CHURCH GIVING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1038, 2 May 1912, Page 2

CHURCH GIVING.

Oa Monday last, the Rev G. Y. Woodward, in his annual report ;to the parishioners, said : “The Church like all other societies, must have iuuds, and the members of the church shouldsee that there is uoth- ; iug lacking. Each should give so much a year, either in the Sunday collection or to the churchwardens. Supposing we said sixpence a week should be an offering, then it is our duty to see that we give it. Our loyalty to our responsibility would come out in this w&y : If we missed coming to the Church for three months, then when we did come we should put three mouths’ offerings in the plate. We should have enough religion in us to do this ot ourseivcs without 'wiug reminded and Vvi..aout any cuccis. oeiug taken on our promise. 1 am looking forward to the time when all church monies will be given voluntarily, when we shall be able to do away with bazaars, garden parties, dances, and such-like, for the upkeep of this parish. The work tor Jesus Christ' in this district should be supported by monies given irom the heart—we should only hold entertainments on behalf of buildings or improvements to the church. I think perhaps our difficulty lies m this—we leave it tor the other mau to do, and we say it the Church wants money they will come lor it, my little contribution won’t be missed. But it is just these little contributions that are missed, and that leave the churcn in a constant stale of financial worry, We can compel no man to give. Even if we had that power we would not use it, as the spirit of such gifts would be wrong. All we can do is to look to you as practical Christians—men and women who know that all through the centuries the temporal life of the Church depends on the generosity of the people. In this land where there are no endowments each one of you, according to your means, suould endow the Church with your regular and faithful contributions.”