ANGLICAN COMBINED SERVICE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 308, 3 October 1929, Page 5

ANGLICAN COMBINED SERVICE.

INSPIRING SERMON. Rev. Wareing’s Farewell Service The annual combined service of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, held on Sunday evening, had a greater significance this year in that it marked the farewell service of the Rev. Stephen R. Wareing, vicar of Putaruru, who was responsible for the introduction of the combined service, an excellent method of bringing the people of the widely scattered parish together at least once yearly.

Upwards of 200 were present, and extra seating accommodation had to be provided. . ' > Assisting Mr..: Wareing were Messrs. J. R. O- Lochhead and S. J. Parker. Well-known hymns were heartily sung, and Mr. Clare sang with acceptance Mendelssohn’s “ I Will Sing of Thy Great Mercy.” In opening an inspiring address, Mr. Wareing stated that three of the ancient families of England had as their motto the word “ Onward,” and this word the preacher advised every Christian to adopt as a watchword, never standing still or looking backward, but always pressing onward as a parish or as individuals. In enlarging on the theme, Mr. Wareing pointed out that in the march of progress dangers and difficulties would be met with, for the life of a Christian was one big adventure in which cowardice and being disheartened were prominent dangers. Religion was given to men not to make them good and respectable, but it was based on a Person—an expression of affection for the Being worshipped. In bidding the congregation to press onward the preacher bade them to put on the armour of Christianity and to win the world for Jesus Christ. They should never be dogmatic but live a life that would transform the world into a place of beauty and holiness. In closing, Mr. Wareing spoke of the wealth of meaning in a handshake, and reminded them that Jesus Christ was ever ready to hold out His helping hand, and if this was accepted they would press onward.