
3.15 p.m. Epiphany THRILLER SERIAL.
3.45 p.m. Epiphany HAPPY HALF-HOUR.

30-Friday. As for Friday 9th. Also 3.15 p.m. Epiphany THRILLER SERIAL. 3.45 p.m. Epiphany HAPPY HALF-HOUR.

NEWS FROM THE EPIPHANY SUB-DISTRICT.

Epiphany Roundup.

The Annual Meeting of the parishioners of the Church of the Epiphany will be held after Evensong on Sunday, 18th June. It is hoped at this meeting to give a full report on the results of the Stewardship Campaign. So far I have been much encouraged by the response. At least three people have offered to teach Sunday School, one person is interested in playing the organ and twenty men have offered their services for working bees.

It is evident that some re-organisation will be necessary before full advantage can be taken of some of these offers, but it certainly is encouraging to know that there are people who can be called upon to help, especially in the Sunday School.

We look forward to the Children's Mission from 25th June to 2nd July. The Missioner will be Captain Harry Sutcliffe who is well-known to many of you. Captain Sutcliffe will also preach at Evensong on Sunday, 25th June.

We move into difficult though exciting days ahead. There is a great amount of development to take place in this area. Due to the national economic situation it will not be easy, yet I am sure that there are many who will meet the challenge with ability and enthusiasm. Please remember the work of the Church daily in your prayers. May God bless you all.

GEO. SIMPSON.

SERVICES DURING JUNE:

THERE WILL BE NO MID-WEEK CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY, 28th JUNE. 

Each Sunday 9 a.m. Holy Communion (New Liturgy 1st and 3rd.)

Each Sunday 10 a.m. Junior Church (Except third Sunday). 

Third Sunday 10 a.m. Family Service.

Each Sunday 7 p.m. Evensong.

Each Wednesday 10 a.m. Holy Communion.

CHILDREN'S MISSION SUNDAY 25th to SUNDAY 2nd JULY. SPECIAL NOTICES WILL BE GIVEN LATER. INVITATIONS WILL BE POSTED TO EACH CHILD.

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