Northland Methodist Synod Meeting

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1942, Page 2

Northland Methodist Synod Meeting

Methodist ministers from as far south as Port Albert,' met on Tuesday afternoon at the Whangarci Methodist Church for the bi-annual synod. A devotional session was conducted by Rev. I. Raynor, of Dargaville, following which the members of Synod, together with local church folk, were entertained to tea by the Ladies’ Missionary Auxiliary.

On Tuesday evening, the Synod Rally service was addressed by Rev. C. T. J. Luxton. a missionary lately returned from the island of Buka, in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. Mr Luxton told a thrilling story of how his mission launch was commandeered to evacuate civilians to Australia, and related the party's experience of bombing raids while at Port Moresby. A number of missionaries. ne stated, still remained in the area, but little concerning them is known. Church Union Synod meetings were resumed on Wednesday morning at the residence of Mr W. J. Court, when an informal discussion on church union was introduced by Rev. B. Chrystnll, C.F. The speaker pointed out that churches contemplating .union should be very clear as to the motive which prompted their desire. Financial considerations should not stand in the way of union, but it was of profound importance that each church should be thoroughly convinced that the proposed step was in the best interests oi Christian work as a whole.

During the afternoon a deputation from the Y.W.C'.A. waited on the synod to secure their co-operation in urging that specially qualified women should be appointed immediately for moral and spiritual work among young women serving in Military and Air Force camps in the Dominion. A resolution embodying this proposal was carried unanimously, and copies are to be forwarded to various members of Parliament. Christian Order

The matter of activities in connection with the Campaign for Christian Order. 1942. was introduced by Rev. L. Sharp, of Port Albert. Mr Sharp stated that the present was a time of unparalleled opportunity for the Christian church. People everywhere were looking for authoritative guidance about life, and now was the time' for the churches to demonstrate the Christian Faith as a practical way of living. A new order would arise after the war. only if adequate moral and spiritual foundations were laid.

The synod concluded this morning with a Communion service in the Methodist Church, after which members left for their homes.