The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-08-08
BENNINGTON. VT, AUGUST 7, 1912
EMPHASIZE SOCIAL SERVICE.

The Banner has received a commu-
nication on the important subject OF
how TO get the most and best work
from our local churches in reaching
the needs of the community. This is
a question that deserves the careful
consideration of every person VINO
calls himself a Christian. The COM
mnnication is as follows:
In these times of agitation, and OF
changing conditions, one question
arising among others is, are the
churches efficient organizations.
1T might be well to apply the
question to our local Evangelical
churches, not in the spirit OF crltl-
cism. but with the idea of evolving
plan or program which would make
them more successful in meeting ana
proving their mission in the commu-
nifty.
The church has a two fold mis-
sion. First, to develop and strengthen
its own membership. Second, to help
in meeting the needs of the commu-
nifty. bringing it to higher realiza-
ton of the best. Hardly will 1t be
claimed by any that the churches
whole business is to propagate its own
interests. If four-fifths of its ener-
gies are expended in making good or
better Christians out of its own con
stitueney, why should 1t not conserve
the other one-fifth for the making OF
a better community.
do our leaders of Christian
thought and action feel that they are
fulfilling this latter trust by simply
maintaining two or three public ser
vices each week?
THE strong growing churches OF
the past decade have been the ones
that have served not only their mem
bership but also their communities.
THE men and Religion Forward
Movement has taught us some les
sons. One is that all followers or
Christ can unite and work together
in a great and common task for hui
manity. These united activities Will
be the means of growth of Christian
graces in the individual, and thus the
first mission of the church will come
to a higher realization.
"A wise and more intelligent coop
Grafton in religious endeayor for our
is desirable. Why should
three of our churches each hold a
Sunday evening service at 7.3O o'clock
when double the combined attendance
could be accommodated in one union
Is it not UNCONVENTIONAL
waste in more ways than one? De
waste is doomed. Fed
Grafton of purpose and unity of ac-
ton are coming in. Why cannot two
or more of our churches unite In one
of these weekly services in the in
terests of the Kingdoms growth in
the community?
THE law of conservation is ma
tural one and it appeals to the good
judgment of the average man. II is
hard for the simple layman TO I'M
derstand how ministers, nowadays,
can be against federation and unity |
of effort for the advancement of all
humanity. All are agreed on the es-
sentials as they are held by these |
churches. To sum up the religious
trend is to emphasize social service.
The practical things of religion APP |
peal to men. They like to see church
work carried on in an efficient man
ner. That may mean more OF fed
Grated purpose and unity of action in
this community.
I'VE have no right TO do this most
important work except by the best
methods. Let the leaders of the
Christian impulses of the community |
furnish that method"