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The Spike or Victoria University College Review 1932

Student Christian Movement

page 87

Student Christian Movement

The past year's activities have been an endeavour, albeit inadequate, to realise the aims and objects of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement.

Study Circles.—These were commenced immediately after Easter, the subjects and the respective Circle leaders for the year being:—"The Life of Jesus." Miss E. Bell, B.A.; "The School of Jesus" (Shafto), Miss J. Archibald, B.A.; "Jesus in the Records" (Sharman), Rev. J. Hubbard, M.A.; "Moral Adventure" (Streeter), Mr. R. S .Maunder; "The Clash of World Forces" (Mathews). (1) Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, M.A.; (2) Mr. R. Ferkins, B.A.

Intercession.—An Intercession Group has met each morning and afternoon throughout the session, in addition to the Monday night circle. Attendance at the latter has ranged from 15 to 25 members.

General Meetings.—The following addresses have been delivered during 1932:—"The Bible in Modern Life," by Rev, G. Mackenzie, B.A.; 'The Sino-Japanese Question," by Mr. H. F. Von Haast, LL.B.; "Christian Economics and the Social Order," by Mr. Walter Nash, M.P.; "The Oxford Group Movement," by Mrs. Ponsford, M.A.

Shortly after Easter Archdeacon Young, of Wanganui. an old V.U.C. student, gave a series of addresses on five consecutive week nights, the subjects being:—(l) "Christ Measured by His Achievement To-day"; (2) "What Explains This Achievement?"; (3) "May We Know Christ's God?": (4) "God, Whom to Know is to Love, and Whom to Love is to Serve"; (5) "God's Enterprise and Our Share in it." One could not fail to gain inspiration and encouragement from these addresses.

Week-end Camps.—A post exam, camp was held last year at Day's Bay, the studies being on "The Christian Message" and "Disarmament." Mr. R. S. Maunder delivered an introductory address.

Following on from Archdeacon Young's addresses, a camp at Chilton House, Island Bay, on April 16th-18th, proved most successful. Attendance was over fifty.

At a further camp at Chilton House on May 28th-30th, Mr. Maunder spoke on 'True Gaiety of Life." We were delighted to receive a visit from Archdeacon Young during the course of the camp.

A men's camp at Haywards and a women's camp at Chilton House on July 23rd-25th proved well worth while. The study was on the "Aims and Objects of the Movement."

On Easter Sunday a Communion service for students was celebrated in St. Paul's at 10 a.m. At 5 p.m. the S.C.M. provided tea in the Women's Common Room for tournament delegates. A special service at the Terrace Congregational Church followed, at the close of which S.C.M. members presented the religious play, "Eager Heart."

The "Day of Prayer" services were conducted at the Kelburn Presbyterian Church by Rev. J. Hubbard, M.A. Communion was celebrated at 10 a.m., at 5 p.m. tea was provided, the Rev. H. Newell, M.A., speaking on the World Student Christian Federation, and at 7 p.m. evening service, in which students assisted, followed by a special intercession service for students, was held.

Social Service.—Two concerts have been given at Porirua and one at the Akatarawa men's camp. Members are encouraged to join the Social Service Club in their fortnightly visits to Porirua.

A box has been placed in the Hall at V.U.C. for donations for the relief of distress. By means of funds thus collected and donations of clothes and groceries, assistance has been given to three families of relief workers who are in particularly straitened circumstances. Any gifts for this purpose will be much appreciated.

At the beginning of the year an accommodation and information bureau was arranged for the benefit of freshers. A second-hand bookstall was supervised for the first few weeks of the term.

An opening social and dance was well attended. Professor Gould welcomed new students and spoke on the Student Christian Movement.

Library.—Attention is drawn to the S.C.M. Library, situated in C5, where many of the latest books on religious, international and social topics are available. Two periodicals, "The Student World" and the "Student Movement," are sub-scribed to. "Open Windows," the monthly magazine of the N.Z.S.C.M., is well worth your notice, containing as it does articles of absorbing interest to the live student.

The Headquarters of the N.Z.S.C.M. is now located at Vicker's House, Woodward Street. The book-room there has a wide selection of recent works. A visit will repay you.

At the Summer Conference of the N.Z.S.C.M. at Waimate, Wellington was represented by a delegation of 23, 13 of whom were V.U.C. students. The coming Conference will be at St. Stephen's College, Bombay, Auckland, shortly after Christmas. The fellowship and inspiration of these gatherings is an experience never to be forgotten. No student could do better than include the Conference in his or her holiday arrangements.