FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Now that Christmas has passed so quickly we find ourselves asking why it took so long to prepare for it. The New Year is upon us and the thoughts of us all are concentrated on the days ahead. To some the end of 1963 has brought a sense of relief, for the year may have brought more sadness than happiness. To others the New Year will be more eagerly greeted, for it will present new adventures and joys. But however we approach it, it rests very much upon the past. It is new only in the sense that the date has changed. We are the same, we are composed of the same loves and hates, the same individual characteristics, our moods and tempers, all these will be the same. The circumstances we live under, the people with whom we live and work in the main they will be the same. Perhaps the fact that 1964 is likely to be so much like 1963 is the reason why so many see little point in making New Year resolutions. One of our modern dangers is that of Fatalism, the impression that things will always be the same and there is nothing we can do about it. The only value of regarding the New Year for the Christian is that Christmas does give reason to believe it can be a "New" year, the old sins and failures can be overcome. The new spirit of Christ's coming is the reason why we may be hopeful and cheerful about it.

Therefore a Happy New Year to you all.

DONALD WHITE.

PARISH NOTES

Carol Singing

Formal and informal, has been much in evidence. Guides and Brownies assisted in a notable Carol Service on 8th December in the Methodist Chapel, lighted on this occasion entirely by candles and full to capacity. The Minister's wife, Mrs. White, also sang two solos. Nearer Christmas, the Youth Club (following up their well-run dance in November) went out in aid of the Greenporch Children's Home at Milton. In spite of the extreme cold, householders bravely opened their doors and a total of £3 8s. 1d. was achieved. Other parts of the village were covered on two further nights by a "Church and Chapel" group, supported by hand-bellringers. Cold, frosty conditions were offset by the welcomes received and by the unexpected honour of being recorded in the "Rose and Crown". £14 5s. 0d was sent to Inter-Church Aid, earmarked for hunger relief.