METHODIST CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, 30 August 1933, Page 4

METHODIST CHURCH.

ACTIVITIES AT KUBLPUNL ANNUAL REPORT. The thirty-fourth annual report of the Kuripuni Methodist Church, presented on behalf of the Trustees, states:—“We are pleased to report that the property is in good condition. It has needed little attention during the year, and your Trustees have attended to whatever appeared to be necessary. The attendance at public worship has been well maintained, but we feel that there is still room for improvement in this direction. The membership roß' shows a considerable increase, but side by side with this increase there are names long honoured and revered in this congregation which have been removed. We refer to those who have entered the higher and fuller service of their Lord in the Church Triumphant, Mrs. Wise, Senr, Mrs. H. J. Jones, Mr. G. Terry and Mr. S: J. Smith. We are loathe to part with, those whose centre of interest in life is the service of God and His Church, but every passing is a challenge to us who remain, to take up the torch and wave it wide. We extend our sympathy to those who have been bereft of loved ones, and commend them to a loving God who can transmute their sorrow into a heavenly benediction. In the same way do we pray for blessings to continue to rest upon those who are passing through the autumn of life.

SUNDAY SCHOOL. “We are pleased to report that the Sunday School is in a very flourishing condition. The number on the roll is slightly smaller than at this time last year, but the decrease has in no way been caused by ineffectiveness. Those who have left our school did so to attend a school conducted by their own denomination. But it seems that before long our roll numbat will be as large, if not larger, than naefore. The average attendance is very high, and we thank the parents for sending their children to receive instruction in the school, and we trust the day is not far distant when parents will bring their children to the church services. We fire hoping, in the near future,, to inaugurate a children’s choir for the morning services. We feel sure that this will make the services more popular. We have resuscitated the Boys’ Brigade and Life Boys’ Club. Every Tuesday evening between thirty and forty boys meet for instruction and entertainment. The chief aim of this work is to build Christian character, and we believe we are achieving, by God’s grace, some measure of success. There have been some changes in the teaching staff during the year, but even so we have a competent staff of teachers whose hearts are in their work. We would express our appreciation to the staff for their self-sacrific-ing service, and trust that God may use their consecrated efforts to bring the children under their control to a saving knowledge of Him whose Name is above every name. LADIES’ GUILD. “The Ladies’ Guild continues to labour for the good of the causes We are not unmindful of our great debt bf gratitude to the members of the guild for their splendid service willingly rendered year by year. If only our men were as enthusiastic in their desire to promote the welfare of the Church as are the ladies of our guild, We would be able to achieve much more than we achieve at present. In expressing our thanks to the guild for services rendered we are reminded of a passage from the Book of Books, f God is not unrighteous to forget your .work and labour of love.’ Thank you ladies, and may your future labours be crowned with the success they so well deserve. The choir, too, though labouring under difficulties, renders efficient service week by week. We regret that Mr. Mannell has had to sever his connection with the choir as conductor. His services were greatly appreciated, and his labours, have not been in vain. The trustees express to him their best thanks. Through being without a choirmaster more responsibilities have been placed upon the organists. They have accepted these added responsibilities most graciously and we would express our appreciation of their services. {There are two other organisations connected with our church which are meeting vital needs. We refer to the Men’s Brotherhood, which meets monthly, and which gives an opportunity for the men to meet in fellowship. The meetings are of a highly educational value, and we are sure will increase in popularity. The other organisation is the Ping Pong and Sports’ Club, which meets every Monday evening, when up to forty young people meet for a social hour. We would urge our older people to interest themselves in these organisations, that they may indeed be the means of helping to extend G|pd's Kingdom in our midst. The trustees wish these societies a period of success and prosperity. To the stewards who have rendered their quiet but efficient service, we speak our thanks and, indeed, to all who have made any contribution to the furtherance of God’s Kingdom here at Kuripuni we would express our sincere thanks and appreciation.

CHANGE IN MINISTER. “During the year the Bev. Walter and Mrs. Parker were farewelled on their transfer to Papakura. In April the Bev. V. B. and Mrs. Jamieson arrived from Canterbury, and being now nicely settled in out midst are taking a firm grip of the various activities of our church. We wish to specially thank both ministers for their work as Sunday School superintendents. In conclusion, we would express the opinion that the times through which we are passing are a challenge to us .to go forward in the service of our Lord! and Master. Days of extremity have always proved themselves to be Godr’s days of <y>portunity, therefore we are confident that a consecrated church and a consecrated people can be wonderfully used to-day to bring Christian certainty and Christian hope to a perplexed people. It is our desire and prayer that the successes of the past may not compare with the achievements of the future; so we call upon you to go with us into another year in sure hope and confidence that the best of all is ‘God is with us.’ May this year be one of real progress, a year of power and spiritual blessing. And now let us conclude this report as we commenced, ‘thanking God for all that is past, and trusting Him for all that is to come.’ Yours in Christian Fellowship, E. Jones, Secretary.”