CLOSING MONTH

Southland Times, Issue 21896, 23 December 1932, Page 13

CLOSING MONTH

INVERCARGILL HOME MISSION. The closing month of the year has been one of events at the Invercargill Home Mission. On Tuesday, December 13, a beautiful address was given by Sister Janet (Deaconess First Church) who said that there were only two deaconesses in the city and although often severed far through the stress and strain of service, yet they were very close in heart and purpose. The sister’s message was inspiring, convicting and encouraging, and at the close the heart and thoughts of every mother were turned anew to the Babe of Bethlehem—the Christ of Calvary. On Sunday afternoon the mission home was packed with the little folk who gathered to listen to a Christmas story by the Rev. C. J. Tocker. Sister Alice, on behalf of the teachers and scholars, said that it was with very warm hearts they welcomed the Rev. and Mrs Tocker that day—the children responding cheerily. At the close each child was presented with a ticket for the Christmas treat the following day. The Christmas Tree. Christmas has come again and the greatest event of the year in connection with the work of Sister Alice was that of last Monday when two hundred mothers and children were gathered into the Jed street Methodist Hall to partake of the Christmas cheer. Many loving hands had been busy for weeks past and many hearts thrilled at the joy of the youngsters in their massed gathering with their eyes sparklingeager and expectant. First came Father Christmas with a very cheery greeting to everybody. Mr C. S. Longuet (an old friend of the mission) briefly expressed a message of encouragement and cheer, after which the Rev. C. J. Tocker led the singing of grace. After tea a Sort elocutionary programme was folwed by each child receiving a gift from the heavily laden tree—nor were the mothers forgotten, each receiving a little remembrance that would make life a little brighter. The evening will long be remembered. It was a triumph of organization and no one can conceive the ocean of human love it has all represented, gracious workers from far and near gave of their best in preparing and carrying out to a successful issue the various parts and many generous hearts sent or gave the wherewithal which has made the beneficent work possible. The day closed with ringing cheers and the Sunday School vesper: Now the time has come to part, Father, come to every heart, Go, Thou with us as we go, And be near in . all we do.