METHODIST CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 117, 20 May 1938, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH

WESLEY'S CONVERSION

LOCAL OBSERVANCE

This «month Methodist churches throughout the world are celebrating the bicentenary of the conversion Of John Wesley. In Wellington the celebrations were advanced to coincide with the conference held here in February, and due notice was taken of the occasion then, but the present month is not being allowed to pass unnoticed.

The date of John Wesley's conversion i was . May 24, 1738. The , local churches commenced the celebrations last Sunday, which was set aside as a day of preparation; next Sunday is the central day, and, the following Sunday will be observed as thanksgiving day. Various functions will be held in many of the parishes, next W The Methodist Church of New Zealand has issued a booklet in connection with the celebrations setting out the work of John and Charles Wesley, and giving some details about the beliefs andT government of the Methodist Church. A prograthme is set out whick calls on ministers and people alike tp dedicate themselves afresh. The suggestion is made that the methods of the church should be carer fully examined. SERVICES UNATTRACTIVE? "For example, perhaps our Sunday services have become too stereotyped, 1 states the booklet. "Nothing will ever displace preaching as the primary method of spreading the Good News, and of building people up in their faith. But may it not be that the forms of worship which gather round preaching, as well as the vitality of our preaching, may need examination and revision? In this picture-minded age, and amid the revival of the dramatic presentation of lofty moral truths, have we nothing to learn as to methods? Are we not disturbed that there are so many people of excellent moral standards and community spirit who do not find our services attractive?" , „ Attention is drawn to heavy losses in the Sunday schools and the fact that only 20 per cent, of the Sunday school children pass into the active ranks of the church life. Church and school must be more closely linked to stop this serious leakage. Missionary work in the home and foreign field and in all classes of the community is mentioned in the pamphlet as a matter for urgent attention. Concern is expressed that the proportionate strength of the Methodist Church in New Zealand has fallen from 11 per cent, to about 8.5 per cent, of the population. *