Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu District

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 276, 22 November 1935, Page 8

Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu District

METHODIST SYNOD When tho Synod resumed in session ou Wednesday evening the first business dealt with was that of the youth department, introduced by Mr. J. 11. Oldham (district youth committee secretary). One of tho vivid impressions left by Dr. Kagawa is that of the Christian life in action. The youth board has during tho year sought to prepare for such actioii along tho lines of evangelism, peace, and leadership. The oldest thinkers of this age tell us that our present civilisation is dying. What hope is there then for youth? Youth as well as ago is looking with hopeful eyes for the signposts of its future. The paganism of to-day must first be out-thought and then out-lived, and the challenge comes to tho whole church, but especially to its youth.

I’leasurc was expressed that in many parts European Sunday schools were taking more definite interest in Maori faehoois. Correspondence Sunday schoofs are increasing in numbers and interest, there being 31 teachers and SO scholars on the rolls.

Mrs. 11. J. Odell presented the report of the Young Women’s Bible Class U'nion. There has been a decrease in members of classes during tho year, mainly owing to members marrying or taking up some form of church work. High appreciation of tho work of Miss Dora Sheat (travelling secretary) was expressed. There was much cause for thankfulness iu various phases of the work. There was a great need for competent leadership-training in view of the ueeds both of tho present and future.

Mr. J. H. Oldham dealt with matters concerning the Hawke’s Bay branch of the Young Men’s Bible Class pinion and reported causes for encouragement such as au increased number of classes and better attendance at the camps; 1185 campers attended 15 camps. District Sunday School returns showed increases in most branches of the work.

Considerable discussion took place with regard to tho support of tho youth department by tho circuits iu tho district. It was felt that the larger circuits should do more to meet their financial obligations to tho department. The matter of Homo Mission grants was brought before Synod by Rev. J. 11. Allen. Grants totalling £195 were recommended.

Spiritual Advance.

Tho first business of tho third day oi tho Synod held in tho Feiidiug Methodist Church was that of Homo Missions introduced by Rev. J. H. Allen, the Spiritual Advance Programme being discussed. The need for evangelistic work amongst members and adherents and also amongst those outside the church was stressed. Amongst the recommendations wero these that by their pulpit and pastoral work ministers should create a belief in and an expectation of conversions; that endeavours should be made to resuscitate tho spirit of prayer amongst our people. With regard to evangelistic work among those outside tho church it was recommended that there should be more personal witness for Christ amougst those met from day to day. 'lt was urged that church members should make personal contacts with the unemployed in towns and cities by the organisation of, and close contact with thc-m m, social, recreational and occupational clubs. Suggestions wero mado for tlie holding oi district conventions for the deepening of spiritual life.

Rev. J. H. Alien was thanked for his services as district H.M. secretary and he was recommended for reappointment

A remit from tho Napier circuit with regard to changes in the system or parsonage furnishing resulted in a resolution that the matter be referred to conference with the recommendation that a committee be appointed to deal with tho matter and to make suggestions to the circuits.

There was a remit from Cuba Street circuit with regard to the method of voting with regard to the fourth year’s invitation to ministers. The Synod favoured the recommendation that such invitations should be by ballot, instead of by show of hands. It was felt that such a procedure was calculated to help in the maintenance of harmonious relationship in circuits under some circumstances.

A further remit from Cuba Street eireuit dealt with the matter of the restoration of cuts made a while ago ill the stipends of ministers and home missionaries—in most cases voluntarily. Lt was felt that the time had come when the matter should bo' sympathetically reviewed by the conference and the circuits..

The Church Membership Commission’s report was presented and adopted. With regard to the ministry and civic office, it was recommended that a minister should seek the consent of his own quarterly meeting and the president before seeking election. In the event of consent not being given, if a minister persists in seeking election to any paid political or civic office, it was recommended that he be required to resign from the ministry. Mr. 11. It. French presented the report of the Local Preachers’ Association.

The Synod emphasised the duty of trustees of church properties to insure their paid workers against accident, and recommended the making of inquiries concerning the premiums that would bo charged for accident insurance policies for £IOOO a|l £2OOO to cover ministers who might be injured while on circuit work. Rev. C. M. Roberts dealt with the report of the Masterton Lmldren’s Home and Orphanage. The Synod expressed its appreciation of the. wonderful services rendered by ther lato Rev. Jas. Cocker, who was for 13 years clerical treasurer of the orphanage. The iinal session concluded in the afternoon. The thanks of the Synod wero conveyed to Rev. A. N. Scotter, B.A. (chairman), Rev. R. B. Gosnell (secretary) and the clerical staff, to the hosts and hostesses and the trustees of the Fcilding Church. Thanks were also expressed to the local and Palmerston North newspapers for their courteous and generous treatment with regards to the Synod reports.