District News

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 January 1914, Page 4

District News

« EVENTS IX SHAXNOX. (Chronicled by our Resident Representative). METHODIST SOCIAL. A very pleasant social gathering was held in the Methodist Church mi Wednesday evening. It is hoped to make these gatherings quarterly if possible. There was a good attendance. The minister of the Church, the Rev. J. Crawford presided, and the superintendent of the circuit, the Uev. J. Coatsworth, was also present. The Rev. J. Crawford said they had met there that night for the purpose ;of getting better acquainted with one another. it was the perversion 01 God's gift of light and love which made men go wrong, jnit Methodists iK'lievLul that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was an everyday religion. They should cany Gou with them in their everyday Hie. It was easy to realise God's presence in a Church, but God was present anywhere and everywhere where his worshippers lifted up their hearts to Him. Some people imagined that God was very far ;i\va.y; let us get away from this notion and realise that God was near us always. The first item on the programme was an organ solo by .Miss Carter, which this young lady played very creditably. A bevy of little girls then sang "There is a Happy Land" very sweetly and were encored. In response they sang the last line and the sevenfold amen again. The Rev. Mr Coatsworth spoke briefly on some sources of the Church's strength. i'irst there was the preaching of the gospel of •fesus Christ, which would best touch the hearts of men living apart from God; then there was Hie consecration of the individual members of the Church who should adorn the doctrine of God, our Saviour, in all things. Again (hey should be kind to and always welcome strangers and care for the children. He was glad to hear that they had decided to asi Mr Crawford to remain with them for another year. Mrs J mid and Mrs Mitchell sang a.duet "Beautiful Home"' and won applause. The choir of little ones sang "I was a Wandtring Sheep," and this was followed by a solo by Mrs Gibson win) sang ''In the Gloaming" very effectively. Mrs Curler sang the sacred solo "Saved by .Grace with much feeling. Mr Crawford said they had a young people's society which was showing promise of much usefulness. There was a prayer meeting on Wednesday which all should attend. They had extended the Church's work to Tokomaru and had a Young People's Society at Makerua. Five pounds had been paio for Home Missions during the quarter. The total receipts during the quarter were £2(i 17s, and there was a small debit, balance of t'l 11s. The Rev. Mr Southeran spoke on the purpose of the church, which was to bear witness to the power' of Jesus Christ, and to (rain the young people and keep them in the right way, as well as io win those who had strayed back t<. the Saviour again. Refreshments were handed round, and shortly after a very happy evening was brought to a close.