Methodist Synod in Feilding

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 275, 21 November 1935, Page 3

Methodist Synod in Feilding

SOCIAL GATHERING HELD. In connection with tho Alethodist Synod which opened at Feilding on Tuesday local Methodists welcomed tho ministerial and lay representatives at a concert and social held on Tuesday evening. The Rev. A. N. Scottcr, 8.A., presided. After devotional exercises, a word of welcome was spoken by Rev J. H. Allen (Feilding). The Feilding Church felt honoured that the Bynod had accepted its invitation. The Synod was a source of refreshment in many ways. Miss K. Blanchette, rendered a bracket of songs, “Aly Prayer,” and “Weeds.” Tho chairman spoke a few cordial words in reply to Air Allen’s welcome. He was concerned about tho welfare of all the circuits and home-mission stations in the district. We should not be concerned mainly about tho great world-wido problems, but wo should be concerned about the problems in our churches. We are facing similar problems, those of our forefathers, but as Christians we claim to have a power sufficient to meet all tho circumstances which may come our way. Each generation comes forward with the old difficulties with which wo have to contend. No matter how wayward people may seem to be the Eternal God is able to transform our laziness into diligence, our bitterness into nobility, and lead us to do our best. The challenge of the present day concerns us all. We must impress tho world with tho fact that God is all sufficient for us in our real needs. He congratulated the church on the introduction of the new hymn-book concerning which it had been said that it had made the biggest stir in south-western England of anything since tlio war. Rev. J. A. Daglisk artistically rendered the songs, “Fear Yo Not O Israel,” and “Blass this House.” Miss Betty Alooro recited “Rosa.” The audienco was greatly pleased by the fine rendering of tho hymns from the new hymn-book sung by tho capably trained children’s choir. The pieces rendered were —“Awake, Awake to Love and Work”; “Jesus Shall Reign Whcre-e’r tho Sun”; “Brightly Gleams Our Banner.”

Regret was expressed at the absenco through illness of Mr A. It. Whelton (the choir-master). Mr. C. E. Taylor gave the official welcome. Ho was not able to give a civic welcome, having retired from ofiioo after six years as Alayor of Feild- : ing. The people of both tho town and country parts of tho circuit gave ,tlio representatives a very cordial welcome. Reference was made to ministers who are contesting electorates. The speaker hoped that ministers would not regard tho ministry as a stepping stone to general politics. Tho laymen of our church felt it very keenly that ministers should forsake their high and sacred calling. IVhen a minister turns to politics, he should resign. Since the offices in tho Alethodist Church had been opened to women, their earnestness had exceeded that of the men. Let tho ministers seek a means of challenging our men to greater devotion. Mr. Ronald Fade sang “Aly Task.”

Rev. R. B. Gosncll (Synod secretary) in place of Rev. R. J. Liddell, who was absent through illness, addressed words of inspiration to tho gathering. Ho thanked tho hosts and hostesses of Feilding for their generous hospitality to tho representatives. It wus his duty to deal with the inspirational sido of tho Synod. lie was not going to tell us how to run tho world. Of recent years we have been living in an atmosphere of fear. The war had changed more things than the map of tho world. Wo had come into difficult circumstances and had to find a way out. Our problems could not be escaped by any temporary forgetfulness provided by amusement. We could not just ignoio our difficulties. What is the way out? It is by means of The Holy Bible, tho Christian ethic. Tho Bible had been tho inspiration of men such as Suther and Wesley, and must be ours. Wo must feel that Christ is just ahead, loading us on: Try to realise that Jesus is very near. Jesus can bo as real to you as tho person in tho seat beside you. A skipper in a storm was asked, “Do you know whero all the rocks arc?” Ho replied, “I know where tho deep water is.” The speaker said he also knew. Thanks were accorded to t.ho performers and speakers after which supper was served in the schoolroom by the ladies of tho church, who were thanked by Rev. G. Knowles Smith. Air. 11. Crump presided at the organ and Airs. Ronald Eado was also an accompanist.