MOTHERS' UNION.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 24, Issue 12, 1 December 1934, Page 7

MOTHERS' UNION.

Dear Fellow Members — As 1934 draws to a close we, as members of the Mothers' Union, are leaving behind us a year that should Tiave proved one of outstanding progress and deepening of spiritual devotion. Our Call to Renewal Movement was launched to inspire m us the desire for greater spiritual strength and higher ideals. Let us not be discouraged if m endeavouring to respond sincerely to the "call" we have been so conscious of our weaknesses that we have often been compelled to say: "Lord, it is my chief complaint; that my love is weak and faint." But instead of being downcast and disheartened at our lack of progress let us try to remember that Christ Him■sely says, "My strength is made perfect m weakness." With this promise iv our hearts we will have confidence to follow the star that leads to Bethlehem and, with the three wise men, to rejoice with exceeding great joy when we also see the young Child and His mother, Mary, and that we may fall down and worship Him and m the light of God's Presence hear those oftrepeated comforting words, "Fear not." With these words singing m our Tiearts let us step over the threshhold ef 1935, wishing peace and goodwill to all men and singing confidently the words of this beautiful hymn because "we know, by prayer and faith, they will be a reality to us during the coming year: — Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear; Make you His service your delight, Your want shall be His care. Your Friend and Secretary, MABEL DORMAN.

MOTHERS' UNION The annual meeting of the Mothers' Union of the Diocese of Waiapu was held m Napier, there being a good attendance of members. The Bishop of Waiapu, the Rt. Rev. Herbert Williams, presided, and with him on the dais were Mrs Williams and Mrs W. Norman, secretary. Also present were the Very Rev. Dean Brocklehurst, the Rev. Klingender and Canon Rice, of Waipukurau. The election of officers resulted as follows: — President, Mrs. Herbert Williams; vice-presidents, Mesdames R. W. Hansard, M. W. Henley and J. B. Brocklehurst*, secertary and treasurer, Mrs. Norman; literature secretary, Mrs A. Waddell; Girls' Friendly Society representative, Mrs H. Mayo; correspondent m England, Mrs Morse. The bishop briefly addressed those present on "The Sanctity of Marriage." ANNUAL REPORT Extracts from the annual report are: ' •■ There are now 23 branches, with a membership of 675. This is a slight increase on last year, but not sufficient, considering that two new branches have been formed. We feel that it is not too much to hope that Wlaiapu will have a membership of 1000 m the near future. The first meeting of the Diocesan Council was held on February 20, 1934. The usual meetings have been held during the year, and have been well attended. Dominion Council. — On Wednesday, August 23, 1933, the Dominion Council of the Mothers' Union was held m Wellington. Her Excellency, Lady Bledisloe, patroness, attended and welcomed the delegates. The honorary secretary represented Waiapu. Delegates were also present from Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch and Waikato. The report of the Dominion Council showed that there are 208 branches, with a membership of 7249, m New Zealand. CALL TO RENEWAL With the opening of the new year the foremost thought m our hearts and minds was the Call to Renewal movement. How successful this movement has been can only be answered by each individual member.

Three special days were set apart so that members could have an opportunity of joining our world-wide intercessions. A quiet day was held m St. John's Cathedral on October 4th. Holy Communion was celebrated at 10 a.m., Canon Hodge being the celebrant. The services were continued throughout the day, ending with evensong at 4 p.m. On April 10th all branches throughout Wlaiapu took part m the chain of intercession that was surrounding all parts of the Empire. On June sth thanksgiving services were held m St. Jojhn's Cathedral. Holy Communion was celebrated at 10.30 a.m. and at 2.30 p.m. a general thanksgiving service was held. The Very Rev. Dean Brocklehurst conducted all the services and gave a most helpful and inspiring address. The annual festival was held on September 27, 1933, m St. John's Cathedral. There was a good attendance, the branches being well represented. The branches throughout Waiapu were asked to contribute to a united gift to Miss King. We are pleased to state that the sum of £3 15s was sent to England from the Waiapu Diocese. THANKS We wish to thank all who have helped us during the year — Mrs. Morse, our correspondent m England, for her letters and continued interest; Nurse Carter for presiding at the organ on our special days; Mr Pilson for auditing our books; Miss Prebble for typing our circulars; the editor of the Waiapu Church Gazette for space to publish our notes; and to all workers and friends who have given their services so faithfully. The various branch reports were also presented. ANNUAL FESTIVAL The annual festival of the Mothers' Union was held at St. Matthew's Church, Hastings, on Tuesday last. There was a large attendance, over 200 members from town and country branches being present. Canon Mortimer. Jones conducted the service and the Right Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, gave the address. Speaking from his text, "Take heed lest ye forget" (Deut., chap. 4, verse

9), the bishop stated that he had chosen that text because of Armistice Day, which had just passed and be-, cause it affected mothers more than anyone else m the world. He said we must ask ourselves, was the sacrifice and the tremendous price paid worth while for what we are to-day? A greater sacrific was once made by Our Lord, and great sacrifices can only be worth while if we act as the salt of the earth— God's salt of the earth. We have to be witnesses to the Light of the World. "Your movement," continued His Lordship, "encircles the whole world, and, although I. have great admiration for all women's organisations, from a churchman's point of view I am heart and soul for your union; but on you, as parents and members of the Mothers' Union, rests a great responsibility, because of what you stand for. You cannot stand still; you must move forward, full of life and activity, and this can only be accomplished by realising} thje powqir of prayer, united prayer. Therefore, I implore you to pray about everything, whether it be for material or spiritual aid, and to continue to pray without ceasing." After the service, afternoon tea was served m the schoolroom by the Hastings, Havelock North and Parkvale branches, and an enjoyable time was spent by the guests m the beautiful grounds surrounding the vicarage.