CHURCH OF CHRIST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 12 April 1939, Page 10

CHURCH OF CHRIST

YOUTH CAMP AT MOTUEKA I | CHRISTIAN UNITY DEMONSTRATED j INSPIRING EASTER MESSAGES I I Conditions were ideal for the annual! j Youth Camp of the Churches of Christ,) j held at Motueka during Easter, j ! Seventy-two campers, representative of the district churches, availed them-1 selves of the opportunity for rich fellowship and inspiration. The young! ladies under the leadership of Mrs J.| Thompson, of Nelson (Camp Mother'! were housed in the High School, and! the young men with Mr E. B. Marris, < of Nelson (Camp Father) took up thei>- j abode in the Church hall. The topic for group studies was “Three-score Years and Ten,” dealing] with the various aspects of life and how they should be faced up to. Much discussion was opened up under the; various headings—the “peak” period in ; life; relation between spirit and body; j life as a trust; things which destroy years: neglect of opportunities; obsession with material things; the numbering of a person’s days; applying 1 hearts unto wisdom; self-mastery; and unselfish ministry. That Christian unity was possible and the way in which youth could bring : this about, was demonstrated in a very ; practical way during Easter. On Good Friday morning a combined service was held with the Methodist campers in the Methodist Church, when inspiring addresses were given by Mr G.. Stirling (minister at Lower Hutt and fraternal delegate from Church of ’ Christ Dominion Youth Department), who spoke on “Aspects of the Cross,” 1 and the Rev. Mr Ulting (Methodisl, minister at Motueka), on “The Friend-! ship of Jesus.” A further combined gathering was held at the Methodist men’s camp at Lower Moutere on Saturday afternoon, when a sports and games programme was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Following a hike to the beach in the afternoon, an Easter gospel service was held in the Institute Hall in the evening. when Mr G. Stirling was the speaker.

The social and concert on Saturday evening gave opportunity for the young people to express themselves in lighter vein, as well as to show their skill and capabilities in other directions . Sunday saw many of the highlights jof Camp, beginning with a sunrise I prayer meeting led by Mr E. Martin j (minister at Takaka), followed later j by the service for worship and Com- ! munion, presided over by Mr E. B. ! Marris; the address being given by Mr E. Martin Mr E. Light (minister at Motueka. and President of the District Youth Committee) addressed a youth gathering in the afternoon. He was the song leader for the camp. In the evening, following a hearty song service, Mr G. Stirling gave a challenging gospel message to a large gathering of campers and the public.

The final meeting was held on Monday morning following study groups when a number of the young people presented their findings on various aspects of the studies. A trip to Kaiteriteri in the afternoon concluded a very happy and profitable time, campers returning to their homes in the evening.

A camp echo rally is to be held at Richmond on Saturday, 22nd April.