“FRESH COURAGE TAKE”

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 11, 1 February 1951, Page 3

“FRESH COURAGE TAKE”

A new year opens before ns: a quick glance backwards reminds us of our successes and our failures, our high hopes and disappointments. Let us “put a cheerful courage on" and plan lor the coming months. Have we done well? Let us do better. Have we fallen short of our aims ? Let u> “strengthen our bands,” draw closer together and make a fresh start. Our greatest need is personal prayer, patience and perseverance. We must cultivate loyalty to our President and co-operation with our fellow-members m the Union to which we belong. Increase our Membership. One of our first aims should be to get new members. How? By "the simple and sensible way of inviting our friends and acquaintances to join us. It is quite surprising how little is really known of the scope and extent of the work of our Organisation. It is also surprising how few—comparatively—of our acquaintances have ever been asked to “join up." Make a list of your friends, keeping in mind that our work is interdenominational and by personal contact or in whatever way be mos> convenient try to bring in new members.

A Welcoming Atmosphere. Having asked folk to come it is for us to see that they are made welcome. To this end, let members take it in rotation to go early to open the door, prepare the room or hall and be ready to extend a really warm welcome to all who come. It creates a helpful atmosphere and “uplifts" the whole gathering. Old members and newcomers alike feel that their presence is appreciated. Afternoon Tea. This is no insignificant part of our programme. To make the best use of it have the “cup of tea and a biscuit” as early as possible. Why? Many housewives have had to hurry to get to the meeting. They are often tired by the time they arrive. They will be refreshed and better able to listen to what is said after the tea. Of set purpose make it easy for the helpers by continuing the “rationing” time of something simple to cat, for it saves labour and time.

The programme. If a “gap has to be filled at some time, then five minutes “community singing” of old familiar hymns may be very enjoyable. Subjects fe** addresses. So far as possible, visiti.g speakers should be ,};dcea to vakc /om** branch of our work as their there!? So many members know lilile of \ hat is doing until some annua* Kepot is printed. We •dl need t enlarge our knowledge of what our Ln ; on “stards for.” To ‘foilev uo.” Between tlie meet;i:ps i“t t»s h’ jtp ; .n touch with the newcor.iti‘Sr- hoping they will become active members. It will take time and prayer —yes! But well worth while. llavi.wT read this, ‘Vune of you will say, “Ht»e is nothing new. We knew all that before” Quite true There is, however, ruch a thing as putting life and vigour into old methods. “And they said, Let us arise and build. So they strengthened their

hands for tlrs good work.” Let us remember our motto —that our work is for “God, Home, and Humanity.” M.A.L.S., Canterbury.