“Question Time” For Churches

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 21, 16 April 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

“Question Time” For Churches

AN interesting innovation in church services is being tried out in a London parish. At. Intervals on Sunday evenings the vicar leaves out the customary sermon and. instead, answers questions that have been sent to him by members of his congregation. A great deal has been heard lately about the need for brightening up our churches. Much has been done m this direction already. “ Drama-ser-vices ” are given in som’e churches, and though the scenery is of the simplest —very often only curtains ei lective little plays are staged. They are “mystery plays.” of course, and all of them have a lesson to teach, or point, in some wav. to higher things. But they are written by men of to-day for modern people, and are a big advance on the old "mysteries.” Music also plays a big part in bringing people to church. Many churches arrange special musical programmes of great classical works and the equally lovely carols during the Christmas season. There are big opportunities for our clergymen here. People who turn out for these musical treats often come back to the church another day. Then it depends on the clergyman whether they become regular attenders. Does he make religion interesting? Does he make it touch the life of the people, as the vicar of one church did when he conducted' a service for the local football club the other Sunday and blew a blast on a referee’s whistle as his "text”? Some clergymen may hesitate to adopt novelties like this. But the> also can fill their churches if they take the trouble to understand ordinary people and their problems.