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Shepherds are visited hi/ on angel - of the Lord—from the Book ol Hours, on illuminated manuscript Jul French monks of the ISth century. THEY CHALK f a CHURCH /

Under India's unmerciful sun, a little imagination and some pow- dered lime transform the nearest shade tree into a sanctuary for worship. It is not at all unusual for Christian converts, often among the poorest in a village, to mark off altar, aisles, and the seat- ing areas with white lines, as in the photos above by the Rev. H. D. Johns of the Methodist mission at Vikarabad. Then, with the preacher in place (as at right), the service begins. The practice is not new in India where holy men often establish their "temples" in the shade of the big trees; and it is a common practice for the people to draw designs in the earth to signify festivals and other special occasions.

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C. FOR PERSONAL USE, beautiful, slim Heritage Bibles with Concordance, center column references, Readers' Aids, illustrations and maps in color. Presentation Page, Family Register. Printed on ultra-thin Indo-Text Imperial. Words of Christ in red in KJV. Semi-overlapping covers. KJV RSV Black genuine morocco, 857C 6807C The greatest gift of gold edges (no illustrations) $10.95 $15.00 Same, in red 859C $10.95 Black genuine leather, 851C 680 IC all...aWORLD BIBLE gold edges $7.95 $9.50 D. FOR ALL PREFER LARGE PRINT, King James Version Revised Standard Version WHO Heritage Large Print Bibles. Concordance, No gift is more meaningful or more cherished than the Holy Bible center column references, Readers' Aids, full- color illustrations (except 3907C); color maps. . . . especially at Christmas. Presentation Page, Family Register. Words of And none is more beautiful than a World Bible . . . handsomely Christ in red in KJV. bound, colorfully illustrated. . .printed in clear, self-pronouncing KJV RSV type on World Indo-Text, loveliest of India papers. Black genuine leather, 956C 3906C semi-overlapping covers, $12.75 $13.75 Available in editions suitable for all... either King James or gold edges Black hand-grained 3907C Revised Standard Version, at your dealer's now. 957C morocco, semi-overlapping $21.50 $25.00 covers, gold edges PUBLISHING • Cleveland 2, Ohio THE WORLD COMPANY Black imitation leather, 952C 3902C Bible Publishers to America limp binding $7.50 $8.50 Aldersgate '63 Reawakens Methodists

to 'The Way of the Warmed Heart' Bishop Marvin Franklin of Jackson, Miss., left, and Dr. Lee F. Tuttle, secretary of the World Methodist Council, display the special Aldersgate commemorative medallion.

THE NEWS: John Wesley's conviction that "the Methodists are one people in all the world" was demonstrated in 1963 as Methodists commemorated the 225th anniversary of its founder's "heartwarm- ing" Aldersgate experience. The year-long ob- servance was a refreshing reminder of Wesley's pivotal experience at a prayer meeting in London's

Aldersgate Street, May 24, 1738. They heard of it in small study groups in homes, from pulpits, and during special Aldersgate services in 44 countries."

Background: Tied to the founding of Methodism, the Aldersgate program was developed by a special committee of 13 bishops and the National Council on Evangelism, working through the Methodist Board of Evangelism. The program called on Methodists, "under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to seek a new life in Young adults at Christ Methodist Church, Bethel Park, Christ and the church, and to witness out of a Pa., portraying Peter Bochlcr, John and Charles Wesley, heartwarming experience that Jesus Christ is Lord." re-create the famous prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street, Hundreds of thousands of copies of the Book of Romans were distributed to help Methodists study the book which Wesley and his friends were discuss- ing that night in Aldersgate Street. A new edition of Wesley's Notes on Romans, including his translation of the Book of Romans, also was made available. In addition, Martin Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans was printed and offered to Methodists in the United States for the first time. It was this preface which was being read when Wesley felt his heart "strangely warmed" and he found he had a faith and message which had to be shared with others. This experience led eventually to the found- ing of the Methodist Church. Church publications added to the wealth of Aiders- gate material. Together highlighted the observance with a special Aldersgate Issue in May, and with 00 related articles throughout the year.

Bishop Friedrich Wunderlich, Frankfort, Germany, left, Around the World: Between 600 and 700 gives medallion to the Rev. Karl I'ollmer in East Germany. churches around the world commemorated the anni-

* Anniversary observances wire held in Argentina, Australia, Austria. Belgium, Burma, Canada, Ceylon, Chile, Tin- Congo, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Prance, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Liberia, Malaya, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Sum,ml;, South " Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Africa, West Pakistan, and the U.S.—Eds. ** See especially Methodism's 'Emphasis' for 1963 to Be 'The

Warmed Heart, ' January, 1983, page 3, and The Way of the Warmed Heart, May, 1963, page So.—Eds.

At Chisangano Methodist Church, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, a lay leader puts an Aldersgate medallion on roofing for a new church.

n. t versary year permanently with the program, believes that on the whole evangelism, this concern should grow hanging of a bronze medallion pro- the Aldersgate emphasis "has been a and its results increase. duced especially for the occasion by great success in reawakening Meth- "Now, also, is the time to note that the World Methodist Council. odism to certain fundamental doc- great social movements followed Wes- • In Denmark, Norway, Finland, trines." ley's experience. There were not only and Sweden, Methodists used radio "Looking to the past," he says, "is changed lives but changed attitudes and television to tell of Aldersgate. always a dangerous thing for a church. within society. The result of genuine Aldersgate services in Sydney, Aus- But in this case, it was an attempt to evangelism, therefore, is to be seen tralia, likewise were televised. recover the secret of Methodist power. not only in statistical records but in • Methodists behind the Iron Cur- I have the feeling that across the the changes which take place in our tain participated. The church in church, at least in America, there has thinking about the great issues of the Haapsalu, Estonia, a province in Rus- been a renewed realization that power world." sia, held special services on May 24. is from the Spirit of God and not Every Friday during May, special Al- from the cleverness of men." Approves Board of Missions dersgate services were held in Central Bishop W. Angie Smith of Okla- Reorganization Proposal Methodist Church, Warsaw, Poland.* homa City, president of the Methodist The Methodist Board of Missions' The pastor of the Methodist Church Board of Evangelism, has a like feel- executive committee has approved in in Praha, Czechoslovakia, said the Al- ing- principle the sweeping reorganization dersgate observance there "was such "While statistics are lacking," he of the board's structure. It will be the a fine meeting" his congregation de- says, "many hearts have been touched first reorganization since the board was cided to hold a similar service each as was John Wesley's in 1738, and formed in 1940. month. many rededications to Christ have Four steps must be completed be- • Africans knelt at a Methodist been made during this special em- fore any restructuring can take place: altar in Umtali, Southern Rhodesia, phasis. The Aldersgate idea spread • The detailed reorganization plan praying for the spirit of "Junn Wess- quickly and widely as Methodists must be put in final form. lee." realized their need for a renewing of • The whole board must approve the • The program was translated into faith. We certainly hope that Aiders- final plan at its annual meeting in Hindi by the Centenary Methodist gate has struck home with renewed January, 1964, at Buck Hill Falls, Pa. Church of New Delhi, India, for its force and that we will make every • General Conference, beginning members. effort possible to conserve the bene- April 26, 1964, must adopt necessary • Chinese, Ibans, Kenyahs, Kayas, fits and make the best use of them changes in the Discipline. Americans, Filipinos, and Indians during the years to come." • The newly-elected board for the joined in Aldersgate services in the Dr. Lee F. Tuttle, secretary of the 1964-68 quadrennium must implement Methodist church in Kapit, Sarawak. World Methodist Council, describes the new structure at its organizational • The pastor of the church in the Council's "Aldersgate Around the meeting in September at Chicago, 111. Zschorlau, East Germany, summed up World" project as "highly successful," Major changes proposed are: his congregation's observance by say- and reports: • One general secretary instead of the ing, "Our concern is to remain spiri- "There was no section of the world present four. tually alive under all circumstances." which did not participate. It has been • Unification of mission fields admin- • A duplicate of the bronze com- the expressed feeling of many that istration at home and overseas. Dual memorative medallion was cast by the on the evening of May 24, 1963, the administration of the board's divisions Spanish-speaking church in Panama World Methodists were closer to- and the Woman's Division of Christian City, with wording in both Spanish gether in fellowship, worship and pur- Service would be merged. and English. pose than at any time in recent • Increased unity in missionary edu- • The small, independent Meth- years." cation and cultivation in local churches odist churches in France called special attention in their official paper, Significance: Just how do you mea- sure the results of a worldwide evan- L'Evangeliste, to their link with John TOGETHER December, 1963 Wesley on Aldersgate Day. gelistic effort such as Aldersgate Year? Vol. VII, No. 12. Copyright © '963 by The Methodist Publishing House. • Bishop Pedro Zottele of Santiago, Program leaders feel it did have an Chile, said his pastors report "Meth- impact on individual Methodists. Yet Editorial Office: Box 423, Park Ridge, III. 60068 (Telephone: 299-4411). odism is on fire" there. statistics do not reflect individual re- Subscription, and Advertising Of- of actions unless impact and influence Business, • Bishop Eleazar Guerra Mexico fices: 201 Eighth Ave., South, Nashville, City reported that more than 400 per- are translated into positive action. Tenn. 37203 (Telephone: Chapel 2-1621 ) .

sons out of 1,000 attending Aldersgate Latest figures reveal that during 1962 TOGETHER is published monthly by The „.'•• Methodist Publishing House at services in Gante Church reconse- membership in The Methodist Church ."JSK;. 201 Eighth Ave., South, Nash- crated their lives. showed a gain of less than 1 percent, o\fl|ilT/» ville 3, Tenn., where second- 'j£*?«* class postage has been paid. • Between 7,000 and 8,000 per- and for the fourth straight year the year in advance, sin- sons attended an Aldersgate rally in number of persons admitted to the Subscriptions: $5 a gle copy 50tf. TOGETHER Family Plan Johannesburg, South Africa. They church on profession of faith was group subscriptions through Methodist down. churches (based on full church member- represented all racial groups in the ship recorded in conference minutes) : church. Nevertheless, Harold L. Hermann of Number of Annual Billed Members Rate Quarterly (3) • In the U.S., the observance took The Methodist Board of Evangelism 10 to 19% $3.12 78* each 20 to $2.76 69<2 each believes "a awareness of the 29% many forms, ranging from small group staff new 30% or more $2.52 63g each grouped and submitted meetings to festivals and outdoor ser- place and power of lay people in the Fewer than 10% through the church office: $3.96 a year, vices. deepening Christian experience is cash with order. clearly evident." Change of Address: Five weeks advance new Accomplishments: Bishop Gerald Urging his area to keep the spirit notice is required. Send old and addresses and label from current issue to H. Kennedy of Los Angeles, chairman of Aldersgate alive, Bishop Fred G. Subscription Office. the Ad- Holloway of Charleston, W.Va., says: Advertising: For rates, write to of the special committee of bishops vertising Department. assisting in development of the year's "Evangelism is not a convenience of Manuscripts: Authors should enclose post- age for return—and address all editorial the calendar but a command of Christ. correspondence to Editorial Department. • See Special Report—Methodists in Poland, April, 1962, pane 35. —Eds. If Aldersgate renewed our concern for

Together /December 1963 The Ultimate In

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would be achieved by reducing the unity in the board itself, for fuller number of approaches by the board. unity in missionary service to churches • Local Woman's Societies of Chris- in the United States and around the tian Service and Wesleyan Service world, and for more effective mission- Guilds would be strengthened by more ary education and cultivation. intensive leadership training by the "It should be emphasized that in all Woman's Division and by providing of the contemplated changes the more opportunities for women's par- values and heritage of Methodist ticipation in the board's work. women's work are to be preserved. • Increased participation by board Women are to be guaranteed a mini- members in policy-making operations. mum of 40 percent of the executive • The board's new overseas admin- staff positions, and the number of istrative division would set up a plan women on board membership will be for channeling the techniques and increased." skills of other national Methodist agencies in such fields as stewardship, Methodist-EUB Commissions evangelism, and Christian education Adopt Plan of Church Union to Methodist and Methodist-related plan of union churches overseas. A of The Methodist Bishop Richard C. Raines of Indian- Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church has been adopted apolis, Ind., president of the board, by representatives of the two denomina- said, "This new plan provides for fuller tions. The merged body would be "The United Methodist Church." The denominations' commissions STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, meeting in Chicago drafted a constitu- MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULA- tion for the new church which has TION, OCTOBER I, 1963, (as re- quired by act of October 23, 1962; been distributed to leaders of both section 4369, Title 39, United States bodies for study and comment. TOGETHER, published Code) of A joint meeting of the commissions monthly at 201 Eighth Avenue, South. is scheduled for December 12-13 in Nashville, Tennessee, with headquar- ters and business offices at same ad- Nashville, Tenn., to perfect the plan dress. of union. The plan will be considered by the Cecil D. Jones certifies that he is Vice- Methodist General Conference meet- President in Charge of Publishing of said publication and that the following ing in Pittsburgh, Pa., beginning April is to the best of his knowledge and 26, 1964, and by the EUB General true statement of ownership, belief, a Conference in 1966. Favorable action management and circulation of the aforesaid publication for the date by both bodies could bring The United shown in caption: Methodist Church into existence by 1. That the names and addresses of 1968. the publisher, editor and executive Charles C. Parlin, a New York City For Your Loved One, editor are: Publisher, Lovick Pierce, Nash- Methodist and chairman of the union For Your Church ville, Tennessee drafting committee, said that under Editor, Leland D. Case, Chicago, the proposed grouping the work of the Illinois EUB Church in Ontario would be re- Memorial Bells by Schulmerich® Executive Editor, Richard C. Un- ringing out in loving memory—what derwood, Park Ridge, Illinois lated to the Methodist Northeastern is the Board of a beautiful, lasting tribute to your 2. That the owner Jurisdiction. EUB churches in Mani- Publication of The Methodist loved one! What a unique and won- toba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Church, Inc. d/b/a The Methodist British Columbia would be part of the derful gift for your church! Inspiring Publishing House. said. pure-toned Schulmerich Bells are the 3. That there are no bondholders, Western Jurisdiction, he mortgages or security holders. Under the plan, the seven EUB finest you could possibly give . . . the 4. That the printing and circula- bishops would be assigned as follows: standard of excellence . . . and there tion is as follows: two to the Northeastern Jurisdiction; is a choice to fit every church, grand Total number of copies printed or small. Schulmerich Bells make a Average for preceding 12 months two to North Central; and one each to 801 ,250 most gratifying gift, too, given in Southeastern, South Central, and Single issue nearest filing date your name ... in your own time. Western. The Methodist procedure of 790,000 electing and assigning bishops would Appropriate plaque if you wish. Paid Circulation— Write for information and brochure. Average for preceding 12 months be followed in the new church. 740,745 The plan would continue the Meth- Single issue nearest filing date odist Central Jurisdiction, with The SCHULMERICH 704.409 Methodist Church's provisions working CARILLONS, INC. Sales through agents or dealers none toward its abolition. 3 1 1 23 CARILLON HILL • SELLERSVILLE, PA. Free distribution A Council on Ecumenical Affairs Average for preceding 12 months a unique feature of the proposed new 44,323 — for Single issue nearest filing date church "shall declare and work World's Most Honored Name in 36,662 the Church Universal, and interpret Carillons, Bells, Chimes Total number of copies distrib- The United Methodist Church in the uted light of the New Testament, church Average for preceding 12 months •T.M. Schulmerich Carillons Inc. 785,068 history, and its relationship to ecumen- Single issue nearest filing date ical councils, agencies, and move- 741,071 ments." A compromise was made in the plan

Together / December 1963 UPCOMING EVENTS Of Interest to Methodists Everywhere Planning a Florida vacation? DECEMBER COME, ENJOY REAL FAMILY FUN 1 — First Sunday in Advent, Commit- ment Sunday, conclusion of nation- / at Miami Beach's distinctive wide Aldersgate Evangelistic Mis- ^^\ sion. 1-8—Universal Bible Week. 8—Universal Bible Sunday. 4 1 9-13 —Meeting of Curriculum Com- %3tty%rvo\I © mittee, Methodist Board of Edu- Dr. Ralph W. Mitchell, President cation, Nashville, Tenn. * NO ALCOHOLIC 24— 179th anniversary of convening of 227 LUXURIOUS UNITS BEVERAGES the Christmas Conference at Lovely Complete Facilities for Convention Groups Lane Chapel, Md., at which the % ic PRIVATE OCEAN Methodist Episcopal DAILY in the Church was or- BEACH MEDITATION HOUR hotel's own chapel ganized. • Free social program nightly • Weekly Literature and 25—Christmas Day. 100% * Arts Series (in cooperation with the University of Miami) 29—Student Recognition Day. AIR-CONDITIONED • Splash parties • Putting green 31 -Jan. 3 —Christmas Conference for HUGE FRESH Young Preachers, Denver, Colo. * • Free self-parking 31 — New Year's Eve or Watch Night. WATER POOL

DECEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS M » HflllX ' for selecting district superintendents. DECEMBER 9 — Opening of Concert Season with George Methodist bishops appoint their super- Beverley Shea CHRISTMAS WEEK — Dr. Paul S. Rees, Vice President - « - - - - * '!!>" i intendents, while the superintendents of World Vision, speaker at daily morning Chapel Service in the EUB Church are elected by SPECIAL LOW CHRISTMAS WEEK RATES! annual conferences. The plan calls for $85 per person for 7 days (57 out of 227 rooms) superintendents to be appointed by bishops "with the consent (vote) of For Color Brochure and Reservations, write- the annual conferences." George W. Anderson, Mgr., Biltmore Terrace Hotel, Dept. GT Both church bodies cany on exten- sive work in Germany. EUB Bishop OCEANFRONT AT 87th STREET • MIAMI BEACH 54 • FLORIDA Reuben H. Mueller of Indianapolis, Ind., a recent visitor to Germany, said that both denominations there show an eagerness for the proposed union. The new German church would be named "Evangelische Methodistsche Freikirche"—literally, "Evangelical Methodist Free Church." Copies of the Plan of Union may be obtained by writing Mr. Parlin, 20 Exchange Place, New York, N.Y., 10005.

Church Joins EUB WMC; What a Union Moves Spotlighted Wonderful The Evangelical United Brethren Gift for Church became a part of the World Someone Methodist Council at a meeting of the You Love YVMC Executive Committee in Stutt- gart, Germany. Also granted member- ship was the Methodist Church of Nigeria, bringing the number of af- Sensational filiated denominations in YVMC to 20. pp Assurances were given the United Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia NIAGARA "World's Fair Chair that it would be eligible for mem- Fatigue Tension With bership consideration when certain Fights Pain, And

Heat and Cyclo-Massage" Action Dept R 6 2. Adamsville. Pa. union movements are completed. NIAGARA THERAPY CORP., EUB Bishop Reuben H. Mueller of FEATURED at the Seattle World's Fair. Built into each ruggedly handsome lounger MILLIONS OF PEOPLE... THOUSANDS OF DOCTORS Indianapolis, Ind., speaking of the is Niagara's famous "Cyclo-Massage" action. ...have discovered this dynamic new concept of and instantly you feel proposed merger of the EUB Church Relax, turn the dial, body care. You can get this information FREE. "moving heat" radiating Methodist Church, pointed Niagara's patented and The through your body on waves of a penetrating [Bishop Francis] Asbury horizontally, vertically and out, "Had massage. Working Name motion, you feel Niagara's been able to provide German-speak- in a circular Cycloid® action begin to loosen stiff aching to sup- ing preachers and the funds joints, tight muscles and taut nerves until Address port them, we would have been Meth- pain, tension and fatigue seem to ease right out of your body. What a gift for arthritis odists from the start." and rheumatism sufferers! Get all the facts. City Zone State Organic union is not the immediate Mail coupon today! Pa. objective between the Methodist NIAGARA THERAPY CORP., Adamsville,

L December 1 963 \ Together —

Church of Great Britain and the Church of England, said Princi- pal Harold Roberts, who heads the British Methodist Committee in its negotiations. The first stage is that of intercommunion, Dr. Roberts said the freedom of members to communi- cate and of ministers to preach and administer the Sacraments in either church. (Voting on the proposed merger is not expected until at least March, 1965.) The status of merger proposals in- volving other overseas Methodists is: • Australia—Methodists are "very near union with Presbyterians and Congregationalists." • New Zealand—Negotiations are William Harrelson (center) was presented a car by Hyde Park Methodist Church in "far on the way to completion" for a Tampa, Fla., in recognition of his 25 years of service as custodian. His daughter union similar to that in Australia. received a one-year scholarship to Gihbs Junior Collge, St. Petersburg. Hyde Park • Jamaica—Encouraging consulta- pastor Harold E. Buell is at left, W. P. Key, official board chairman, at right. tions are reported. • Merger proposals in India and Afri- Julie Zaugg and Betty Ann Poole of Following their first arrest, the three ca added to the evidence that the the Chicago area and Catherine Han- girls were released from jail on bond trend toward union is worldwide. nah, a Negro of Carthage, Miss. All provided by the Methodist Board of Bishop Fred Pierce Corson of Phila- attend Tougaloo Southern Christian Christian Social Concerns and the delphia, Pa., WMC president and a College in Tougaloo, near Jackson. Woman's Division Methodist observer at the Vatican of Christian Ser- On a later Sunday, four ministers vice. Council in 1962, commented: "The and the girls, along with a Methodist Bromley Garner, a pattern of Pope John's conduct toward John Tougaloo layman and attorney, Leland Rayson faculty member arrested with the all Christians was strikingly similar of near Chicago, tried to worship in group, also was released on bond. to John Wesley's proposals for Chris- two groups, one at Capitol Street tian Protestant-Roman Catholic rela- Church and the other at Galloway tions." Hope Gives $300,000 to SMU Memorial Methodist. Three went to WMC leaders in a resolution voiced Comedian Bob Hope has given Galloway as guests of one of the mem- strong opposition to discrimination in $300,000 toward the construction of bers and were inside the church when any form. Race prejudice is "world- a $l-million theater on the Southern arrested. wide," the statement said, and Meth- Methodist University campus in Dal- Those who went to Capitol Street odists everywhere are called "to peni- las, Texas. The theater will be named Methodist did not gain admittance, tence for their failure to exercise the for Hope. [Watch for article entitled but were arrested on the steps. At- Christian ministry of reconciliation." The House (Bob) Hope Helped Build torney Rayson, along with William in London, February 1964.] Kunstler, represented the group and Attempts to Integrate attempted to get the case into federal Methodist Information Churches Result in Arrests court under a little-known federal law Head white — Attempts to integrate two which permits federal jurisdiction if Will Retire Successor Named Methodist churches in Jackson, Miss., local laws are being misused in a de- Dr. Ralph Stoody of New York City, resulted in arrests of four white Meth- nial of civil rights. general secretary of the Commission odist ministers and a layman from The Chicago ministers are Elmer on Public Relations and Methodist In- Chicago and the second arrests of Dickson, Donald Walden, Joseph A. formation, will retire April 19, 1964. three co-eds from a college near Jack- Buckles, and Gerald Forshey. James son. A. Reed, a fifth Chicago Methodist The young women, attempting to pastor, accompanied the group to attend Sunday worship services at the Jackson but was not arrested. Capitol Street Methodist Church, were The Rev. Stanley Hallett, a Meth- arrested and later sentenced to one odist minister and executive secretary year in jail for trespassing. They are of the Church Federation of Greater Chicago's department of church plan- ning, had earlier accompanied the three girls to the Capitol Street Anniversary of Methodism Church, but they were turned away The Association of Methodist and not arrested. Dr. Stoody Dr. West Historical Societies is urging Bishop Marvin Franklin of Jackson Methodists to observe the 179th and the ministers of the two churches, Commission president, Bishop Eugene anniversary of the founding of the Rev. W. J. Cunningham and the M. Frank of St. Louis, Mo., announced Methodist Church in The Rev. Seth Granberry, said they had that Dr. Stoody's successor will be Dr. America. asked the police not to come to the Arthur West of Evanston, 111., director Sunday, January 5, 1964, has church property or enter the buildings. of the commission's Chicago office. been selected as the day for ob- They and Jackson District Superin- Soon after Methodist unification the of the serving the anniversary established in 1940 tendent J. W. Leggett asked police to commission was 1784 Christmas Conference in drop the charges against the Chicago with Dr. Stoody as its director. Under Baltimore, Md. ministers, but said the police were un- his 23-year guidance, offices have willing to do so. been established in New York,

Together /December 1963 CENTURY CLUB Eiglit Methodists who have READ THE BEST... had 100 or more birthdays join the Together Century Club this BOOKS FROM month. They are: COKESBURY Mrs. Hassie Vaughn, 100, Cum- ming, Ca. Mrs. M. E. Betts, 100, Haskell, Texas. Mrs. Anna E. James, 100, Tujunga, Calif. Mrs. Frank E. Mason, 101, McCune, Kans. Mrs. Jane Effinger, 100, Buffalo, The Shoes N.Y. Mrs. Florence Lambert Curney, 100, Brockton, Mass. John F. Dague, 100, Hiawatha, Kans. Crain, their William Maurice 100, of Augusta, III.

In nominating a person for the Century Club, please give his or her present address, birth date, Fisherman and where the nominee has church membership.

BY MORRIS L. WEST Chicago, Nashville, and Washington,

D.C. In addition, 31 episcopal areas Cokesbury is proud to recommend this magnificent new novel lor your have Methodist Information offices. reading pleasure. Bishop Gerald Kennedy in a review in this magazine's The commission granted Dr. "Browsing in Fiction" section, tells what a great experience it was for Stoody's request for retirement on his him to read a book that has something of the art of fiction within it and yet reveals the authentic mark of a creator of character. He further 68th birthday, April 19. states his belief that one of the greatest dangers in our civilization is the Dr. West, 53, a member of the Mis- dehumanization of human life and one of our greatest needs is to recover souri East Conference, has been in the sense of the wonder and value of people. the Chicago office for 15 charge of Cokesbury is pleased to join Bishop Kennedy in recommending the years. An associate secretary of the reading of this fine book—a novel in the more classical sense and not by commission, he previously worked on coincidence, one about the Church. This is only one of the hundreds of several newspapers and served pastor- outstanding selections to be found in the pages of the 1963-64 Cokesbury ates in Missouri, Massachusetts, Rhode Book Catalog and on the shelves of your nearest Cokesbury Book Store. Fill in the order form below mail it today! postpaid. $4.95 Island, and Maine. and (MW) 1963-64 COKESBURY Bishop John Gowdy Dies BOOK CATALOG Retired Methodist Bishop John

This all new book catalog is a book about books . . all Gowdy, 93, died September 9 in Win- kinds of books . . . something for every member of ter Park, Fla. the family from the youngest child to the oldest mem- There arc selections for personal enjoyment or to bishop in ber. Prior to his election to for outstanding gifts . . . everything from Bible.-, 1930 at Nanking, China, he served as newest fiction is included. Why not send for your FREE 1963-64 COKESBURY BOOK CATALOG president of Anglo-Chinese College COPY of the and see for yourself. Fill in the coupon below and University (1904-1923) and Fukien mail it now! (1923-1926), both in Foochow, person .it these Cokesbury Stores China. Shop in Detroit Portland San Francisco Los Angeles Dallas Chicago Kansas City after serving as York Boston He retired in 1940 Cincinnati Nashville Atlanta Richmond Baltimore Pittsburgh New a Methodist Episcopal Church mis- 'Order from the Regional Service Center serving your area'" sionary in China since 1902.

Adopts 'Second Mile Crusade' The Methodist Board of Lay Ac- K^okeshury tivities at its annual meeting in Chica- 1910 Mom Street 1661 North Northwest Highway Fifth and Grace Streets go, 111., adopted a new "Second Mile Virginia Dallas 1, Texas Ridge, Illinois Richmond 16, personalized giving to Park Crusade" of 85 McAllister Street West Tryon and Wren 201 Eighth Avenue, South specific projects. The three phases of Tennessee San Francisco 2, California Teaneck, New Jersey Nashville 3, the crusade, which will be emphasized in some 15,000 Methodist Men clubs Please send me the following ytnent Encl books as indicated below: Charge To My Account in the United States, are: Q The Shoes of the Fish- Open A New Account 1. A radio program with a new for- erman, by Morris L. Add sales tax ic/iere it applies mat that will differ from the Methodist West (MW) postpaid, $4.95 Men Hour. Send to Free copy of the 1963-64 for liter- Street or RFD 2. Christian literature new Cokesbury Book Cata-

I I State ates in overseas missions. log City 3. Continuation of the project of

December 1 963 \Together providing books for Alaska Methodist N.C.; Dean Jose Miguez-Bonino of University library. the Evangelical Theological School, An 18-member crusade committee Buenos Aires, Argentina; and the Rev. will be named to direct the new pro- David A. Keighley of the British gram. Methodist Church in Italy. The board will petition the 1964 change its General Conference to Survey Shows Suburban Areas name to "General Board of the Laity." Are Not Being Overchurched The change is proposed, a board spokesman explained, because "it is Contrary to popular belief, a survey more in keeping with current new made by the National Council of interest in understanding the role of Churches shows suburban areas are the laity in the church." not being overchurched. They may not be getting their proportionate Methodist Membership Gains share of new congregations, the survey Less Than One Percent shows. The interdenominational study of The Methodist Church's member- Protestant church extension was made ship in the United States grew less over a three-year period. "Perhaps the than 1 percent in 1962-63, according most unexpected finding was that the to statistics compiled by the Meth- Hotel Knickerbocker in Hollywood, denominations reported that only 28 odist Council on World Service and Calif., has been acquired by Pacific percent of their new congregations Finance, Evanston, 111. Membership Arizona Homes, a Southern California- were located in the metropolitan sub- now totals 10,234,986, as compared Methodist Conference agency. It wel- urbs," it was stated. "Protestantism with 10,153,003 last year. comes permanent and transient guests. is not putting all its new church eggs On the other hand, contributions in the suburban basket." increased nearly $17.5 million to a More Delegate-Observers A survey by the Division of National total of $598,980,812. At Vatican 2nd Session Missions of the Methodist Board of The membership figure includes 28,- of non-Roman Catholic Missions (June 1, 1958, to May 31, 697 ordained ministers—86 more than The number delegate-observers and guests at- 1961) showed approximately the same last year—but does not include 1,780,- findings: 526 preparatory members (baptized tending the Second Vatican Council's "Only 142, or 29 percent, of the new children). second session showed a 50 percent congregations were started in the There was a drop of nearly 90,000 increase over the first session. Among the 60 delegate-observers and guests suburbs of cities [50,000 population in church school membership, going were 17 from the United States. and over]. However, the population from 6,926,780 last year to 6,837,464 Named by the World Methodist of suburbs grew 49 percent in the last this year. The average Sunday atten- Council as observers were: Bishop 10 years. Considering both percent- dance dropped some 56,000—down to Fred P. Corson of Philadelphia, Pa., ages, the popular impression that 3,685,049. president; Prof. Albert C. Out- church extension is primarily and al- Membership in the Woman's Society WMC ler of Southern Methodist University, most exclusively a suburban phenome- of Christian Service and Methodist Dallas, Texas; and the Rev. Harold non is not substantiated." Men clubs likewise decreased slightly. Roberts, head of Richmond Theo- Even the idea of some critics that The Woman's Society has 1,718,986 logical College in England. suburban churches are "religious coun- members in 30,514 groups. Methodist Substitutes named by were: try clubs" is being revised. One such Men have 402,317 members in 14,538 WMC Dean Robert E. Cushman of Duke critic has said: clubs. University Divinity School, Durham, "Gone were the days of creedless, The estimated value of land, church buildings, and equipment increased $188.5 million—to $3,349,223,840.

Crusade Scholarship Program Sponsors 77 Students in U.S. The international Crusade Scholar- ship program of The Methodist Church is sponsoring 77 students from 20 countries in American col- leges and universities during the 1963-64 academic year. Entering its 18th consecutive year, the program has trained about 1,400 persons from almost 60 countries for top-level leadership. In addition to the students in the U.S., 20 Crusade Scholars are study- ing in other countries, making a total of 97 in the program. The Crusade Scholarship program is financed from two sources—a por- tion of the receipts from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering taken during Lent; and appropriations by Architect's drawing shows $1.7 million edifice which will be built at the present the Woman's Division of Christian location of First Church, Springfield, III. Space for episcopal headquarters for the Service of the Board of Missions. Illinois Area will be made available to Bishop Edwin Edgar Voigt by the church.

10 Together / December 1963 MAILED TO YOU WITH FACTS ABOUT

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December 1 963 Wocgthgr merely gregarious Christian Clubs, and in their place—in response to criticism —were more and more parochial units that consciously wanted to be measured by the timeless norms of Christian life."

Youth Urged to Seek Out Own Ideas About Minority Groups Methodist youth at the National Conference of the Methodist Youth Fellowship in Evansville, Ind., were urged by their president, Leslie Parish of Corpus Christi, Texas, to discard "public myths" concerning minority groups which lead to prej- udices. He further urged them to form their own attitudes through personal encounter. 'You must suffer the confusion of thorough questioning and the pain of radically open encounter before you break through the barriers that prevent Christian brotherhood," Mr. Parish said. Young people must "assume the burden of understanding how myths have invaded (their) attitudes," he emphasized.

Methodists in the News Lewis O. Price of Montour Falls, N.Y., a lay missionary in the Philip- pines, has been named vice-president Sharing; God's Word... of Philippine Wesleyan College at Cabanatuan City.

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12 Together /December 1963 A Time for Decision

Little Lessons in Spiritual Efficiency No. 745/ By ROY L. SMITH

o NE OF THE most influential men in our lems. Most of us find it necessary to rt new the community was the speaker for our luncheon basic decision many times; but each time that

club. The theme of the meeting was the place we renew it, we again bring order into the midst of the church in the life of the city. of the confusion in our lives. "In the more than 40 years that I have been Again we are approaching a new reun It will a resident of this city," he said, "I have been be well to start it with fresh thinking—our own called upon to make hundreds of decisions, some thinking, not other persons' prejudices and biases of diem involving considerable sums of money, or their mistaken opinions and jiidgiranfcs. Let's and others concerning public policies of great make our own decisions and pray our own importance. But as the first word of my address prayers. Let's confide in God as we would in an today, I want to make a solemn statement. intimate friend. "The most important and creative decision I Let's be independent and honest in our re- have ever made came in mij 19th year when I ligious faith. Preachers, theologians, spiritual decided to join the church. It lias paid me the experts, and teachers can guide us, but our salva- biggest dividends of any judgment at which I tion depends upon our being absolutely honest ever arrived." in our own minds and with God. The speaker did not mention that the church Faith is not a blind submission to anything of Jesus Christ is not perfect. It is imperfect that happens in the belief that it is God's will. because we who make up the church are not Rather, faith is a confident going-out to meet faultless. life with the assurance that God strengthens us There are times when each of us is critical of for the greatest challenge. the church. The preaching may seem extremely So, after having decided to gain new strength slow in supporting reforms. To some of us, the and inspiration, let us, as we approach the new church appears to be cowardly or reactionary. year, give thanks: the risen To others, it seems to verge dangerously near to For the church of Christ. radicalism or heresy. For the institution that asks the least for itself, But, as the famed Methodist missionary, Dr. and the most for those in need, of any organized E. Stanley Jones, has said, "The church has many body in our community. it holds a perfect example critics, but no rivals." The Christian church has For the fact that up survived betrayals, mistakes in judgment, hypoc- before imperfect people, that it has accomplished so With people SO imperfect. risy, contentions—all sorts of human errors and much For the radius its concerns which reach sins. We can keep on criticizing the church—but of world all people, for the meat let us help correct it in our devotion to it. around the for dreams over its achievements. This brings us to the question of decision. advance of its it that was Many persons are church members, yet they have For the fact that points to a life Nazareth rather than a philoso- not made the vital decision to accept Christ as lived by Jesus of someone has contrived. dieir guide under all circumstances. Those who phy which For millions who turn to it. if at no other decide resolutely to let our Lord guide them dis- the than on a single Faster Sunday. cover that their uncertainties and confusions time For youths who submit themselves to its evaporate. the one hour every week. This does not mean that we can forget prob- teachings For the fact that it calls us to crosses and not truth, to couches; for its alliance uith justice, had been Scveral Little Lessons in Spiritual Efficiency mercy, and goodwill. prepared by Dr. Smith prior to his death Uut April. material as long at it u Together will continue to use his For the promise of the Holy Spirit with which available. —Eoitors it is empowered in every generation.

i

December 1 963 \ Together "

Ignoring Gods blessings while we are wrapped up in our self-centered interests stamps ingratitude as The Most Popular Sin

By RALPH W. SOCKMAN Pastor-Emeritus. Christ Church (Methodist), New York City

vJOME 60 YEARS ago, Charles F. Aked, minister Androcles and the lion. No doubt the story is familiar of New York's Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, declared through the literary portrayal of it by George Bernard that "the most popular sin in the world" seems to be Shaw and others. But perhaps not so well known are ingratitude. By the term "popular," he meant preva- the words which Aesop added to the fable: "Gratitude lent rather than admired or well liked. Dr. Aked is the sign of noble souls." went on to say, "It is one of the worst crimes in the A fine nature feels grateful for the goodwill which big, black catalog of wrongdoing." lurks below the surface of so many ordinary, daily, In his scathing denunciation of ingratitude, this personal contacts and for the unlabeled kindnesses modern Christian minister was in line with the Stoic which rise above the line of duty even in our hard, philosopher Seneca, a contemporary of Jesus, who competitive society. To little courtesies and considera- wrote: "Ingratitude is, of all crimes, that which we are tions, and even to larger benefits, a coarse person is to account the most venial in others and the most un- blind. pardonable in ourselves." Why is the sin of ingratitude so prevalent? Perhaps one reason is that it is not painted in such lurid colors Y.ES,E AND ingratitude is due also to lack of humility. as some other sins, like murder, theft, or adultery. Many of us become so filled with a sense of our own The boy away at school, who receives his father's importance that we take everything that is done for us money and his mother's messages without writing for as if it were our due. We develop a creditor complex, weeks or months, very probably does not stop to think and many of us look upon others as owing us more how heavy the hearts of his parents are made by his than we are getting. We bemoan the poor values we neglect. get for our money. We denounce the government for Also, ungratefulness may be due to lack of imagina- the heaviness of our taxes, forgetting that, despite the tion. A young son or daughter leaves the parental extravagance and wastefulness of governmental or- home to make a living in the city. Engrossed in ac- ganizations, most of us are not fully paying for the tivities and pleasures, the youth does not take pains to freedoms and securities we enjoy. picture how the parents, in some quieter place or per- And as for our indebtedness to God, we are prone haps on the shelf of inactivity, wait for letters. to forget about him in the midst of what we think we Perhaps such neglect seems a rather pale sort of sin, have done for ourselves. The early Hebrew lawmakers but it bears resemblance to the inattention condemned understood man's tendency to ingratitude. In the by Jesus in his picture of the last judgment. A follower eighth chapter of Deuteronomy is this counsel to the of Christ is expected to note human needs, and a pioneers of Israel:

thoughtful, decent, kind person does see them. "Take heed . . . lest, when you have eaten and are

Moreover, ingratitude may spring from a lack of full, and have built goodly houses and live in them . . .

sensitivity. Some persons do not have the fineness of and your silver and gold is multiplied . . . then your nature to appreciate the niceties of life and to feel heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God.

the moods of others. A gentleman has been defined as . . . Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and one who never puts his rights before the feelings of the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' others or his feelings before the rights of others. But This proneness to forget God as the giver of our the coarse-grained fellow is not likely to notice the blessings increases with the methods of modern living. little favors and courtesies accorded him by others or to feel the hurts and disappointments caused by his own failure to show appreciation. Condensed from Dr. Ralph W. Sockman's latest book. Whom Christ Commended. Copyright © 196} by Abingdon Press. Aesop sharpened this point in his oft-told fable of

14 Together /December 1963 More and more, we are leaving the soil for city, the his life and being. Those who say that religion is bom thus removing ourselves from the firsthand reminders out of fear forget that human nature feels an ingrained of our dependence on God. Living and working amidst necessity to give thanks at some times. things, man-made we forget the forces of fertility. Recently I was on an airplane when the captain an- Instead of being humbly grateful to God and our nounced that our landing gear was out of order. As fellowmen for what they have us, done for we seem to we circled around for almost an hour, I felt fear. I be increasingly fearful and fretful about what men will prayed to God. We were told to put our heads down to us. do between our knees. I found that required more effort Among the various causes of ingratitude, perhaps than when I was a boy, but the posture added to the the most prolific is greed. Recall another of Aesop's intensity of my praying! When finally we came down fables. A wolf had been gorging on an animal which to a safe landing, a surge of gratitude engulfed my he had killed. A bone became stuck in his throat. He spirit which was more truly religious than my petitions groaned and howled for help. At last, a crane agreed for safety when aware of peril. to try. "I would give anything if you would take it There is the seed of gratitude in every human breast, out," cried the wolf. The crane put his long neck down however hardhearted. There is an impulse to be thank-

the wolf's throat and pulled out the bone. ful, just as there is an impulse in the lark to sing. It When the crane asked for his reward, die wolf may be muted. It may be neglected nearly to the grinned and showed his teeth, saying: "Be content. point of decay. But it is there, and this seed of grate- You have just put your head inside a wolf's mouth and fulness must be cultivated if a person is to become taken it out again in safety; that ought to be reward healthy. enough for you." At the end of the fable, Aesop put Gratitude is a visibly self-rewarding virtue. It makes these words: "Gratitude and greed go not together." for happiness. It inspires the mind with lively im- In the Gospel record, only one of the 10 cleansed pressions and tends to beget an habitual cheerfulness

lepers went back to thank the healer. Probably present- unknown to those who have it not. day physicians could not testify to such a low per- If gratitude is so necessary to health and happiness,

centage. Many of my medical friends show me gen- how can it be cultivated? One suggestion is a better erous gifts from their "GPs"—their grateful patients. use of the resources of memory. Contemporary Chris- But when we survey in broad perspective the gratitude tianity has been emphasizing faith and hope to the given in proportion to benefits received, perhaps Dr. neglect of memory. We might learn a bit of wisdom Aked was right in calling ingratitude the most popular from the Persian vizier who is reported to have had —that is, the most prevalent—sin in the world. in his palace a room called the "chamber of memory" Having considered the causes of ingratitude, we in which he would spend an hour each day reminding now ask, Why is it so sinful? himself how much he owed to those who had gone It may seem a bit strange that Jesus should call before him. attention to the nine lepers who did not return to Henry Nelson Wieman once suggested that, just thank him. He had taught that his followers should as the devout Roman Catholic has a string of beads serve without looking for reward. He had counseled: called a rosary to keep track of his prayers, so each of "When you give alms, do not let your left hand know us should make a mental rosary of his most precious what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may memories, including the beauty he has seen, the fel- be in secret" (Matthew 6:3-4). lowship he has enjoyed, and the varied good gifts Certainly Jesus did not condemn the nine and com- which life has brought. Of course we need no visible mend the grateful one because he desired praise for beads, but we should run over these memories and himself. He was pointing to the basic iniquity of in- give thanks to God for each separate favor. gratitude. It is a trait which we abhor when it really becomes apparent to us. The ungrateful child who stir among our memories, we leaves his parents to poverty or suffering while he goes w„'HEN our minds feel deeply grateful for the blessings we take on to pleasure and comfort; the ingrate who accepts begin to this land so "beautiful for pilgrim feet, hospitality and help without any effort to repay; the for granted in impassioned stress a thoroughfare for free- fellow who receives the favors of a friend and says whose stern the wilderness." belittling things behind his back—such persons are dom beat across start counting our mental rosary of despicable. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, in The School And when we blessings, our memories go back to the Christian for Scandal, makes a character say: "When ingratitude which, through the centuries, has been trying barbs the dart of injury, the wound has double danger church to lead us in the paths of righteousness and point the in it." life everlasting. And back of the church What makes the deed of Judas Iscariot the symbol of way to the the we see the Christ who laid down his life that we might sin's deepest thrust? It was that he had been and who triumphed over death, thus demonstrat- trusted recipient of Jesus' highest favors. We may live that goodness is too great for the grave. And back rationalize Judas' act as his misguided judgment in ing of die Christ is the heavenly Father who so loved the trying to force Jesus to show his latent power, but the world that he gave his only Son to redeem us. fact of his ingratitude remains. in the A silent Vermont farmer on his golden wedding In a sense, gratitude is the source of religion in God anniversary is reported to have broken into speech soul. Only a grateful person really believes and to have said to his wife: "Sarah, I have loved you because he alone acknowledges God as the source of

December 1 963 \ Together so much that sometimes I could hardly keep from tell- ing you." Love can be kept like that for a long time in a deep freeze of silence, but it loses the rich flavor of romance. And the silence may prove tragic, as in the case of Thomas Carlyle, who loved his wife but did not appre- Retired ciate the fine quality of her affection and did not ex- press his gratitude for her rich contribution to his own work. After her death, when the tears of regret and sorrow gushed through his gaunt fingers, he cried: "If I had only known." Recently a couple nearing the rocks of divorce re- ported to me their visit to a psychiatrist. He told them that they had been harboring their resentments. Sup- pose they had been husbanding their gratitude. Where husband and wife cultivate the art of expressing ap- preciation to each other, there is less likelihood of run- ning to professionals for family counseling. Under the persecution of the first centuries, the fol- lowers of Christ did not go about in a mood of com- plaint, pleading for pity and protection. They sang praises. They sang in prison. Even on the cross, Christ's last words came from psalms heard in his youth. Christianity has inspired more joyous praise than the other leading religions. Buddhism sings no hymns of utter joy. Its symbol is an idol that looks peaceful but impassive. Muhammadanism has little liturgy of praise. And George Buttrick asserts: "Incidentally, Protestantism has more outright thanksgiving than Romanism, as witness the hymns Luther sang before his conversion compared widi those he wrote and com- posed afterward; for Romanism still trusts in part to man's works of penance, while Protestantism leans on nothing but the sheer grace of God revealed in * Jesus." Note also that true Christians have discovered the deep sources of gratitude which physical sufferings cannot dry up. One of the most-used hymns of the Christian church is Martin Rinkart's Now Thank We All Our God. That hymn of the 17th century was com- posed after a war, famine, and pestilence by a minister who had buried so many loved ones that by the world's tests he should have fallen victim to morbid bitterness. Yet hear him:

Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices, Who ivondrous things hath done, In tvhom His world rejoices; Who, from our mother's arms, Hath blessed us on our ivatj. With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

A person, a home, a nation, a church cannot be made "well" unless it be grateful. Our praying should have less pleading and more praising. Ten lepers besought Christ to cleanse them. Only one came back to bless him. That grateful leper not only was made whole, but his spirit has been a healing force through the centuries.

* The Interpreter's Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1952), volume VIII, page 299.—Eds.

lt\ . But Still No. 1 By JAMES M. II ILL Managing Editor. Christian Advocate

R..ALPH W. Sockman is a living versary of the Pulpit program, with supposed to frown on eggheads, his contradiction. He has never preached Dr. Sockman as guest preacher. scholarly but personally persuasive for popularity—but his preaching has In the pulpit at Christ Church on radio sermons consistently brought made him the best-known preacher in New York's Park Avenue—now served him 5,000 letters a week from Ameri- 20th-century Methodism. Scholarly by Dr. Harold A. Bosley—Dr. Sock- can listeners of all faiths. and dignified, he does not appear the man preached to a congregation regu- In recent decades, while main Prot- type to actively involve himself in so- larly comprised of from 50 to 80 per- estant ministers turned more and more cial-action causes—yet during the cent visitors. "Hearing Sockman attention to church administration, Dr. Freedom March on Washington last preach" was as essential for a Method- Sockman continued to concentrate on August, there he was with the rest ist tourist in New York as a visit to preaching. "The churches today arc [see picture, November, page 4]. United Nations headquarters. Other better organized than they are pul- Even his retirement falls into this thousands were exposed to his warm pitized," he says. "I just happen to reverse pattern. It began two years ago blend of scholarship and personal think that there's more need for strong this month, but today, says his wife counsel through lectures, newspaper preaching than for administration."

Zellah, "He is busier than ever and columns, and more than 20 books. Today, he still is generally acknowl- loving every minute of it." These activities brought Dr. Sock- edged as the best Protestant preacher Still, there is a consistency about man fame extending far beyond the in the country. Admired by laymen, this man whom a parishioner said boundaries of his own denomination, he also has set a pattern for many fel- "looks like Adolphe Menjou but acts and might have tempted a lesser man low clergymen who now follow his like John Wesley." He always has to adapt his message to please the example and devote more time to spoken his mind, even when he knows largest possible audience. But in his study and less time to the office. He he is not backed by public opinion. 44-year ministry at Christ Church, his has become something of a legendary At the height of the "positive think- sermons consistently represented figure in a period of American history ing" craze that swept American Prot- American liberal theology at its best: which has been unusually hard on its estantism during the 1950s, Dr. Sock- realistic about society, confident about heroes, especially the religious ones. man declared: "The church must rise God, and hopeful that God can Dr. Sockman's skill in communica- above the current emphasis on religion work through man to improve society. tion is due in part to his amazing as security and revive its original gos- "In my seminary days," Dr. Sock- mastery of the English language. He pel of salvation." man recalls, "we preachers thought began early to develop this mastery. And before World War II, Dr. we were actually going to build God's As a farm boy in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Sockman—an ardent pacifist long ac- kingdom here on earth. Every kind ac- he got his first speaking experience tive in Methodist peace organizations tion was another brick in the struc- talking to the cows to keep up his —refused to use his influential pulpit ture." However, the sobering effect of courage as he brought them into the at Christ Church (Methodist) in New two world wars has focused this en- bam at night. Later, as a student at York City to wage a holy war against thusiasm more on man's need for God Ohio Wesleyan University, he joined the Germany and Japan. Even during the in his daily struggles. the debating team, and earned war, he cautioned: "Since we as a na- "Contemporary theology," he ob- coveted key of Phi Beta Kappa. real secret to his tion now are committed to the use of serves, "is not so optimistic about man But perhaps the of communication is his person force, let us use it in the spirit of as we were early in this century, and power approach. The discipline of police putting down international law- this is a good thing. But I am con centered millions has kept his lessness and not in a spirit of hatred." cenied that we not cut the nerve of speaking to radio the con- Time has proved him correct. social concern as we wait for God to message relevant to primary hearers. has his burn- Dr. Sockman has never had to resort act." [See What My Religion Means cerns of his He of course world peace to a popular-preacher image to retain to Me, October, 1957, page 10.] ing interests, — is one of them but no hobby horses a following. In a day when most radio Waiting is not characteristic of Dr. — messages. preaching jangled the nerves, his quiet Sockman, who presently serves as di- dominate his Methodists think of Ralph \V. Sock- voice sounded in millions of American rector of the Hall of Fame [see What in many ways. The more am- homes during his 33-year radio minis- Makes a Man Great? October, 1960, man bitious recall him as the man who try on the National Radio Pulpit. page 14], and is constantly on the road <>l three times turned down the oppor- In this way he reached an estimated lecturing and preaching. The Hall tunity to be elected a bishop. 5 million listeners weekly. Fame position gives him a base in Preachers who have served many That voice returned to the air this New York City and allows him to intrinsic val- churches marvel that he remained in fall when the National Broadcasting pursue his interest in the one for his entire ministry. Company celebrated the 40th anni- ue of each human spirit, but it has not Hut his listening and reading public- slowed his pace. His speaking schedule thinks of him best as the preacher is booked solid for three years! reflect his per- Thotnas E. Stephens' portrait of Another reason the Sockman image whose sermons always defiance sonal counseling philosophy: Dr. Sockman hangs in the first-floor is such a contradiction is his follow to "I believe in the Gospel of the lounge of the Interchurch Center of the rules some preachers In a culture which is second chance." at 475 Riverside Drive in New York. gain acceptance.

ta^^^^Mi\ a

My First Christmas Tree

By HAMLIN GARLAND, author of the "Middle Border" books

I WILL BEGIN by saying that we ly cultivated at this time, and our boots, our visored caps, and our never had a Christmas tree in our district schoolhouse, a bare little long woolen mufflers, started forth house in the Wisconsin coulee. But box, was set bleakly on the prairie; afoot defiant of the cold. We left we celebrated Christinas in those but the Burr Oak schoolhouse was the gate on the trot, bound for a days, always, and I cannot remem- not only larger but it stood beneath sight of the glittering unknown. The ber a time when we did not all great oaks as well and possessed snow was deep, and we moved side hang up our stockings for "Sandy the charm of a forest background by side in the grooves made by the

Claws" to fill. dirough which a stream ran swiftly hooves of the horses, setting our As I look back upon those days and silently. Here it was that I saw feet in the shine left by the broad it seems as if the snows were always my first Christmas tree. shoes of the wood sleighs whose deep, the night skies crystal clear, I walked to that tree across four going had smoothed the way for and the stars especially lustrous miles of moonlit snow. Snow? No, us. with frosty sparkles of blue and it was a floor of diamonds, a magi- yellow fire—and probably this was cal world, so beautiful that my so, for we lived in a northern land heart still aches with the wonder of ar UR breaths rose like smoke in where winter was usually stern and it and with the regret that it has all the still air. It must have been 10 always long. gone—gone with the keen eyes and below zero, but that did not trouble I recall one Christmas when the bounding pulses of the boy. us in those days, and at last we "Sandy" brought me a sled and a Our home at this time was a small came in sight of the lights, in sound horse that stood on rollers— frame house on the prairie; and as of the singing, the laughter, and the wonderful tin horse which I very it was too cold to take the horses merry bells of the feast. shortly split in two in order to see out, my brother and I, with our tall It was a poor little building with- what his insides were. Father out tower or bell, and its low walls traded a cord of wood for the sled, had but three windows on a side; and the horse cost 20r/—but they yet it seemed very imposing to me made the wonderful. that night as I crossed the threshold day READER'S CHOICE We had no chimney in our home, and faced the strange people who but the stocking-hanging was a As a restless youth on a Dakota packed it to the door. I say "strange homestead in the 1880s, Hamlin ceremony, nevertheless. My par- people" for, though I had seen most Garland was urged by a visiting ents, and especially my mother, of them many times, they all Methodist minister to go to Boston entered into it with the best of seemed somehow alien to me that to study—and, perhaps, write. humor. They always put up their Encouraged, and aided with letters night. own stockings or permitted us to of introduction. Garland began in I was an irregular attendant at a Boston attic a career that won do it for them—and they always Sunday school and did not expect him fame as an interpreter of laughed next morning when they a present. Therefore I stood against America's heartland—which he found potatoes or ears of corn in named the "Middle Border." The the wall and gazed with open-eyed them. I can see now that my minister, always remembered warm- marveling at the shining pine which mother's laugh had a tear in it, for ly by the author, was the Rev. stood where the pulpit was wont to James W. Bashford later a bishop she loved pretty things and seldom — be. in China. got any during the years that we I was made to feel the more In My First Christmas Tree, Gar- lived in the coulee. land captures the special aura of embarrassed by reason of the re- When I was 10 years old, we Christmas—a glow somehow the mark of a boy who accused me of moved to Mitchell County, an Iowa same in prairie schoolhouse or city having forgotten to comb my hair. apartment. Many thanks and a prairie land, and there our stock- This was not true, but the cap $25 check go to Richard Dunlop, ings always held toys of some sort, I wore always matted my hair down who suggested this story for and even my mother's stocking oc- Reader's Choice. It was copy- casionally sagged with a simple righted in 1911 by the Curtis piece of jewelry or a new comb or Publishing Company, first appeared "A lovely girl with a gentle in the Ladies' Home Journal, and brush. But the thought of a family smile handed him a bag of popcorn. is reprinted by special permission. tree remained the luxury of million- —EDS. When she came to me, saying sweetly, aire city dwellers. 'Here's something for you,' I had The land about us was only part- not words to thank her."

Toaether-/ December 1963 -

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getting along over my brow, and then, when I popcorn. My heart glowed with lifted it off, invariably disarranged gratitude. Somebody had thought it completely. Nevertheless I felt of us; and when she came to me, Together guilty—and hot. I don't suppose my saying sweetly, "Here's something hair was artistically barbered that for you," I had not words to thank night—I rather guess Mother had her. used the shears—and I can believe Her smile, her outstretched hand, that I looked the half-wild colt that her sympathetic eyes are vividly After a night of high winds and I was; but there was no call for that before me as I write. She was sorry snow, I was pleased to see at least youth to direct attention to my un- for the shock-headed boy who stood part of my primary class in place avoidable shagginess. against the wall, and her pity made Sunday morning. "I wasn't sure I'd I don't think the tree had many the little box of candy a casket of have class this morning," I re- a candles, and I don't remember that pearls. marked. it glittered with golden apples. But At last I had to take my final "I wasn't sure either," piped one it was loaded with presents, and glimpse of that wondrous tree, and little fellow. "But my mother said, the girls coming and going clothed I well remember the walk home. 'If that pickup can take the hounds in bright garments made me forget My brother and I traveled in word- all over the country tracking coy- own looks. I think I less companionship. The moon was otes through the snow, it can take my must have sinking us to church school.' So it did." stood agape for nearly two hours toward the west, and the —Mrs. Jerome Anderson, Craty, Ncbr. listening to the songs. snow crust gleamed with a million A furious jingling of bells, a loud fairy lamps. The sentinel watchdogs voice outside, the lifting of a win- barked from lonely farmhouses, and dow, and the nearer clash of bells, the wolves answered from the Our pastor has an idea which and the dear old Saint appeared ridges. Now and then, sleighs might well be followed by all par- clothed in a red robe, a belt of passed us with lovers sitting two ents of adopted children. The sleigh bells, and a long white beard. and two, and the bells on their child's regular birthday is ob- The children cried out, "Oh!" The horses had the remote music of ro- served in the usual manner—but a girls tittered and shrieked with ex- mance to us whose boots drummed special birthday celebration is held like clogs on each anniversary of her adop- citement, and the boys laughed and of wood upon the icy tion. Surely this makes the child feel clapped their hands. Then "Sandy" road. really wanted! made a little speech about being Our house was dark as we ap- —Mrs. Chester Merrill, Baresford, S.Dnk. glad to see us all, but as he had proached and entered it, but how many other places to visit, and as deliriously warm it seemed after there were a great many presents to the pitiless wind! I confess we made distribute, he guessed he'd have to straight for the cupboard for a During a recent stay in the ask some of the many pretty girls mince pie, a doughnut, and a bowl hospital, I was surprised by a visit to help him. So he called upon of milk! from a total stranger who cheer- Betty Burtch and Hattie Knapp As I write this there stands in my fully chatted with me for a pleasant library half hour. and I for one admired his taste, for a thick-branched, beautiful-

I thanked her for the visit, then they were among the most popular ly tapering fir tree covered with the asked what loved one she had in maids of the school. gold and purple apples of Hes- the hospital. perides, together with crystal ice "Oh, I don't have anyone here," points, green and red and yellow she answered smilingly. "It's just T,HEY came up blushing and a candles, clusters of gilded grapes, that I pass here every day on my little bewildered by the blaze of wreaths of metallic frost, and glit- way home from work, and I feel publicity thus blown upon them. tering angels swinging in ecstasy; guilty that I'm so healthy when But their native dignity asserted it- but I doubt if my children will ever there are so many sick folks. So, self, and the distribution of the know the keen pleasure (diat is I just drop in for a visit with any- one who wants me." presents began. I have a notion now almost pain) which came to my that the fruit the tree brother to On succeeding days I heard her upon was and me in those Christ- cheerful voice in the hall, and knew mostly bags of popcorn and "corny mas days when an orange was not that others were enjoying a visit copias" of candy, but as my brother a breakfast fruit but a casket of because of her good health and and I stood there that night and incense and of spice, and a message good heart. saw everybody, even the rowdiest from the sunlands of the South. —Loma G. Chandler, Shrevcport, La. boy, getting something we felt ag- That was our compensation—we grieved and rebellious. We forgot brought to our Christmastime a that we had come from afar—we keen appetite and empty hands. only knew that we were being left And the lesson of it all is, if we are Little tales for this column must out. seeking a lesson, that it is better be true—stories which somehow But suddenly, in the midst of our to give to those lightened a heart. Together pays $5 who want than to for each one printed. No contribu- gloom, my brother's name was those for whom "we ought to do tions can be returned; please don't called, and a lovely girl with a something because they did some- enclose postage.—Eds. gentle smile handed him a bag of thing for us last year."

Toqe lpr / He Keady

for Christmas?

By FAIN MATTHEW S WILL

.RE ready for Christ- A, YOU "open house" and the baby-sitter is versary in the history of the uni- inas? signed up for all the dinners, buf- verse. Thus we celebrate the birth "Heavens, no! I have a million fets, and dances that crowd the holi- of Jesus Christ. The glorious news tilings to do!" groan. Or, finally: we day calendar. that a Savior is born is once again "All ready!" Presents are ready for the school- proclaimed. A babe destined to die The white-sprayed Christmas teachers, the milkman, the mailman, on a cross for the sins of all man- tree covered with oversized dark- the laundry boy, the trash man, the kind is born this day in the city of blue butterflies stands in sterile and cleaning woman, the beauty opera- Bethlehem. God, in the form of an stately splendor in the bay window. tor, the butcher, the baker, the infant, is come to earth to live and Felt stockings, big enough for a candlestick maker. grow, to work and suffer, and to die giant's foot and covered with 16 Plans are complete for the school- as one of us. kinds of sequins, gleam as they room party. Punch and cookies and And we are ready for Christmas? hang from the mantel. favors are in the making, and the With pink Christinas trees and a Three round-mouthed plastic costumes are made for the school wreath made of four kinds of choirboys stand stoically on the Christmas pageant. macaroni? With transistor radios front lawn staring vacantly at the The coloring books and crayons and Rudolph the Red-Xosed Rein- passing traffic. The colored lights for the children in the hospital are deer? With styrofoam and a can ol that illumine them blink off and on. ready to take to church school, gold spray? With too many parties? The arrangement of pink feathers, along with canned goods to help fill With plastic angels that glow in the gilded nuts, and glitter-covered a "needy" basket. dark and blown-glass Wise Men styrofoam balls adorns the dining- All the broken and discarded toys and a 98^ manger set for the tree? room table, and red tissue-paper are collected to take to the fire- With too many presents? With poinsettias share honors with the house for the firemen to repair for dolls that wet their diapers and three-foot candle on the buffet. the poor. Outgrown and worn cloth- teen-age dolls complete with car Two hundred and fifty-four ing has been donated to the Salva- and boyfriend? With mechanical Christinas cards stand in orderly tion Army. monsters that walk and talk and stacks, stamped and sealed and The angel costume is laundered shoot rockets from their heads.-' ready for the mail box. Inside their for the church program and an ap- With too much food and too little J chaste white envelopes, plump propriate flannel bathrobe will time to digest it' With contests that Santas and cunning cocker spaniels transform a small boy into a Wise reward the most ostentatious yard shout, "Merry Christmas!" while Man. Extra ornaments are ready to decorations? bare-bottomed cherubs romp over take to the family-night supper to With a three-wheeled wagon, a a cloud-filled sky, chanting, "Hope decorate the church Christmas tree. coloring hook, a can ol peas, and a your holidays are heavenly!" Rolls of bright ribbon and rem- ravelled sweater for sweet charit) ? The freezer holds boxes of Christ- nants of glittering foil wait for last- With electric can openers? With mas cookies and candy. The rich minute gift wrapping, and bits of cashmere socks? With mink ear- muffs and gold-plated aroma of fruitcake fills the kitchen cellophane tape cling to the carpet. toothpicks? short, feet With Christmas cards featuring air. The pantry is crowded with Back aching, temper a whose holiday foods. burning, pocketbook empty, we say, burning cigarette smoke lei- surely spells out Cupboards and closets are full of with pride, "Yes, I'm ready! All "Holiday Greet- packages. Hidden under the bed ready for Christmas!" ings"? make How about it? \re you ready are boxes and bags of gifts. Thus we prepare. Thus we for Christmas? The invitations are issued for the ready for the most important anni-

December 1 963 \ Together — —

A grieving widow finds Christmastime has

A,.S I SAT by the window that year when we had only a tiny tree pay check—yet they were aghast at afternoon, I saw only dimly the and a few cheap ornaments to Christ- my offer to pay them! glint of the sun on the whitecaps mas with the children and a festive "Oh, no!" the mother said, the and the antics of the sea lions in the tree which brushed the ceiling. children agreeing with wide-eyed blue-gray Pacific far below. Christ- When Patty and Jimmy were very shakes of their heads. "This is just mas was only nine days away, but for young, Jim decorated the windows our Merry Christmas to you!" me the usual joy of the season was so artistically that they became a I thanked them, gathered up the hidden by a shroud of loneliness. feature of our holiday festivities. I armloads of fragrant boughs, and Two years before, my husband Jim thought of last year, when kneeling carried them to the garage, breathing and I had moved from the city to angels adorned our windows to the in their woodsy scent. Bless that this clifTside dwelling in beautiful delight of our grandchildren. family's good intentions, anyway! I Oceanside, Oreg. Here we started This first Christmas without Jim broke off a few sprays and arranged living The Dream, in which Jim, also would be the first that Patty them along the mantle. Later, I tall, blithe, and gifted, would be freed and Jimmy would not celebrate at might add a candle. of a demanding job to do what he home! They had their own homes That evening the wife of a had always wanted to do: write. now and had pointed out that it YMCA secretary living a few blocks Our life was rich with new free- would be easier for me, all alone, to away dropped by, her two small sons dom and an even closer companion- go to them. So, never again would telling me excitedly about their ship than when he had a job and our I be making joyful yuletide prepara- Christmas tree. children were small. tions for a family's homecoming. "Last year," the older boy said, Then, three months before Christ- "I'm not decorating for Christmas "you had outdoor lights along your mas, Jim—tanned and vigorous this year," I told a neighbor—not roof. Where are they? Aren't you waved good-by as he left for an after- adding, but knowing, I never would gonna put them up?" noon of golf. It was his final fare- again. I tried to explain in terms a five- well. In the midst of the game, he It was about four in the afternoon year-old would understand: suddenly collapsed—dead of a heart a few days later when a logger's wife "I'm not a good enough climber, attack. and two of her seven children came Jeff, and I don't have a low tree in

It had been so unexpected that I to my door, their arms loaded with my yard to string them on. So I still found myself listening for his cedar. "We got this in the woods for just can't use them this year." footsteps, for the click of his type- you," they said shyly. Early the next morning my door- writer, for his warm laughter. I knew that the lumber mill had bell rang, and there stood a beaming And now—Christmas! He had been idle for several weeks. Seven Jeff. His father was wrestling from been the spirit of it, from the first children and Christmas without a their car a noble fir in a small tub

Together /December 1963 a tree about my height which he That weekend, old friends Lloyd we hardly have a chance to know one obviously had dug up and potted and Bernice Hughey came from another." before going to work. Portland to their summer cottage on The next day at the post office I "Where—outdoors—do you want our street and stopped to insist that told the neighbors I saw. They this?" the father laughed. I go with them into the woods for a promised to spread the news. I went For a moment, I was tree. I stunned. Oh, protested quickly that I was home, excitedly planning the shop- no! I did not want . Then I saw not having — one this year. ping and baking I must do. Young Jeff's radiant face. So, flustered, I "Come along, anyway," they urged. mothers would bring their small had them help me decide on a spot, "You'll enjoy the woods." children. I would have Christmas they drove and happily away. Two trees clung precariously to cookies and little cakes for them. I would have to Now use those the Hughey car when we returned I was absorbed in preparations lights. Steeling myself against a to the house. Lloyd got out. when Patty phoned from Portland: devastating surge of memories, I "Now, get your tree stand," he- "Hoped I could persuade you to went to the attic to invade Jim's ordered as I began to protest. "Get come up early. Why don't you come- special Christmas corner. Here in the stand. I'll set it up." tonight?" the awful silence was everything as He did—in the corner by a big "Oh, I can't possibly! I'm giving he had left it. Through a flood of window where one had stood the a big party day after tomorrow!" tears, I found the lights, a can of year before. I was left alone with a "You're what?" she gasped. silver paint—even a roll of red foil beautiful fir that touched the ceiling. "A party," I laughed. "Everybody to cover the tub. Outdoors again and But how could I possibly bear trim- in Oceanside. Well, really, the breathing the brisk sea air, I thought ming it—and remembering? women. The men will be at work." of how pleased Jeff and his little There was stunned silence from brother, Timmy, would be whenever my first-born. "Oh," she said finally. they passed by. T.HE box of decorations I lugged "That's nice. That's wonderful! Well, Coming through the garage, I had downstairs held the memories of we'll all come home with you on the been guiltily aware of the cedar every past happy Christmas, for we weekend between Christmas and boughs still lying where I had had kept ornaments from our first New Year's. 'Bye!" dumped them. Wouldn't the logger's tree. There was one Jimmy had So the children would be here dur- family look for a sign that I had chosen. I remembered how his dad ing the holidays, after all! Looking used their gift, too? I could ... I'd had held him up to hang it. about, trying to imagine my festive- seen Jim make cedar wreaths. Last The doorbell! Hastily I wiped my house through their eyes, I kept summer we had even gathered some eyes and admitted Bernice, carrying noticing the bare windows. They big pine cones "for this year's a pot of coffee. "Nobody should trim would be a constant sad reminder to wreath." I sprayed the cones silver. a tree alone," she chuckled. "Not the family.

They were lovely against the green when I'm around, anyway. Let's have Well, I could try doing windows. cedar, and when I attached the red some coffee." Nothing so elaborate as Jim's. Some- bow I was amazed at how profes- With the accompaniment of her thing simple, but colorful. 1 worked sional it looked. happy chatter, the job was finished painstakingly with poster paints.

I was hanging the wreath when a quickly, from the angel to the last The afternoon of my open house florist truck drove up with the driver, strand of silver foil. came and so did the women of bewildered by Oceanside's lack of That night, as I turned on the Oceanside. That invitation had had house numbers, calling, "Can you lights of the indoor and outdoor door-to-door delivery! They came in shifts young mothers with their tell me where to find Mrs. Hays?" trees, a faint answering glow seemed — toddlers, older women, the bride I Surprised, I opened the tall pack- to come from deep within me. And before. They came age he left and found the most my phone began to ring—neighbors had never seen from the finest houses and the tiniest beautiful poinsettia I had ever seen on the streets above and below call- cottages. large living room was —five huge blooms in a pot gorgeous ing to say how bright and lovely my My the with red ribbon and gold ornaments. place looked. "Makes the whole hill filled with friendly chatter and The card was signed by the hospital more cheerful!" one of them added. happy laughter of children. That night, as I sat pleasantly, anesthetist who lived up the street. That's when I thought of it: bless exhausted in a room that seemed to Around that plant my plain house my neighbors! Except for them I dark, echo the happy voices of the day, a screamed its lack of seasonal bright- would be sitting in the my not group of youthful carolers circled ness. Even the sprigs of cedar needed thoughts turned inward. Why decorated the window outside and began sing color. If Irene, the poinsettia's donor, share with them all my ing, Harl{! the herald angels Sing should happen in, she could be em- house ?

to last . . . Listening to their exuberant barrassed at having sent too gay a "I wonder," I ventured my it be if I had an voices, I realized that the particular gift to this house of mourning! caller, "how would say a couple of days magic of the season had turned my Under the spell of the plant, I dug open house— every- thoughts properly outward again, out Christmas figurines and candles, before Christmas—and invited think they'd away from myself—and that, as sure- brought in more cedar, and created body in town. You they be too busy'' ly as God's love manifests itself in gay areas about the house, so ab- come, or would love it!" she assured me. mysterious ways, I never again sorbed that I caught myself once "They'd so different interests would feel alone in my grief. briefly humming Silent Night. "We have many

Dcrpmbpr 1 963 \ Together — 9

MIDMONTH POWWOW

Are Our Creeds Relevant Today?

The dictionary defines a creed as "a brief, authoritative formxda of religious beliefs." A lot of people, seemingly confused by the exploding concepts of the universe, the pressure of new loyalties, and other

divergent pulls in this Space Age, are wondering if the Christian creeds are meaningfid today. We asked a layman to express the un- certainty he shares with many others, and three church leaders to com- ment on the creeds as a cornerstone of faith in a troubled world Eds.

The creeds fail to provide a dependable anchor. no thought to the meaning of the creeds because they do not seem to Says Ellis W. King apply to daily living. Methodist Layman, Arlington Heights, 111. These are facets of a grave gen- eral problem facing all Christen- J UST WHAT does a Methodist best, a difficult procedure. The dom: being relevant. Only 63.4 per- believe? complex nature of our society cent of the U.S. population claims We hear this question on every makes it even more frustrating to- any affiliation with a church or side today, and it poses a real chal- day. It is not surprising, then, that synagogue. All of us have neighbors lenge to those who want to witness many Methodists lack not only an —well-educated, pleasant, moral for their faith. The very fact that understanding of the distinctive men and women—who are un- it is raised—even by Methodists characteristics of their denomina- moved by the appeal of any faith. suggests that our existing creeds, tion, but also a practical guide to More important, the churches often which should be the foundation the resolution of everyday problems have fallen flat trying to get the gos- stones of a clear statement of belief, from a Christian perspective. pel message through to young are not meeting the needs of this To join The Methodist Church, adults, college students, and even age. we need endorse no creed. We are high schoolers. If this communica- Like most laymen, the three asked to meet only two require- tion failure continues, where will creeds with which I am most fa- ments for membership: (1) accept Christianity be 100 years from now? miliar are those printed in The Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Through the years, too, there has Methodist Hymnal (page 512). The and (2) accept the Christian faith developed a reluctance on the part first is the Aposdes' Creed, oldest as contained in the New Testament. of churches to insist that members and best known of the Christian We are urged to study the life and know the meaning of accepting affirmations of faith. The other two teachings of Christ, apply what we Jesus Christ as their Lord and were written in this century by learn to daily life, and to support Savior and how they can apply this theologian Edwin Lewis and Meth- our church. basic perspective to all problems odist Bishop Herbert Welch. Sup- From that point on, however, the and decisions. This often leads plementing these creeds for Meth- individual member is left largely on members of a local church to a odists are the 27 Articles of Religion his own. The degree to which an kind of passive acceptance of what- and the General Rules set down by individual interprets, reinterprets, ever religious interpretations are John Wesley for the societies he and applies the Christian faith in dominant in that congregation. In founded in 18th-century England, terms of his own experience—as he their daily lives, they may apply and such other documents as the must if his is a vital faith—is entire- completely different standards. Methodist Social Creed. ly his own affair. It is at this point, How can this ambivalence be But when someone asks, "What I feel, tiiat the church should give overcome? A first step, it seems to do we Mediodists believe?" the av- members a strong push. This could me, is a meaningful interpretation erage laymen is stumped for a con- be done, I believe, by restating of the creeds which makes them cise answer. Turning to the creeds creedal beliefs in today's language. personal, universal, and up to date. in the hymnal, he can find license Two basic problems seem to What was meaningful for the early either to interpret the Bible literal- stand in die way of proper utiliza- church simply is not meaningful ly or to fashion his own interpreta- tion of the creeds as they now exist: and understandable enough today. tions. (1) some members feel that the Let me emphasize that I do not Formulating a set of beliefs for creeds are not relevant to today's advocate scrapping existing creeds. guidance in everyday living is, at living, and (2) some members give But the Bible has been translated

Toaether/December 1 963 —

into modern English. not the faith Why for many who now flounder The Nicene Creed was the creeds? when they try to apply the creeds church's answer. Besides reaffirming Nor am I proposing actual revi- to daily living. It also would be a the fatherhood of God and ampli- sion of the creeds. I am speaking means of telling Christians what is fying the significance of the Holy simply of interpreting the creeds in expected of them and of making Spirit and the "one holy and apos- the language of today so they he- them continually aware of their ob- tolic church," it emphasized that come more meaningful in this com- ligation to act accordingly. Christ was the "only-begotten Son plex and troubled time. What a challenging answer this of God," "of one substance with fresh interpretation A of the revitalized interpretation of the his- the Father," "who for our salvation creeds would be an invaluable toric creeds would for be those who . . . was made man." teaching aid in our churches, and ask, "Just what does a Methodist The two great creeds, then. could be a real anchor of religious believe?" came out of white-hot controversy. They settled two fundamental questions. They were not theo- Tested by time, the historic creeds still are relevant.' logical hairsplitting; rather, they kept Christianity from being an Asserts Edtcin E. Voigt "ism." Nor were they an effort to Bishop, Illinois Area, The Methodist Church foist munibo jumbo on a future church; they were the work of a F,ROM THE earliest day of tered the church, it had to be made concerned church to find a present Christianity, creeds have been used clear then what they subscribed to. answer to a problem that threat- to articulate and affirm the faith. The second question points to the ened the very meaning of her life. In his Apostolic Tradition, written inner struggle—often called the Later these formulations were cher- about 175 A.D., the theologian Docetic and the Gnostic heresies ished both as milestones of the Hippolytus records the following which then was going on in the struggle against error and as foun- creedal interrogation in die baptis- church. Some asserted that Jesus of dation blocks upon which the mal rite: Nazareth only seemed to be a man; sound faith of the church was built.

Dost thou believe in God the he was the Logos, the Eternal The creeds have no less relevance Father Almighty? Word, appeared in the flesh. De- for us today—even though their Dost thou believe in Christ Jesus vout church leaders saw that this language is archaic. They affirm the Son of God, who was born of struck at the very core of the the two natures of Jesus Christ. the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Christian faith, so they minutely Whenever men have debated this who was crucified in the days of questioned every convert regarding question, someone' always goes too Pontius Pilate, and died, and was his belief in the true humanity of far out on one side or the other. buried, and rose the third day living Jesus Christ. Thus the early creed In the Fundamentalist-Modernist from the dead, and ascended into was not just somebody's idea that controversy, some were so intent heaven, and sat down at the right to have a con- on defending the deity of Christ hand of the Father, and will come to it would be proper judge the living and the dead? fession of faith. that they practically overlooked his Dost thou believe in the Holy About 150 years after Hippoly- humanity. Many Humanists, on the Spirit, in the Holy Church, and the tus, a controversy arose over the other hand, assert that Jesus was resurrection of the flesh? deity of Christ. The heretic Arius a holy man, the greatest of the Obviously, diis was the ancestor argued that Jesus was really only a prophets—but only a man never- of the Apostles' Creed. It was a human being—the most perfect of theless. So the problem is as part of the baptismal rite because, God's creations—but not God. The trenchant in the 20th century as it in the early church, new Christians church, led by the early father, was in any earlier one. were mainly adults. And since Bap- Athanasius, saw this undermined But someone will ask, "Why do tism was the act by which they en- die essentials of the Christian faith. we have to answer these questions

Mr. King has served as Bishop Voigt has- An honor graduate Author of the Korean Creed, church-school superintendent been chairman of the in both law and theology, Bishop Welch, 101, is as busy as ever and member of all local- Methodist Commission on Mr. Munden is known advising. church commissions. Worship since 1956. as a dynamic preacher. writing anil 5 —

in the mumbo jumbo of the an- It is difficult to see how the among us 20 centuries ago in the cient creeds?" This is a strange ar- church can survive in this equivo- person of Jesus of Nazareth? What gument coming from those who be- cal position. We like to say that the does it mean to know Jesus Christ wilder us with the mumbo jumbo church is the Body of Christ. An in the present? of the present day—in theology, "agonizing" Body of Christ in the If we say that we mean a spiritual science, education, social science, or second and fourth centuries tried experience, what kind of experience law! The one is no more perplexing to say diat, for a defensible doctrine is that? Is it a purely subjective than the other. of salvation, Jesus Christ must be experience or is it an experience Meanwhile, using Elijah's words, both human and divine. which other men can know? If it we go limping along on both feet. The language they used to ex- is subjective, by what criteria can For example, here is Richard Wat- press this idea may seem peculiar we know it is in fact an experience son Gilder's The Song of a Heathen: to some today, but it is no harder to of Jesus Christ? If such criteria are explain than the jargon of our gen- available, where are they available If Jesus Christ is a man— / And only eration, and it may be a lot harder other than Jesus of Nazareth? a man—I satj / That of all mankind I to say it better. Therefore, let us But if, in talking about knowing will cleave to him, / And to him will deal with the substance of the Jesus Christ in the present, I cleave alway. / If Jesus Christ is a we matter and tell the world here we mean an experience born of an en- God— / And the only God—/ sivear I will follow him through heaven and stand, without apology and subter- counter with an objective reality hell, I The earth, the sea, and the air! fuge. which other men can know and ex- perience, but a reality which is other than Jesus of Nazareth, how The key: Study a creed's meaning, not just recite it. can we know that these two reali- ties are one and the same unless we Advises C. Ebb Munden III first go back almost 20 centuries Pastor, St. Matthew's Methodist Church, Metairie, La. to Jesus of Nazareth? If by being relevant we mean J_jACH SUNDAY in the majority generation finds itself interrogated finding answers to today's ques- of Methodist churches, the congre- by life with the questions: Who are tions out of the present, then what gation stands to affirm its faith you? Where are you going? Why? the church needs is not more rele- through the Apostles' Creed. For These we must answer, for life in- vance but less. If this is what we most of us, this is a recitation of terrogates us with the demand of mean by being relevant, it is be- familiar, but incomprehensible, our Creator. As Christians we find cause of the desire to be relevant words and phrases. our answer in one place and one that the church has become so ir- These facts are undeniable, but place only—Jesus Christ. relevant. In the main, the answers the conclusion to be drawn is not But in order to say that the we offer to men today are largely so readily apparent. There are those church must find the answer to the humanistic moralisms which alter- who say the church needs a new question of its identity in Jesus nate between Pollyanna optimism creed which will give expression to Christ, must we go back almost 20 and neurotic despair. our faith in language relevant and centuries to Jesus of Nazareth? If, on the other hand, by being comprehensible to modern man. Must each generation go back again relevant we mean finding new ways Others are convinced that creeds to the testimony of the scriptural to express ancient truths so that are of no value and should be dis- witnesses and the earliest church they can be understood correctly pensed with because everyone be- fathers? by modern man as answers to to- lieves differently and one man's Is not our Lord a living Lord, and day's questions, then I say "Amen." belief is as good as another's. may we not know him in the pres- If this is what we mean, then let Finally, there are still others who, ent? If we may know him in the us not replace the Apostles' Creed; like myself, are convinced that present, why should not the an- let us take it seriously and under- these facts constitute an indictment swers we derive from such an en- stand it. If we do not understand of the church; and that which is counter be as valid as the answers the Apostles' Creed, we are in no needed is not a new creed, but a of the apostles and church fathers? position to write another creed. If renewal of the church. Why, then, shouldn't we write a we do understand the Apostles' It is true that the Apostles' Creed new creed that would articulate the Creed, then we will have no need is very old and that its language faith of this generation in language to write a new creed. is foreign to 20th-century man. But that can be understood by this If we will listen to the Apostles' to acknowledge this is simply to de- generation? Creed, rather than recite it, we will fine the task of the church in each The logic of such a line of reason- hear again the Word of God to new generation of receiving the ing seems apparent; yet we must which the words of the creed bear faith which was handed over once reject it. There is no question that witness as God speaks to us today; and for all to the saints, of making our Lord is a living Lord, and that and it is only through such a new it our own, and of passing it on to we must know him in the present hearing of the Word of God those who come after us. In each if we are to be the church. But rather than the words of men generation this task must be under- how do we recognize the Word of that we may become the Church of taken anew. God demands it. Each God which became flesh and dwelt Jesus Christ.

26 Together /December 1963 'Creeds are inspiring guides to rich Christian life. 5 little meaning to the ear and no pulse to the heart. Declares Herbert Welch We dare not Bishop (retired), The Methodist Church make our (reed a fence when it should be a gate; not employ it as a test of Christian

standing or a bar to Christian fel- o,'F MAKING many creeds there suffering, the secret of heaven. lowship when it should be an open is no end, in many lands and many The creeds are thoroughly hu- way to the richness of Christian centuries, in many fields of action. man in origin and form, honest at- truth and Christian life. It is not to The doctor has his Hippocratic tempts to interpret the body of be a legalistic master driving of- oath, the lawyer his professional New Testament truth. A creed is fenders to their doom but a kind standards, the Boy Scout his code. the product of its own age. What it teacher leading the bewildered bj "I believe" brings a note of faith includes and what it omits will be the hand into a field of understand- into the and hope world's clamor. determined by the dominant inter- ing and of peace. This is especially true within ests the of the day. The ideal creed might be written area of religion, where man's high- Among early Christian theolo- in the language of the people rather est interests are involved. The great gians, the contending views on the than the dialect of the theologians; affirmations of Christian teaching Person of Christ threatened to split based not only on the searchings of came at first from apostles the and mis- church. Controversy was keen, the scholars, but also on the ex- sionaries as they interpreted the feelings were bitter. The Apostles' perience of the saints; not loaded mind of Christ to the Creed young and the Nicene and Athana- down with trimmings, but still deal churches of the Near East and sian Creeds, with their subtleties, with the few great fundamentals later of Europe. were designed to establish once and without which it would not be Three or four hundred years for all the doctrine of the full Christian. passed before any official declara- humanity and full divinity of Jesus tion of Christian doctrine appeared, Christ. Hence they gave space but formulations faith r of were not to this one subject out of propor- QUR trouble is not primarily lacking: "We preach Christ and tion with other topics also funda- with mental confusion, but with him crucified," "We preach Jesus mental for Christian living—for ex- moral weakness; we need not pre- and the Resurrection." Paul uttered ample, the universal love of God, cise definitions so much as sympa- an avowal, the simplicity of which the abiding presence of the Holy thetic guidance. Our creed should cannot hide its magnificence: "God Spirit, and the redemption of all more than hint at the inclusive was in Christ, reconciling the world life by love. riches, the dynamic force, and the unto himself." The humanness of creed-writers revolutionary nature of the truth as The Christian creed sometimes gives wide range to that liberty of it is in Jesus. It must appeal not may be hidden in the heart of a thought, that right of private judg- simply to the intellect but to the hymn, like the Magnificat, the Ju- ment which the Reformation will, deal not simply with specula- bilate, the Te Deum; and again it sought. But it emphasizes the rela- tive thought but with life itself; it may be a Sermon on the Mount. tively fleeting character of a creed's will call not so much for assent as Today it may be the stately utter- climax of influence. for commitment. ance of worshipers; another day the Amid diverse opinions, chang- Methodism has from the begin- rugged avowal of an embattled ing circumstances, and increasing ning been favorable to liberal leader: "Here I stand, I cannot do knowledge, one creed follows an- thought, averse to ritualism, and otherwise." other in the vain effort to express made its conditions of membership the inexpressible; and not one of not theological so much as moral them, Eastern or Western, ancient and spiritual. It holds to the open J—jVEN the humblest may, with or modern, has said the last word. pulpit, it permits choice of positions caution, yield to this urge for re- No creed is infallible. A creed at the Lord's table, and of the sev- ligious self-expression. I suppose it is a watermark showing how high eral procedures in Baptism; also was in obedience to this that I have the tide of faith has risen at a given For the use of any one of several tried from time to time to put my time and place; but at the last, we approved creedal forms. It visual own thoughts about God and about are left picking up shells which the i/es a church as a congregation oi good life into some clear, terse statement. tide may have washed upon the sincere people seeking the following It seemed to me that the basic shore, while the boundless ocean life for all. loyally the of a supreme Master and tenets might be set forth by viewing still stretches into the unknown. leadership Lord. the three chief holy days—Christ- But it is enough if, in the shells. to As an mas, Good Friday, and Easter, the we can catch some faint murmur It is hospitable change. thinker put it. "Methodism memorials of the Incarnation, the of die far-off seas. English revolution, it was Atonement, and the Resurrection. In the meantime, while we may was born in should cradled in change, and its strength These three events of Jesus' earthly be creating new creeds, we is never to stand still." Old and new life dramatize the whole process of make the best use of those we have dwell in peace together, if the divine revelation, the redemptive We should not allow the creed to may with same life throbs through all. power of our Lord's sacrificial shrink into a mere ritual form,

December 1 963 \ Together Among our church's millions are these interesting and

ARMATURE ARTIST

Two of Bill Lett's works were chosen in 1962 for an overseas exhibition of U.S. art.

KEYBOARD QUEEN PARMER, football player, well-driller—Bill Lett a college freshman, Janet Liptrap makes has been all these. That makes his present occupation Now good use her prize—a new typewriter. seem an improbable choice. He is an art teacher at of Tyson Junior High School, Knoxville, Tenn., and a highly creative artist whose work is winning increas- ingly wide approval. Appropriately for a former well- D URING her four years at Boswell (Ind. ) High driller, Lett's artistic works are muscular, dynamic, School, Janet Liptrap won varied recognition: Na- masculine. His specialty: wire sculpture, shaped and tional Honor Society membership for scholastic welded into the forms of horses, cats, fish, dancers, and achievement, awards for musical talent—even blue abstracts. ribbons for toothsome angel food cakes. But the Born 32 years ago on a farm in the hill country versatile Indiana farm girl climaxed her high-school outside Knoxville, Lett has been painting since boy- career with victory in a new field. Competing with hood. In a college art class, while putting plaster on 22,000 students from 35 states, Janet emerged the 1963 a metal armature one day, he decided the armature U.S. high-school typing champion. She won the crown itself was more interesting than the finished plaster with a speed of 85 words per minute and an error rate product. He has been shaping wire and welding strips of only 1 percent. The runner-up scored 84 words of metal into imaginative shapes ever since. "Wire with 4 percent error. (In unofficial drills, Janet has gives an openness and freedom, a lightness you can't reached the even more dazzling speed of 120 words get in stone or wood," he says. per minute.) At Clapp's Chapel Methodist Church outside Corry- Assistant organist at Boswell Methodist Church, ton, Tenn., Bill and his wife are valued members. Janet had to forego both music and typing several Bill is in his fourth year as teacher of the senior-high months last winter when a ruptured blood vessel in church-school class and this year became chairman her right hand required surgery. Undismayed, after of the commission on missions. Marie is a choir soloist recovery she spent two and three hours a day in typing and former Woman's Society officer. practice to make up for lost time.

28 Together /December 1963 M. )

Unusual Methodists

BARNYARD DENTiST

Years of chewing left this cows teeth rounded knobs. Dr. Newcomb (left) provides a sharp new set. T -L HE patient was 10 years old, white-faced, and PRESIDENTS' PROTECTOR very nervous—typical, you might expect, for a dental case. She endured the experience until just before Posing informally with "the boss," Major Stover Dr. Ward A. Newcomb finished his work. Then, shows President Kennedy a copy of Together. startled by a blast of compressed air forced into her mouth, she became the first patient of record to chase a dentist over a fence. But the 1.000-pound R.ALPH C. Stover was studying aeronautical en- Nebraska range cow probably was history's first bovine gineering during depression years when his funds ran wearer of false teeth. out. "In order to eat," he explains, he took a job on That "installation" took place five years ago, and the the metropolitan police force, Washington, D.C. Then, patient is no longer one of a kind. Across western in 1940, an opportunity came to move to a new job at Nebraska and northeastern Colorado, hundreds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Among others who also cattle now wear the permanently fixed Bovine Crowns have worked at the same address in the 23 years since invented by Dr. Newcomb. In this "short grass" coun- were four named Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and try, the stainless steel crowns may add five or six years Kennedy. Stover's job: guarding each of the four. Now to a cow's productive life. chief of White House police, Major Stover directs 201

Giving store teeth to animals, of course, is only a Secret Service men in protecting the President's life sideline with the Chappell, Nebr., dentist. His prac- wherever he goes—at home or abroad. tice with human patients keeps him in his office up to Off duty in West Hyattsville, Md., Major Stover lias 75 hours a week. (On a normal Saturday, he sees 40 typical fatherly activities: coaching Little League base- patients—widiout eating lunch. ball and football teams, and serving as pack master A lover of small-town life, Dr. Newcomb partici- of Cub Scouts at Ager Road Methodist Church. (Son pates actively. Among many pursuits, he has served on Jeff is 9; daughters are Bonnie, 13, and Judy, 21, a the local school board and taught a class at Chappell's University of Maryland senior.) \\ ith his wife. Jean- Methodist Church. An art hobbyist, he paints Western nette. Stover also serves on the church's commission scenes—usually widi animals. on Christian social concerns.

Jorcmhor 19A^ Comeback of tht

By WEBB GARRISON Pastor, Central Methodist Church Evansville, Indiana

T,HE EAGER youngsters in the Robert G. Ingersoll was hammering ioned, after all. Bibles retained Methodist church school inhaled away at his favorite target. Inter- prominent places on living-room deeply. Then, when their teacher rupted frequently by applause, he tables, but were no longer generally signaled with a nod, they began paused dramatically as he reached read daily in eager anticipation of singing lustily: the climax of his address. receiving late word from on high. The B-I-B-L-E "My friends," he cried, "the in- Under the influence of scholars who That's the book for me; spiration of die Bible depends upon centered upon literary and histori- The B-I-B, the ignorance of the gentleman who cal questions, writers of lesson Oh, the B-I-B; reads it!" materials often seemed more con- Oh, the B-I-B-L-E! Ingersoll's speech was intended cerned with how and when a pas- In 1881, you might have heard to sound die death knell of what sage was written than with what it that refrain almost anywhere in had been the world's most influen- had to say. America on any Sunday. But only tial book. In spite of efforts by So by 1930, hardly a ripple was if you had been in New York on Methodists and other supporters, created when The Christian Cen- April 25 of that year would you the influence of the Bible upon tury published an article comment- have felt the full impact of a move- American life actually did wane for ing on the Bible as "the best seller ment designed to make the Bible the next half century. and what of it?" a forgotten book. During the roaring '20s, droves of Topical preaching became the Before an audience of professed good church folk decided that the rage. Partly because congregations atheists, skeptics, and freethinkers, family altar really was old-fash- liked such an approach, great num-

Tnapthpr /fie ihor 1963 a

bers of clergymen learned to pre- communicative than commercial upped the print order to 35,000 pare interesting and entertaining publishers. Annual reports of the sets. Before publication in October, sermons that came from life and society show that in 1920, their 1962, diis entire printing was sold literature rather than from encoun- English-language Bibles, Testa- out. ter with God through Scripture. ments, Scripture portions and selec- Public response to these scholarly Frequently such messages made tions had a circulation of 745.510. works has been overwhelming. Lay- little or no reference to the Bible; In 1940, the total had climbed to men and general readers have where a text was used, it was often 3.636,712—and soared to 14.590.741 shown far greater interest man the a sentence or phrase that functioned in 1962. By far the largest part of publishers had assumed. simply as a hook on which to hang this distribution centers in the U.S. This jump in distribution of a garment already cut and sewed. Books designed for the serious Bibles and study books has been ac- For two or three decades, it Bible student have shown the same companied by acceleration in the really looked as though the role phenomenal increase. When first publication of new versions and of Scripture would continue to conceived by executives of Abing- translations. From the Wycliffe diminish until the sacred Book be- don Press, the 12-volume The Bible in 1382 through the' King came a sort of bit player—a minor Interpreter's Bible ($89.50) pre- James Version of 1611, inclusive supporting actor in the drama of sented so many risks that its strong- there were only 11 English transla- God's dealings with man. est supporters conceded that the tions of significance. In the next 300 But since World War II, startling book-publishing unit of The Meth- years, there were precisely 8 more. changes have taken place. To be odist Church might lose money on But since 1923, by the most con- sure, there is some pessimism oxer the project. Instead, the massive servative count, there have been 18 signs pointing to a "post-Christian commentary broke all records. By important new translations—as era." Yet mounting evidence sup- mid 1963, total sales climbed to many in the last 40 years as in the ports the view that Scripture now 1,285,553 assorted volumes. previous 550! is entering a period of fresh virility A companion project, the four- Exciting as these developments that will have enormous effects volume The Interpreter's Dictionary are, they do not give a full picture upon individual faith and organized of the Bible, presented special prob- of the way in which the Bible has Christianity. lems. Bible users often buy com- come back into the main stream of Cambridge University Press, first mentaries one volume at a time, but church life and work. For during private publisher to sell English a dictionary is useless unless com- a period of two generations, results Bibles in 1591, reported for 1960 a plete. of scholarly inquiry seemed calcu- 27 percent increase in Bible sales The Abingdon sales staff ven- lated to make the ancient Book- over the previous year. About half tured to hope that in the first considerably less than "the Word of of that increase was from various year some 25,000 individuals and God, offering a complete guide for editions of the King James Version libraries would make die $45 in- Christian life." —whose 350th anniversary was vestment required to purchase the Something of the change in atti- celebrated in 1961 [see 350 Years four-volume set. A few weeks after tude is indicated by the very title Ago: The People Got the Bible, the first announcement, they hastily of a 1962 book. New Insights Into (Westminster. June, 1961, page 37]. Instead of Scripture $3.95), by Carter is both one man's dropping when commemorative J. Swaim, trends ceremonies ended, Cambridge sales testimony and an index to is director of the depart- of the King James Version con- The author ment of the English Bible, National tinued to rise and in 1962 showed Council of the Churches of Christ an increase of 13 percent over 1961. For the in the USA. Publishing is so highly competi- In his first chapter, he urges tive that few houses release figures Flyleaf readers to turn to Scripture ex- about sales of Bibles. But the best pectantly, like early Christians who estimates by experts on the staff of Bible of a studied the Book curiosius— Publishers Weekly suggest that the "attentively, eagerly, inquisitively." volume trebled in the 15 years after Here are stored the seeds of thought With this emphasis established. Dr. 1942. That year, about 5 million Men have loved and planted Swaim asks the central question oi Bibles were sold in the United in centuries, his provocative volume: "Who States. By 1957, the total is believed In the lore of life can ever allow himself to be to have leaped past 15 million per Variously slanted. bored when there is a Bible into year. No one knows precisely how Here are truths as old as time, which he may look'.-'" many Bibles are printed. But in Yet new for every season. Thirty years ago—or even 20— 1961, the Olin Mathieson Chemical Here the searching heart may find, in. in in Dr. Swaim's position prob- Corporation, on behalf of its Ecusta reason Written plain, the ably would not have held such Paper Division, spent $300,000 to views. Even if he had. it would advertise the Bible as the greatest —ANN BARCUS MINCA have meant professional suicide to Christmas gift of all. make them public; critics would The American Bible Society, a have hooted at him as being hope- not-for-profit organization, is more

31

December 1 963 \ Together printed and studied. "Methodist les- When projected in 1936, it was not son materials have consistently considered likely to be a profitable made use of large blocks of Bible venture. Thomas Nelson & Sons material," he points out. "Present agreed to finance production in re- changes reflect new convictions that turn for a 10-year exclusive license the biblical message is more basic to print and sell. They invested $3 to our teaching. million in preparation and plates, "Back in the 1920s and '30s, some spent $500,000 on the first year's Christian educators took the posi- advertising program. tion that the Bible was one resource Publication day was September among many, and we would look 30, 1952. Significantly—and, as it at it and see if it might have some- proved, prophetically—September thing to say to us. Our point of view 30 is the day on which the work of now definitely is that the Gospel St. Jerome is honored. A fourth- message is 'given' for us as Chris- century translator who was the first tians and that if we are truly Chris- to put the Bible into colloquial tian we must accept it and start Latin, he is the patron saint of Bible from there to see what it means for translators. Though his translation us." was the most important one for a What forces have co-operated to thousand years, it circulated only produce such sweeping changes? among the learned. No one knows precisely. Many Fifth of the officially authorized think the basic outlook of our time Bibles, the Bevised Standard Ver- is radically different from that of sion gained support far more two generations ago. In the after- quickly than anyone imagined math of World War I, it looked for possible. During its first 10 years a time as though all human prob- on the market, publishers sold lems were about to be solved. But approximately 4,300,000 copies of World War II left a different mark the BSV New Testament and 10 upon our globe. In a fresh and million copies of the complete BSV deeper sense, masses of persons Bible. On September 30, 1962, five recognized the meaning of human additional firms were commissioned limitedness in There is no excuse for —and desperation be- to publish their own editions; and, anyone not reading tlw Bible gan groping for recovery of the though no exact figures are avail- these days, for there are sense of vital dependence upon a able, it is generally believed that many editions to choose God who acts in history and speaks the BSV now is selling at a rate from. This stack represents through his Word. "well above" 1 million copies a Even if this in outlook is year. only a sampling of the change Bibles now on the market, as widespread as some persons several in inexpensive think, it could not, by itself, have paperback form. altered a nation's attitude toward JLjFFECTS have been felt in odd the Bible. Dr. Emory S. Bucke, places. For its pulpit edition, book editor of The Methodist Pub- Nelson's used sealskin binding. One lishing House, considers three basic year, they bought the entire North lessly out of date in his thinking. factors in the change to have been: American catch—but still did not

Now it is the religious leader who ( 1 ) publication of the Bevised have enough covering material for fails to give the Bible a special Standard Version, (2) discovery of the big new Bible and had to begin place who is out of date. This Dead Sea Scrolls, and (3) publica- using the hides of water buffalo change is clearly reflected in the tion of the New English translation from India! Many congregations broad field of Christian education, of the New Testament. that at first resisted the contempo- and especially in Methodist curricu- Beader interest created as a result rary quality of the BSV have come lum publications. New materials of these influences has, he thinks, to prefer it, so that except among for children in Methodist church spurred sale and use of commen- some ultraconservative groups it schools, to be released next fall, taries, dictionaries, and other helps. has become standard. give vivid examples of die way in But if that is true, it is equally As a result, this modern-language which all our teaching is becoming certain that feedback effects from version is the Bible for many increasingly Bible centered. use of readable and authoritative church-school pupils. Within the Dr. Walter N. Vernon of the Edi- new works about the Bible have led first six years of its publication, it torial Division, Mediodist Board of many users back into the pages of was adopted for use in lesson publi- Education, points out that the most Scripture. cations of 37 denominations with vital changes now taking place in Nothing in the history of pub- combined church-school enrollment our literature center in emphasis lishing even approaches the story of 22,500,000. Arranged in para- rather than quantity of Scripture of the Bevised Standard Version. graphs instead of verses, physical

32 Together /December 1963 —

of the makeup RSV has encouraged personal messages will emerge. tion will bring, no one can tell. We readers to seek the context of whole Numerous reading and study may never recapture the atmos- passages instead of quoting isolated plans have been developed in the phere that led Methodists of the verses to prove pet ideas. Because last few years. Some have come 1880s to sing jingles about the of this and other factors, a few en- from denominational boards and Bible, but all signs point to the thusiasts say that publication of the agencies. Others have sprung up probability that tomorrow's church RSV already has had an impact almost spontaneously as a result of men will have been more profound- comparable only to that of the Prot- interest on the part of members of ly affected by Scripture than wen estant Reformation. single congregations. their parents. It's just possible that Along with revolutionary changes Though they vary widely in for- future historians will look back in publishing circles, the past mat, nearly all such programs have upon the second half of the 20th decade has seen a remarkable re- one vital quality in common: they century as the era in which a wholly vival of interest in such matters as stress daily personal reading of the unexpected comeback by the Hoi) spiritual healing, ecstatic religious Bible, radier than use of devotional Bible pushed it into a position of experience, and group meetings guides which simply include Scrip- influence never equalled—even in dedicated to prayer and Bible- ture as one of several resources. "the good old days." reading. Very close in spirit to Wes- Here the small-group movement class ley's original class meeting,* the has effects much like those coming meeting* originated ,n the B in I ir In - •!- - Soi " ty : i_> n companit • lasu

THE -a- SCRIPTURES

WALK INTO any Christian book- er's devil had picked an inappropriate- thy lions" instead of loins, and Numbers store and ask for a copy of the Bible. time to mislay three pieces of type 35:18, "The murderer shall surely be The first thing the clerk will ask you the all-important letters: not! put together" instead of to death. is, "What version?" During the reign of King Charles I One of the most famous oddities is You will see on the shelves the many of England, a misprint caused all copies the "Breeches Bible," printed in Geneva editions now on the market—from the of the "Fool's Bible" to be suppressed, in 1560. The translator set down that venerable King James to the easy- and a £3,000 (about $8,400 today) Adam and Eve "sewed fig leaves to- reading New English. You will find fine to be levied against the printers. gether, and made themselves breeches" versions attributed to the individuals The error was in Psalms 14:1, where instead of aprons (Genesis 3:7). who did the translating, too—such as the Scripture reads, "The fool hath said Another version well known lor its Phillips, Williams, and Goodspeed. in his heart, There is a God." The many errors is the "Unrighteous Bible." But the unusual Bibles aie those that Scripture should have read, "The fool John Field, who printed this little have come down through the centuries hath said in his heart, There is no God." treasure in ln53, had such Bible boners with mistakes. Another 16th-century edition leaves as "Know ye not that the unrighteous In the first three centuries after the a wrong impression with the careful shall inherit the kingdom of God?" invention of movable type, printing reader. In Tyndale's New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:9) instead of shall errors were quite common. Even of 1538, 2 Corinthians 10:11 is given not; and, "Ye cannot serve and mam- printers who took great pains to be as, "Think on his wife." The verse mon" (Matthew 6:24). This last excerpt accurate occasionally turned out a should have read, "Think on this wise." is without meaning when God is left book having amusing typographical Tyndale surely must have blushed at out of the familiar phrase, "Ye cannot blunders. Because of this, we have a this, and at his work's subsequent nick- serve God and mammon." number of Bibles that can be called name, the "Wife's Bible." Today, every Bible that comes off the "not-so-sacred Scriptures." Had there been unions for servants press is as free of error as it is possible it. Both printing techniques A transposition of two letters, for in the days of the "Servant's Bible," to make have improved. instance, resulted in the so-called "Sin they might have risen to demand the and proofreading while those cited here are not On Bible" published in 1716, the first head of the man who printed it. His And biblical boners, one last example edition in English to be printed in rendering of Genesis 3:1 was: "Now all the highlights the entire list. It is named, Ireland. The error appeared in Jeremiah the servant was more subtle than all the appropriately, the "Printer's Bible." 31:34 where "sin no more" became beasts of the field." The devil, in the the psalmist complains: "sin on more." guise of the serpent, got off easy for a In it, David "Printers (instead of Princes) have The "Wicked Bible" deserves its title. change. me without cause" ( Psalms Imagine what readers of the day The "Lions Bible," which one persecuted distin- 119:161). thought of this rendition of the seventh authority called "pre-eminently Indeed, it appears they have! Commandment: "Thou shah commit guished for its typographical errors," "Out —Ted Smythi adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Some print- had these gems: 1 Kings 8:19, of

December 1 963 \Together T Personal Testimony

nstmas m a Faraway Place

By MARJORIE B. KOCHER

HAT CHRISTMAS EVE seven years ago I could hear them! "Silent night, holy night, ." was different from all others—before or since. All is calm, all . . . My husband, John, had been assigned to a I walked to the window and looked out. U.S. Air Force base near Tokyo. We had been In the distance, I could see snowcapped in Japan three weeks and were still living out Mount Fuji. This was Japan, all right, not of suitcases. Our furniture had not arrived, California. But the singing in my ears had not and I was beginning to wonder if it ever stopped. Instead, it grew louder! would. The one thing I was happy about was Abrupdy, John burst in the door, grinning, that we finally had found a house to rent. brandishing a Christmas tree in one hand and The first two weeks we had stayed in make- a bag of toys in the other. shift quarters at the base fire station, a capa- "Merry Christmas, Darling!" he shouted. cious but barren place whose facilities "I've brought company for you!" included a large bell which rang stridently Suddenly the little house was no longer at odd hours. quiet and cold. It was wondrously warm, The little house we had rented was quieter filled with Japanese children, all smiling, —but just as bare and cold. Never had I felt laughing, and bowing at the same time. more alone on a Christmas Eve. No Christmas "Omedeto, gozaimasu," they said, following tree. No kitchen filled with fine food. No John inside. "Merry Christmas." friends gathered. Forty miles from Tokyo in John explained that the children were the middle of a rice paddy, I longed for my carolers from a Christian mission at nearby California home 6,000 miles away. Akashima. He had seen them walking along After dinner, John went to the base ex- the road and loaded them into his station change to do some last-minute shopping. I wagon to come to our house. It had not been put the dishes away, then tucked Cynthia and my imagination; it was they I had heard Jeffrey into bed. I read aloud The Night Be- singing Silent Night. fore Christmas and kissed them goodnight Cynthia and Jeffrey came running from with a final assurance that, "Yes, Santa Claus their room to join the merriment. In the can find his way to Japan." kitchen, I found some fruitcake which the Getting as close as I could to the potbellied youngsters ate with delight. Then they ar- stove in the living room, I sat down in one of ranged themselves in several rows and filled the straight-backed, wooden chairs we had the house witii song. First in Japanese, then in borrowed from base supply. The house was quaintly accented English, came the familiar built for American tenants by a Japanese en- sounds of O Little Toivn of Bethlehem, O trepreneur who apparently could not decide Come, All Ye Faithful, and Joy to the World! whether Americans really were giants. In the Listening to their singing and looking at little kitchen, ridiculously high cupboards their happy faces, I felt a surge of warmdi were suspended over an absurdly low sink. and happiness. It no longer mattered that I The washbasin in the bathroom was so low I could not be home for a traditional American strained my back bending to reach it, then Christmas. I did not care that I was not going banged my head on the medicine chest jutting to cook a turkey, or sit in a soft chair by the out above. fireplace, or even take a hot bath. "It really doesn't matter much," I thought. I went to bed that Christmas Eve a wiser "There's hardly ever any running water any- person. The children had given me a priceless how. Merry Christmas, indeed!" gift. They had helped me realize that the I wondered what my friends back in the spirit of Christmas does not depend on being States were doing—probably enjoying their in any one place. It transcends external sym- trees in warm, comfortable living rooms, sing- bols—trees, turkeys, and trimmings. ing carols together. My mental picture was so No matter where you are, Christmas really clear I could almost see them; I even thought can be found only in your heart!

34 Together / December 1963 -iXIt*,^

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a NO. 4 in a Series KNOW YOUR CHURCH

Here is the full story of how your collection-plate dollar supports not only your local church hut stretches around the world to serve countless others in a multitude of ways.

Where Your Church Money Goes

By EDWIN H. MAYSARD Editor, the Methodist Story T XHIS YEAR, we Methodists will contribute more After the quarterly conference has acted, you will than $600 million to our church. But when you and I be invited to pledge. In case there is a "unified" budget, drop one of our dollars in the collection plate, where you will be asked for only one pledge; local-church does it go? Who handles it and accounts for it? And officials then will divide money received between local who decides what it will be used for? expenses and benevolences. In case of a dual pledge, Therein lies a tale. In this age, when stretching a strongly recommended by die Discipline of The Meth- buck is the next thing to magic, parts of your dollar go odist Church, you will be asked to make one pledge to work in all corners of the world! for local work and anodier for benevolences. The need How does this happen? Because ours is a "connec- for a local building fund or for capital funds for a tional" church, and local congregations do not stand seminary, college, or hospital may mean another pledge. alone. Portions of every dollar you put in the collection When your money is received, whether by pledge or plate on Sunday serve not only in your local church special offering, it will serve in three broad categories: but also in your community, your state, your country, 1. At the local level, including: and in 45 other nations. Pennies from each of your • Salary for the pastor(s) and the church staff. dollars reach an amazing number of places where we • Operational expenses and property maintenance. Methodists carry on work. • The church school and work of the commissions. the Apostle Paul collected for the church Ever since • Outpost church schools or local mission projects. in Jerusalem, the offering has been a part of Christian • The building fund. worship. Further back, the Old Testament offering was 2. At the annual conference level, including: a sacrifice to win God's favor. But the Christian's gift, • Salaries and administrative expenses of district super- whether a tithe ( tenth ) or other portion of his income, intendents and conference staff. to God. is first of all an act of thanks • Pensions for retired ministers. A particular gift may be in response to the need of • Conference benevolences (support of such programs the home church for a new roof, to the privations of as inner-city work, children's homes, and campus minis- refugees in Hong Kong, or simply fulfillment of a tries) within conference boundaries. voluntary pledge. As an individual, you do have con- • Conference Advance Specials, earmarked for mission siderable choice about where your church money goes. projects within the conference. Church extension funds, to help start new churches. You determine the amount of your gift to freewill • offerings several times a year, and can designate special 3. At the general {churchwide) level, including: gifts to particular projects. • World Service, the basic benevolence budget. "second mile" plan for volun- The major part of church giving, however, is not • Advance Specials, the giving to world missions, national missions, and over- specifically earmarked, and budgeting and allocating tary seas relief projects. is necessary. Budget decisions begin at home—in the offerings. The Discipline lists One Great Hour conference. • Special quarterly conference or annual church Relations of Sharing, Worldwide Communion Sunday, Race This conference, usually in the spring, adopts the Dav, Methodist Student Day, and Rally Day. a budget for benev- local-church budget and sets up • Other benevolence funds (Television-Radio Ministry which olences—gifts to support needed programs Fund and Interdenominational Co-operation Fund). are not and often never can be self-supporting, such • Administrative funds (the Episcopal Fund and the the as the campus ministry, care of the homeless and General Administration Fund). work near and far. Beyond this, aging, and missionary Methodist In die fiscal year 1963. giving in The special offerings for specific purposes are authorized.

43

December 1 963 \Together Dr. Elliott L. Fisher, general secretary of the Commission on Promotion and Cultivation, keeps Methodists informed on how their benevolences serve the church.

Church in the USA for all purposes exceeded $598 culated by a formula fixed by the General Conference. million. By far die largest part of this was spent locally, The annual conference, in turn, sets an apportionment with payments for new and past building exceeding —an asking—for each church. even the salaries of ministers. Still, nearly $1 of every The item appearing in your local-church budget as $6 was applied to benevolences in some form. (These a result of this process is "World Service and Confer- figures include gifts made directly to church-related ence Benevolences." As the name implies, this giving institutions and benevolences of the Woman's Society goes to work in two distinct ways: of Christian Service, which usually are not shown as 1. Conference Benevolences. This item, with local varia- part of a local-church budget.) tion, is likely to provide: It is easy to understand the preacher's salary, local • The Conference program in Christian education, operation, and building costs. Let's move on out and including a staff to counsel with church-school superin- look at what happens to the money we give for use tendents and teachers, a youth program, and camps. outside our own congregation—particularly for con- • Services to local churches in such program areas as ference and World Service benevolences. evangelism, lay activities, Christian social concerns, and Each annual conference, made up of representatives missions. • Current support of hospitals, homes, and colleges. from local churches, decides what part of these benev- • Social-service centers (urban and rural), ministry olence monies shall be kept in the conference and what to migrant workers. part will go elsewhere. This ratio may approximate • Aid to mission churches, including storefronts, 50-50 or it as far as 70-30 either may go way, depend- churches in depressed areas, and outposts. ing upon needs and resources. But the annual con- • New churches. Sometimes they receive help from ference knows it is expected to pay a certain amount conference benevolences; if not, from a separate church to World Service. This "apportionment" has been cal- extension fund.

44 Together /December 1963 *. 10 Million Advance Specials $9,713,499

Fellowship of

OTHER Suffering and Service, World Wide Communion

BENEVOLENCES (Chaplains, MOW, One Great Hour of Shoring camp activities) (Relief, Crusade Scholars $863,095 and other projects) $760,607

1 Million

Dr. Don A. Cooke, general secretary and treasurer of the Council on World Service and Finance, oversees the distribution of funds to the general church agencies.

2. World Service. The churchwide budget for World marked for grants to Methodist colleges serving Negroes. Service is set every four years. Currently it is $15 million, • Christian Social Concerns, 3.H7c. For Study and an amount fully paid in 1962-63. After certain prior claims, action on social questions. each dollar is divided by fonnula into these categories: • Evangelism, 2.56$. For leadership, training, and pre- • World Missions, 32.88$. For administration of our paring materials. missions overseas, some salaries for missionaries, and some • Lay Activities, 2.37$. Providing counsel .mil training institutional work. It is a base upon which further work in the work of Methodist Men, stewardship, and finance. can be built through Advance Specials—gifts designated • Television, Radio, and Films, 2.19$. To provide by the donor for use in specific places. audio-visual materials for churches and make ,i witness • National Missions, 25.83$. For "home" missions in through television and radio. the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. • Hospitals and Homes, 1.10$. For advisory and It works with minority groups and in remote areas and standard-setting sen ices to Methodist institutions.

supplements the efforts of regular ministers in critical • American Bible Society, 0.01$. The 1 17-year-old

spots. This World Service support is augmented by ABS acts as the official Methodist agency in bible transla- Advance Specials. tion and distribution. • Ministerial education, 10.95$. Though partly for • Scarrilt College, 0.914- Partial support for an institu- administration and in-service training, the bulk of this tion to train missionaries and professional Christian money goes as grants to the 12 Methodist schools of workers. theology. • Fixed sums for pension administration, deaconess • Education, 16.43$. This portion of the dollar includes pensions, and the American University in Washington, I) C, equal sums for the Division of the Local Church (leader- Other benevolences, at both conference and general ship and guidance for local church schools) and the two basic programs. Now Division of Higher Education (to advise and encouraue levels, supplement these these dollars and see how it Methodist colleges and universities). A portion is ear- let's trace one of

December 1 963 \ Together stretches itself to reach projects around the world. goals and for fair apportionments to the 97 confer- Your Sunday-morning gift goes in the plate. After ences. a prayer of dedication, the minister places it upon the Also under Dr. Cooke's direction are auxiliary ser- Communion table or altar, where it remains during the vices of the Council on World Service and Finance: rest of the service. As you leave, the corner of a program to promote wills and bequests; a depart- your eye may catch a man gathering the plates and ment of research and statistics; a file of the names, slipping out the side door. Who is he? addresses, and service records of all pastors; a trans- portation and convention bureau; and a shipping de- partment. M«-OST likely he is the financial secretary, and he is Companion to the council is the agency that tells not going far. He heads for an out-of-the-way room the story of Methodist general benevolences, the Com- where he can count the offering, aided by stewards or mission on Promotion and Cultivation. The general members of the commission on stewardship and secretary is Dr. Elliott L. Fisher, a California native finance. The empty envelopes are taken by the financial who once directed town and country work for The secretary so he can update his records on payment of Methodist Church and was executive secretary of the pledges. Cash and checks are turned over to the section of home missions in the Division of National church treasurer. Missions from 1949-54. Dr. Fisher left the super- Once safely banked, your dollars enjoy a rest—but intendency of San Jose (Calif.) District to assume briefly. Local funds are expended regularly in accord leadership of the commission in 1961. with the budget. Money you have pledged for benevo- Dr. Fisher's task is to keep Methodists informed lences is turned over to another person, the benevo- about how tiieir benevolence dollars serve. He uses lence treasurer. He has a regular schedule (usually many media to do it. He is publisher of the World mondily) for sending these gifts on to the annual Service (Fourdi Sunday) leaflets, which reach more conference treasurer. than 3 million persons a month, and of the Methodist The conference treasurer takes out funds intended Story, going monthly to commission chairmen, officers, for annual conference causes, applying them accord- and other key leaders in every Methodist church. His ing to budgets or designations. He then sends them staff produces promotional aids ranging from leaflets to Evanston, 111., where they are received by Dr. Don and posters to mimeograph stencils, calendars, and A. Cooke, treasurer of the Council on World Service mobiles. and Finance. Dr. Fisher is also a film producer, for the Com- Dr. Cooke distributes funds—again according to mission on Promotion and Cultivation makes constant budgets or designations—to general church agencies. use of motion pictures and filmstrips. The best current The agency treasurer applies your gift to salaries, sup- box-office attraction is See All the People, a 38-minute plies, medicines, or whatever is needed anywhere color movie documenting Advance Specials. In process around the world. is a companion film on World Service. Shortcuts in this route are possible, particularly with special gifts. These, however, are the normal steps. J. HE commission has produced filmstrips on World As head of the financial operation in Evanston, Dr. Service, One Great Hour of Sharing, Worldwide Com- Cooke sometimes is mistakenly called "treasurer of munion Sunday, and Crusade Scholars. It has begun a The Methodist Church." Although no such title exists, series of short filmstrips which will outline the entire this is not far from fact. Actually, he is general secre- general benevolence program. tary and treasurer of the Council on World Service and Through the many channels and devices, Dr. Fisher Finance. sees a constant purpose: to help his fellow Methodists Persistent boosting of Florida belies his Minnesota catch a vision of how they might share in building the origin, for Dr. Cooke has spent all of his career in the kingdom of God. To this end, he has become an apos- South except for wartime service as an army chaplain. tle of "as much for others as for self," urging congre- He learned the discipline of precise records as secre- gations to match local expenses by what they give for tary and editor of the Journal for Florida Annual benevolences. He is also strong for the Advance, point- Conference for 26 years. He served the Southeastern ing out that many churches give liberally to Advance Jurisdictional Conference in the same way for four Specials and special offerings to widen their horizons years prior to assuming his present duties in 1960. He beyond mere payment of their apportionments. also has been a district superintendent and pastor of These two men and the agencies they represent as- several churches, most recently First Church, Braden- sure you, the typical Mediodist churchgoer, that die ton, Fla. dollar you put in the offering plate this Sunday will Dr. Cooke's double title indicates that he is not only be handled safely and promptly, and that the story of treasurer, responsible for distribution of some $30 the work it does will be told. But Dr. Fisher and Dr. million a year, but also general secretary of the council Cooke agree that the story has its proper ending only that bears major budgeting responsibility for The when the dollar you have given as an act of Christian Methodist Church. The annual budgets of most general love is spent in helping a missionary doctor to heal, or boards and agencies of the church come before this in putting a minister into a crowded slum, or in pay- council for review. From the council also come recom- ing the salary of a Wesley Foundation director, or . . . mendations to the General Conference for benevolence To this list there is no end!

Ah Together /December 1963 tk Fed up with shoddy shoes, tinny toys, and wheezing washers, this family has worked out a four-point shopping guide.

We're Through Buying

By KIT KUPERSTOCK

M Y HUSBAND is an engineer- started in the fall. Unusual? Not at skillful, conscientious, and hard all. Ask any woman. working—whose paychecks repre- As a part-time writer and a full- sent hours of painstaking effort. time mother of five, I don't have With five small boys, we need every much time to sew—but I may have to dollar he earns. So . . . we're through start in self-defense. Ready-made buying junk! No more children's dresses, even expensive ones, fre- boots that curl up in the first rain, quently come apart at the seams and no more appliances which we must have to be completely restitched. constantly coax to do their jobs, no Sometimes the buttons must be sewn more toys that fall apart 10 minutes on more securely before a dress can after we get them home! be worn the first time. This is the What ever happened to integrity shoddy kind of work we refuse to and pride of workmanship ? We have subsidize any longer. I would rather been disappointed so many times that do the job myself—properly—in the we even shy away from old company first place. names which used to guarantee Although we resent any kind of quality and good value. junk masquerading as honest mer- Of course, many businessmen do chandise, nothing angers us as much attempt to apply the ethical stan- as the flimsy stuff offered for chil- dards of their religion to their work, dren. Many times our boys have in- and we have made some purchases vested their savings in tin contrap- well worth the money. My portable tions which promptly came apart in typewriter has required only one their hands, occasionally inflicting minor repair in 11 years of constant nasty cuts. use. Our youngest son plays with David, nine, already is becoming wooden toys we bought years ago wary. When he received his birthday for his oldest brother. An occasional dollar this year, he took me by the appliance quietly does exactly what it arm and led me into the dime store. is supposed to do. "You can buy the groceries later,"

Many manufacturers still practice he said. "I always get gypped when Christian ethics in business, turning you're not along." out excellent products. But the good How are we supposed to teach our merchandise often is so surrounded youngsters the importance ol honesty by junk that it takes a lot of time, and of doing a job right in the face of patience, and determination to find experiences like these? David no holster it. A portable testing lab would help, doubt was remembering the too! which would not support the weighl

The same brand of shoes I wore as of his six-shooter—a cap gun which a child wear out twice as fast now. came unriveted with the first shot.

But boys are notably hard on shoes, I do not think our resentmenl is indicted so perhaps it would be fairer to dis- unreasonable. Jesus harshly were cuss my own. I no longer play base- the Temple merchants who ball or skip rope, so wouldn't yon cheating customers too inexperienced think a $9 pair of sandals would to protect themselves. Is it not possi main oi last the summer—or at least a couple hie that he would consider "dens of of months? The pair I bought in today's toy departments June had to have the straps sewn thieves"? back on four times before school David's experiences reminded me — ; — — —

of my own childhood, when I often covered the handmade wooden toys went shopping with Grandmother. and puzzles from Southern Appa- She would shake her head knowingly lachian craft centers. We are not only when we passed a certain food getting our money's worth, but feel market. that our children are absorbing an "They put beautiful fruit on top appreciation of fine workmanship of their baskets," she would say, through every fingertip as they "and try to get by with hiding bad handle the beautifully finished wood. fruit on the bottom. By their fruits There is a special quality about toys ye shall know them," she would which can be passed along from add, her eyes twinkling. She was a generation to generation. tough customer for shenanigan- And we have found British-made minded storekeepers. toy cars a welcome contrast to "un-

I wonder what she would think of breakable" plastic toys which shatter the maker of the expensive, sturdy- at the first blow, or—when they do looking bed we purchased recently? live up to their name—quickly shed Beautifully designed and finished, it their wheels and other moving parts.

looked as if it might last for genera- One we accidentally left buried in the Let's NOT Keep Up tions. But the polished exterior was sand pile last fall emerged this spring only a disguise for a frame of green, almost as good as new, its paint only With the JONESES third-rate lumber, and a leg soon slightly scratched. came off. When we complained, the But more direct action is needed manufacturer was indignant. to reduce the mass of shoddy mer- I AM CONDUCTING a one- In a way, I can understand chandise on the market today. Com- woman campaign against keeping though not approve—his reaction. plaints are a first step. With this in up with the Joneses. In the past, I Shoddy merchandise has become so mind, we have worked out the fol- was maneuvered by high-pressure commonplace that you are considered lowing four-point shopping guide: advertising and a spirit of envy — a spoilsport if you complain. But 1. Keep your standards high. De- into buying gadgets guaranteed while not everyone complains di- cide what you want before you enter to help me lead "the good life." In rectly, many people are practicing the store and do not settle for any- the process, I was letting other peo- passive resistance to the flood of thing less. Do without instead of ple make my decisions. compromising. For example: My household had flimsy goods. always run without a garbage-dis- We were overjoyed when we dis- 2. Spea\ up. Tell the storekeeper or posal unit—until I discovered most manufacturer when something of my friends had them. Then I you buy is especially satisfactory went to work to get my husband to or when it is not. They may welcome Battle of the Sexes put one in the sink. the information, and they will not be He argued: "In the first place, Schedule, he says, lulled into a false sense of security there's the initial cost, then the cost it will make you efficient. by an apathetic buying public. of water and electricity. We'd have I doubt with five youngsters Needle them or praise them, but to hire a plumber on a retaining he'd keep them on their toes! basis to keep our two-inch drain- be more proficient. 3. When buying anything expen- pipe unstopped. And in the last System he says, sive, as\ the salesman how long you place, you're spending more than I and draws up a plan make in the first place. Every time can expect it to last. Ask for a written utilizing each minute, I think I'm going to make both guarantee. If the article does not live that's just like a man; ends meet, you move one of them!" up to the promise, take it back. That

but I spent some time I think this is true of many of is what we do, and it gets results! us. have become so used to digging worms for a can. We 4. Utilize home trials. Especially dressing, driving, decorating, and Budget he says, when shopping for appliances, insist drawing breath just like the Joneses you'll accomplish it all; upon a trial installation before you that we find it difficult to be our- but he doesn't allow sign on the dotted line. If your credit selves and make a sensible decision. for a telephone call, rating is good, this is easily arranged, What is "the good life"? Is it being gadget delirious and novelty or minutes that passed for competition is keen in this field. mad? If we adults cannot set a bet- while climbing a wall, The success we have had with recent- ter example for our young people, ly is solid or time spent with sister purchased appliances proof how will they be able to finance of this system's effectiveness. dressing her doll. schools, churches, and civic institu- Above all, remember that spending tions in the future? Schedule, system, or budget money is just a practical way of There's a sign trucks often use: not one have I trading some of your work for some- "Toot horn, road's yours!" I say, yet when he comes home, one else's. You have a right to expect let's use it; let's give the highway there is blueberry pie. yes, even demand fair value in of reckless spending—and heedless — — —jene M. Ueberroth imitation—to the Joneses. return. That is why we have decided —Bern Roer that we're through buying junk!

>, l\ iiitt A pastor finds the answer to a practical-minded man's challenge .

that we recognize the power of one Alter that, her smiles came oftener, man to build a better world. and we talked less of her troubles. But how is one man to face the Then one day as I stepped through task? Is he to construct shelters for her doorway she exclaimed, "Oh, himself or to store guns for fighting I'm so glad you came today! I off his neighbors? Will the better wanted to tell you first that I took world be discovered by making CAN my first steps in therapy this morn- more destructive bombs, or by im- ing!" They were her first steps in prisoning more men than do the nearly four years! Russians? As a pastor, I have served in I BUILD I am convinced that we are to many churches. I have had experi- build this new world by living as ence with many Woman's Societies Christians, by letting God build his —have eaten their dinners, attended kingdom A through our lives. Despite their programs, spoken to them. Hut modern transportation and com- I wonder if many of us pastors do munication, which have shrunk the not look upon these groups in a globe, my own little world is still routine sort of way. my home and my community. It Once I attended an afternoon tea BETTER is here that I can do my part to the Woman's Society held for the create a better world. lonely and elderly of the village. Close at hand is the principal tool Each member was responsible for WORLD? I need for its rebuilding—love. bringing guests. The whole after- Why do we show so little love? noon was filled with a buzz of hap- Two years ago, I spent many piness and gentle laughter. The By GEORGE C. DESMOND hours on different days visiting with "golden-age tea" has become an Zuma Methodist Church a couple whose home was breaking annual event. The younger women Hillsdale, III. apart. Their love had turned to look forward to it as much as the hatred. Finally I asked the man, older ones. Surely, their world has "Do you ever call your wife become a better world! 'Darling'?" With anguish, he re- The things that bring gladness plied, "I just can't do it any more." are often little things. A box of "Will you try?" I asked. homemade cookies placed in the The next day his wife wept as mail box for a rural mail carrier, a she told me that he had used that glass of lemonade for the painter, A FTER I preached a sermon on one little word. After that, both of an extra nickel for the boy who Building a Better World, a business- them began trying again to go out brings the paper—such thoughtful- man said: "Reverend Desmond, you of their way to show affection. ness can bring a smile to any face. really ought not preach like that. Those two rebuilt their world! No gift has ever pleased me quite In this big world what can one man Some time ago, I was asked to so much as a crooked little wooden do about anything? When we think visit an irritable old lady who had cross, its fresh paint somewhat of the war today between commu- been bedridden for more than three streaked. A six-year-old boy had nism and democracy, it leaves me years and who wanted to talk only made it for me. His mother called feeling as though I don't count." of her troubles. I would feel myself to apologize because it looked

Far too many of us take this cringing as I approached her door crude. In 20 years as a minister. 1 defeatist attitude in the face of for my weekly visit. Then one day have never had a lovelier gift. That world problems. Apparently all we I took myself to task, saying inward- six-year-old loved me! And without can do is twiddle our thumbs and ly, "This is all wrong. Your calls knowing it, he built a better world. hope that the world will come out are not helping her at all, and they Two thousand years ago, beside a all right. Many fear that there is are hurting you." dusty road in Galilee, a gentle Man no hope. That very day I made a compli- in a seamless robe of white said We have forgotten that Christian mentary little remark about the what I have been trying to say: history teaches what one man can sewing she was doing. For the first "Whatever you wish that men to to them." do. Jesus was one man in Galilee; time, she smiled at me. Her eager would do you, do so commandment I give Paul was one man in the Roman response, "Do you really like it?" And, "A new Empire; Martin Luther was one haunted me for days afterward. On to you, that you love oik- another." This is the blueprint; we have man in Germany; John Wesley was my next visit I mentioned the only to take it and use it if we one man in 18th-century England. flowers someone had given her and would build a better world. Our historical heritage demands the new gown she was wearing.

December 1 963 \ Together W&&.. iiiffliii -fB" Unto Mu ]path

Weekly Meditations by Ministers on the International Sunday School Lessons

Paul D. Lowder Charles M. Smith D. Clifford Crummey H. Thornton Fowler M. Everett Dorr Davidson, N.C. Bloomington, 111. San Francisco Nashville, Tenn. Arlington, Va.

DECEMBER 1 to some expression of love, it is of those too young to remember that once little value. this was exciting stuff.

Now as you excel in everything I find it disturbing that it is more The depressing thing about this utterance, in —in faith, in fun to give good things to our children exercise was that no one seemed to knowledge, in all earnestness, and than to anyone else. Surely, when we doubt that God would approve, bless, in your love for us—see that you excel in this gracious work also. love God and his other children ade- and exalt the effort to do what we —2 Corinthians 8:7 quately, we will find just as much joy had been doing for years, making the in giving to them. same dull appeals we have been ac- nt AN YOU imagine anyone begging Paul calls giving a "gracious work." customed to making, couched and VJ^ for an opportunity to give money? How often are we more faithful in clothed in the standard pious nomen- Yet this is exactly what the churches other virtues than in this one? clature so familiar and so boring. in Macedonia did. And Paul used it A tentative suggestion that maybe as an example for the church at grayer: Our Father, whose love for God would not be offended by a wit- Corinth. What a contrast to much of us is genuine, fill our hearts with love ness with a little more zing in it was our giving today! so that we may find joy in being discarded as too ridiculous for serious In the context from which this verse generous with all that thou hast given discussion. is taken, Paul says three significant us. Amen. It must have been a similar cast of things about giving. PAUL D. IjOWDEU mind in the church at Corinth to which It is a privilege. His friends in Paul addressed the stinging admoni- Macedonia realized this when they DECEMBER 8 tion that our own commendation of asked to have a part in sending finan- Christian endeavors is quite secondary For it is not the man who com- cial aid to the mother church in to the divine commendation—imply- mends himself that is accepted, a privilege to ing that the Corinthians deficient Jerusalem. It is always but the man whom the Lord com- were be in a position where we can help mends.—2 Corinthians 10:18 in the saving grace of humility. others. One layman who discovered There is no question that Christian / this thanked his pastor for the oppor- ]\fOT LONG ago, I was a reluctant work and witness must be positive in a special project X\ participant in a seminar of lay and conviction filled. But the thinnest tunity of sharing / in their church. and clerical Christians, assessing the of lines divides the spirit of gracious Those whom Paul uses as an ex- task of the church in today's world. conviction from the smugness of a ample first gave themselves to God. Quite predictably, the meeting spent locked-up mind. It takes more than a Any giving is shortchanged which is itself in a zealous warming over little wit, wisdom, and humility to given without the giver's commitment of all the ideas, stereotypes, and keep to the sunny side of the line, but of himself. Could this be the reason cliches of and about the Christian the line bounds the land of effective for the lack of joy in our giving so church and its mission which may and creative Christian life and wit- often? have at one time stirred men's minds. ness. Giving is a way of proving that our But today, they evoke at best a mood love is real. Love unexpressed is in- of nostalgia among those who are get- ^.lrnucr: When we are short of hu- adequate love. If love does not lead ting on a bit, and indifference from mility and too much at ease in the

Together /December 1963 — —

Zion of our self-approval, as we often faith in which he maj find the power the actual presence of Cod in us. are, forgive us, O Lord, chastise us of God in his life. Heirs of Clod are yet to inherit what according to our need, and renew a is to conic from God. So may Christ- right spirit within us. Amen. Jlraucr: O God, whose love brought mas be an increasingly continuous CHARLES MERRILL SMITH US into being, remind us that through conceiving of Christ in our hearts. faith in the Gospel of thy Son we can DECEMBER 15 find fullness of life. Give us courage grayer: Our Father, we thank thee to stand firm in the faith in any cir- for sending thy Son. For I am not ashamed of the May thy Son in gospel: it is the power of God cumstance. Amen. us enable us to live as children in the for salvation to every one who D. CLIFFORD CRUMMEY family of God. Amen. has faith, to the Jew first and also — II. THORN ION FOWLER to the Greek. Romans — 1:16 DECEMBER 22 DECEMBER 29 EORGE AND Ralph had worked But when the fulness of the time in the same office for almost five was come, God sent forth his Son, But the fmit of the Spirit Is /ore. years and considered themselves to be made of a woman, made under joy, peace, patience, kindness, the goodness, good friends. One weekend they came law, to redeem them that faithfulness, gentleness, were under the law, that we self-control: against such there is face to face at a church conference. might receive the adoption of no law. —Galatians 5:22-23 Almost in unison they said, each to sons.—Galatians 4:4-5 (KJV) the other, "How did it happen I didn't 'TlJlIE POET Keats once said. "The know you are a churchman as I am?" ^| CANNOT forget. He was a boy VJ' first thing that strikes me upon Yes, how did it happen? ("VJ who made each session of my hearing of a misfortune having befal- How does it happen that so many church-membership training class len another is this, 'Well, it cannot be of us manage to sidetrack any discus- thrilling. One session he asked, "How helped. He will have the pleasure of " sion of religion with our friends? does God come to us? How do we trying the resources of the spirit.' St. Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed know him?" His eyes beamed as he The resources or fruit of the spirit of the gospel." Perhaps he felt some said: come to a person over a period of time temptation to shame. Most of us do "I think God is like television. He and by persistent effort, not in any from time to time. If we do not put is everywhere. We have to adjust momentary flash. Like money on de- ourselves on record as being for the ourselves. Then a picture comes on posit in an account, making financial gospel, we do not have to be quite so in the inside of us, but it is really resources available, deposits for the careful. It seems so much safer to live hard to 'say' the picture." spirit are necessary to produce kind that way. Do not the words from Galatians ness, faithfulness, gentleness. Somehow our safe living does not given above state something of the Beginnings are made in early child- give us the satisfaction and joy that same idea as given in the language of hood as parents or adults help the should be ours. One who follows the the child? individual to make right choices, first way of Christ cannot go just halfway, Christmas speaks of the picture of simple, then increasingly more com- even though the way is difficult. He God coming on in our hearts as God's plex as his area of understanding must live in faith, putting his trust in acts of coming to us are disclosed. His expands. This involves foregoing im- Cod. For faith in the— God of Jesus acts have been discovered in studies mediate satisfaction for more perma- Christ—the Gospel "is the power of the universe, in human beings nent values on the road to maturity. of God for salvation." specifically in Jesus Christ, in the Making good choices or decisions Never has the need been greater for teachings of the Old Testament, in also involves accepting the conse- persons who are not ashamed of the redemption through Christ, in the quences. All too frequently parents shield children from the Gospel. If the Gospel is to find its way relationship of sons in Christ, and in seek to unfortunate decisions. into our great metropolitan areas, it the experience of the Son in the heart consequences of will be carried by the lay persons crying, "Abba, Father." But, how else does one learn? Observ- "idol" engaged in those who will live and speak for God. When the picture of God is clear ing a parent or the faithfulness, or The ministry of the laity must become within us, we know the meaning of acts of joy, patience, the basic ministry of the church. the words, "So through God you arc self-control will motivate a growing child. Experiencing the fruit of the Your statement of the Gospel, in ... a son, and if a son, then an heir." will meaningful satisfaction. word or deed, may lead another to a Really the picture is the expression of spirit give As a high-school girl once said to the writer, "I feel the best inside when

I do something for someone because

I want to, not because I have to." ' Like the Skins of an Onion There is no greater compensation. It was Jesus who said, "If ye know (Interpreting a passage in Peer Gynl by Henrik Ibsen, Act V, Scene 5) these things, happy are ye if ye do

7 peel away another onion skin them."

the core Of self, and when, and if, at last ^Ir.-ujrr: O Thou creator and sust.unei of all mankind, open our mind's eye I reach, what will 1 find? Will it he more that wc may sec more- clearly and Of the same self unclianged—or God within? understand more quickly the things of the Spirit; and, partaking of the —Elizabeth P. Moss fruit of the Spirit, may we be nourished and enriched to live effec- tively for thee. Amen. M. KVEHETT DORR

December 1 963 \ Together Mrs. Laura McClure:

Akrons Good Neighbor

D:ECEMBER is a busy month inbred. In die last six years, how- for Laura McClure. But, so are the ever, it has taken form in a com- other 11 months, too! munity-wide club dedicated to the Anyone hardy enough to match proposition that the world needs the year-round pace Mrs. McClure good neighbors—even in the im- sets in her hometown of Akron, personal crush of life in a large city. Ohio, will find her collecting and It started with a question asked distributing food and used clothing by one of Mrs. McClure's friends. for families in need, visiting the Frances Watson, then a nurse with sick and elderly, calling on pris- the Akron Visiting Nurse Service, oners, arranging interviews for job- was appalled by the need in many seekers, and working widi public homes where she called to care Good Neighbor Club started six was welfare agencies the sick. years ago when Nurse Frances Watson and United Fund for One day she asked to help persons in special Mrs. if she cloth- asked her friend, Laura McClurc, needy McClure had any ways. ing for desperately poor family. to help one needy family. a Mrs. McClure is a longtime Meth- Mrs. McClure immediately raided

odist whose concern for people is her closets, and shortly Mrs. Watson

Mrs. McClure often plays the piano for church meetings, but her musical skill is especially appreciated by lonely patients of a nursing liome she visits regularly.

\ aft' 1U^»^ Abandoned by her husband, this young mother of two receives regular help from the Good Neighbor Club.

Mrs. McClure brought both clothing and food to this shun home where a father of nine was injured and out of work.

delivered a bundle of garments. Afterward, Mrs. McClure pon- dered how she could continue to help. Her two daughters were all but grown. Keeping house for them and her husband, Harold, a rubber- plant worker, did not take her full time. Talking with members of her church-school class at North Hill Methodist Church, she found them interested, too. "Why not organize a club?" she proposed. Soon the Good Neighbor Club became a reality. With North Hill Methodists comprising the bulk of its membership, it has expanded to include many others. "We have no boundaries of race, color, creed, or geography among those we help or our workers," says Mrs. McClure. The 1,570-member North Hill congregation and its pastor, Dr. Charles A. Albright, provide as- sistance and encouragement. A church-owned house was turned over to the club, and financial sup- port ($1,859 in cash last year)

One of Mrs. McClure's most fruitful projects: securing tools for this boy's use in trade school. He finished first in his class. —

conies largely from North Hill members spend countless hours members. Club members supple- visiting homes, delivering food and ment the cash with volunteer work —perhaps most important—sharing and donations of clothing, food, and personal friendship with the old, household articles. the needy, the lonely. One member gives his time re- What motivates the Good Neigh- pairing radios and television sets bors to spend so much of their time gifts prized especially by aged per- and their own funds helping others? sons living alone and unable to get Mrs. McClure explains her feelings outside dieir homes. Sewing groups simply: "I just like to go and help meet weekly to mend and sort them, as would any Christian who donated articles, and many club cares. I love them all."

Mrs. McClure and other members of Good Neighbor Club serve luncheons to earn money for the club treasury.

Preparations for Christmas Sundays are busy, too. Mrs. McClure is pianist get underway in January with for the primary department at Nortli Hill Methodist Church. the repairing of used toys. Here Here she plays ichile children present their offerings. Mrs. McClure delivers dolls for a club member to refurbish. w ^5J*

i7 /;

-

• * leeAW

By RICHMOND BARBOUR

Cuhs doing by singing of Christ's birth. Or you On our vacation trip last summer, stupid things to attract my attention. can gather 'round the piano and raise I met a boy from California. I lied to She follows me around like a puppy your voices in song. Don't let radio him about my age. I'm only 14, but I dog. She even told me she loves me. and TV monopolize the carols in your told him I was Hi. We have written Is she crazy, or something? — KM. home. many letters since then. My conscience She's not crazy; she is in (he throes ol Presents? They are nice to give and bothers me. Don't you—think I should her first love. Be patient with her, bu( to receive, but they are not the es- tell him my real age? M.R. Yes, I try to make it clear that you arc not sence of Christmas. Neither are the do. interested in her. Talk with your moth holiday parties. Christmas is the an- er. Probably she had crushes on bigger niversary of the birth of Christ. It boys when she was young, and can The girl will should be a family affair with all of oa help you understand. us participating. change soon. Merry Christmas, teen-agers! I'm 14 and pretty shy. At the begin- ning of the school year I had a boy- friend. We both enjoyed being to- oa oa gether in a group. I was too bashful to talk and couldn't think of anything How can I give my boyfriend more lie is very bright and I am a freshman. I wanted to go out to say. Because of this, I think he self-confidence? but has for football. However, my father thought 1 didn't like him. Now he is a capable, good teen-ager, he again. a poor opinion of himself. When I would not permit it. He played when becoming interested in me thinks I'm in- he was in high school. His hip was What can I talk about? How can I compliment him, he sincere. Is there any to help injured and he has to use a cane most overcome my shyness? — E.S. Make way is him? — A. A. One good way would of the time. He is afraid something a mental list of all the things he

December 1 963 \ Together . ) —

be to find his special talents, then

help him exploit them. I knew a boy like this who turned out to be a fine Bishop Nail Answers trombonist. He got into a Dixieland

Questions About . . band, played many solos, and began to feel successful for a change. Success

is the best antidote to the feelings of inferiority in normal people. oa

7 have tried out for the high-school glee club three different times. The director always says my voice isn't good enough. I love to sing. Several of my friends are in the glee club. They say my voice is better than half

the kids in it. Does the director have it in for me? —F.Y. Probably not. Glee clubs are selective and directors have to make choices. Some persons are bound to be disappointed. I know of schools which have a "grand chorus" for all the students who want to sing. Some meet during the school day, and some after school. They were not selective. Every student was wel- comed. The whole chorus had fun. Ask your director about starting one ITow do we view reincarnation? This belief that the soul is reborn, in your school. after this life, in another body is found in some Oriental religions, especially Hinduism. The sacred cows that one sees in the streets of Indian cities and villages are thought to shelter the souls of the departed. In Borneo, some people believe that their dead are reincar- oa nated in the wild animals which frequent their raised coffins. The idea, in varied forms, has appeared in Christianity, notably in I am a girl of 13. I don't know what die Gnostic sects, but it has been repudiated by most theologians. is wrong inside me, but I steal. I've It is at variance with the Christian idea of resvirrection, whether the stolen many things which I did not reanimation of dead bodies ( as in Judaism ) or the diought of a new need. I also have taken clothes from body for a new world ( as in Paul ) a store. I pray to God for help in stopping. Sometimes I can go for a How does God speak to us? Through feelings (even hunches), month or so, but when I see money, through events, through books and people—in many ways that may I take it. I'd die if I got caught; 1 seem difficult for us to understand because they are so delicate and know that will happen if I don't stop. so subtle. Please, Dr. Barbour, help me! —E.W. God seldom answers prayer in so many words, and we never try Many small children experiment with to summon him to hear our prayers. (Buddhists clap their hands to taking things which do not belong to draw the attention of deity before offering prayers. them. They are caught and punished. In Existentialism and Religious Liberalism, John F. Hayward puts They stop soon. When a girl of your it this way: "God contains and absorbs the whole of man, including age cannot control the urge to steal, his prayers, and responds as wisely and lovingly to the spontaneities the problem is serious. Almost certain- and offerings of man as he does to the spontaneities and offerings of ly your stealing is a symptom of a all nature. God is the one dimension of being that responds to man basic maladjustment. You need help more richly and completely than any other, even than man himself." from a psychiatrist or a qualified psychologist. You must tell your parents what is happening. Ask them we baptize children of nonchurch members? Of couise, for Uo to have your family doctor refer you the unbeliefs of parents are not necessarily visited on their children. to a specialist. The Baptism ritual says that all persons "are heirs of life eternal and subjects of the saving grace of the Holy Spirit." Nevertheless, the nurture of the home is such that die child with- out parents who enjoy and enrich the church with their presence and Teens why huddle with your trou- their gifts is at a positive disadvantage as he seeks to become "a bles? It's better to worthy member of Christ's holy church." The church can help, throw- share them—confiden- tially—ivith one who ing its arms of support and affection around him—and maybe, understands teen-age through him, it can win the parents. muddles. Write Dr. "Every quest means questions," explains Bishop Nail, episcopal leader of Methodism's Barbour, c/o Together, Minnesota. Area. The bishop particularly enjoys answering the queries of youth. An experi- Box U23, Park Ridge, enced religious journalist, he is the author of several books prompted by youthful questions. III., for friendly help.

Toqether /December 1963 —

s1W/iAsP*4 in Fiction

With GERALD KENNEDY, bishop, los angeles area

I F WE should divide the history of writes a book about the accidental lias powers seemed to us c\ il. The waj literature into various ages as the starting of World War III to show how to cast suspicion on any disliked trend archaeologist does with civilizations, precarious is our situation. No one in Protestantism has been to brand it we could hardly call this the age of the remembers who the hero was because a return to popery. It is no mean ac- novel. the hero was never important. complishment, therefore, to portray I suppose we produce more sheer Out of such books we simply re- such a man in such a way as to rouse bulk in this field than has any previous member the general theme or the admiration and respect in the minds ol generation, but we are not enjoying a proposition which was the foundation the children of the Reformation. Such flowering period of fiction. There are of the story. The characters are usually has been done in this book. many interesting little stories pro- puppets manipulated by the author It may be that recent developments duced, and now and again a segment to prove his point. It is the sort of in connection with the Vatican Council of life is described analytical with thing Upton Sinclair did at the begin- have prepared the way for more skill. But the books which create un- ning of the century. Such writers are mutual understanding and apprecia- forgettable persons are so few and far reporters or reformers, but they are tion. This has been a miracle, and we between as to constitute is a rarity. It not novelists. must be grateful to Cod that all Chris- almost as if persons in themselves have tians are closer together. Some of us ceased to be of much interest or con- are beginning to realize that Catholic cern. It is a great experience, therefore, priests and Protestant pastors have One reason is that the world of our when one turns to a book that has more in common than once we time is so exciting in itself that just something of the art of fiction within thought. I am sure that a Catholic the reporting of facts carries dramatic it and reveals the authentic mark of bishop and a Methodist bishop would power. Atomic affairs and space ad- a creator of character. It makes me find their tasks more alike than either

ventures have become the common- think that one of our most pressing has realized. Of course the pope is in place of the news reports. It is hard to dangers is the dehumanization of a class by himself, but even here, this view any individual's career and re- human life and that one of our greatest book has put windows in the wall. gard it as exciting as events in the needs is a recovery of the sense of the One has the feeling that Morris daily newspaper. The feverish tempo wonder and value of people. So I in- West must have had prophetic insight of the day makes it difficult for us to vite you to turn to THE SHOES OF as to what was going to happen in

settle back and enjoy a leisurely ex- THE FISHERMAN, by Morris L. the Roman Catholic Church. There is ploration of character. And so our West (Morrotc, $4.95). Here is a portrayed the Jesuit priest whose escape stuff is of the Western variety, novel in the more classical sense. Not evolutionary theories could not be pub- depending more on riding and shoot- by coincidence, it is a novel about the lished and who seems to be a thinly ing than on a sympathetic sharing of Christian church. disguised Teilhard de Chardin whose

the day-by-day experiences of some My constant complaint is that no- The Phenomenon <>f Man could not he family or individual. body writing about a Protestant published until after his death.

I think this explains the growing preacher seems to know anything A Protestant finds it almost impossi- popularity of nonfiction and the lessen- about him. This book is about a pope, ble to justify that kind of sacrifice de- ing attractiveness of fiction itself. Our which would seem even more difficult, manded ol such a scholar in the name minds are geared to the actual, and and it may fail to please everyone who of the church, hut there is at least a we respond to a portrayal of the is close to the Vatican. But to one who glimmer of understanding of win it startling possibilities immediately is not close to Rome, this book is more is done. This point may prove to be a around the next corner. There seems to than satisfactory. bigger stumbling block to mutual be a curiously unreal quality about a We have a very great novel here, understanding than the theological novel when people are deluged with for it has created a believable and differences. to he a stories of sudden death on the high- unforgettable person. This pope is both What promises liberalizing in the Roman will ways and murder in the next block a human being and a man made in movement Church certainly he encouraged by this novel. to say nothing of the threats of total the image of God. Humble and aware also will bring light to Protestants annihilation. of his power, he has to come to terms It We have produced what someone with his responsibility for a great in- regarding Catholic thought and proce- about his dure. Aside from these verj important has called "fictionless novels." These stitution, but he is clear facts, it is good to have portrayed a are books with a thin plot but actually personal obligations to Christ. been churchman who is both saint and written around the theme of an actual The very term "pope" has Protestants. administrator. I wish someone could situation or condition. A man writes anathema to most We scandals connected do this lor The Methodist Church and about a labor union in order to pub- have read of the in the Middle Ages, and get the had taste of The Stained Glass licize his ideas of the place of labor with the office giving a man infallible Jungle out of our mouths. in modern society. Or another person the idea of

December 1 963 \ Toget her —, —

these can be obliterated, we could little book is couched in the familiar Barnabas construct a civilization of which Homo language of the straight-from-the- sapiens could be proud. And it would country comedienne from Grinders take just 1 percent of the resources, Switch. Her friend Tennessee Ernie fervor, and self-sacrifice that we de- Ford writes the introduction to voted to the murderous enterprises of Minnie Pearl's Christmas at Grinders Looks the Second World War. Switch (Abingdon, $1.50). ". . . you will be wafted into the Young people in their early teens beautiful hills of Tennessee at Christ-

will find an absorbing story of man's mastime," Ford writes. "For some it at growing comprehension of the heavens will be ... a honing of sweet mem- in the new revised edition of The ories. From cider to little angel's Kingdom of the Sun (Abelard-Schu- wings, hot bread to apron strings, you man, $3.50), by Isaac Asiniov. It will laugh at the humor, applaud the traces man's concepts of the universe Christmas play, smell the kitchen, and NEW from the of the early Greeks. days be totally enveloped by the warmth." Their younger brothers and sisters For me, it was like having Minnie will prefer The Earth in Space (Ran- Pearl drop by for a visit—with her dom House, written and il- Books $1.95), usual "Howdee, I'm so proud to be lustrated by John and Cathleen here!"—and then spending a couple Polgreen. This is an easy-to-read of hilarious hours telling me about science book that does not talk down Christmas at her house " 'way back to its youthful readers. when."

i F YOU are occasionally afflicted Millions know her as Minnie Pearl, I now bear personal witness to a as I am—by the feeling that the the saucy country girl seen on tele- miracle to me, a spiritual miracle as world has grown too small, I sug- — vision, heard on radio, or visited at the well as one technological. It gest you go to the window and look came Grand Ole Opry. not so many one recent evening I out and up. An expanding universe Too bad when put on the people know Mrs. Henry Cannon, the family phonograph long-playing carrying 100 billion galaxies farther two former Miss Sarah Ophelia Colley of "platters" which created the illusion and farther apart in space. Ten Centerville, Tenn. You would enjoy that Dr. Ralph Sockman in billion planets suitable for organic life W. was her, for she has had a lot of good our living room. I used to hear him something like that on earth. That is Methodist upbringing, is the product when he of the picture Harvard astronomer Har- was pastor Christ Church of a rather exclusive girls school, and (Methodist), in York City. low Shapley gives us in The View New — as one of her own Minnie Pearl fans On the records, Dr. Sockman's From a Distant Star (Basic Books, — once said "she's a right pert, refined sonorous voice comes through $4.95). remark- sort of woman who can talk as good ably in four talks Life's Growing Lest this give you delusions of sense as she can talk nonsense." Edge, Prisoners Ourselves, grandeur, Dr. Shapley points out that of Drama Some of the real person shines Deliverance, and Our Shadows from a cosmic bird's-eye view of this of of through in Mrs. Cannon's latest Minnie Influence. insignificant planet in a solar system Pearl role, that of author, even if her Two of Dr. Sockman's former on the fringes of one galaxy, man is much less important than he usually thinks he is.

It is a hard pill to swallow, this cosmic humility, he writes, "but we no longer doubt the facts. Our God (or gods, as the case may be, or Deity, or Nature, or First Cause) has much more on His (their, its) 'hands' than a paternal concern for peripheral, transient, terrestrial primates—much more than the kindly care of the biota of one planet. "The Universe, it seems to me (whom am, by the way, a religious man—on my definition of religion ) is much more glorious than the prophets of old reported, and we are actors in a greater show than the old billing led us to expect."

Man is secure in this universe if he can conquer himself, Dr. Shapley be- lieves. Our true enemies are poverty, disease, suspicion, and ignorance. If

Whether or not your children have thrilled to the sight of a shooting star, they'll enjoy The Earth in Space, an easy-to-read science book written for youngsters. parishioners were inspired to produce the recordings through a nonprofit organization they set up: Lifelighter Come, Come Associates, V 180 O Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, N.Y. The album with the

two records is priced at $5.95 and is

available through Cokesbury stores. I HYMN OF THE .MO VI II can imagine few gifts more welcomed by Dr. Sockman's admirers, who in- clude not only Christ Church folks, of course, but the millions who listened f>= to his weekly National Radio Pulpit broadcasts. (See page 14 for an article by him.)

When the American forces in the Philippines surrendered to the Japa- nese in May, 1942, an Army engineer, Lt. Col. Wendell Fertig, chose to take his chances in the jungle. What he ac- complished behind enemy lines is the story John Keats tells in They Fought Alone (Lippincott, $6.95). With the help of a handful of other Americans who refused to surrender, Fertig led thousands of Filipinos in a war against the Japanese. They made bullets from curtain rods, telegraph wire from fence. They fought off sick- MiLETHODISTS always have Henry Sloane Coffin, then minister ness, despair, and rebellion within prided themselves on being "a sing- of Madison Avenue Presbyterian their own forces. Their homemade ing people." The Wesley brothers Church, New York. communications were MacArthur's and their followers since the 18th More distinctive, perhaps, than

eyes and ears in the Philippines. And century have made enormously the hymn's plaintive words is its when the Americans finally returned creative contributions in music for tune, Vent Immanuel, named for to Mindanao, they found Fertig virtu- worship. the text from which Dr. Neale ally in control, commanding an army Still, modern Methodists draw in- made his first translation. Whether of 35,000 men and at the head of a spiration from many wells of Chris- or not this music in its present form

civil government that had its own post tian musical tradition. None is is genuine plainsong is in doubt.

office, lay courts, currency, factories, deeper than the Latin heritage from Most probably, it represents an and hospitals. which comes Methodism's "Hymn adaptation of several 13th-century

Keats, who also served in the Philip- of the Month" for December: O plainsong phrases to fit Dr. Neale's pines, has captured the pain, brutality, Come, O Come, Immanuel, No. 83 words. But several of the phrases and bravery of this incredible drama. in The Methodist Hymnal. are readily identified in musical set- If the soldierly language in the book Through several transitions, this tings of the medieval church period.

does not repel you, you will find it a hymn has come to us out of the In any case, most musicians agree remarkable testament to ingenuity and obscurity of the Middle Ages, its that if this is a modem imitation courage. tune in the mode of the ancient oi an ancient plainsong, it is a good plainsong or Gregorian chant. imitation and a fine hymn tunc Eleanor Roosevelt began working As early as the 9th century, per- which blends perfectly with the on her last book in the summer of haps even before that, a series of spirit of the hymn's words. 1962. She continued writing, in spite seven antiphons (short anthem As our hymnal notes, the plain- of ill health, almost to the end; and verses) was sung in the Roman song mode can best be recreated when she died in November, 1962, church at vespers on the seven when the verses of this hymn are the manuscript was completed in days before Christmas. At some sung in unison with harmony used rough draft form. time (music historians think it was only on the refrain. Even closer to The book was important to her: "I about the 12th century) an un- the original style and feeling of this is a rendition of the have something I want terribly to say," known author took five of these ancient mode she said. antiphons, changed their order, re- hymn by a for-men-only chorus, without piano or organ ac- Tomorrow Is Now (Harper & Row, cast them into a metrical text, and singing companiment. $3.50) is her testament and legacy, added a refrain. carol, a book about today and the choices The hymn as it appears in The More than a Christmas O Come, Immanuel is an shaping tomorrow that we must make Methodist Hymnal today is a com- Come, O Advent hymn. All three verses today. It is also a book about yester- bination of translations from that melancholy cry of pre- day and the history of the nation we original Latin. sound the Christian longing for the Messiah. carved out of the wilderness, and The first stanza is the work of sounding the about the qualities of the men and John Mason Neale, renowned En- Then, triumphantly message, the hymn joyous- women who made that history. glish hymnologist and Cambridge Advent Immainic] Mrs. Roosevelt analyzes what she scholar. He published the first En- ly proclaims, "Rejoice! !" considered the major problems con- glish translation of O Come, O shall come . . . Singing this Methodists join Christians fronting us in education, in our rela- Come, Immanuel in his Mediae i al hymn, continents and centuries in tions with people of other races and Hymns of 1851. The second and across rejoicing because the Promised Om other nations, in developing individual third stanzas which Methodists is coming. —Paige Caiu.i^ initiative in a society now too prone sing were translated in 1916 by

December 1 963\ Together to conformity, in expanding our Elford outlines the patterns of public economy. worship services and reveals how the MINNIE And she speaks of the goal to which orders of worship used in many dif- she devoted her last years—strength- ferent Protestant churches usually ening the United Nations. have certain elements in common. PEARL'S Problems, she believed, will be met, I wish it were written in more "with imagination, with courage, with triumphant tenns. I found it a little faith in ourselves and our cause—the cautious and studious. Nevertheless, fundamental dignity of mankind." the material it presents is sound. People who "view with alarm," she wrote, never build anything. A book publisher told me recently that when Christians are asked what If you were intrigued by New Light subjects they need most help on thev on the Dead Sea Scrolls in the August invariably answer prayer and the studv issue of Together [page 35], you will of the Bible. want to know about a layman's guide I have found an unusual Bible study to the scrolls written by the same help in Light Through an Eastern author, Thurman L. Coss. Window (Robert Speller & Sons, Secrets from the Caves (Abingdon, $2.50), in which Indian Orthodox $3) is written with the same ear for Bishop K. C. Pillai explains Bible pas- the layman, and displays the same fine sages in the light of Oriental customs. eye for research. The question and He says of the covenant of salt: "In Christmas at answer format of the book grew out of the East, the taking of salt is a pledge, response to lectures before civic and a promise of fidelity. If I come to your Grinders Switch church groups. house and eat with you food which Dr. Coss, chairman of the depart- has been seasoned with salt, I can Introduction by Tennessee Ernie ment of philosophy and religion at never betray you or do you harm. Ford. A book about Christmas Methodist-related Hamline University, Even if you commit a crime and I am in the country told by one of has traveled the area the scrolls asked to testify, I cannot do it be- America's favorite personali- where ties. Illustrated. 64 pages. were found. In fact, while tramping cause I have eaten your salt." Boards, $1.50 the hills of Judea he and his companion were detained by the Bedouins until One of the most-in-demand books Order from your bookstore they could prove their neutral identity. that has come into my office lately is Abingdon The Japanese House . . . Its Interior Press A wann and intimate picture of and Exterior (Crown, $5), by Kiyoko family life in India emerges from and Tatsuo Ishimoto. Nayantara Sahgal's autobiography, A bit specialized, perhaps, but de- From Fear Set Free (Norton, $4.50). lightful is this book using pictures and The fact that the family is a distin- text to describe the basic elements of guished one not only adds to the the deceptively simple, traditional - interest but has given Mrs. Sahgal a wood-and-paper structures that have front-seat view of what has gone on had such a profound influence on to- A Gift to Match in her country since independence. day's Western architecture and deco- The niece of Jawaharlal Nehru and ration. A Birthday Cake daughter of Mme. Pandit, she gives I like the book because it gives you us the portrait of a beloved uncle in- real, not idealized, houses—and be- stead of a statesman, and a delightful cause it added to my knowledge as With 60 Candles picture of a woman who never failed well as my vocabulary. I now know to remain a mother in spite of a world- that at the genkan (entry vestibule) wide career as a diplomat. you take off your shoes. You will not need them on the resilient tatami mats Jane Merchant is no stranger to that cover the floors. And I have seen That's Mature Years, Meth- Together readers [see Poetess of how fusuma (those sliding panels that odism's quarterly magazine Faith, January, 1960, page 17], and form interior walls) provide large, for meaningful living in the you may have one or more volumes of open interior spaces or various com- vintage years. Attractively her verse in your own library. binations of open and closed spaces. tailored to the tastes of Older The most recent collection of Jane It was a little disillusioning to see Adults, Mature Years offers Merchant poetry is The Mercies of the Japanese concept of Western 64 pages of stories, travel and God (Abingdon, $1.75). These poems rooms. Here it seemed to me that the hobby features, poetry, devo- are meditations on the 12th chapter famous Japanese taste faltered. tional helps, spiritual coun- of Romans. sel on problems . . . and many Back in the days when my relation- other aids for richer living. Those of us who have participated ship with books was largely through All this for $1.50 a year! in worship services from the time we the library, I automatically assumed were old enough to remember are less that the life of a book was as long as likely, I think, to ask why we worship the librarians could keep its pages as we do than are newcomers to the together with rebinding and glue. The K^okesbury church. book was there, on the shelf, ready for

At least, it was a newcomer's ques- my hand to reach out and choose it, Order from Regional Service Centers I Teaneek, N. J. /Park Ridge, III. Dallas 1 tions that set me to looking up some and that was that. So thought. San Francisco 2/Nashville 3/Rlchmond 16 answers in A Layman's Guide to When I became a book reviewer, I Protestant Worship (Abingdon, 75<*). learned quickly that in the book-selling

This paperback book by Homer J. R. business it is another story. A publisher

/Dc prints an arbitrary number of copies of a new book and, unless the book is a FOR solid success, those are all the copies CHILDREN there will be. Of course, there are best • Christmas Comes Once More selected by sellers, which have a skyrocketing Mildred Luckhardt; illus. by Grisha Dotzenko. A collection of stories and kind of success, and then there are poems from many lands and many books people will buy in a slow but times. Ages 8 up. $3.50 steady stream. Books in both cate- • The Three Cifts by Dorothy Clarke Wil- son. An imaginative account gories are reprinted to meet the de- of a brief period in the boyhood of Jesus concern- mand. ing the gifts of the Magi. Ages 10 up GIVE THE GIFT Such a steady seller is The Story $3 of America's Religions (Holt, Rine- OF LASTING ENJOYMENT • Jesus, the Little New Baby by Mary Edna Lloyd; illus. by Grace Paull. The Na- hart, Winston, $4; $14.95, deluxe). tivity story as witnessed by the gentle I first reviewed it back in 1961 animals. Ages 3-7. $i [February, page 50]. Here, Hartzell for • Jesus Coes to the Market Place by Caro- lyn Muller Wolcott; Spence has done such a good job of illus. by Mary Young. An imaginary account of how throwing a highlight on the major the boy Jesus spends his two coins at beliefs of Americans that Abingdon EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST the market place. Ages 3-6. $1.25 The Press has published it as a paperback • Party Book for Boys and Cirls bi/ Bernicc Wells Carlson; illus. by for $1.50. Faith C. FOR THE Minnerly. Complete plans for many You will find other rich treasures FAMILY kinds of parties. Ages 3-14. $2.50

on the paperback shelves, for these • Cod's Masterpieces by Grace Noll • Almost Big Enough written and illus. by Jean Tamburine. are books that have been appreciated Crowell. Twelve vivid, colorful word Susy wishes that she portraits of men and women of the were big enough to go to school. Then so by many people that they have Bible whom God chose to interpret for she is invited to visit the kindergarten where she has been put in this less durable but less the world his mighty acts. $1.75 many pleasant surprises. Ages 3-7. $2.50 costly version for those who value the • The Word Became Flesh by E. Stanley Jones. Taking its central theme from knowledge therein more than the John 1:14, this volume of devotions outward form. gives an inspiring thought for each day. FOR YOUNG PEOPLE $2.50 • The Silent Storm by Marion Broum and • The Stars of Christmas by J. Robert Watt. If you know Ruth Crone; illus. by Fritz Kredel. This you are going to have The Star of Light, The Star of Hope, is a fictionajized biography of Anne some reading time that is going to The Star of Rejoicing, The Star of be Sullivan Macy, Helen Keller's teacher. Love—these are the stars of Christmas interrupted, With Love and Loathing Ages 11 up. $3.25 discussed in this inspiring gift book. (McGraw-Hill, $4.95) is just the book $2.50 • Prayers for Youth by Walter D. Covert. Helps young people express for it. This collection of John Crosby's • Living with Love by Josephine Robert- themselves in prayer, while seeking to meet their New York Herald Tribune columns son. In 40 meditations, Mrs. Robertson shows how small events of daily living needs for deeper personal convictions. Imitation leather ranges from the jungles of the Amazon take on new spiritual significance when covers. Pocket size. $1.50 to the jargon of Madison Avenue, illuminated by love. $2 Secrets from the Caves by Thurman L. • Everyday Devotions for Youth by Walter deriding "popular culture" and paying • Coss. A layman's guide to understand- Cook. With wit, common sense, and tribute to some of the great men who ing the origin, exciting discovery, and deep faith, Mr. Cook has written 56 devotions for youth, showing an under- have been part of the last 10 years. significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. $3 standing of the problems teen-agers face. $1.75 Overconcerned parents may find FOR THE • Looking At You by Norah Smaridge; comfort in a study by a psychologist illus. by Stan Palczak. Personality, FAMILY PASTOR family life, school life and friends—all and his wife of the childhoods of more are discussed in this series of articles than 400 famous 20th-century men • The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible for the junior high student, written in Buttrick. The work and women. edited by George A. an easy, friendly style. $3 of 253 skilled writers. An illustrated en- Victor and Mildred G. Goertzel cyclopedia in four volumes with more than 7,500 entries, more than 1,000 report in Cradles of Eminence (Little, black-and-white illustrations, 32 pages FOR ADULTS Brown, $5.95) that approximately 80 of full-color illustrations, and 24 pages • The Lord's Prayer by Ralph W. Sockman. of full-color Westminster maps. A life- percent of the later-famous children A beautifully written and moving in- time gift for a cherished friend or your loathed terpretation of The Lord's Prayer in a school, and 7 out of 10 church library. special gift edition with illustrations in The four-volume set, $45 eminent persons came from homes two colors. $1 50 • The Interpreter's Bible edited by George vastly different from the kind recom- Jane Merchant A. Buttrick. Christendom's most popular • The Mercies of Cod by mended by experts today. Rather than comprehensive RSV-King James com- In this moving meditative study. pri/< - winning poet Jane Merchant turns for being nurtured in warm and peaceful mentary. Vol. 1: General Articles, Gen- inspiration to the twelfth chapter of esis, Exodus; Vol. 2: Leviticus—Samuel; homes, they were plagued by missing Romans Paul's great epistle on "the Vol. 3. Kings—Job; Vol. 4: Psalms, — mercies of God." $1.75 or argumentative parents, poverty, or Proverbs; Vol. 5: Ecclesiastes—Jere- miah; Vol. 6: Lamentations—Malachi; physical handicaps. However, their • Wings of the Spirit by Wallace Fridy. Vol. 7: General Articles, Matthew, For a quiet moment of meditation or as parents Vol. 9: The did value learning. Mark; Vol. 8: Luke, John; a vital part of group worship, these 26 Romans; Vol. 10: Corinthians— The children tended to possess su- Acts, devotional readings lift our faith on Ephesians; Vol. 11: Philippians—He- wings of the spirit in order to hopefully perior ability in reasoning and brews; Vol. 12: James—Revelation, Gen- link us "to something greater than we in recognizing relationships. They eral Articles. Indexes. are." $2 showed Each volume. $8.75 intellectual curiosity, had a Complete 12-volume set. $89.50 • The International Lesson Annual— 1964 Horace R. Weaver; lesson wide range of interests, and did effec- Now available in deluxe leather binding edited by L. Smith. Represents (sold in 12-vol. sets only) $375 analysis by Roy tive work independently. Many read the best in scholarship and interpreta- Whom Christ Commended by Ralph W. at the • tion to help present an informed, in- age of four, almost all were The inspiring stories of many Sockman. spiring lesson to adult classes. early praise from Jesus. $2.50 readers of good books. They people who won Still only, $2.95 George A. But- were original thinkers and had little • Christ and History by trick. Probes deep into the meaning of patience with drill and routine. They history and of man—the question of his Order from your bookstore were likely to be rejected by their progress, his hope and salvation. $3 playmates. • Halford Luccock Treasury edited by Rob- ABINGDON PRESS E. Luccock. The most characteristic The majority ert of the children came writings of a man known and loved The Book Publishing Department of The from middle-class business and profes- by so many. 56 Methodist Publishing House

December 1 963 \ Together sional homes. Their brothers and sis- delightfully mixed with anecdotes QiiAlitmaA. ters were capable. about her one-car, three-typewriter It is the non-Catholic families, inter- family. She is the wife of a professor GIFT nationally, that contribute to the world of anthropology. pool of talent in science, and humani- BOOKS tarian and reform movements, the The Great Mysteries of Science for all the family Goertzels say. They ascribe this to series is "for readers 10 and up." the fact that these families are "highly Helen Kay seeks to answer the ques- PETE AND THE opinionative" and point out that a tion How Smart Are Animals? (Basic MANGER MEN disproportionately large number of Books, $3.75) in a lucidly written re- scientists in the U.S.A. are products port of scientific experiments that By Rudolf Otto Weimer of Protestant middle-class backgrounds would not be above the comprehen- A really beautiful and color- ful Christmas story book for and small liberal arts colleges that sion of a bright youngster or below the children lOto 14. 8full-color mirror these values. interest level of a curious adult. If inserts, size x inches. 7% 9% that sounds impossible, just try it on $2.50 On a foggy October morning, her your own youngsters after you've read THE BABYLONIAN six children off to school and the it yourself. manuscript of her first book in the Other books in the series, also $3.75, DRAGON hands of her publishers, Lesley Conger are The Case the Missing Link, by AND OTHER TALES of decided to take on the classics. She Eleanor Clyme*, which searches back Written and illustrated by man's ancestors, and Search Alfred Zacharias was almost 39 years old and up to for The that time read nothing—"except Planet X, by Tony Simon, that Ideal to read aloud to children or had for actually for anyone on the gift list textbooks, novels, magazines, catalogs, ranges out in space for the discovery of is this charming collection of stories cookbooks, PTA notices, cereal boxes, the planet Pluto in 1930 and of Nep- about animals of Old Testament times and T-shirts." tune a century earlier. including the whale Ordinary that had to swallow Adventures of an Mind Jonah and the ravens (Norton, $3.95) is the record of her It is really too thin a slice of Chero- who fed Elijah. $2.50 adventures with books—and her dis- kee history, even for most Indian tractions. Dante must be put aside buffs, I suppose. But as a Methodist I MAN FROM when her youngest daughter snuggles have been fascinated by the work our CYRENE up and says: "We are going to hug church has carried on with the Chero- By Frans Venter, forever, and when they find our skele- kees—and still does, both in North author of THE DARK PILGRIM tons, we will still be hugging and Carolina and Oklahoma. A story of heroic impact hugging." And from time to time, she So I found good going in The about the man who was has to go help the family dog get up Cherokee Frontier, by David H. reed by the crowd to carry the cross of Jesus up the enough courage to bark at a stranger. Corkran (University of Oklahoma

hill to Calvary. A Christian Thus, comments on the classics are Press, $5) . Of course, this is all history erald Bookshelf Selection. $4.95 \ tyour denominational book store / FORTRESS PRESS \ji Philadelphia 19129 Song for a Starry Nigftf\"

ffi We rode together Balthasar, Melchior, and I— w ) — Supreme in beauty AVSlowly across the lonely, darkened plain, and style. Fine quality i—jGoing knew not where. ere the materials and tailor- we But sky ing; fair prices. Write Should glow with brightness of the day again, for catalog and material swatch book. Please We knew at heart our wanderings would bring mention name of Us to a newborn baby, and a King. church and whether for pulpit or choir. DeMoulin Oh, we had doubts. Oft as we rode along, Bros. & Co. We pondered on the fate that brought us there; 1103 So. 4th St. Greenville, Illinois Vlffi w Yet in out restless heart there grew a song That surged and swelled so strong we could not bear uffonroe To leave that path, matter not how far, Folding Pedestal While we should hear that song and see that star. TABLES

And so, amidst our doubts and with our fears,

At length we reached the manger, at the inn;

And there, confounding the traditions of the years, We found the great Messiah born within. Every year more churches buy Monroe Tables! Real We had expected halls of gold, and precious stone; proof our factory prices save you money. Tested Yet we were Wise Men, and we should have known. "DONOR PLAN" and new catalog FREE! Write today! —Vic Jameson THE MONROE CO. 59 Churcn St., Colfax, Iowa

TnnPthp,/rW»mh»r 1 9A3 . that dates back before the American Revolution, and Methodist concern the oxford annotated bible. Authoritative ex- with the remarkably near-civilized planation of every passage that might confuse the Cherokees did not get steam until Again up lay reader, with complete RSV footnotes, cross much later. But the book is good back- this Christmas references, introductions to and running commen- ground, especially for the Trail of tary on each book, index to annotations, supple- Tears episode so effectively drama- the finest gift mentary articles on Bible land geography, history tized each summer at Cherokee, N.C. and archaeology, and full-color, three-dimensional is an Oklahoma Indians, by the way, are maps. Times Roman type. 1.568 pages. Size: 5 3A x showing the most rapid increase in S-Vs.only Wi" thick. Methodist membership of all ethnic Oxford 08800 — Blue Cloth over sturdy boards, square elements in the U.S. If this interests corners, stained top (blue), gold stamping, head- you, you may enjoy Mildred P. May- bands. $7.95 hall's The Kiowas (University of Okla- RSV Bible homa Press, $5.95). 08801 — Moroccoctte, limp binding, round corners, — a lasting gift of matchless red under gold edges, gold stamping, ribbon marker. It was in 1887 that J. J. Methvin

craftsmanship and . $12.50 started Methodist missionary work beauty . of perpetual and inspiration among the Kiowas. The book tells little joy THE OXFORD RSV REFERENCE BIBLE. Newly set cen- about him or his work, but it does ter-column references distinguish this de luxe Bible sketch a background on one of the edition. Included are the 160-page Oxford Concise most important Indian tribes in Okla- Concordance (more than 25,000 references in alpha- homa. betical order) and full -color, three-dimensional maps. Ultrathin Oxford India paper. Garnet type. It is not a book to be recommended 1,312 pages. Sizes: 5Vi x 8'/», only %" thick. for every home bookshelf. But for a 086i3x — French Morocco, half circuit, round vivid peephole view into the journal- SBlFf corners, red under gold edges, ribbon marker. istic world, I give you Hawkins of $15.75 the Paris Herald (Simon and Schuster, 0861 9x — Natural Grain Morocco, half circuit, $5.95), by Eric Hawkins and Robert leather lined, round corners, red under gold edges, N. Sturdevant. \5 Hfa** ribbon marker. $23.50 Hawkins, an Englishman, was for 36 years the managing editor of the At your bookseller Paris edition of the Netv York Herald 08800 OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS / New York Tribune, and I have it from a former 08613* Heraldsman now a Together staff man that this account is as a mirror to its life and times. They reach from guillotining and Wilbur Wright's early flights through the Lindbergh epic and two world wars to Art Buchwald.

A good little book for personal or group devotions is Wings of the Spirit WORSHIP (Abingdon, $2), by Wallace Fridy. It is meaningful for looks on the Christian faith as high all ages with adventure. these devotions

A youthful dream of joining an ar- chaeological expedition and taking THE FAMILY part in great discovery often persists to WORSHIP SERIES an age at which actually doing so would be highly impractical. Who, Whatever the age of your chil-

then, can resist a good book on the dren, you will find a book in this

subject, especially if it is about Egypt? series just right for your home A good outlet for the would-be worship. "God and Your Family,"

adventurer's frustrations is the new by Lois Vogel (a pastor's wife

edition of Dr. Margaret A. Murray's with four youngsters), is for use

The Splendor That Was Egypt (Haw- with children under 9; "God's thorn, $8.50). Wonderful World of Words," by

Just past her 100th birthday, she Charles Mueller, is for use with is one of the last pioneers in Egyptol- children 913; "Design for Family

ogy. This, her magnum opus, is the re- Living," by Roy Blumhorst, is in-

sult of years of expeditions and study. tended for teen-agers; and "New

She is a former teacher in London Courage for Daily Living," by Mar-

and Oxford. tin Franzmann, is an inspiring Her book has somewhat more life collection for adults. and vigor than most of its kind, re- Each, */00 lating the "whys" of many ancient customs. Particularly interesting to me I were the portions showing how an- cient Egypt influenced the rise of Christianity. 3558 S. JEFFERSON • ST. LOUIS. MO. 63118 —Barnabas

December 1 963\ Together Hobby Alley

Ah! Those Old Parlor Organs!

When those once full-throated instruments are taken out

of discard, a dedicated hobbyist brushes off the layers of dust, then

restores their voices. His is truly a labor of love, because

the owners could not afford to pay for his meticulous toil.

By ALBERT J. MACK

T,HE FIRST time I went to made more noise than did the or- After the first practical applica- church in St. Louis, in the space for gan, yet I had music. But the net tion of my hobby—rebuilding an hobby on the newcomer's card, I result was an accumulation of dirt, antique parlor organ—I felt the wrote "organ builder." The expres- termites, and firewood, plus a little need to learn tuning, so I bought a sion of the usher who inspected the experience and a lot of curiosity. book on the theory of the equal card left no doubt that he disap- This led me to the public library. tempered music scale. However, proved of what he assumed was Gathering historical and technical tuning is an artistic craft which re- my humor. information has been almost as ex- quires constant practice and infinite For quite a while I listened pa- citing as organ rebuilding. The li- patience, so now I use an electronic tiently to the modern organ while brary bibliographies led me to tuning device. trying to ignore a battered reed or- search for additional books. I found I picked up a 1907 two-manual gan that had served suburban St. two works in secondhand stocks: Estey reed organ from a down-on- Louis' Bellefontaine Methodist Lewis' Modern Organ Building his-luck musician, paying enough to Church several generations. Broken (1915) for $5.25, and Audsley's get him an inexpensive accordion and covered with dirt, it had been two-volume Art of Organ Building and transportation to Milwaukee. shoved out of the way. When the (1905) for $200. I bought the After the organ had been installed pastor finally was convinced that former. I now have nine books on in his third-floor Gaslight Square I really did rebuild organs, I was organs, and I keep on reading every studio, the elevator doors had been allowed to take it home for an over- organ book I can find in libraries. narrowed. On moving day, the ele- hauling which took nine months of vator maintenance men were in spare time. I replaced the foot- such haste to take off for the week- powered bellows with an electric end that they took off only the third- blower and tuned the reeds; now floor doors. The movers lowered the children's voices blend with its the organ to the ground floor, but rich tones in the church school. could not get it out. They solved If I were choosing a hobby, I the dilemma by taking off piece would decide on something more after piece until the nucleus was practical than being an organ en- small enough to go through the thusiast. But I did not choose the door. My wife charitably did not hobby—it just developed. In the utter a word about the heap of early 1950s in Little Rock, Ark., I junk piled in our carport, but sever- was fascinated by electronic organs. al neighbor women quietly consoled But my wife preferred her old piano MB her. and our house was not large enough 4 Painstakingly, for two years, I for both the piano and an organ. cleaned, repaired, and reassembled

Besides, we could not afford an or- that organ, then tuned it. Again I * gan. r dismantled it to move it up to our A piano tuner turned over to me living room. Again the neighbors four junked reed organs—old-time, showed sympathy for my uncom- foot-powered parlor organs, not one plaining wife when they gaped at of which would sound a single note. the organ dwarfing our upright I crammed them into my already piano in our small living room. But jammed 7 by 11 workshop. After How to maneuver those long two months later I sold the organ patching up one playing mecha- organ pipes around sharp comers (netting enough to pay for the re- nism, I attached our vacuum cleaner to the basement? That's what placement parts, plus a pittance for for power. The vacuum cleaner puzzles the author's son. my effort), once more took it apart

_T_ogether /December 1963 may be played at several pitches simultaneously. Some old-tuners may remember when "blowbovs" would take turns pumping the levers of church pipe organs (before electric power). On sweltering Sundays, those lads could work themselves into a lather powering the bellows to let an or- gan bellow. The reed organ, which was popu- lar in churches and homes in the late ISOOs. has different size metal reeds similar to those in an accordi- on or a harmonica. It produces sound by drawing in air through the reeds, two pedals being used to create the suction. Modern reed or- gans have electric motors. Most parlor organs have two ranks [sets] of reeds, bass and treble. Although my curiosity was stirred by electronic instruments, my real interest lies only in windblown (or steam-blown) organs. "Electronic organ" is a dirty name to lovers of pipe organs, reed organs, calliopes, harmoniums, orchestrelles, melode- ons, and other breathing music- makers. Yes, an electronic organ can hum quite well, but an instru- ment must have wind really to sing with full-throated style. The electronic organ has no pipes, and it has radio tubes to

amplify the sound. While it has a similar range of tone and volume as

a pipe organ, its tone is different. Its

principal advantages are that it is

compact and is less expensive than a pipe organ. old organs It used to take enough foot power to walk many miles to pump There are many reed gathering dust in churches, espe- the old-timers, muses Albert J. Mack while he replaces the pedal cially in nonmetropolitan places. straps of a venerable parlor organ. Nowadays, electricity Old organs never die; they just play powers the lungs of such melodious instruments. on. Sentimental fellows like me feci a heart pang when we see the main fine organs being discarded because and loaded it onto a trailer. It now manual [keyboard] stop, and 18 to of the worship of the new. graces a farm home in Nebraska, 32 pipes in die pedal stop. It is a good thing that we organ where I trust it is inspiring the The smallest pipe organ has enthusiasts have no profit motive, teen-age daughter to become a pro- about 200 pipes, the largest 33,112. because no one will pay what it is fessional organist. The pipes range in length from worth to repair an organ. It truly is How does an organ function? 3/8 inch to 32 feet, and vary in di- a labor of love. The charges seldom Some persons assume all the draw- ameter. cover more than the cost of ma- knobs on the console control an An ordinary pipe organ really terials, with the pay being the satis- organ's volume. They do not. The consists of three organs, each with plus a faction of restoring a melodious word stop is a catchall term applied its own pipes and keyboard, voice. to almost everything having to do pedal organ. The pedal organ pro- One lime a friend hauled in an with a rank [set] of pipes. The vides a low pitch. The larger organ old organ from back home in south- draw-knobs sometimes are referred may consist of six organs in combi- for ern Missouri. Alter I raked out the to as stops, but many of them do nation, plus special attachments pipe mass of dirt and replaced the pedal not stand a rank of pipes in readi- percussion and other effects. A straps, it sounded good. My fee ness when they are drawn. General- organ produces sound by forcing pipes. large pipe was a cup of coffee. ly, a stop is a rank of graduated air through the A In a Recently while shopping for a pipes—one pipe for each key. As a organ is a versatile instrument. rank of pipes photographic enlarger that I could rule, there are 61 pipes in each "unified" organ, one

[December 1 963 \ Together afford, I came upon an old parlor the best results. But usually it is organ because die building organ in a camera-shop storeroom. well to install an electric blower wreckers were rushing their job. The shop owner, not wanting to for air power. In making this switch, Right now it is a stack of 95-year- dispose of it, yet unwilling to spend it is imperative to duplicate the old pipes and parts—but it is all much to restore it, simply had pressure of the original bellows. mine! And I'll get enjoyment from pushed it out of the way. I am re- Pressures as high even as that pro- every minute I spend rebuilding it building it in exchange for photo- duced by a vacuum cleaner can re- during the next two years. graphic supplies. sult in poor tone, and may damage This hobby is not expensive. My Some persons suppose that old the reeds. investment is mostly in time and organs give up interesting or his- For years I had longed for a pipe tedium; the reward is in producing toric papers. About all I have found organ, but the prices (even for something that cannot be bought. is a moldy five-year guarantee. wrecks) were an unsurmountable I restore life to something of beauty However, many an aged instrument hurdle. This last summer I finally and impressiveness. has coughed up pencils and hair- heard about one being abandoned Hearing a familiar hymn played pins. in a church that was being demol- on one of die rich-voiced old-timers In rebuilding, a minimum of ished. After my bid was accepted, is one of the greatest rewards of change in the original design gives I had only 48 hours to dismantle the my craftsmanship of music.

ville, Ind.; Helen Julius (15), RR 2, Box 13, Milbank, S.Dak.; Barbara Williamson (12), 2116 West Blvd., Rapid City, S.Dak.; Kay Noble (12), 1520 Fifth St., Rapid City, S.Dak.; Sharon Taylor (12), Box 105, Berkey, Ohio; Paquerette Wong (17), 48 Dr. Reid St., Beau-Bassin, Mauritius; (iott^HoiW Sharon Hare (9), 209 E. 14th, Hutchinson, Kans.; Olftmt Folts 107 St., Fillmore, N.Y.; Kathe (14), W. Main Carole Lewis (17), R. 1, Rural Retreat, Va.; Amy (10) and Jan (7) Hawkins, 1346 N. Wood Rd., Peoria, III.; Elizabeth Noll (15), Arthur, Iowa, Betsey Hunt (14), 49 Boyce PI., Ridgewood, N.J.; J. O. Yemi (17), c/o Railway Medical Department, Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria; Beth Herman (12), 7237 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, Ind.; Diane Stevenson (10), 5528 Winchester Rd., Fort BLOTTERS: Laura E. Burmeister, 1763 Royal Oaks 611 S. Divisadero St., Visalia, Calif. (Putnam, Wayne, Ind.; Dietlinde Baumstark (18), Timi- Dr., Apt. C48, Duortc, Calif, (advertising). Duey, Horn, Milburn, Everil); Kaye F. Roy, 2225 soara II, Str. I. Vulcan 16, R.P. Romina; Janet Lindenwood Ave., Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bobay, De La Ann Mcintosh (10), 2124 N. Highland Blvd., Fort BUTTONS: Vickie Cartwright, Hyndsville, N.Y. Grange, Urbine, Sordelet, Vachon); Jim Jewell, Wayne, Ind. 13356. 2131 Lindenwood Ave., Fort Wayne, Ind. (Lauer, Parnin, Moellering, Bond, Ewing); Edna Lewis Mrs. Bernice Ball, 338 S. J. Lippert, - 111th St., PEN & PENCILS: CAMPING: Lawrence 9148 Myers, Box 128, Galva, Kans. (Letteer, Osterhout, St., Rapid City, S.Dak. Richmond Hill 18, N.Y. Cloud McDole, Aker, Mun); Mrs. F. A. Barter, 303 Gar- field St., Harvard, III. (Rowbottom, Rowbotham, CHESS BY MAIL: Robby Carruth, Box 6096, PITCHERS: Mrs. Virgil Kidd, Sinks Grove, W.Va. Barter); Mrs. Marvin E. Lowe, Box 23, Cheyenne Raleigh, N.C.; Paul Carruth, Jr., Box 6096, Raleigh, Wells, Colo. (Low, Lowe, Westervelt, Vanderbilt, POETRY: Ernest Evans, 5620 Matilija Ave., Van N.C. Greenwood); Marcia R. Gobbel, 3945 John St., Nuys, Calif. CHILDREN: Edythe Marie Mullen, 1126 Winona San Diego 6, Calif. (Gobbel, Steward, Rotan, Simeson); David F. Ledbetter, POSTCARDS: Freada Davault, 1838 S. Garvin St., Ave., S.W., Roanoke, Va. Simerson, Box 66, Bradshaw, Texas (Ledbetter, Bradshaw, Knaus, Evansville 13, Ind. (churches & bridges); Ellen Barnes, Rest 5601 Ave., CHURCH BULLETINS: Pearl L. Miller, Box 204, Beaty); Mrs. J. F. Ohm, 3665 Gerry St., Gary, Ind. Lake Haven Home, Grand Minn.; E. Poplar Morgantown, Ind.; The Rev. J. Leo Bailey, (Nicholas, Harper, Wilson, Ashcraft, Ohm); Mrs. Duluth, Constance Wood, 2925 Senatobia, Miss. Carl Dean Miller, Church St. & Gregory Lane, Ave., Littleton, Colo. Parkdale, Ark. (Gregory, Miller); Mrs. C. L. Hillis, COINS: Kelley Frey, 2828 Windemere Circle, 2710 Marilyn, Tyler, Texas (Bennett, Carter, POSTMARKS: Mrs. Harvey D. Webb, RD 5, Pa. Nashville 14, Tenn. Wyatt, Poston); Mrs. L. E. Hollis, Star Route, Towanda, Eva, Okla. (Wyatt, Wemmer, Holbrook, Walden). S. Pillai, College of Engineering CONTESTS: J. F. Ritz, Douds, Iowa 52551 (enclose READINC: O. Karaikudi-4, Madras, India (scien- a stamped envelope). COSPEL TRACTS: R. D. Triffet, 790 N. Water, & Technology, tific technical magazines). Decatur 47, III. & CROSSWORD PUZZLES: Jean Marin, R. 1, Brower, Clifton Blvd., Houston, Minn. HORSES: Karen Morris, 144 West End Ave., Engle- RECORDS: David 810 wood, N.J. (riding, books, statues, pictures). Toledo 7, Ohio (45 rpm). DOLLS: Geraldine Sarles, 251 S. Temple Ave., Betty Ellis, R. Newark, Ohio; Beth Indianapolis, Ind. 46201 (antique). MACAZINES: Nclida Bcrlengieri, Italia 443, Dto. ROCKS: 3, Ohio; Nancy Sayre, R. 3, "B", Rosario (Santa fe), A gentina. Hoover, R. 3, Newark, FASHIONS: Heidi Amstutz, c/o Mrs. Bcgge, Newark, Ohio; Kathy White, R. 2, Burg St.,

Longdale, Melsonby, Richmond (Yorks), England. MATCHBOOKS: Eric E. Brutus, RR 1, Pine Vil- Granville, Ohio; Katrina Johnson, R. 2, Granville, lage, Ind.; Noreen Rase, North Dr., Covington, Ohio. FIGURINES: Janet Hanson, R. 3, Owatonna, La.; Janet Isaacson, North Dr., Covington, La. Minn, (pigs); Mrs. Berton Carpenter, 4200 NW SALT b PEPPERS: Mrs. Lewis Gibbs, R. 1, 10th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (squirrels). MENTAL TELEPATHY: Herman Bernau, Ogden, Guthrie, Ky.; Mrs. L. C. Crowe, R. 1, Ellenboro, Iowa. N.C. CENEALOCY: Esther Stout Elmer, 1427 Sunny Slope Lane, Manhattan, Kans. (Robinson, Free- MUSIC: Latifu Oke, 34 Docemo St., Lagos, STAMPS: Moses Sa-avedra, 73 Gonzaga St., man, Stephenson, Glover, Cummings); Karen M. Nigeria; Kim Hi Pyung, 2-14 Hyochang Dong, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines; Sechser, 909 S. West Ave., Sioux Falls, S.Dak. Yongan Ku, Seoul, Korea. Betty Humphrey, Fleischmanns, N.Y. 57104 (Portz, Mark, Zimmer, Kuhl); Mrs. Marvin E. Lowe, Box 23, Cheyenne Wells, Colo. 80810 PEN PALS (open to age 18): Evelyn Rider (10), TRAY CARDS: Kathleen Browning, Box 17, (Beauvar, Henderson, Cooper, Buright, Haskin); Westfield, III.; Wanda Wood (14), R. 1, Box 70, Switzer, W.Va. 25647. Mrs. P. L. Patton, Box 965, Windom, Texas 75492 Winnie, Texas 77665; Ethel Stull (13), RD 1, Mrs. William Polinko, Country Club (Stokes, Hays, Sloan, Smith, Pettigrew); Eoline W. Lock Haven, Pa.; Jenny Priest (12), 5939 Timber WRITINC: Rd., St. Clairsville, Ohio. McLeod, 520 E. 2nd St., Smith Center, Kans. 66967 Dr., Columbus 13, Ohio; Cynthia Bogerd (12), (Gardner, Dougherty, Wilson); Edith O. Morris, Old Main Rd., Silver Creek, N.Y. 14136; Susan 2923 Rheem Ave., Richmond, Calif. (Richey, Morris, Harris (10), 35 Kiniry Dr., Rochester 9, N.Y.; Howser, Overstreet, McGee); Lane E. Buck, c/o Jerry Vandiver (7), Box 183, Channing, Texas; // you would like your hobby listed Vernon Royse, Buck Meadows Tr. Park, Groveland, Charlene Wyandt (15), Box 83, New Haven, Ohio here, write to Hobby Editor, Together, Calif. (Buck, Lane); Mrs. Earl Brooks, Box 94, 44850 (foreign only); Suzanna Shade (12), 541 Thayer, Kans. 66776 (Eddy, Eddye); Mrs. Harold Ash St., Willord, Ohio 44890; Jeanne Sanderson Box 423, Park Ridge, 111. 60068. Only Mitchell, Box Lamont, Okla. 74643 (Edwards, Claremont, 314, (12), S.Dak.; Jeanie Brown (16), one category to a letter, please. Fellow Rose, Harshbarger, Swanks); Mrs. Roxie Curtis, 2222 N. Freeman, Santa Ana, Calif. Frances Ann hobbyists have asked us to remind you 1242 W. Bobcock, Bozeman, Mont. (Knight, Ware, Greene (10), 2201 13th Ave., SW, Hickory, Ky.; Greer, Guyer, Learner, Reid); Roger Hicks Putnam, Betty Jane Smith (12), RR 1, Box 365A, Moores- to answer letters promptly. —Eds.

Together /December 1963 —

SELECTED BITS FROM YOUR It is testimony of your Christian charity that you publish such an im- partial article. Dr. Miguez properly emphasizes the

word "attitudes." There is no division

within the church, but ;i holy disagree- ment on the best way to do Christ's work.

Even the apostles had their differ- ences.

We are grateful for these warm words They Set Her Heart Singing knew much about the great leaders from Mr. Havard. who is a Roman MRS. GEORGE M. TALCOTT such as John Wesley, Francis Asbury, Catholic journalist.—Eds. Jefferson, Iowa Freeborn Garrettson, Jason Lee, Peter Cartwright, "Bible-Toter" Diah Smith, Cover Clorifies Cod The color pictures in For the Beauty and others. Together's articles are in- MRS. D. B. of the Earth [September, page 35] are WHEELER spiring. Fergus inspiringly beautiful, and the verses Falls, Minn. have been singing in my heart ever The cover photo on the September She Says: Dress for the since seeing them. Now 81 and a Meth- Occasion issue of Together is one of the best you odist for 63 years, I enjoy the new MRS. BERTHA HEISHMAN have ever used. It glorifies God, not series, Know Your Church, as I did Corydon, Ind. Methodism or Methodists. Our Methodist Heritage series and We need to give attention to the

Beer Cans Overdone . . . other excellent articles. matter of proper clothing. I do not think that Together is the proper place to TODD JOHNSON Can/Should Protestants Unite? show people in scanty attire. Tampa, Fla. RICHARD JONES A few objectionable pictures are in In Witness at Daytona Beach [Au- Methodists Corpus Christi, Texas Abroad: They 'Adopted' an gust, page 16], one picture caption MYF Group [July, page 21], the march- Together has made me realize the ing grandmother [Unusual Methodists greatness of The Methodist Church August, page 24], the August cover, and past, present, and future. Her Daughter Was There! Backtracking 'Father' Dyer [August, I have noted in particular the recent MRS. BEN CROWSON page 31]. A Christian magazine going ecumenical articles: How Big Should Maryville, Term. into homes ought to discourage in- a Church Be? [April, page 32], John I was much surprised to see my stead of encourage this kind of dressing. R. Mott: Spokesman for Ecumenicity daughter Sandra's picture in Witness [September, page 28], and Will Britain at Daytona Beach. Separate Church and State? [June, A Caption Correction page 12]. R. BENJAMIN GARRISON, Pastor I believe that unity among the major Wesley Foundation B£25S

Protestant bodies is a very real possi- Urbana, III. to ' Jt^- bility. I wonder how other Methodists Thank you so much for the Novem- feel. ber issue of Together with the article on the 50th anniversary of Wesley The writer of this letter states that Foundation. he is only 16.—Eds. In the photo of three boys kneeling [page the name of the in the One Letter ... 100 Magazines 1], one center is Jerry Robey (not Brobey). KENNETH R. ANDERSON, Chaplain State Correctional Inst., Rockview Gets Lift From Verse Bellefonte, Pa. MRS. RUSSELL EDMOND The appeal printed in Together is Palmyra, N.J. bearing fruit [see Letters, August, page Sandra (second from left). 59]. We received approximately 100 Thank you, M. Madeleine Laeufer, copies of recent issues soon after the for an escape into the delightful golden She was among 29 high-school girls appeal by Dr. G. Weldon Gatlin of the moments of yesterday. I put my tat- and boys who went with three chap- Methodist Board of Evangelism ap- tered mind together and memorized erons to Daytona. The young people were unprepared peared. The men being treated here your How Long [July, page 61]. for what they saw at the beach, but appreciate being able to read To- by keeping together and with the help gether. Thank you. Catholic Salute From a of the chaperons they had fun while BRONSON L. HAVARD avoiding trouble. Methodism Has History! Texas Technological College Sandra had met the Rev. Ed Beck at a youth roily in Chattanooga four A. N. DOUGHERTY Lubbock, Texas years ago, so she was happy that he Forest Park, Ga. Which Roman Jose Miguez' article, was carrying on the Methodist witness Together's fine treatment of Methodist Catholicism? [August, page 12], is an at the beach. history has been of great help to me excellent, accurate story on the com- The witnessing is a wonderful idea

I pray that it in teaching a junior class in church plex currents of thought now moving and is badly needed. will be made an annual event until school. The pupils find the stories and rapidly, but not always smoothly, with- the Easter-vacation, merrymaking col- pictures interesting. in the church. I have not read another learn the meaning of Catholic or lege students I reared in a Method- article by a writer, either Although was Holy Week. clearly un- ist home and attended church-school non-Catholic, who more regularly, I had grown up before I derstands the situation.

67 December 1 963 \ Together reads: "The beer cans, seen every- which will improve the welfare of all ." where at Daytona, are . . rural people.

SCHOOL FOR WOMEN * SECRETARIAL I have lived in Daytona Beach for My concern in the problems of rural OFFERS NEW EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. One of Boston's oldest, most distinuuished schools offers excel- 16 of my 18 years, and know that beer poverty goes back many years, but lent secretarial training combined with maturing influ- ence of unusual residence program In a world-famous cans are not seen everywhere. Since all- at no time have I had a formal request educational community. 2-yr. Medical. Legal. Science- research. Executive specialization. 1-yr. Course. Beau- inclusive words such as "everywhere" by an official of the World Bank to tiful residences In Boston's Back Bay. Cultural, social opportunities of a cito noted for music, arts, and ideas. can be misleading, they should be used make a study. In private correspond- For catalog and program folder: Dr. G. I. Rohrbounh, President, 452 Beacon Street, Boston IS, Massachusetts. cautiously in such a fine magazine as ence with one of the directors of the Together. World Bank, I raised the question, Wesley College— "How can I, a foreign guest of the A Methodist History Reminder government of Cuba, study intelligently A A. degree in two years. Coed. Fully accred- an area of concern so politically deli- ited. Liberal Arts, Engineering. Business Ad- W. L. DIX cate as are the agrarian problems?" The ministration. Secretarial, Medical Secretarial. Starrucca, Pa. Teacher Training. Methodist. Established 1873. director answered to the effect that the Catalog: Dr. Robert H. Parker. Pres. The Quarterly Tickets pictured in Wesley College, Dover IG. Delaware problems should be examined in the Letters [August, page 59] reminded light of the whole Latin American me of this one from my grandmother, panorama, and not restricted to Cuba. Mary Ann Lloyd, in the Primitive At no time would I say that the McGUFFEY'S READERS church should "be involved in land re- Alter a long and costly search, reprints of the original form." 1878 revised editions of the famous .McGuffey's Readers The word "involvement" may have been completed and you can now purchase exact imply an emotional preoccupation with- copies at the following low prices POSTPAID: Prfmft&e iflttlioiiist Count rion. It

1st Reader $2.50 4th Reader $3.50 out any solid intellectual understand- 2nd Reader $2.75 5th Reader $3.75 First Camp Meeting held May 31, 1S07. 3rd Reader $3.25 6th Reader $4.25 ing, which would be the opposite of First Class formed March, 1810. OLD AUTHORS, Dept. TR-12, Rowan, Iowa my own recommendations. I have said that the Christian church August, 1844. must rapidly become more cognizant of Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not FOLDINGCHAIRS these potentially explosive social prob- go : keep her ; for she is thy life. Proverbs In Steel or Wood iv. 13. *sj lems, more intelligently informed about ^ FOLDING TABLfS the deep underlying economic and so-

' WRITE FOR CATALOG cial relationships that can bring about 1 AND LOW DIRECTPRICES I JAPREDINGTON&CO.' lasting improvements, and more whole- heartedly committed to evangelism that DEPT. 52 SCRANTON 2,PA. goes beyond a mere campaign for mem-

Methodist Connection of the Darlaston bers, to the application of the teachings the rela- Circuit in Shrewsbury, England. of our Savior Jesus Christ to In a Quarterly Preachers' Plan for tionships of man and society. GOD'S WORD -so needful for the Darlaston Circuit for 1849, her spiritual growth—made attractively name and that of my grandfather, Wil- Signal Summary of Latin Lands available for DAILY READING liam Howell, appear as "preachers" WILLIAM F. FORE, Director (really class leaders, I think), with 96 Department of Visual Education others in the Lord's Day Plan in charge Methodist Board of Missions of a service at one of the 30 appoint- New York, N.Y. ments in that circuit. Lord's Day ser- Protestant Opportunity in Latin vices were held at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 America summarizes an extremely p.m., weekday services at 7 p.m. at complex situation with ease, yet with- each appointment. out doing violence to the realities. Our William and Mary Howell came to Methodists will be grateful for such an America in 1849 and joined the Meth- excellent summary of our Protestant odist church at Starrucca. In 1880, Wil- opportunities in Latin America. liam was given a "commission" as dea- MESSENGER 1964 con in the Wyoming Conference. As a Are We Stalled? local preacher, he occasionally occupied SCRIPTURE TEXT CALENDAR ANTHONY HEARN, Pastor pulpits at the Tallmanville and Lake 16 pages — full color — 9% by 16 inches Wynnton Methodist Church Como charges. Columbus, Ga. This beautiful religious calendar presents a care- fully-chosen verse for each day of the year. Full- Dr. Ralph Stoody's Our Methodical color reproduction of a famous painting for each Re Land and Agrarian Reform Methodist Church [September, page month and many other features. For half a cen- 43] tury Messenger Calendars have inspired Christian RICHARD G. MILK, Missionary is good. However, the illustration, The living through faithfulness in Daily Bible Reading. Durango, Mexico Mechanics of Methodism, is not appro- Front Cover, in full color, lovely painting of "The It was a pleasant surprise to note a priate. The gears are all locked! Noth- Boy Jesus" in pastoral setting. reference to my research in Protestant ing could turn. Back Cover, suitable for framing, "The Twenty-third Psalm," in full color, a work of typographic art. Opportunity in Latin America [Septem- Let Pastor Hearn look closely. There Single copy 45f<—3 copies $1.25—12 copies $4.50 ber, page 14]. There are, however, three —25 copies are two layers of gears. We are not $7.75—50 copies $15.00—100 copies basic inaccuracies which I feel should $27.00. Prices on larger quantities upon request. mechanics, but our artist consulted one be corrected. Church imprint at slight additional cost. Minimum about cams and such.—Eds. The words "land reform" and "agrari- of 50 calendars. No business imprints accepted. an reform" are not synonymous and Also ask to see Messenger's attractive as- Now Parents Are Noisy sortment of Scripture Text Christmas and may have meanings that are diametri- Everyday Cards. cally opposed. Land reform usually WILLIAM A. LUFBURROW ORDER Messenger Calendars and Cards through your refers to "divide up the land of the Vice-Pres., Goodwill Industries COKESBURY BOOKSTORE rich among the poor" programs, where- Pittsburgh, Pa. MESSENGER CORPORATION as agrarian reform refers to different Wow! Am I in trouble! The Pow- Noisy Child in Church DEPT. TM AUBURN, INDIANA economic, social, and political structures wow The

68 Together /December 1963 FOR BETTER HEARING... NATURALLY!

"He does have talent, Mrs. Richie, THE ALL-NEW of loss. Write now for but it's not playing the piano!" for RAOIOEAR 900 free, color brochure Now get superb tonal about the Radioear [August, page 28] has really quality in a truly caused small 900. You will also re- some comment. One newspaperman hearing aid — the ceive a U.S. Govern- called and said, "Jesus loved the little Radioear 900. This children. Why don't you?" ment booklet "How I write this letter in the hopes that tiny engineering mas- To Protect Your Hear- you will help me to be received again terpiece weighs less ing." Radioear offers into the "redemptive fellowship" of the l than A ounce. Fits in- a full line of at-the-ear, church. conspicuously behind You see, it's really your fault. My eyeglass and conven- article is not so bad as it seems. It your ear. Though small tional hearing aids. is only when its is compared with in size, the Radioear 900 is mighty in per- two other articles which do not deal formance. Actually provides 12 responses with the same subject that the trouble Radioear Corp. 375-T comes. I was writing about the "noisy so that it can be precisely fitted to your type Valley Brook Road Canonsburg, Pennsylvania child" in church. My two brothers were Please send free Radioear 900 brochure merely writing about "the child" in plus U. S. Government Booklet. church. Name. Would Brother Ben B. St. Clair have RADIOEAR continued his article in the same way / Address. if someone had placed the word "noisy" City .State.

i in front of his first two sentences so that they read, "Noisy children in the worship service? Of course!" I doubt it.

And Brother Les Thompson, Jr., said, ." "Some children are restless . . How true. But my article was written about "noisy" children and not about "rest- less" ones. Just for the record, my children are in church regularly, and they always have been. I did not write the article for the children to read, so they could get an excuse to stay away from the service. I wrote the article so that parents of "noisy" children could get the hint, that maybe their "noisy" children disturbed the rest of the wor- shipers. Either my two brother ministers have never really been bothered, or they won't admit it. Thanks for the whole thing. It is encouraging to know that so many people read our marvelous maga- zine, even if they do not agree with me.

Christ Is Nor Barred PRESTON PRICE San Diego, Calif. As a student, as a P.K., as a Method- ist, I am disturbed by Patricia Ann Bowen's writing, "There are some places where Christ will not go." Published jointly by In bindings from $1.45 to $9.50. [Letters, September, page 69.] This Oxford University Press/Cambridge University Press

69 December 1 963 \ Together !

limits Christ and his power of love. We can take Christ with us into a saloon and witness by drinking milk. We can take him to a dance and wit- KESWICK ness by having fun without being in- Shopping I decent or sexy. Once we let Christ come for into our lives, he will be with us wher- A Wonderful Winter Vacation ever we go. with a Spiritual Emphasis COLLAR EXTENDER EASES TIGHT SHIRT COLLAR DISCOMFORT Collar fit tightly due to shrinkage, washing, starch JANUARY 27 to MARCH 29 What's Wrong with Dancing? ing, growth, weight increase? Add up to Vi size for just- BOB BLAIR right fit instantly. Ideal for men and growing boys. Slips Enjoy your Winter Vacation in Liberal, Kans. on and off in seconds. beautiful tropical Florida I ask Patricia Ann Bowen what she 4 for $l»o ppd. meant by, "I believe that the professing RELAX IN THE SUN EXCLUSIVE 3-WAY HEAVY KNIT Christian has no business partaking of HOOD, HAT OR UNDER CHIN while you swim in large fresh water worldly amusements." Dancing and at- pool, go boating or fishing, play tennis, miniature golf, etc. tending movies are worldly, but so are Storm Hood *1 all the above swimming, playing golf and tennis, plus 20c postage and handling (or each hood driving a car, and any number of other nyone who goes outdoors, when it's cold AND MORE and damp, needs this sensational new de- things all of us do. sign. Wonderfully warm, it protects your a II available at head, mouth, neck and ears, keeps out cut- Quite a few persons live by the ting wind and biting cold. Available only hy mail, in red. blue, black, green. Fits men. women, children. Money back guar. standard, "What would Jesus do?" I 70° o wool { contains 30° o cotton — SOUTHERN KESWICK no itching). think it better to ask, "What would Barclay Distributors, Dept 89-N GULF BEACHES ONLY FIVE Jesus have me do?" I can't quite see our 6 for $6 ppd. 170-30 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, N. Y. MINUTES AWAY Lord driving a car or playing golf, or

even viewing the movie Ben Hur, but I Speakers include such doubt that we'll be condemned for these outstanding men as things. Dr. Malcomb Cronk; Rev. Wm. Fitch; As for dancing, few dances are vul- Inspirational Rev. Eric Crichton; Rev. Wm. Stewart; gar in themselves, but in the way per- Rev. Robert Constable; Rev. Ian sons make them. A person can walk Poems Thomas; Mr. Harold Wildish; Dr. Allen Blair; Rev. Richard Seume; down the street just as provocatively "A book of inspirational Poems of Dr. Howard Sugden. and repulsively as she can appear on God's kingdom and plans for making free, righteous man. The history of a dance floor. I attend DeMolay and man for seven thousand years. Also, FOR A FREE BROCHURE AND school dances, and consider myself as a the time John was shown when our SPECIAL 1964 INTRODUCTORY RATE good Christian coming out as I was Saviour appears." Inspirational Poems, by WRITE TO: when I went in. FRANK FRIEND. Printed by The Parthenon Press. $2.00 postpaid. SOUTHERN KESWICK Did Oldsters Spoil the Twist? Order from 5700 100th WAY NORTH JOYCE ANN BEARDSLEY FRANK FRIEND ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33708 Fillmore, N.Y. 437 Bacom Point Road Everything in our society today de- Pahokee, Florida. mands control—talking, reading, driv- ing, dancing. You must control your GOWNS emotions. When the kids started the twist it looked like just another fad, and - CHOIR PULPIT it wasn't bad. But the older generation STOLES - HANGINGS made it sensuous. CLASSIFIED Everything is in God's plan, and it CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS are accepted THE C. E. WARD CO is up to us to decide what is right. To lor miscellaneous items of general interest to NEW LONDON, OHIO TOGETHER readers such as: Sale of personal do this, we must read God's word daily. property; Requests for items wanted: Service ofTV:- of interest to Individuals or local churches; Help But let's not be narrow in our Chris- wanted: Positions wanted; Hohby materials or ex- Houses or camps for rent; Tours. Xo $ 00 changes; AT HOME tian outlook. Agents wanted or Opportunity for profit advertis- MAKE ^ 5 AN HOUR ing. Rate: Minimum charge—$10.50 (14 words). 75c Let Me Prove It To You FREE! each additional word. CLOSING DATE SIX IN ADVANCE OF PUBLICATION (15th). I'll show you how Plastic Sealing and Miss Beardsley writes that she is 16 WEEKS For use of "Box No. . . . TOGETHER": add $1.00. Laminating at home, spare time, can years old.—Eds. Address TOGETHER—Classified Dept.. 201 Eighth give you as much as $5.00 each hour you Avenue, South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. operate. Table-top machine sets up anywhere. Easy. Fun. No experience needed. We furnish CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDERS everything. We* U even kelp finance y o«. No house-to-house selling. Orders come by mail. On With the Dance,' Says He FOR SALE Write for facts FREE. No salesman will call. WARNER ELECTRIC,,1512 Jarvis. Depl. L-295-P, Chicago 26, III. CARL E. POWELL HAND COLOR THIS CHRISTMAS Greeting 2505-36th Place, Richview, 111. Sample lOf. MUSICards, Washington, D. C. 20020. Evidently Pastor Smith and Miss MISCELLANEOUS Pews, Pulpit £ Chancel Patricia Ann Bowen failed to read the TEACHER COLLECTS OLD coins, classroom Scriptures on dancing—the parable of FURNITURE a displayed. Send insured for appraisal. Sholle, the prodigal son, Psalms 30, 149, 150, Box 111, Garden Grove, California. EARLY passages in Samuel, Jeremiah, Ec- WRITE A MISSIONARY. For Methodist ad- DELIVERY dresses write: P. O. Box 5765, Chicago 80, I clesiastes, even the Gospels. Illinois. An elderly friend once told me: WRITE FOR POSITION WANTED FREE CATALOG "There are two things wrong with danc- ing the old folks who don't go, and SINGLE LADY, EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED — educational director wants children's work, J. P. REDINGTON & CO. young folks who don't know when to go church or several, middle states. Write TO- GETHER, Box A, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, home." If I were a painter depicting the DEPT. 2 SCRANTON 2, PA. Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

Together /December 1963 —c

angelic message to the shepherds, I'd show them skipping about. fogetlier It Touches the Heart MRS. OTTO BRUNKOW Glen Ellyn, 111.

Having had a Filipino girl in our home the past year as an exchange student, we can heartily concur with everything in An Exchange of Lore [August, page 46]. More people should covet such an experience.

LABELS - 50C Fond of American Parents MRS. Harriet-Louise H. Patterson Rich Gold Trim — Free Plastic Box LOUIS BRESIN Everybody wants labels to personalize stationery, Crestline, Ohio personally conducts the checks; identify books, records, 1,001 uses; wonderful We did not have an exchange March 13 and April 17, 1964 gift! Sparkling white gummed paper with rich gold trim, student distinctively printed in black with ANY name and ad- in our home last school year, but we tours to the Holy Lands and dress up to 4 lines. 2" long. Set of 500 Gold-Stripe labels were a host family when 33 in free plastic gift box, just 50c postpaid. Fast service American guaranteed. Money back if not pleased. Field Service students visited our city. Middle East These young persons spoke with much Walter Drake & Sons Spend Easter in Jerusalem (March 13th 2612-19 Send (or Drake Bldg. affection for their "American parents." departure) or Springtime in the flow- Colorado Springs, Colo. Our own lives were enriched by the er-blossoming Bible Lands. (April 17th departure) with Harriet-Louise H. Pat- warmth and vitality they radiated. I terson, author ot the new guide, am sure that anyone who comes in con- "Come With Me To The Holy Land", tact with these youths will help keep and director and planner of this 14th the AFS alive. annual Prestige Series of Middle East WHTkS.- mm, MAILBOXMAIIBAV MARKERUADI/CD tours operated by Maupintour Associ- ates. The extensive tour program

• Your name is bright to includes Italy, Egypt, Luxor, Lebanon, friends at night! CAMERA CLIQUE Syria, Israel, • Reflector-beaded letters Jordan, and Greece with on both sides! optional extensions to Istanbul, Euro- • Embossed aluminum, After you send off for processing those rolls baked enamel finish! pean capitals, Persia's Iran, or an expose at Christmas — of film you time and Aegean Sea Greek Isle Cruise. Su- Make perfect personal style m 95 $ max tiiey all be good!—why not spend one gifts for Christmas 1 postpoid perior to the deluxe hotels. Air travel your evenings reviewing your 1963 of free from New York by Pan American Jet ENGRAVED WALNUT DESK MARKER slides and putting them in proper sequent Clipper. 24 days. $1697 complete. shows this winter? for For your selection, there are de- STYLE KWG A well-planned slide show that tells a partures every month of the Prestige 95 story and records events in logical sequence is $ Conducted Middle East tours. For 1 postpoid„ | always a pleasure to watch. Guests and family colorful brochure giving details on all • Distinctive gold letters engraved in solid gunslock will enjoy it. Brief, relevant comments will wolnut, 8V2" by 2"! Prestige Conducted Tour departures heighten the interest. • Nome line up to 20 letters (odd 50c for title line). in 1964, please write Maupintour, De- 48 HOUR SERVICE-SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! While you review your slides, keep in mind partment 1121, 711 West 23rd Street, ^^& Let us ship your Christmas gifts postpaid ' •ith the hymn This Is My Father's World (No. 72 S I'" 9ift card « Lawrence, Kansas or see your Maupin- in The Methodist Hymnal). Do any scenes tour office in New York, ,^M to illustrate a line or lines tlie hymn? Are C//. 442-2 Spear Building, Colorado Springs, of Colorado 80907 Washington, Kansas City,^jtvr« * exposure and composition good? If so, plan ^.IWIIl ». on entering those slides in Tocf.tiifr's Eighth or San Francisco. 4Srttf^ Annual Photo Invitational. (But first have n duplicate made for home use while the ^Maupintour original is at Together for judging.) ERTISEMENTS Don't delay sending your entries. The dead- worldwide standard of quality travel line is February 10, 1964— less than three months away. The rules and the hymn are RESORTS on page 75 of the December TOGETHER. Mail to Editor, Together Maga- ST. PETERSBURG—BEAUTIFUL 2 room the slides Photo apartments, foam rubber twin beds, electric zine, Box 423, Park Ridge, III. 60068. One of Pulpit and Choir Robes heat, electric kitchens. (Also new 1 room yours may be chosen for reproduction, and studio apartments). Spacious grounds, trees. you'll be dollars ahead. 51 years serving Churches. You have Quiet. Near churches, beaches, shops, attrac- our unconditional guarantee of the folder. Citrus tions. 2 or 3 adults. Free map, finest in church vestments. Each gown Lane Apartments, 10695 Bay Pines Boulevard. individually tailored. Write for Free (Alt. U.S. 19) St. Petersburg, Florida 33708. catalog. Give name of church desig- nating whether pulpit or choir. TRAILER PARK—NEW—near 950 member Here are photo credits for iliis issue: Methodist Church. Arthur Badger, Route 5, BENTLEY & SIMON, Inc. Dcpt A-2 Box 264, Brooksville, Florida. 7 West 36th St., New York 18, N. Y. First Cover—The Newberry Library, Chi- TOURS cago, 111. • Second Cover & Page I— II. HOLY LAND TOUR led by Dr. and Mrs. Ira Drewer Johns • 3—Sec. from Top—Nicholas B. Allen, experienced world travelers. 21 days Wulchak, Bot.—Seavy A. Carroll • 10 Hot.— of exotic travel and study in Jordan, Israel, Nelson E. Feraandes Associates • Ifi— Inter- Cairo, Rome, Lebanon, Damascus, Athens, r. Turkey, Amsterdam. January 2-22. Write Dr. church Center • 25 Sec. L.— Hardin ol Aber- 2—caders for forty years Allen, Box 687, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. deen, S.Dak., R.—Wallow itch, Sec. R.—C. in the creation of quality Bennette Moore • 28 L.— Margaret Hatch, ! $1387. NOW EUROPEAN PALESTINE TOUR Church Worship Aids... 12th year—no increase in cost—superior ac- R.—Naltchayan, Washington Post • 2!( L. commodations—with experienced conductor Robert MtCaifree, R.— Methodist Informa- Write for catalog & names and reliable travel bureau. Rev. Lester K. tion • 52-53-54—Ted Walls • 58—From The Welch, 900 Fourth Street, S.W., Washington, of dealers nearest you. D.C., 20024. Earth in Space by John & Catbleen Polgreen, Courtesy Random House, Inc. • 64-65 WANTED Albert J. Mack • 67 Flip Schulke, Black DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION in Star • 75—Myrtle Walgreen • Tti & Third mm//// growing community, immediately. Attractive Cover—Don Rutledge, Black Star • 2"> L — salary. to Methodist Church, Box 208, Dept. 12 Apply 32-44-45-56 George P. Miller. Lexington, Nebraska. —

December 1 963 \ Together V Together with the SMALL FRY w

o

Tree By HELEX C. SHOEMAKE

L/ISA STOOD in front of the counter of Christmas tree ornaments in the store. In one hand she was hold- ing a dime. Her mother had said she could choose, all by herself, an ornament for the Christmas tree which she and her brother Eric were going to trim. As Lisa walked slowly up and down in front of the sparkling counter, she read the price tags. Almost all the ornaments cost more than the 10('- she held in her hand, so she kept looking. It had to be a very fine ornament, because this was to be the only one bought from a store this year. The Christinas tree would be the one standing in the yard. Lisa's mother had said they would not be able to buy a tree for indoors this Christmas. Op o o^ c Lisa looked at each ornament carefully. The counter glowed with red, blue, and green round balls, the ° o ° °c ° O o glass shapes of Santa Claus and his reindeer, and sil- O & J? very stars. / A o O Just then a little girl and her mother stopped at the n °\ © ° ° counter. / O "Oh, see the golden chains!" the girl said. "I want some of those for my tree, and I want those shiny birds, too, one for each branch. And some of these balls." "Well, look around, Betty," her mother said. "Per- haps there are other things you will want, too. But OoqQ hurry!" Betty did look around, the saleslady lifted and when o out all the ornaments she chose, there were enough to fill a big box. & o ~c Lisa looked in wonder at Betty as she and her \ o

%.J

"Dozens of little birds were on the tree. Eric said, 'The bell calls hungry birds

to come to our tiee.' 'And they are real, " O said Lisa. 'Isn't Christmas wonderful?' mother left the store. "How beautiful and shining her They looped the red-berry chains from branch to Christmas tree will be!" Lisa thought to herself. branch. They wound popcorn chains around the Then Lisa turned back again to the counter. For branches and let them hang in loops, too. the first time, she noticed a little silver bell hanging Very carefully, they placed a cranberry on the tip ol from a shelf overhead. each limb. Then they crumbled sugar crispies and "Does it ring?" asked Lisa of the smiling saleslady. sprinkled them on each branch. The lady gave the bell a gentle little push. Ting- "See how it sparkles!" Lisa said. a-ling, ting-a-ling, the bell rang softly. Eric stood on a ladder and hung the silver bell at "Oh—it is 10^, isn't it?" Lisa asked. "It will be all the top of die tree. right for a Christmas tree in the yard, won't it?" When Lisa and Eric wakened Christinas morning, The saleslady nodded her head to each question. diey rushed downstairs to put the gifts under tin "I'll take it," Lisa said, and she opened her hand tree for each person in the family. But as they looked carefully so the dime slid onto the counter. through the window at the tree, diey jumped up and Then Lisa left the store, carrying the little paper bag down with joy and shouted, "Mother! Daddy! Come with the shining bell inside. She ran the last block quick!" toward home to show her mother and Eric what she They all stood looking out the window in wonder. had chosen for their tree. Dozens of little birds were on the Christinas tree They listened while she told diem about the girl who branches, pecking at the berries or nibbling bits of the had bought the many bright birds and other ornaments popcorn and sugar crumbs. for her tree. Lisa opened the front door a little way, and they Then Eric said, "Well, Lisa, we will have a shining could hear the happy chirping of the birds as they ate. bell for our tree. Now, just come and look at the And above the bird's chirps, Lisa heard the gentle red-berry chains Mother and I have been making." tinkle of the bell on the top of the tree as a wind blew They all went into the kitchen. through its branches. "Oh, Lisa," Eric said, "let's put the bell at the top of "Listen," whispered Lisa. "The bell is calling the our tree. Then when the wind blows, it will ring, birds." 'Merry Christmas.' It will be fun to trim our tree out- Eric gave his mother a Christmas hug. side, and Mother said we could begin as soon as these "Oh, wasn't it wonderful that Lisa chose the bell?" berry chains are finished." he said. "It calls all the hungry birds to come to our Late on the afternoon before Christmas, Eric and tree." Lisa began putting decorations on the little fir tree "And they are real birds, too," said Lisa. "Oh, isn't outside the living-room window. Christmas wonderful!"

LET'S MAKE AN

w,ITH THE coming of Christmas, people every- You will need a large piece of heavy cardboard, very large needle where bring out the symbols of die season. They set such as the side of a large box; a some coarse thread; four large nails and four up Christmas trees and prepare for the most festive and medium-size candles; enough green paper or ribbon to day of the Christian year. They hang a holly wreath cardboard; paste; and lots of short and decorate the evergreen tree with sparkling lights. cover the circle of pieces of evergreen, pinecones, chinaberry clusters, or And they set up candles and cradles as symbols of decoration. Christmas—the birthday of Jesus. similar With the help of other members of your family, cut For hundreds of years, Christians have used the Ad- for the wreath out of the cardboard. It should vent season to prepare their hearts and minds for the a base with an overall diameter of 14 to 16 inches, celebration of the gift of the Christ Child. It is a time be a circle a center hole about 7 inches wide. Cover the of daily family worship. Each person reads some Bible and with the green paper or wrap it with the verses. All join in saying Advent prayers. Each family cardboard ribbon. Use paste to hold the paper or ribbon in place. may make a special offering to the church. is Using the needle and thread, sew the evergreen, One of the symbols most filled with meaning the people have pinecones. chinaberry clusters, or other ornaments in Advent wreath. It is a special sign that the place around the circle. prepared their hearts for the coming of Christmas. Push the four nails upward through the cardboard There are four Sundays in Advent, so the wreath has at even spaces around the wreath. Push the candles four candles. On the first Sunday—December 1 this the second down on the nails, making your wreath complete. year—only one candle is to be lighted. On it easy to push the candles down over Sunday two candles are to lighted, and so on, until (You will find the nails if you make a hole in each candle first with a the fourth Sunday, all four candles are burning. warmed icepick. Be sure to ask your mother or father Would you like to make a beautiful wreath to be help you with this.) used on your dining table? to place in of want to share with Now your wreath is ready to the center If so, this is a project you will 1 in. your family. your table. Bobert H. 1 your father, mother, and other members of

December 1 963 \Together !

Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough, I give ~AlfcAr-r4owi fyrftlMm thee the right hand of fellowship. —John Wesley (1703-1791) Once every year, along about Labor Day, magazine people are called on to compose something special about Christmas. Each, we are sure, sits down with the conviction that he will produce another 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a This Issue In Silent Night, or at least another Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus. This seldom happens, and we have an alibi: the frost is not yet on the pumpkin; those aren't 1 In India—They Chalk a Church jingle bells (it's the wail of jetliner) (Color Pictorial) overhead a New York-bound ; and nobody named Virginia has written us for ages. 13 A Time for Decision Nevertheless, the spirit of Christmas dwells in this office in all seasons—thanks Roy L. Smith to you Together readers and contributors. A lot of folks were inspired last Popular Sin 14 The Most Christmas, or a few Christmases ago, to put the season on paper. The manuscripts Ralph W. Sockrnan arrived in January, and they arrived in July. And not many of you have confused 16 Retired ... But Still No. 1 the message of Christmas with mere tinsel and mistletoe. James M. Wall We became more aware of the real Christmas as we began assembling the 15 My First Christmas Tree children's paintings for this month's eight-page color section. Hamlin Garland You'll find these paintings, and others, in a book recently issued by Thomas Nelson & Sons ($3.50). The title is Away in a Manger—Paintings the Nativity 21 Ready for Christmas? of Fain Matthews Williams by Boys and Girls Around the World, and the pictures were selected by the World Council of Christian Education and Sunday School Association. 22 A Particular Magic Clare Hays The 15th-century French Book of Hours, from which this month's cover was in collection of Chicago's Library. 23 Are Our Creeds Relevant Today? reproduced, is the extensive rare-book Newberry Ellis W. King, C. Ebb Munden III. For the privilege of sharing it with you, we acknowledge the courtesy and Bishop Edwin E. Voigt, Bishop generosity of the librarian, Dr. Laurence W. Towner. Herbert Welch

Now, if you please, a personal word . . . 30 The Amazing Comehack of the Hob- Bible A month of May, 1956, may not stand up like a skyscraper in your memory. Webb Garrison In mine, it does. For then in Minneapolis, Methodism's General Conference gave

31 For the Flyleaf of a Bible the go-ahead to the audacious Ann Barcus Minga "bold venture." It was a plan which I, as a layman and a 33 The Not-So-Sacred Scriptures Ted Smythe publication consultant work- ing in my adobe abode in 34 Christmas in a Faraway Place Arizona, helped evolve. Pur- Marjorie B. Kocher pose? To re-create the 130- 35 The Nativity As Children of the World year-old Christian Advocate See It as two journals—one for pas- (Color Pictorial) tors and one for the newly 43 Where Your Church Money Goes named Together, midmonth Edwin H. Maynard magazine for Methodist fam-

47 We're Through Buying Junk! ilies. I neither planned nor Kit Kuperstock wanted to be the Editorial Di- 48 Let's Not Keep Up With the Joneses rector—yet seven years later Bern Roer here I am that. Our Editorial Directors, present and past: 48 Battle of the Sexes Was, I should say. For yes- Ewing T. Wayland and Leland D. Case. Jene M. Ueberroth terday in New York, the Meth-

49 Can I Build a Better World? odist Board of Publication approved a recommendation President Lovick Pierce George C. Desmond and I made jointly. It was that at once, so the publications might benefit from new leadership at the General Conference in Pittsburgh next spring, the Rev. 51 'Like the Skins of an Onion' Advocate editor, be named Editorial Director. . . . Elizabeth P. Moss Ewing T. Wayland, We stopped the press to insert this news. Also I seize the opportunity to voice 52 Akron's Good Neighbor personal gratitude to all who by help and encouragement—ranging from effort (Pictorial) of competent and dedicated staff members to prayers of you whom I shall never 5!) Immanuel' 'O Come, O Come know—have helped carry forward this "bold venture" in religious journalism. Paige Carlin Thanks to you, it has exceeded expectations. But its Great Day, I believe, is ahead 62 Song for a Starry Night Leland D. Case Vic Jameson Formerly Editorial Director; Now Editorial Consultant 64 Ah! Those Old Parlor Organs! Albert J. Mack TOGETHER—the midmonth magazine for Methodist families.

76 Noah Editorial Office: Box 423, Park Ridge, III. 60068. Phone: (Area Code 312) 299-4411. (Color Pictorial) Business, Subscription, and Advertising Offices: 201 Eighth Avenue, S., Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Phone: (Area Code 615) CHapel 2-1621. (For subscription rates, see page 4.) TOGETHER continues the CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE founded in 1826 as "an entertaining, instructive, and profitable family visitor." It is an official organ of The Methodist Church. Because of Features/Departments freedom given authors, opinions may not reflect official concurrence. The contents of each issue are indexed in the METHODIST PERIODICAL INDEX.

is "the midmonth families" it Page 3 Church in Action / 20 Getting TOGETHER magazine for Methodist because reaches subscribers by the 1 5th of the month preceding cover date. Along Together / 28 Unusual Methodists Editorial Director: Ewing T. Wayland / Executive Editor: Richard C. Underwood Managing Editor: / 50 Light Unto My Path / 55 Teens / Herbert E. Langendorff / Art Editor: Floyd Johnson Associates: Paige Carlin, Helen Johnson, Together / 56 Your Faith and Your A. / Ira M. Mohler, Charles E. Munson, H. B. Teeter / Assistants: Else Bjornstad (research), Loretta Carlson Church / 57 Browsing in Fiction / 58 • production), Robert C. Goss (art), George P. Miller (Photos) / Editorial Associate: Anthony J. Looks at New Books / 66 Name Your Tolbert III / Editorial Consultant: Leland D. Case / Business-Circulation Manager: Warren P. Clark Hobby / 67 Letters / 71 Camera Clique / Advertising Manager: John H. Fisher / Promotion Manager: John L. Sellers. Publisher: Lovick Pierce. and Phijto Credits / 72 Small Fry.

74 Together /December 1963 This is my Father's world. And to my listening ears, All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, The birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white. Declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world:

He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!

God reigns: let the earth be glad!

—Maltbie D. Babcock

Ageless Myrtle Walgreen 's Katydid on a Teasel: Overhead, underfoot, all around, Together color photographers will find many subjects to illustrate the hymn This Is My Father's World.

Do Vow Tate, Cob* Stick*?

A LOT of Together readers do, as our past Photo Invitationals have Read these rides: proved, but certainly the Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock knew nothing of today's sensitive color film when he wrote the lyrics to This Is Mi/ Father's World (No. 72 in The Methodist Hymnal), published 1. Send no more than 10 color trans- parencies. (Color prints or negatives are shortly before his death in 1901. great lover of nature, Dr. Babcock A not eligible.) frequently went to the top of a hill north of Lockport, N.Y., where 2. Identify each slide and explain why he liked to gaze out across lustrous Lake Ontario and the country it was inspired by the hymn. between. 3. Enclose loose stamps for return postage (do not stick stamps to anything). "I'm going out to see mv Father's world" he would say when he 4. Entries must be postmarked on or be- will doing went out for one of his strolls... and that's what you be fore February 1, 1964. when you load your camera and set out to put the words of this 5. Original slides bought and all reproduc- hymn to the eye-pleasing music of color photography. tion rights to them will become TOGETHER'* property. (For their files, photographers will Have you given it a try? Maybe the view of Lake Ontario is as receive duplicates of slides purchased.) inspiring author's time. Perhaps late autumn today as it was in the 6. We will pay $25 for each 35-mm slide still flames in your section of the Ozarks, or maybe there's a pi and $35 for larger sizes accepted for use in the Invitational pictorial. playing outside in the first snowfall of the season. Truly, our Fath< 7. Slides not accepted will be returned world still is a great big, wide, wonderful place. Will you sh as soon as possible. Care will be used in part of yours with us? handling and returning transparencies, but TOGETHER cannot be responsible for slides

lost or damaged. Send to

Photo Editor, Together, Box 423, Park Ridge, 111. 60C « \ V L^

HHH

The play's theme is profound, hut its "animals" appeal to children as well as adults. NOAH

+ THE TIME: In the past. The scenes: A desert place, on an ark, on a mountain. The cast: The patri- arch Noah, his family, a neighbor, and the animals Noah herds into the ark.

These elements of the story ( Genesis 6-9 ) are famil- iar. Less well-known is the 20th-century vehicle by which the ancient tale is told. It is a three-act play written by the late modern French playwright, Andre Obey, artfully combining trenchant religious truth with warm, folktale humor. Pictured on these pages are scenes from a production of Noah which won rave notices at Methodist-related Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville, Tenn. It was staged by the Scarritt Players and di-

"Man," the wicked neighbor who taunts Noah

for building the ark, is a grotesque symbol for those who deny God's existence and ridicule faith.

Together / December 1963 together/news edition BISHOP Lloyd C. Wicke

EDITOR Mrs. Margaret F. Donaldson, 475 Riverside Drive, ew York ^ Room 1924, New York, N.Y. 10027.

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 12 DECEMBER, 1963

6,000 METHODISTS THROE HOTEL FOR RIGHTS I! tin

Three U.S. Senators Stress Place Of Church in Civil Rights Professions of Faith If any doubts existed about the desire of New York Area Methodists express Decline in N.Y. Area to themselves on civil rights, it was dispelled The number of persons received into September 29, when more than 6,000 per- New York Area churches on profession of sons overflowed the ballroom at the New faith has declined steadily since 1959, York Hilton Hotel in response to Bishop reflecting a trend throughout the North- Wicke's summons to human rights action. eastern Jurisdiction. In 1959, 16,596 were recorded, and in Rally Quotes

1963, 13,668. Only the Troy Confer- Senator favits: "The churches and syna- ence showed a gain, reporting 2,956 in gogues can bring about a massive moral 1963, as against 2,767 in 1959. awakening so passionate and powerful The other conferences reported for 1963 His Benediction as follows, with the 1959 figures in pa- The following prayer was offered rentheses: Newark, 3,617 (4,835); New as a benediction by the late Dr. Funds Aid Bombed Church York, 2,485 (2,715); New York East, Williams. The above pic- The offering at the Human 4,610 (6,279). Joshua O. Rights Rally totaled $4,221.50. After ture of him at the lectern was the rental and expenses were paid, the last one ta^en before his untimely Serves 15 Churches balance of $2,174.92 was sent to the death four days later. The 15 churches of Rensselaer and Wash- 16th Street Baptist Church in Bir- mingham, Ala., scene of the bomb I ington Counties, in the Troy Conference, O Lord, grant that what we have ing which took the lives of lour have engaged Miss Lena Oakley as direc- heard with our ears and felt with our girls. tor of religious education in each parish. hearts be so inwardly grafted into our Miss Oakley was formerly director of being that it will give direction to our the Methodist the School of Nursing at lives from this day forward. Brooklyn. that, by its sheer weight, it can move Hospital of Strengthen our witness for Thee and Congress to action." for Him who came to save us, that we Senator Keating: "The churches not Dr. Stoody to Retire may recognize all men as brothers and only have a place in this struggle—they secretary of recognize the sacredness of human per- Dr. Ralph Stoody, general must be in its vanguard." sonality in every man everywhere, to the the Commission on Public Relations and Senator Dodd: "The role of the will glory of God and to the bringing of His Methodist Information for 23 years, churches is to help us win our legis- kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. retire next April. lative struggle and then make that victory with us in all of our undertakings He will be succeeded by Dr. Arthur Be meaningful in every community in this office. and guide us with Thy spirit. Amen. I West, director of the Chicago land." Representative Cellcr: "The pattern has been set and dure is no turning hack into the graveyards of detachment and silence." Anna Arnold Hedgeman: "Thosi children who died (in Birmingham) are Js of die crucifixion. Their deaths may help us comprehend the meaning of the crucifixion anew and challenge us to resurrect the spirit of Christ in our lives, our churches, and our communi- ties."

Let Your Will Be Known

Bishop Wicke: "Lei us resign from the Party of Silence. Lei youi made repre known in I Sustain our M nt. hi "id prod their

Ilg spirits. Refuse the low i. dualism." were: Charles L. Warren, On platform at Human Rights Rally from left, CimmM I sup head, Roy Wilh»»- Others who appeal Dr. Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Senator Kenneth Keating, and NAACP

A-f

: December 1 963 \ Together mm I port of civil rights action were Miss Youth Camps on Wheels Thelma Stevens, of the Woman's Division of Christian Service, and Roy Wilkins, New York Conference young people executive director of the National Asso- were treated to three trip camps under the ciation for the Advancement of Colored sponsorship of the Board of Education. People. Two of the groups visited Methodist missions in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Talks on Prejudice North Carolina under the leadership of the Rev. and Mrs. James J. Benson, the The Rev. George Weyarid of Grace Rev. and Mrs. James W. Cook, the Rev. Church, Newburgh, N.Y., shared the Carl O. Hartman, and the Rev. Richard platform with Edward G. O'Neill, an at- S. Smith. torney, at a memorial service for the four A five-week trip to Alaska was led by girls murdered in Birmingham, Ala. the Rev. Alex Porteus and the Rev. Bailey. Mr. Weyand called on all Newburgh Joseph G. residents to "act positively" in the name Among the MYF groups who enjoyed of right for Negroes and charged, "We trip camps were Sharon, Conn., young Starting her 64th year as church-school have not said enough or done enough to people who attended a work camp in teacher at Centenary Church, Netva>\, express our Christian heritage."' Iowa, and travelers from Treadwell who Florence Dougherty, 88, N.J., Miss M. visited the Smokies. Referring to the Birmingham bombing, jrorn B. Condit. receives corsage Jesse Six young people and their counselors he added, "I was ashamed to be part of from Zion's Hill, N.Y., Church saw at a civilization where something so bar- firsthand is baric could take place." what the church doing to Host to St. Mark's The Rev. Merrill C. Johnson, pastor of meet the economic, educational, medical, and spiritual needs of people living in de- First Church where the meeting was held, The Hartsdale, N.Y., Church was host pressed areas in the South. opened and closed the protest with prayer. to Dr. Charles L. Warren and 130 of his As part of the trip-trailer camping pro- officials from St. Mark's Church, New Sessions Woods, they inspected York City, for a planning retreat. Harts- gram at mission work in North Carolina, Ken- Three Special Sessions dale members served lunch and dinner. tucky, and Tennessee. Conference officials who attended as Their 1 1-day trip also included a tour Consider the Ministry resource leaders were Dr. Walter L. of Methodist buildings at Lake Junaluska, Area ministers, their wives, Scranton, district superintendent; the New York N. C. The Rev. and Mrs. David Huff reviewed the nature of the Rev. Alex Porteus, the Rev. Burton F. and laymen and Mrs. Margaret Jackson were counse- calling of the ministry at three special Tarr, the Rev. Robert Schrock, the Rev. lors for the group, which included Peggy sessions of the annual conferences in Robert Meyer, and Dr. John Pearson, host Palmer, Jack Faragher, Richard Saunders, N.Y.; White Plains, NY.; pastor. Schenectady, John Tanner, and Gordon VanValken- University. and Drew burg. Part of a nation-wide Mission on the Ministry, the sessions included discussion Green Mountain groups aimed to develop an understand- Quote of the Month News ing of the ministry which will lead to the Ground was broken for a new $225,000 "If religion had lived up to its recruitment of young men and women. maintenance building. Bishop Wicke presided over all three of responsibilities, every Negro today The new $650,000 dormitory which the special sessions. would be saying 'Thank God' in- was opened in September has been named The speakers, shown from left in the stead of Thank the Supreme Lyman Hall in honor of trustee president below, were: Dr. Mack B Stokes, Corbin C. picture Court Lyman. of Emory University School of Theology; The annual fall retreat of the Christian Dick Gregory Bishop Everett W. Palmer, Seattle Area; Association was held at Skye Farm, Troy at Methodist Conference Bishop Wicke; Bishop Edwin R. Garrison, Conference camp. The theme was Does on Human Relations. Dakotas Area; and Bishop Edwin E. Christianiay Make a Difference? Voigt, Illinois Area. List Favorite Verses

Three Methodists are among the 49 i prominent persons who have described their favorite Bible passages in a book entitled Bible Words That Guide Me, edited by Hubert A. Elliott and published by Grosset and Dunlap.

They are Bishop Gerald Kennedy, J. C. Penney, and Dr. Georgia Harkness.

DECEMBER, 1963 Vol. 7. No. 12 TOGETHER is an official organ of The Methodist Church, issued monthly by The Methodist Publishing House. 201 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Publisher: Lovick Pierce.

Subscription: $5 a year, in advance. Single copy: 50 cents. Group subscriptions for Methodist churches through TOGETHER FAMILY PLAN (percentages based upon full church membership recorded in Conference Minutes): Annual Billed Number of Members Subscription Rate Quarterly @ Ten percent $3.12 78<: each Twenty percent $2.76 69C each Thirty percent $2.52 C3C each (Fewer than ten percent but grouped and submitted Schenectady Union-Star through the church office: $3.96 a year, cash with order.) Speakers at Bishops' Mission on the Ministry, held in three area conferences. Second-class postage has been paid in Nashville. Tenn.

A-2 Together /December 1963

^>-j<_ Together / December 1963 THE Passing the Word Along BISHOP WHITES

Many ministers are heeding our plea J\elig,ion to try to stop the use of "Reverend" with Provide* Power to Per[cform a minister's last name. Bulletins are re- (Excerpts from an address at a United Nations Seminar peating the information that the word is sponsored by the Hoard of Christian Social Concerns, i an adjective and should not be used as a title any more than "handsome" or Remember that song of the early 2(K: "good" would be. "We have onions ami cabbages, tomatoes and potatoes, One dissenter has been heard from, hut yes, we have no bananas today"? have liberty however, the Rev. Finley Schaef of Grace We and license, enlight- ment and leisure, but yes, we have no universally Church, St. Albans, N.Y., who takes a ac- cepted morals today! At least, this is the stand for usage as against good grammar. current and re- curring refrain. "For those of us who don't wear cleri- There is no single authority, no commonly accepted cal collars," he writes, "the title 'Rev.' schoolmaster, whose word we agree is definitive. is a good, succinct way to identify our- We are in disagreement as to the nature and conscience, selves as clergymen." existence oi the reality of justice, the validity of religion. It is apparently impossible to Please, Rev., isn't there some other find agreement on such simple social way? items as: (1) Whom shall 1 welcome into my : neighborhood (2) Where do freedom and license clash in matters of sex,

the massing of money, and its use? (3) Is it moral to break a law considered Fire Sweeps Edison Church "unjust"? (4) What law decrees that this nation share its hard-won substance with the nations of the world? The new church at Edison, N.J., suf- Current events highlight our moral dilemma: the Big Steel price-fixing ad- fered $75,000 to $100,000 damage in a venture, General Electric's trial and impending judgment, the drug combine in- fire started by an arsonist. dictment, the Re father-and-son escapade in wormy finance, the McCrory fiasco, The congregation at La Grangeville, the F.T.X.-100 controversy, featherbedding, officers of the law pillaging N.Y., is worshiping again in its sanc- property on beats, flagrant use of adoptive techniques, the note that more tuary after extensive renovations. The than 25 percent of our college gals have adventured into the wilderness of church is celebrating its 100th anniver- extramarital sex relations. . . . Why continue the list? Can the causes be sary in its present location. determined so that we may discover the nature of the church's role in this The new $106,000 education building cauldron of defection from moral rectitude? in Linden, N.J., was consecrated. In this cosmic upheaval, what is the truth of the indictment that the Church The centennial celebration at Ulster has failed? Heights Church near Ellenville, N.Y., Are the indictments sound and defendable? included rededication of the building, To the question, "What does the Church have to offer?" we replv, simply, following completion of a im- $7,000 honestly, "THE GOSPEL." provement program by Methodist Men. The gospel in its simplest form can be discovered in the first words of the The front of the Clinton Avenue — Lord's Prayer "Our Father," universal creator, sovereign, judge, ultimate Church in Kingston, N.Y., is being re- love, final conservator of every value. modeled cost of at a $50,000. The insights of high religion, of revelation, of willing acceptance by faith Newton. N.J., Methodists are occupying are the ground rules for salvation. But faith without works is dead. Herein is their new building on Ryerson Ave. discovered the task—the meaning of the Church as husbander of both re to the Swartswood, An addition N.J., ligion and morality. Church is being built with materials sal- Attempts are periodically made to relegate religion, if not dethrone her, and vaged from the old build- demolition of proclaim morality as sovereign. The Church then becomes an Ethical Culture ings property. on Camp Aldersgate Society, a sort of rotarian powerhouse of like-minded crusaders. Its traditional The site of the New Washington function disappears and rational humanism is its replacement. Street-Hedding Church in Poughkeepsie, Religion and morality are NOT identities. Morality asks, "What can I N.Y., was consecrated. do?" The Church answers the question, "Who am I?" Then answering that Ground was broken for the new Cen- question it can proceed to the moral question. Of course, other questions are tenary Church in Metuchen, N.J. A involved, all religious. Not only who am I, but whose? Being his, what is my $270,000 fellowship hall will be the first immediate destiny? It is HIS power which sustains me as I answer those ques- unit. tions in conduct. Apart from that power, my morality becomes a vanishing Thanks to volunteers in Quakertown, thing—-as witness our situation today. N.J., a $47,500 addition was built for The power, and the standard, come from the very nature of my being itself, $20,000. It was dedicated debt free. and the nature of being comes from my relationship to God. To behave morally loses its "sticking power," unless it is anchored in religious affirmation. Religion is the ground of action, morality the verification of the faith. Moral action is ONE OF THE WAYS IN WHICH WE ARE SAVED. Religion provides the power to perform. Morality, the platform of performance. Morality, apart from its roots deep in religious certainty, will ultimately die.

If the Church has any role in nurturing the moral life, it can only be aci plished from the core of a religious certainty as to the nature, the purpose. Un- meaning, and destinv of life. Lloyd C. \\ n

New York City TV Starts Talk Back' Series

The Methodist television series, Talk, Mr-.. George I nton, N.J., the issing Back,, started a 13-week sen m pan a.m., the st Little Ball E 6, on WOR-TV, Channel 9, at 9:30 tgue will also Jackie Robinson warms up Talk Back TV Sundays. by Jackie Rob- ;>er 1 , w ith Mrs M I >on panel for December 1 program. At right, The panel is moderated Methodists will ap- aid? m, "i Mamaroneck, N.Y., following are: Mrs. George Teague, Rabbi Saul Tep- inson, and two area programs. the filmed siorv. Tht Apple Orchard. titz, and Mrs. Margaret F. Donaldson. pear on two of the

A-3 December 1963 \Together

December 1 963\ Together MMM

'Dieutf, Ttetvi. vhe Snort Circuit

William E. Brown, a trustee of Trinity • Dr. Gerhard Ebeling, professor of sys- Church, New York City, has been tematic theology and history of theology named lay leader of the New York District of at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, the will conduct semi- New York Con- ference. nars in the graduate He is chairman school on Herme- of the neutical Problems local commission on education, a con- of the Old Testa- ment, through De- Candidates for B.S. degree in medical ference delegate, cember. technology, Vermont College, Montpelier. and reserve dele- • President Ox- gate to the 1964 nam, executive receive a bachelor of science degree. jurisdictional con- committee member Shown in the photo above with Presi- ference. of the World Meth- dent Ralph E. Noble, they are from left, The Rev. Alan odist Council, at- Gail Bradshaw, Patricia Poling, Mrs. Carol Egly has been Bresnahan Shouldice, Teri Bosbee, Judy Mr. Brown named minister of Dr. Ebeling tended meetings of that body in Stutt- Young, and Barbara Gould. education at King's Highway Church, Brooklyn. gart, Germany, recently. Methodist • A series of eight lectures on metro- A Men charter was presented the A.M.E. Zion politan problems is being co-sponsored by Church of New Haven, Drew and the Eagle-Courier Newspapers Conn. as an outgrowth of a study conducted at God and Country Awards were pre- the university last spring. The series ends sented Scouts Maurice Shaw of Emory December 18. Church, Hancock, N.Y., and Edward Blechta of • Dr. Lawrence E. Noble, Jr., has joined Mamaroneck, N.Y. the liberal-arts faculty as associate pro- The Benjamin Haviland Memorial Li- fessor of political science. He has served brary has been dedicated at Vanderveer on the faculty of Centre College, Danville, >a. Park Church, Brooklyn. Ky., and at the University of Mississippi. Anniversaries: Watertown, Conn., • Alfred B. Haas, associate professor of Wives Attend Retreat 125th; First Church, Johnstown, N.Y., practical theology, wrote the Hymn In- 75th; Ulster Heights, N.Y., 100th; Glen formation Series on the twelve great Wives of Troy Conference ministers Gardner, N.J., 100th; First Church, hymns from The Methodist Hymnal for held their annual retreat at Saratoga Dover, N.J., 125th. the publication, Hymn of the Month, for Springs, N.Y. the Christian year, 1963-64. The planning committee is shown • Alexander T. Williams, laboratory in- above, seated from left: Mrs. Robert structor in physics, has been granted his Hammond of Ballston Spa, chairman; 20th United States patent. It is for Mrs. Gerard O'Neill of Cohoes, Mrs. a photoelectric device for measurement of Lawrence Larrowe of Bannington, Mrs. areas. Donald Brushett of Latham; standing, Mrs. Roger U. Day of West Sand Lake, Observe Bard's Anniversary Mrs. James Borden of Averill Park, Mrs. Clarence Hoch of Shenendehowa, and at the Miss Margaret Webster lectured Mrs. Robert Trost of Troy. Elizabethan festival on An Evening With Shakespeare at Centenary College. The Byron M. Cody Photo occasion honored the 400th anniversary Laymen's Day service was conducted by of Shakespeare's birth. 16 members of First Church, Dover, N.J. The music and arts building ($510,336) and the maintenance building ($185,250) were constructed last summer. • In Memoriam John Steyers, of Pittsburgh, has been ap- New York Conference pointed to the faculty of the English de- Joshua O. Williams partment. New York, N.Y. . October 3, 1963 Work for Science Degrees Charles G. G. r se (retired) Scotia, Y. Six girls at Vermont College, Mont- September 1963 first complete pelier, are the students to • the third year of the new four-year pro- New York East Conference gram in medical technology. They have Ernest F. Weise (retired) begun a 12-month internship in hos- Waterbury, Conn. pitals which will make them eligible to September 30, 1963 • Troy Conference Building Pictures Coming PhotoCraft Studios Wilbur T. Clemens Because of an oversupply of pic- New York State Council of Chur York's Mayoi gner (at right) tures received by the editorial of- New proclaimed October 8 "John Street Meth fice this month, all pictures of con- Albany, N.Y. odist Church Day." He is shown with the struction projects will be held for August 1963 Rev. R. L. Francis and Joseph Smoth's 9, a picture page in the January issue. painting, to be shown at the World's Fair.

A-4 Together /December 1963

£1 Together / December 1963 rected by James H. Warren, head of the school's pres- tigious drama department. Professor Warren used costuming and decor suggesting rural 17th-century France to interpret Obeys rendering of the biblical story as a folk narrative. Noah himself becomes an old French farmer. "Man." who represents the villagers' reaction to Noah's warn- ing of impending disaster, is seen as a grotesque, gnomelike individual who, in refusing God's guidance, makes himself a mockery of what God intended. The animals are seen as reasoning characters who under- stand Noah's spirit, if not his words, better than his own family. Obey's drama is not a literal retelling of the Genesis text, though it does treat the original faithfully. More important, the dramatist poses in contemporary idiom the universal, timeless questions of man's relationship to God and the Greator's purposes in his creation. To the audience, the flood is identifiable as a symbol of

nuclear holocaust, and the playgoer is forced to ask:

"How can 20th-century man build liis ark?"

In a scene before the flood, Noah's sons—

Shem, Ham, and Japheth—meet for the first time the three neighbor girls chosen as their prospective wives.

In the play's climactic scene, Noah and his family see the dove returning to the ark and instinctively

reach for it. Though his family often despairs, Noah never loses hope that God

ivill save them. In the end, God's promise appears in the rainbow. William Tafum

starred in the title role.

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