CHANGES COMING

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23287, 24 August 1945, Page 6

CHANGES COMING

Challenge To The Church New Times Demanding New Methods "It is often said that the end of the war will bring profound changes.” said the Rev. M. W. Wilson at the annual meeting of Chalmers Presbyterian Church last night. “We are seeing the dawn of a new civilisation." continued the speaker, “and with it we are confronted with clashing opinions and philosophies. This changing world is a challenge to the Church. It is the challenge to present to the world the unchanging word of God, but new times demand new methods. In order to carry out its task effectively. the Church must be backed up by loyal men and women eager to make the Church an effective instrument in taking its part in the community.” “Society", confused and reeling under the effects of war. desperately needs the leadership and inspiration of a virile, working Church, but there can be such a Church only when all Church members are strong in faith and zealous in service. More and more it is becoming obvious that the Church can be a living fellowship and an effective instrument in God’s service, only as all members take part in her life and work.” declared the speaker. Referring to the decision of the church to extend its activities to Grant's Hill. Mr Wilson visualised the time when this area would be as thickly populated a suburb as Highfield. Already a Sunday School was established there and a section had been secured for the building of a church in the future. Sister Marion, the Parish Deaconess, spoke of her work amongst the homes of the congregation. “I feel that this work among the mothers of our young children is my most fruitful field,” said Sister Marion. "There is great joy’ in seeing a mother, father and three children being received into membership of our Church through baptism, or a young mother

speaking urgently of her desire to becc me a member in full communion, oi' still another mother moved to renew her vows through the interest taken in her little family.” Mr W. Young, Session Clerk, said that the Session had held a conference to survey the work of the congregation and consider ways of increasing the effectiveness of its service. One result of this was the decision to add to the number of elders and deacons. This would permit of a deacon being appointed to each elder's district and should increase the efficiency of the parish organisation. The Communicants’ Roll now numbered 851. an increase of 41 on last year.

In presenting the report of the Deacons’ Court, Mr V. H. Keay said that there was a deficit of £122 instead of the deficit of £2BB which had been budgeted for; £516 had been raised as the contribution to the Assembly Budget. During the financial year the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand had set out to raise £55.000 for a Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund. The share of Chalmers Church was set at £BOO. and this sum was reached and surpassed. The following additional members were elected to the Deacons' Court: Messrs W. E. Vallance. W. J. Smith. W. Tavlor G. Pierce. S. G. Wilkinson. C. F. Nixon. E. Baird. L. M. Provan.