MOTHERS' UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 216, 10 August 1940, Page 11

MOTHERS' UNION.

NEW MEMBERS ADMITTED. An admission service for four new members of the Mothers’ Union was held at St. Peter’s Church, yesterday afternoon. Rev. F. S. Ramson conducted the service, and was assisted by Rev. D. V. do Candole. Mesdames Blaxland, Lock, Shirley and Shipton were the new members.

Mr do Candole read the lesson from the ninth chapter at St. Luke and took from it his text: “This is My Beloved Son; hear ye Him.” He said that from time to time men had the experience of spiritual visions. He recounted the examples of Moses and Elijah, who had been strengthened and encouraged to go on with the work of God, and went on to the vision of Peter, James and John, who had seen Christ with Moses and Elijah on the mountain. These visions had been possible because the men who received them had been striving to find God and to follow His ways. It seemed that there was a sort of cloud between the temporal life and the eternal life, but this cloud was not so thick as many believed, Man was constantly striving to pierce it, but God could and did pierce it. The speaker said that it was not necessary to understand such visions fully. They were spiritual experiences and could not bo explained scientifically, because if they could be explained scientifically they would be physical experiences not spiritual ones. It was tile natural reaction to seek a physical explanation of unusual experiences, but where a physical explanation was impossible a heavenly one must be sought. All present had experienced some sort of heavenly \ ision. and it should bo carefully guarded and nurtured. Tliev should be faithful to the vision in their ordinary lives. Moses and Elijah had not been set apart to lead contemplative lives after their vision, but had been sent back to their everyday tasks. In those days of war they must keep true to the vision of Christianity. Then they woylcl know what they were fighting lor Tim world seemed unresponsive to the Christian vision, but the Empire's leaders seemed to have caught some ol the spirit of the vision and were an inspiration to their followers. In conclusion, Mr do Candole exhorted the members to keep the Christian vision in their homes so that they would be an example to the community. After the service and the address the members adjourned to . the parish hall, which was decorated with spring flowers. Mr Ramson thanked Mr tie Candole for coming to the meeting and expressed regret that Canon G. Y. Woodward could not be present. Ho also welcomed the new members. Items were given by Mrs T. Simpson, songs (accompanied by Mrs It. Bell), and Mrs R. Fowles, recitations.

A letter from Rev. H. Whitby James formerly vicar of St. Peter’s and now of Pembroke, South Whales, was read by Mr Ramson. Thanks were accorded the artists and the hostesses, Mesdames Charles, Christie and Ashcroft.