C.E.M.S. CONFERENCE.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 30, Issue 5, 1 July 1939, Page 6

C.E.M.S. CONFERENCE.

Inspiring Assembly at New Plymouth.

Exhortation To Deepen Religious Experiences

The 26th annual Dominion Conference of the CE.M.S. was held this year on the 17th, 18th and 19th of May m the Parish Hall of St. Mary's Church, New Plymouth. There was a splendid attendance, some 55 delegates attending from all parts of the Dominion, and the entire proceedings were characterised by a spirit of brotherhood and enthusiasm. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. Gilmour, m an address of welcome to New Plymouth, expressed his appreciation of the work and ideals of the C.E.M.S., stating that it was a pity that the world to-day was given over to the worship of the material instead of finding satisfaction m extending goodwill and friendship to their fellowmen. The Right Rev. C. A. Cherrington, Bishop of Waikato, presided and m his opening address infused the proceedings with the true CE.M.S. spirit of fellowship and brotherliness: An encouraging increase m numbers was, recorded, the present figures being: branches 35, individual membership 681. The chairman set the conference a goal to be reached by the Society before the next conference, a membership of 1000. A very definite note of urge pervaded the report and a seasonable exhortation to members personally to deepen their religious experience m view of the great sacrifices that present world conditions demand. The Corporate Communion service very appropriately was held on Ascension Day and St. Mary's Church, beautiful m itself, provided a fitting setting and the necessary atmosphere for an occasion when a body of men were seeking strength and inspiration to fit them to deal with the Church's business.

THE CHURCH ADVANCES The general subject for the conference was entitled "The Church Advances." The subject was divided into the three addresses and valuable group discussions followed each address. The great gain of these gatherings is that the delegates returning to their respective parishes take back, not only something of what was actually said, which is interesting and valuable, but something of the spirit m which the things were said — something of the inspiration that is found m a true "fellowship gathering" dealing with vital issues and problems of Christian and Church life. The first address was entitled "The Will to Victory" and the speaker Mr F. W. Gilligan, headmaster of Wanganui Collegiate School. The speaker dealt with the changing attitudes m religion, the relationship between personal salvation and personal service, 'and ways and means of carrying the Church's message to the youth of the country. CONDITIONS OF VICTORY The second division of the subject was entitled "The Conditions of Victory," which was dealt with by the Rev. E. J. Rich, Vicar of Masterton. Mr Rich stressed the fact that the Church was a necessity to Christianity to enable the greatest heights to be reached. It was God's instrument for the creation of a better world. When the Church degenerated it was because the people degenerated. For the final section "The Consolidation of Victory," the speaker was the Rev. I. L. Richards of Christchurch. Mr Richards stressed the need for greater co-operation on the part of the laity who were inclined to leave everything to the Clergy. The key to consolidation of Victory seemed to be preparedness to go on from one Victory to another. The world also needs to learn that God is a friend— not an enemy. There is no need to reconcile God to the World but it is necessary to reconcile the world to God.

A procession of Witness m. the final evening attended by 25 Clergy and 50 Laity preceded evensong and Capt. Pearce of Church Army gave a short address en route.

The Preacher at the closing service of evensong was the Right Rev. G. V. Gerard, Bishop of Waiapu* who issued the challenge that "no man can serve two masters." "To work for the Kingdom of Christ m Earth must be your master sentiment," said the Bishop. A social m the Parish Hall terminated the proceedings.