A Model Social Gathering by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Nov 20, 1913

A Model Social Gathering

By F. M. W.

Many gatherings are held among Christian people which minister to selfish enjoyment and to the pleasure of the passing hour. Far too little time is devoted to helpful Christian association. When the purpose of the gathering is for a good time in the popular meaning of this term, and the evening is spent in the playing of silly games, in joking and laughter, and in the singing of worldly songs, but little if any good is accomplished. Rather, as a rule, those who are present find that the exercises have ministered to leanness of soul and to a lessening of spiritual life.

But gatherings of this character are not necessary in order to give those participating in them a truly good time. When social gatherings have before them a definite purpose, when those who attend them meet to do good and to obtain good, when there is brought to the conduct of such occasions thought and study and prayer, they may be made in the highest degree profitable. Mrs. E. G. White, in speaking of such gatherings, says:—

“Gathering for social intercourse may be made in the highest degree profitable and instructive, when those who meet together have the love of God glowing in their hearts, when they meet to exchange thoughts in regard to the Word of God, or to consider methods for advancing his work, and doing good to their fellow men.”

It has been the privilege of the writer to attend gatherings of this character many times in his experience. The last occasion of this sort was one held last week at the Foreign Mission Seminary. A reception was given by the faculty of the school, under the direction of Prof. M. E. Kern, to the students and friends of the institution. A spirit of good cheer and Christian fellowship pervaded the assembly of about two hundred persons who were present.

A short hour was spent in kindly greeting and in becoming acquainted. Following, a short formal program was rendered. One of the students read a paper on the origin of the Bible work among Seventh-day Adventists. A teacher gave an interesting account of the work being done by the Bible workers’ class of the Seminary in the city of Washington. A short talk was given on the value of Bible work as connected with this movement. A beautiful poem expressing the call of the Master to Christian work, was recited. Several inspiring songs and instrumental solos, in harmony with the spirit of the occasion, were rendered, the exercises closing with an earnest invocation for the blessing of Heaven upon those assembled and upon the work of God in the earth.

The refreshments so customary on such occasions were wisely omitted, so that none were sent home to disturbed sleep and unpleasant dreams. The entire reception lasted about two hours.

It is such occasions as this which we believe “may be made in the highest degree profitable and instructive.” We need more gatherings of this character in our churches. We need to come in closer touch with one another, to mingle freely in Christian fellowship, making the humblest member of the church feel that he is one of a band of Christian men and women whose hearts beat in unison. Such gatherings will promote the unity which should exist in the church of Christ, and answer the demand implanted in every nature for social fellowship.

F. M. W.