METHODIST SYNOD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 6

METHODIST SYNOD

ATTITUDE AND TREND OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

Expansion and consolidation were still the key words that expressed the attitude and trend of the life of the Church of God in its present day world-wide relationships, said the Rev. J. H. Alien, who is presiding at the Taranaki-Wanganui district synod of the Meihodist Church, speaking when the business session opened. Trinity Church, Wanganui, yesterday. “These principles must likewise dominate, and determine our discussions as thev bear upon the immediate work in our district.” Mr. Allen added. The recurring question of the Prophets as all the tragedy of their limes unfolded and thickened around them had been, “Where does God come in, in all this?” Mr. Allen said. "They stuck to their question and fough; and sacrificed for spiritual principles and So provided guidance for us. “They reveal t he’enduring spiritual qualities of the Church, and the power of righteousness to exait a nation. Their faith in the midst of desperate situations brought, them through and we shall need a like faith as we face the demands of to-day,” Mr. Allen added. Ne\\i Zealand has been kept free from the bitterest horrors of war and from the threatened invasion, and had obtained this freedom at great cost. The war had shattered the mould containing the white-hot metaj of human life and this would assume various new forms. From this surging mass within the crucible would emerge a new and better order of things or something strange and sinister. “Whatever it be, it will compel all manner of change- and it will impose a terrific strain upon human courage and adaptiveness,” said Mr. Allen. SESSIONS CONTINUED. When the synod sessions were continued yesterday reports were received on the work of the Wesley Training College and the Wesley Preparatory School, satisfaction being expressed on a greatly improved position. A report on home mission and church extension department was presented by the Rev. S. J. Werren (Hawera). Church people were urged to institute family devotions and to support the meetings arranged for prayer and for fellowsrip. Recommendations were adopted for the seting up of literature tables at churches, with a view to encouraging the reading of suitable books. The Maori mission report was presented by the Rex - . P. Rakena, Maori minister in Hawera. Sister Dorothy Pointon (Opunake) referred in particular to the deaconess side of the xvork. It was reported that Sister Madeline Holland had returned to Maori field xvork and had taken up her duties at. Ratana Pa. The report, disclosed that the Auckland. Maori centre was continuing its gooti work, a large number of young people benefiting from the social and religious activities being maintained there. A report on the Rangiatea Maori Girls' School, New Plymouth, showed that three pupils gained passes in the Sunday School Union Scripture examinations, and that two passed the Red Cross examination for first aid and home nursing. A church membership class had been held by the Rev. J. H. Allen and at. a reception service in the chapel nine pupils were received into membership. By special efforts during the year the girls raised more than £6 for the mission funds. Synod expressed xvarm appreciation of the work carried out. during the year 'by the Rev. P. Rakena and P. Moke, Sisters Dorothy Pointon, Evelyn B. Marriott (New Plymouth) and Ada Lee (Nexv Plymouth). It was stated that they had given splendid service.

The treasurer’s report on foreign missions showed . that £4454 3s, exclusive of promises, had been received this year for the rehabilitation fund. Pleasure was expressed at. the steady rehabilitation of the mission xvork in the Solomons, and the return of missionaries to the field. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. Gordon Hanna for his services as district foreign mission secretary. Mrs. Whitlock (Wanganui) presented the report of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Union. Dominion membership xvas 4372, and there were 186 auxiliaries, of which nine xvere newly formed. It was stated that the total income from all sources

was £6964. The record amount of £502 was raised from the sale of stamps. Another report staled that there xvere 13 girls in the Kurahuna Maori Girls’ School, Onehunga, and that, applications were coming forxvard for admission in excess of the number able to be accommodated.