ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1393, 4 May 1915, Page 2

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH.

POINTS FROM THE VICAR’S ANNUAL REPORT. Referring to the condition of church life the report states; — “The Church of God in our midst isa community of individuals bound by ties of love, self-sacrifice and kindliness one to another, and lay faith and worship to the Triune God ; each, seeking not his own, but the things of Christ. Judged by this ideal, what is our condition ? Each must answer for himself, but may I point out some ways by which our ideal may be brought nearer realisation. Two ways stand out prominently in my mind and I think, we, as a church fail in each of them. The first is church attendance: The reason for church attendance is worship and worship is our due to God ; It is an offering by man to his Creator and Redeemer. And when we remember that we owe everything to our Heavenly Father, surely it is not too much to ask, that we should give Him of our best in relimi. Worship demands a sacrifice of time, of thought, of offering. How we fall! It is a positive grief to me to think of the number of church people in this parish and of the few who come to church, and how irregular many are ! Time is found, even la the busiest moments for most things, principally pleasure and amusement, ‘but the one thing needful is left undone.’ Sunday by Sunday ‘the place of many is found empty.’ Sacrifices are made for many things, and the necessary rest to recuperate is taken on Sunday. What a farce it is ! So may I ask that we all try to be more regular in our worship, and that at least once a Sunday we sba.ll be seen In the Lord’s House. The second need is a greater use of the Holy Communion: Here lies our greater weakness for the strength of a parish is the strength of its communicants. It was and is a great surprise to me to notice the few who make regular use of this means of grace. This should be greatest service. The joy of the ebristaiu ought to be to meet bis Lord aud Saviour in His own appointed service, through it we are promised great help. If we would make progress, If our church is to be the power it ought to be in this town, it can only be done through constantly waiting on our Lord or going forth in His strength to do His work. May I then ask all communicants to ponder these words and to be more frequent in meeting their Lord at His own banquet.” Referring to the work of the Sunday School, the number iu attendance is ixi.with a staff of lour teachers. Mr Hollingtou has resigned and an appeal is made for more teachers.

The Ladies Guild is of great financial assistance to the parish, and the sacrifice made by the ladies acknowledged and the hope expressed that they may long continue their good work. The work of the lay reader and C.E.M.S. branch is referred to in eulogistic terms, and special thanks were conveyed to Miss Jeuks (organist) and Mr Betty (choir master) and the choir for their labours. An appreciation was made of the work of the churchwardens and vestry. “In conclusion, may I thank all tor much help and to ask for your prayers and co operation for the future. The‘settling down’ and 'getting known’ process is difficult, but I think that is over now, and we look forward as a church to fulfil our commission ‘to glorify God and to extend his kingdom.’ So please give me your prayers, sympathy, loyalty and co-operation and I am sure as time goes on we shall understand each other better and try and do all things to God’s honour and glory. May God bless you in all your ways.”