SPIRITUAL FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 11

SPIRITUAL FRONT

CHURCH FELLOWSHIP MEETING CALL FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING At the invitation of the minister and office-bearers of Knox Church, the officebearers of All Saints, Hanover Street Baptist. Dundas Street Methodist and United Congregational Churches met in the Stuart Hall on Sunday evening for a fellowship gathering. Welcoming the office-bearers from the churches of the parish area, the Rev. D. C. Herron (Knox Church) stressed the need for the spirit of friendliness in the community to-day when the foundations of life for many were being shattered. Especially was this spirit needed among the Christian churches, which were all working on a common task. Dr J. D. Salmond, joint convener of the Mission of Friendship Committee, pointed out that the great majority of the people in the parish area professed some church affiliation, though a considerable number had no vital contact with any church. There was much religious indifference and apathy in the community, a fact which was occasioning all churches concern. He pointed out that the work of the churches was interdependent and was helped or hindered by the general spiritual tone of the community. He said that laymen had a special responsibility for the standards of the community. "As well as fighting an external enemy,” said the speaker, “we are up against the enemy of godlessness, of moral Fifth Columnism, within our own gales.” He urged laymen to put as much thought into the application of Christianity to their lives as they did to achieving success In business. The Work of Laymen Mr D. K. McDonald (Knox Church), opening a discussion on the theme " The Work of Laymen To-day,” pointed out that the best ally of Atheism was a Christian who professed but did not practise. He stressed the call for laymen to watch opportunities for witnessing to their faith, but emphasised the need for squaring practice with belief. Mr G. M. Luke (Knox Church) pointed out the work laymen could do in the life of the community. The extension of religious exercises and teaching in the public schools showed that the community was awakening to the need for Christian teaching and the recognition of God in human life. He declared that laymen on public bodies had a great opportunity for relating Christian principles to public affairs. Mr W. J. Strong (All Saints) conveyed the good wishes of Sir James Allen, who declared himself in full sympathy with any move to promote fellowship among the Christian churches. Mr Strong quoted a recent utterance of the Bishop of Wellington, who declared that New Zealand must break down the division between the secular and the religious in education, “The divine rights of secularism," j quoted the speaker, “ have had free sway long enough in our New Zealand education.” Mr J. Mclndoe (Dundas Street Methodist) stressed the need for inter-church co-operation. ”We do not need to have church unity.” said the speaker, ’* before we engage in co-operative enterprises deslgped to extend Christ’s kingdom." Mr Mclndoe declared that unless the churches stood together they ran a grave risk of being overwhelmed by the tides of godlessness which were sweeping over the world to-day. Dr Charles North (Hanover Street Baptist) pointed out the need for a laymen’s ministry of sympathy. When trouble came to homes the women were always there. He also declared that the child life of the community was a matter of great concern to all Christian men Men and Sunday Schools Mr J. Abernethy (United Congregational) stressed particularly the need for winning the young to Christ and the Church. “More men.” said Mr Abernethy, ’’ should be at work In our Sunday schools.” He went on to say that Christians were not living to the limit of the resources available. God’s promises were to those who bore fruit. Tire ladies of Knox Church provided supper, during which an opportunity was given to all present for conversation and fellowship. The Kev. J. F.wen Simpson (Hanover Street Baptist) brought the evening to a close with worship and special prayer for tire nation in her hour of need