COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26719, 13 March 1948, Page 4

COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

OTAGO BRANCH MEETING The monthly meeting of the Otago branch of the National Council of Churches had before it a proposal made by an informal conference of educationalists that the policy of the churches in relation to public education, primary, secondary and university, should be given effect through one agency instead of several as at present. This agency would suggest ways of making more adequate use of the facilities available for Christian teaching and better methods of doing so. There was a desire for closer cooperation with public school teachers and authorities in manifesting the interest of the churches in education as a whole.

The meeting unanimously approved the proposals and the organisation suggested. Home anil Family Week

August 15 to 22 were decided as the dates for the home and family week, the week-day meetings to be in the Town Hall Concert Chamber and the Sunday services and after-church rallies to be in convenient churches. For the Exhibition Committee, the Rev. E. W. Batts reported that plans included the use of the figure of Christ which had been so effective in the centenial procession. It would be the centre of the exhibition, showing Christ as the light of the home. Other proposals were for pioneer and modern homes, a children's church, model Sunday school. Scout. Guide and brigade displays, first aid for the home, kindergarten, demonstrations of cooking and other home aids. The Rev. R. S, Watson reported that the Programme Committee was making contact with leading speakers and lecturers, and those who would take part in a brains trust to discuss home problems. It was hoped that out of the effort would come a permanent Marriage Guidance Council, with a panel of experts enlisted, ready to advise on all matters affecting the welfare of homes. For the Women’s Committee, Miss A. Duthie said that the year’s work had started with an excellent full-day retreat. Keen interest had been shown in the home and family week, which the women felt to be an urgent necessity of great importance. United Sports Service

The Rev. A. P. Dorrian reported that the Youth Committee had arranged a united service for 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 21, in the Moray Place Church for interchurch sports, and a rally to hear the delegates who had attended the Oslo World Conference of Youth.

As this was the last meeting before the transfer of the Rev. Dr W. G. Slade, he was accorded the good wishes of members, and appreciation was expressed of his long and valuable services. The chairman, the Rev. L. D. C. Groves, the Very Rev. Dean Button, and the Rev. R. S. Watson spoke in the highest terms of Dr Slade’s contributions to the united work of the churches and the life of the city.

Attention was drawn to the opportunity of hearing overseas visitors in the near future. The Rev. Frank Wood and Miss Mary Chen, both from China, would address meetings at the coming week-end. Both had been interned by the Japanese and would

speak of conditions in China and Christian relief. The Very Rev. Professor J. Baillie. of Edinburgh, would give public lectures in First Church on March 20 and 22.