OUR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19784, 8 May 1926, Page 5

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

By Ampuus.

Study the faces of your pupils. “If the enthusiasm of youth can beadded to the experience of age, 1 haven’t any doubt as to the future.” “The opportunist is a stumbling-block in the path of progress. We must settle questions on the basis of what is right, not what is expedient. Only by recognising fundamental principles can vve find our way out of existing confusion. Our guiding light must bo truth! Our spirit must bo Oiiristian I”—Herbert C. Mayer in the Church's Programme for Young ,People. Mr -Tames Parquharson, president of the Otago Council of Religious Education, has invited all who in any way assisted at tlie Religous Education Court at the Exhibition to be present at a social gathering in Stuart Hall next Monday evening. The invitation has already been accepted by considerably over 100, and it is anticipated that the formation of two important organisations will be one of the outcomes of the gathering., In a letter received this week by Mr Robert Blair, Dr John R. Mott says: “1 have been very favourably impressed by the report presented by Mr Blamires and by all that he has told me of the growth of interest in New Zealand in the important subject of religious education. I appreciate also sincerely the contribution you are making, and wish you Godspeed in your efforts. I am much gratified to note.the very thorough way in w'hich you and Mrs Blair have prepared yourselves for dealing with this great issue.” SERVICE TASKS FOR ALL. The graded service exhibit in the Religious Education Court has attracted so much attention that some of the suggestions are reproduced hero in full. Under: “I am among you as He that soweth,” we find the following :—(1) Leadership of boys’ and girls’ clubs. (2) Teaching classes. (3) Singing in the choir. _ (4) Tutoring backward children. (5) Outings for under-privileged children. (6) Pleasant Sunday afternoons for strangers. (7) Motor trips for convalescents. (8) Visiting sick, distressed, friendless, distribute flowers. (9) Reading to aged and blind. , (10) Giving entertainments at orphanages and old people’s homes. (11) Plant out widow’s garden. (12) Send magazines to lighthouse keepers and sailors. (13) Designing posters for church functions. (14) Making articles and garments for church missions. (15) Participation in civic improvements. (10) Co-operation wdth anti-cruelty societies. (17) Co-operation with prohibition party. (18) Cultivating international friendships, foreign correspondence. (19) Making games, scrap-books, puzzles, etc., for orphanages. (20) Assisting in churcli entertainments. (21) Christmas tree for needy children. (22) Consistent and generous giving to church funds. (23) Winning others to the Christian way of life. “Service is the keystone in the arch of victorious living.” COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. The following constitution of the Now Zealand Council of Religious Education w ill repay careful consideration : While recognising the right and responsibility of each denomination through it? own properly constituted authorities, to direct its own work of religious education, yet, believing that much of this work is common to all the undernamed denominations, desiring to co-operate m this work for the sake of greater efficiency, economy, and Christian fellowship, have agreed to form a co-operative organisation under the following constitution: 1. Name: The name of the organisation, shall bo the “New' Zealand Council of Religious Education.” 2. Objects: The aim of the council shall be to advance the work of religious education. (1) By conferring in matters of common interest. (2) By giving expression to common view's and decisions, and (3) by united action in matters concerning the moral and religious education of the childhood and youth of the Dominion. In fulfilment of this aim. the council shall have the following objects in view:— I. The promotion of national and district conventions and conferences of loaders. 2. T he arranging of visits of overseas experts as opportunities occur. 3. The survey of the Dominion in the religious education iutoresis. 4. The study of literature and lesson course problems in New Zealand, 5. The consultation regarding the standdardisation and efficiency of; (n) Sunday schools, (W) toucher training and (c) leadership. 6. The enlisting of the co-operation of all agencies and institutions in sympathy with the welfare of childhood and youth. 7. The making of representations to the Government or local authorities on questions affecting the moral and religious life of the young. _ 3. Membership: Official representatives of the following denominations on the basis sot opposite each ;—(a) The Church of England 7. tlie Presbyterian 7, the Methodist, 6, the Baptist 2. the Salvation Army 2 tlie Congregational 1. the Associated Churches of Christ I. (1>) Official representatives of such other bodies as may bo admitted by the council, 4. Officers: The officers of the council shall be —(a) President: (b) two vice-presi-dents: (c) secretary and treasurer. 5. Finance: The funds of the council shall be obtained from the following sources—viz. : (a) Grants from young peoples departments of the denominations; (b) special offerings as may be arranged; (c) donations and hcqtiesls. THE USE OF CHARTS. When they embody fundamental truths charts may be valid, interesting, and profitable mediums of expression and communication. They are specially valuable in the young people’s division, comprising the intermediate department, junior and senior Bible classes, and it is gratifying to know (hat large use is being made of this method. Those who have carefully examined recent exhibits in the Religious Education Court doubtless noticed a set of charts, devised and executed by Miss Marion M. Nelson, leader of the Mornington Presbyterian Junior Young Women’s Bible Class. These charts centre in such large concepts as The Church. Her Names, and Activities; Jesus Christ and His Relationship with Christians; Principles of the Christian Life; the Fourfold Life, Expressing Itself in Character Values Through Instruction ; Expression and Worship in the. Home; The Church and the Community. The scope is endless, and those who have been sceptical of the method or diffident, as to their own ability are strongly urged to give it a fair and unbiassed trial.