April 1968

Bishop's Letter.

INDISPENSABLE.

This is the time of year when Vestries are elected. The men and women who form them are vital for the Church. They are indispensable for carrying out the Church's mission,

Since 1939 our Synod has required the Vestries adequately to insure all Parish property, to maintain the Vicarage, to organise everything needed for the welfare of the Church in the Parish and vote the necessary sums. The Vestry has power to vote money also for agreed objects outside the Parish.

But in 1964 Synod found it necessary to name the priorities, when it added to the Parishes Act 'it shall be the primary duty of the Vestry to seek by the grace of God in deliberation and action to advance the work of the Kingdom of God.'

So this is the directive for all Vestries. It is to do this primary job that men and women accept office on your Vestry. It is for their fitness for this job that they are to be chosen from among their fellows, to advance Christ's work, by his grace and in his way. 

It is fair to say, then, that only those should accept nomination for election who are ready to judge and attend to the Church's business as God's business, to be in their place on Sunday with the worshipping congregation, and who aim to work with the Vicar and their fellows to learn the will of God through Jesus Christ and to obey it in every matter on the Vestry's agenda paper.

The Church asks much of its Vestrymen and it seldom asks in vain. Let us keep them in its prayers and thank God for them.

With Easter greetings to you all.

+HENRY WELLINGTON.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS.

ALL PARISHIONERS are asked to note carefully that the Annual Meeting of Parishioners will be held at St. Matthew's Parish Hall on Tuesday, April 30th, commencing 7.30 p.m. This is an important event in the life of the parish, and all parishioners should attend it.

At this meeting reports will be presented on behalf of the Vestry and also brief reviews of the work of parish organisations. It should be especially noted also that in addition to the usual annual elections of People's Churchwarden and Vestrymen, the meeting will be required to nominate two Synodsmen to represent the parish at Synod for the next triennial session.

MARK THE DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW: APRIL 30th. PLACE ST. MATTHEW'S PARISH HALL. TIME: 7.30 p.m.

FROM THE VICAR'S NOTEBOOK

NEVERTHELESS

Some years ago I regularly visited a elderly parishioner, who was for a considerable time confined to bed in a hospital. Her attitude to her afflictions was inspiration to others. She had a favourite word: "Nevertheless", which expressed in brief compass her understanding of the attitude a Christian should have towards life's trials and adversities. She might be describing some particular problem, when all at once her face would light up marvellously, and she would say: "Nevertheless". 

Now as we approach Holy Week and the record of the Passion of our Lord, I can't help thinking how biblical this word really is. For we are clearly made aware in the appointed Gospels for each day in Holy Week, of the powers of evil mustered against Christ. There is the plotting and scheming of evil men, there is the betrayal by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, the perverted trial before the Sanhedrim, Pilate washing his hands and saying: "I am innocent of the blood of this just person; see ye to it", and then the awesome and awful spectacle of the Cross of Calvary.

But even as we meditate upon these things we are aware of the great word "Nevertheless". For from our perspective in history we are able to hear amidst it all the triumphant assurance of our faith: "Nevertheless on the first day of the week, as the day came towards the dawn..." "We know that Christ lives, and that in His power, if we are His true followers, we too may know how to say: "Nevertheless..."

Keep Holy Week and Easter as they are meant to be kept, and for each one of us there will emerge new meanings about our faith, and spiritual blessings; ignore this holy season, and those events which should be in the forefront of our thinking because we call ourselves Christians, and we line ourselves up with those who "passed by, wagging their heads..."

In our temporal days here upon earth great choices are before us. It is a sobering thought that we can't go both ways: it is always "either", "or"!

WORLD STRATEGY.

It will be recalled that a notable book titled "ONE WORLD", which became a best seller, was written soon after World War II by Wendel Wilkie. In it he made the point that hope for the world's renewal and progress lay with the chain of mission stations in many lands, which appeared to him as outposts for strategic advance in all that makes for world progress and redemption.

Not only does this remain true today, but indeed the need is, if anything, more urgent and vital. During Lent in every parish in New Zealand the Church makes it a part of Lenten discipline to give sacrificially for missions. A special envelope for this purpose was distributed with last month's magazine, and all who use it are asked to hand it in through the collection plate at any Service this month. If you have misplaced it, an ordinary envelope marked "For Missions" will serve the same purpose.

GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 12th).

When I survey the wondrous Cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

This year the THREE HOURS DEVOTION will be conducted by the Vicar. The Devotion begins at 12 noon and continues until 3 p.m. It is of great value to keep the whole Three Hours, but those whose circumstances prevent this, may enter or leave the Church at any time, preferably during the singing of a hymn. The UNITED SERVICE will be held at 7 p.m. (Please note the time).

EASTER DAY (APRIL 14th).

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

With Easter the note of rejoicing returns. Upon the great truth of the Resurrection the entire structure of Christendom has been built. It was the truth of the Living Christ, in whose power we may live victoriously, which was the basis of the teaching of the first apostles. Because of this, all Christians in all lands hasten to the House of God to worship on Easter morning.

DEDICATION FESTIVAL & HARVEST THANKSGIVING (APRIL 21st)

We hold our Harvest Thanksgiving Services on the Sunday after Easter. This Sunday is also the Dedication Festival of St. Matthew's  Parish Church. Amongst the prayers offered by the Bishop at the Dedication was this: 

Give Thy blessing, O Lord,
to all who shall be confirmed in this place:
strengthen them with the Holy Ghost,
the Comforter,
and daily increase in them
Thy manifold gifts of grace. Amen. 

It seems most appropriate that we recall this prayer, as the Evening Service on April 21st will be attended by those who are to be Confirmed on the Wednesday evening following (April 24th, 7.30 p.m.)

ST. MARK'S DAY AND ANZAC DAY (APRIL 25th).

Attention is drawn to the time for Holy Communion on this Thursday. There will be a celebration at 8 a.m. and not at 10.30 a.m. The later time corresponds with the time of the Civic Service.

CONFIRMATION.

Classes for Confirmation preparation begin as follows:

BOYS: Friday, April 27th.
GIRLS: Tuesday, April 23rd.

THE PARISH REGISTER.

HOLY BAPTISM.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

February 18:
Tony Graeme Pedersen.
Tanya Joy Cockburn. 

February 24:
Jonathan Alexanda[er] Harris. 

February 25:
Benjamin Grant McAlpine.
Oliver Daniel Bensaude.
Michael Shayne Johnson.
Christopher David Wilkins. 

March 2:
Nigel Stanley Bunny.

HOLY MATRIMONY.

"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."

February 17:
Geoffrey Loring Tansley and Margaret Anne Pauling. 

February 24:
Robin Gilmer Hill and Thurl Mary Lauderdale Maitland.
Anthony Charles Roseingrave and Diana Margaret Jenkins.

IN MEMORIAM.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life."

December 16, 1967:
Leslie Henry Roff. 

February 14:
John Brett. 

February 20:
David Edward Williams. 

February 27:
James Macfarlane Laing, 

March 5:
Lionel Rex Jones. 

March 7:
Herbert Ernest Hart.
Ronald Knowles Bamford. 

March 9:
Thomas Hector Horton, 

March 11:
Dorothy Henrietta Johnson.
Violet May Reid.

ST. MATTHEW'S LADIES' GUILD.

The Annual Meeting will be held in the Common Room on Thursday, April 4th, 2.30 p.m. New members will be welcomed at the meeting. Join the Guild and enjoy the happy fellowship which is always a feature of our meetings.

The Parish Pump 

NOTES AND NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

The Vicar has received this note from Deaconess S. Koreneff: "The M.R.I. Committee would like your parishioners to know how glad we are that they are sharing with us in this year's projects. Would you thank them very much for this contribution." I am sure that sharing in this way brings very real blessings to us all."

At the annual meeting of the St. Matthew's (Lansdowne) Young Wives' Group held recently the following officers were appointed: Leader Mrs. C. M. Rowe; Secretary- Mrs. A. Todd; Treasurer Mrs. J. Jones; Committee Mesdames J. Ward, L. Henderson, R. McAlpine. There was a good attendance at the meeting and the annual report revealed a year of great interest and progress.

St. Matthew's Guides were placed first in the recent Swimming Carnival arranged by the Guide Movement.

The cover picture shows a group from St. Matthew's Bible Class (Vicar's Group) at work at Upper Plain [St Andrew's in the Paddock]. Paint for the project of re-painting the Church was kindly donated by Mr. Russell Smith. The roof and some other portions are to be done by a local team arranged by Mr. R. Garrity, and then the whole Church will be in tip-top exterior condition. About twelve young people participated in the B.C. working party. Special thanks are due to Mr. G. Reeves for practical help.

A comprehensive report was furnished on the year's activities of St. Matthew's Evening Branch, Mothers' Union, by the Enrolling Member, Mrs. F. James. Incoming officers appointed were: Enrolling Member Mrs. F. James; Secretary--Mrs. M. Manley; Treasurer--Mrs. D. Faulknor; Elected Member--Mrs. F. Curtis; Committee Mesdames E. Elder, D. Robertshawe, P. Small.

The Parish and Sunday School picnic was superb. A tremendous day, packed with fun. This was in no small measure due to the organiser of the programme, Mr. P. Judd, with Mr. K. Stone and other keen helpers. Our grateful thanks also to the headmaster of the Kopuaranga School, Mr. Puna and to the Chairman of the School Committee.

At an enthusiastic annual meeting of St. Matthew's Young Wives' Group, a survey was made of the many facets of the Group's programme. Incoming officers are: Leader Mrs. P. Allardice; Secretary Mrs. P. Hale; Committee--Mesdames A. Alexander, J. Millington, M. Pollock, J. Appley, E. Faulknor, G. Hannah.

COUNTRY COMMUNIONS AT EASTER

ALL PARISHIONERS RESIDENT IN OUR COUNTRY DISTRICTS ARE ASKED TO STUDY THE CALENDAR FOR THIS MONTH WITH CARE, AS SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS AWAY FROM THE NORMAL PATTERN HAVE BEEN MADE SO THAT OVER THE EASTER SEASON THERE MAY BE CELEBRATIONS OF THE HOLY COMMUNION IN EACH DISTRICT.

Parish Calendar

NEWS FROM THE EPIPHANY SUB-DISTRICT.

Epiphany Roundup.

THE REV. K. I. JACOBSEN TO COME TO THE DISTRICT.

It will be generally known that the Rev. K. I. Jacobsen is to succeed Mr. Simpson at the Epiphany. He comes later than was at first expected, and will arrive in Masterton to take up his new duties in July. He will come into residence with his wife and one daughter. 

Mr. Jacobsen was ordained deacon in 1963 and priest the following year, and served first as curate at Tawa-Linden. He then moved to the large parish of Naenae, where he is at present assisting the Rev. C. W. Haskell. This background experience to his new work in Masterton will have well qualified him to tackle the work which awaits him, and parishioners will have a real welcome for the Jacobsens when the time comes.

Please remember them in prayer.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. U. G. W. SIMPSON.

Mr. and Mrs. Simpson and their family were farewelled by parishioners at a gathering in the Epiphany Hall after Evensong on the first Sunday in March. The Vicar presided, and expressed his personal appreciation of all that the Simpsons had done for the district and also in wider spheres of service. Mr. W. L. Clinton-Baker spoke on behalf of the Epiphany Church Council and people, referring to Mr. Simpson's pioneering efforts and wishing the whole family every blessing in Mangaweka. Similar sentiments of regard and appreciation were expressed by Mr. W. Fleming, also a member of the Council, and then the Rev. W. Brettell spoke in eulogistic vein on behalf of the Masterton Ministers' Association and also the other Churches in Masterton South. A presentation was then made.

In reply Mr. Simpson spoke of his appreciation of all the help that had been given him and expressed the hope that the Sub-District would go from strength to strength until the setting up of a separate parochial district was achieved. He said that he would always follow developments with interest, and was sure that every co-operation would be accorded his successor.

EPIPHANY LADIES' GUILD.

The Guild will resume on the 2nd Tuesday in April (9th) at 2 p.m. A warm invitation is extended to women of our Sub-District to join up with us. We shall indeed bid you welcome.

SERVICES THIS MONTH.

Mid-Week Holy Communion: Each Wednesday at 10 a.m. 

Palm Sunday: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., Holy Communion. 7 p.m. Evensong (April 7).

Good Friday: 10 a.m., Family Service. (April 12).

EASTER DAY:
7 a.m., Holy Communion.
9 a.m., Liturgy.
10 a.m. Family Service.
7 p.m. Easter Service. (April 14). Preacher: The Rev. P. H. Robinson, L.Th.

Harvest Thanksgiving:
9 a.m. Holy Communion.
10 a.m. Family Service.
7 p.m. Evensong. (April 21).
Family Service. 7 p.m. Evensong. (April 21).
Preacher: The Rev. J. H. Smith, B.A.

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