Methodist Synod

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 268, 15 November 1934, Page 2

Methodist Synod

HAWKE’S BAY-MANAWATU DISTRICT The representative session of the Synod opened in St. Paul’s Church, Palmerston North, with a communion service yesterday morning conducted by Rev. A. N. Scotter, B.A. (chairman of tho district). Air. G. Bennett presided at the organ and Revs. H. Daniel, E. T. Olds and 11,, H. Jeffreys assisted in tho service, the last-named giving a very helpful pre-eommunion address, basing his remarks on Galatians VI: 17. Tho preacher said that this was one of the most challenging letters in the New Testament. It played a great part in the life of Luther. It was written as a protest against thoso who, after his many years of servico and suffering were engaging in damaging controversy within the Church. He was bearing in his body tho scars of service. Reference was made to St. Thomas of Assisi and his claim to bear in his hands and feet wound-prints similar to those borne by our Lord Jesus Christ. This was not psychologically impossiblo but was not tho meaning of the text. The marks referred to wore indicative of ownership, St. Paul meaning that he was the bond-slave of Jesus Christ. The result of his devotion to his Lord had been scourging and maltreatment and he bore tho marks of his experiences. In these days when wo do not fear martyrdom, has the text any application for us? If discipleship is of any valuo thero wilL be characteristic marks —those of self-sacrifice and loving service.

In opening the session of Synod tho chairman said that they met in trying times, every place feeling the strain of financial problems. The Church has a message from God to tho world. Men are admitting freely that if the teachings of Christ wero embodied in life it would Solve many of our difficulties. The Church eould take comfort from the thought expressed by Wesley long ago—the best of all is, God is with us. After tho roll-call, the secretary (Rev. E. T. Olds) nominated the following assistants: —Revs. E. B. Gosnell (assistant secretary), C. M. Roberts and R. E. Fordyce (reporters to the Press), and J. A. Dalglish (Journal secretary). Revs. C. Al. Roberts, C. A. Foston and J. A. Dalglish were welcomed to the district; also Rev. W. McDonald, home missionary at, Foxton.

Reference was made to tho death of the late Air. W. G. Pearce, of Colyton, and sympathy expressed with Rev. C. M. and’ Airs. Roberts in their loss during tho year.

It was recommended that. Rev. E. 0. Blamires should be left without pastoral chargo next year that he might engage in Bible-in-schools work.

The report of the Welfare of the Church Committee was presented by Rov. H. Daniel, a considerable discussion following. When the Synod resumed after tho lunch adjournment, the discussion on tho Welfare of the Church Committee's report was continued. Mr. C. E. Taylor (Feilding), district secretary of Church Property, dealt with matters concerning the Church properties throughout the district. On the whole the report was of an encouraging nature.

Air. Taylor was thanked and recommended for rc-appointment. Air. C. E. Taylor (district secretary for Foreign Alissions) presented the annual report for the district and the Dominion.

Airs. T. E. Hodder (president of the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary) presented the auxiliary ’s report, which was duly accepted.

YOUTH WORK CONSIDERED When the Synod resumed in session last evening the first business dealt with, was that of the Youth Department. This was dealt with by Mr E. Gordon Bennett (district youth committee secretary). The report 1 was adopted, as was tho financial statement. It was recommended to tho conference that tho district youth committee should bo transferred to Hawke’s Bay for a term. Mr E. G. Bennett was cordially thanked for his faithful service over a term of years. Tho Sunday school statistics reveal a membership of 28SS, which is an increase on last year's figures. Tho cradle roll, junior and infant memberships, all reveal increases during the year. Miss M. Verry (district secretary of the Methodist Y.W.B.C. Union) presented the union’s report, which was adopted. Rev. H. L. Richards (district president of tho Methodist Y.M.8.C.) presented separate reports for each of tho Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu portions of the union. The reports were received and adopted, Mr H. R. French brought forward the matters concerning tho Local Preachers’ Association’s report. The Synod placed on record its cordial appreciation of tho faithful services rendered by tho local preachers throughout this district. Tho report of tho Homo Mission and Church Extension Department was presented by Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., and adopted. Tho District Home Mission Advisory Committee’s recommendations for Home Mission grants were accepted with but slight alterations.