February 1968

Bishop's Letter.

1968 IN OR OUT.

Writers about '68 have found it difficult to say anything hopeful about it. In every major international or interracial trouble-spot the prospect has grown darker during the last twelve months and the toll of suffering has mounted. The affluence of the last fifteen years has spent itself and is running to waste. Wealthy nations are threatened not only with failing to take a unique chance to meet the needs of their under-developed neighbours but also with sharp decline in their own standard of living. The younger generation is faced with an austere prospect for which it is in no way prepared.

In such conditions men easily take refuge in cynicism, but in truth the crisis is a time for greatness, not for meanness but generosity. For us this will mean daily turning to stand, our weakness all exposed, before the reality of God exposed in Jesus, in the worship of his people, in the engagement to rebuild a just and peaceful society, and where he meets us in the men, women and children of today and tomorrow.

You and I may want to disengage ourselves from the people around us with all their claims, and bury our heads in our own busyness, but a Christian dare not walk out on the world which God loves to the point of sharing its condition in Jesus born of Mary.

There is no year of which this is not true. In 1968 over the door of the lab. and your home, the Council chamber and the Concert hall, the Woolsale and the classroom, no less than of the Church where you worship the sign always reads IN.

+HENRY WELLINGTON.

HOLY BAPTISM.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

Nov. 12:
Cassandra Jill Wright.
Nicola Christine Lewis.
Penelope Ann Bunny. 

Nov. 19:
Wulfe Simon Thompson-Milne.
Jan Marie Kelly.
Cathrine Ann Skeet.
Nigel David Skeet. 

Dec. 2:
Nicola Elizabeth Williams. 

Dec. 17:
Natalie Regan Day.
Michael James Eliot Mein Smith.
Pamela Jane Stokoe.
David John Scarr. 

Dec. 19:
Kenneth Luke Stone. 

Dec. 20:
Jennifer Tracey Beacham.

HOLY MATRIMONY.

"Heirs together in the Grace of Life."

Dec. 9:
Ian Ernest Smith and Lydia Mary Stannard.
Robert Albert Arthur Hall and Coral Margaret Sanders. 

Dec. 16:
Allen Hair and Jacqueline Anne Bews.
David William Stuart Moloney and Jennifer Anne Bowes. 

Jan. 6:
William David Foster and Judy Kathryn Scott.
Ronald Ivan Coley and Yvonne Mary Rose Wilson.
Arthur James Russell and Jean Elizabeth Sutherland.

IN MEMORIAM.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life."

Nov. 14:
Ida May Hunt. 

Nov. 19:
John Henry Cunningham. 

Nov. 20:
Harold Charles Montgomery. 

Dec. 5:
Evelyn Susan Heckler. 

Dec. 12:
Elsie Cresswell. 

Dec. 27:
John Henry Garnett. 

Dec. 30:
Richard Horace Johnson.
Reginald Ralph Judd.

Lent 1968

TO THE PARISHIONERS OF

ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, MASTERTON,
ST. MARK'S CHURCH, CARTERTON.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, TINUI

We live in an age of great complexity. Space exploration has brought incredibly expanding physical horizons, and new technological skills and discoveries in general science and in medicine have radically altered man's outlook on life.

There is a new emphasis upon man alone as the master of his destiny, and principles accepted through the centuries as necessary for upright living are being either questioned or flouted. The recent furore in the realm of theology has had wide repercussions in New Zealand. The symbol of our age may well be a question mark.

With such factors as these in mind we are undertaking as a venture in faith a united programme of Lent preaching this year; we shall together do our best to present plainly what the teaching of the church is, and how it applies in the modern world.

The addresses, although each deals with a particular aspect of belief, are all inter-related, and lead to a specific climax, and we therefore earnestly ask for a regular Sunday by Sunday attendance so that an over-all picture may gained. 

Let us pray and seek for new insights and fresh understanding of Christian Belief this Lent. The whole programme has the quality of a mission, and the evening services and devotional worship at Holy Communion are complementary. Let us therefore each make a personal rule about Holy Communion and keep it.

May God grant us His blessing in this enterprise.

Yours sincerely,

V. C. Venimore,
E. M. Dashfield,
D. A. Pullar.

A PLAIN LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY TODAY.

SUNDAY EVENINGS IN LENT AT ST. MATTHEW'S.

Feb. 25: Quinquagesima Sunday. DOUBT AND BELIEF.
The Rev. D. A. Pullar, B.Sc., L.Th. 

March 3: First Sunday in Lent. THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE.
The Vicar [V C Venimore]

March 10: Second Sunday in Lent. STUMBLING BLOCKS.
The Rev. E. M. Dashfield, L.Th. 

March 17: Third Sunday in Lent. FAITH IN THE SPACE AGE.
The Rev. D. A. Pullar.

March 24: Mothering Sunday. SPECIAL MOTHERING SUN DAY SERVICE FOR FATHER AND MOTHER AND ALL THE FAMILY.
The Vicar.

March 31: Passion Sunday. CHRIST LIVES.
The Rev. E. M. Dashfield.

April 7: Palm Sunday. THE CHURCH.
The Vicar. 

April 14: Easter Day. BELIEF IS COMMITMENT.
The Vicar. Together with SPECIAL SERVICE OF EASTER CAROLS AND READINGS.

"UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONFIRMED! "

All the other members of the family have been confirmed. I wish I was, so that we could all go to Holy Communion together!" "For some reason I missed out when I was young: we lived a way out in the country." "My husband is confirmed, but I am not."

Regrets such as these are constantly being expressed. It was for this reason that a special preparation course was arranged early last year for adult candidates. The welcome given then to the plan suggests that a similar early Confirmation class for adults might be held this year, and the Vicar will be glad to hear from people interested. A preliminary meeting for this special shorter course will be held on Tuesday, February 27th, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel at St. Matthew's, and will continue at times to be then arranged throughout Lent. The Confirmation will be soon after Easter. Young people, who will be prevented by working after school etc. from attending the later afternoon course (which will be towards the end of April for the July Confirmation), may attend this adult course by arrangement with the Vicar. 

It is said that "Three things come not again: the sped arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.": Here is an excellent opportunity: why not take it?

MID-WEEK LENT STUDIES FROM THE WORLD'S GREATEST SERMON.

It is reported that a former Vicar of St. Matthew's once said that those who do not support the Church and say they are Church members, are "like barnacles on a ship's bottom." One wonders whether in those distant days people used to remark: "All you have to do is to keep the Sermon on the Mount!" Ah! But what a tremendous word that "all" is! For the Sermon on the Mount not only gives guidance for good living, but indeed it reveals to us Christ Himself--Christ who teaches us to put first the worship and service of God, and who said: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Each Wednesday in Lent at 7.30 p.m. there will be Intercessions and a Bible Study introduced by the Vicar, concerning a passage from the Sermon on the Mount: 

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 28th: A BLOW ON THE CHEEK (Matt. 5, 28-29).

Wed., March 6th: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PLUS (Matt. 5, 43-47). 

Wed., March 13th: ANGRY? (Matt. 5, 21-26). 

Wed., March 20th: MEEKNESS OR MUCKINESS? (Matt. 5, 5). 

Wed., March 27th: THE SINGLE EYE (Matt. 5, 8. Matt. 5, 29-30).

Wed., April 3rd: THE HIGHER RIGHTEOUSNESS (Matt. 5, 17-20).

OPERATION NINEPINS.

From the earliest days in Melanesia ships have been the lifeline of the Mission with its vast number of islands. By ship lepers and other sick folk have been brought to the Mission Hospitals, and again by ship the Bishop has made his way about his vast diocese. The illustration shows an earlier "Southern Cross" mission ship: a much smaller motor vessel is now in use. 

Now Operation Ninepins is the name given to this year's Lent Appeal for Missions. From nine specific objects the two selected for us to support by our missionary giving are (a) Children's project: Help to maintain the M.V. "Southern Cross" and its work; (b) Help the Diocese of Tanzania, where the Rev Ron Taylor is stationed, including the work of the mobile evangelistic van. More information later.

The General Secretary of the N.Z. Anglican Board of Missions, the REV. WALTER ROBINSON, will preach at ST. MATTHEW'S on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th at both the 10 a.m. Family Service and at Evensong. He will also address St. Matthew's Bible Classes at 9.15 a.m. and will speak at St. Alban's, Taueru, at 2 p.m.

JOTTINGS

Congratulations to Mr. K. Stone upon his gaining the N.C.C. Certificate of Religious Knowledge by examination. The certificate was formally presented to him at a Family Service at St. Matthew's in December. Mesdames Henderson and Sewell were presented with books on the same occasion as a momento of their activities, more especially at St. Matthew's Lansdowne Sunday School, while resident in the parish.

Visits to the parish by the Rev. and Mrs. Colin Banfield and the Rev. and Mrs. Stuart Edwards in the interim between their moving to their respective parishes were much appreciated. Both preached at Evensong to attentive congregations. Mr. Banfield becomes Vicar of Berhampore, Wellington, and Mr. Edwards Vicar of Pleasant Point, Diocese of Christchurch.

A word of appreciation is due to Miss M. Penistone and her staff of Sunday School teachers at St. Matthew's West upon the excellent little play produced by her scholars at the final Family Service for 1967. To which we add: "Well done, children!"

Who is it who may be seen busy with the hose at St. Matthew's at 6 a.m.? Thank you, Mr. A. Hale, for the manner in which you so magnificently maintain the flowers about the Parish Church. 

Before returning to the United States, Miss Sandy Buzzalini, American Field Scholar at St. Matthew's College, who worshipped at the Parish Church during her year in N.Z., expressed her personal appreciation.Thank you, Sandy, and all the best for the future.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 

St. Matthew's Herald: Mesdames McGregor $1, Young 40c, Hutchinson 50c, O'Hara $1, Ivy Emery 50c, Miss Heckler $1, Mr. Stockman $1.

Parish Calendar

NEWS FROM THE EPIPHANY SUB-DISTRICT.

Epiphany Roundup.

I write this "copy" for the magazine on the 26th December, 1967. The reason for this is that it will need to be in the hands of the printer before I return from holiday. By the time you read the magazine it will be February, 1968; one month of the new year gone already! 

Boxing Day is a good day for thinking of the new year (when I was a child I used to think of Boxing Day as having something to do with fighting and not the giving of gifts). Speaking of fighting, it might not be a bad though at that. I have just returned from a baptism; a sweet little girl all smiles and very few tears. Just a short time ago I was saying the words "...hereafter she shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified and manfully to fight under His banner against sin, the world and the devil... unto her life's end." We need to remember what we were engaged to do at our baptism and that the Christian life is a "fight for the Lord".

This is also St. Stephen's Day. The collect for the day has these words "... we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of Thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for Thee..." 

Here we have the example of one who was not ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified (and risen) and manfully to fight under His banner... even though it meant persecution and death. Let us hope and pray that 1968 will be a year when many battles will be fought and won for the Lord in the Epiphany Sub-District.. 

We gratefully acknowledge the gift of linen for the Altar; the work of St. Matthew's Embroidery Guild. We also gratefully acknowledge the gift of cups and saucers for the hall from Mrs. J. Cunningham.

Many people have expressed delight at the new lighting system in the Church. This is the gracious gift of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Sabistan. The lights were installed by Mr. Sabistan and Mr. E. McEwen. We are grateful to them for their work and offer them our thanks for the gift. 

Many people have expressed pleasure that the hedge has gone. Here I am happy to announce that Mr. Harris of Kuripuni Street has agreed to look after the grounds and plant flowers and shrubs. We can look forward to some beautiful surroundings this year. 

I would also like to express my personal thanks to Mr. Coley for his excellent help to me in the much needed extension of the study. It is certainly wonderful what difference another 180 square feet of floor space makes. My wife and I wish to thank all those who have sent us their greetings this Festive Season.

May God bless you all throughout 1968.

GEO. SIMPSON.

SERVICES DURING FEBRUARY.

Holy Communion: 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Liturgy: 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., 2nd and 4th Sundays.
Mid-Week Services of Communion re-commence on Wednesday, 7th February.
Sunday Schools recommence on Sunday, 11th February.
Young Wives' Meeting: Thursday, 29th February, 7.45 p.m.
Ash Wednesday, Wednesday 28th February. 

Details of Lenten Study will be announced later.

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