Reformátusok Lapja, 1972 (72. évfolyam, 1-7. szám)
1972-04-01 / 4. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 3 A CALL TO MISSION calvin synod meeting The Annual Meeting of Calvin Synod meeting in Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 24-26, 1972 will be engaged in the struggle of the church to find its place in our modern and rapidly changing technological society. It is a task that will test our faith, our works and our talents. In a sense the dilemma facing the church is not a new one. For the church the dichotomy of faith and works has always been the subject of intense study and debate as it sought to formulate its posture towards man and his world. We, too, must do our part in making relevant the Word to contemporary man. In recent times the church has been challenged to put increasing emphasis on its social action rather than on its efforts to promulgate the faith. Extremists on both sides of the question have made for tensions that threaten to destroy the very foundations of the church. Now, again, the church must chart a course that will be compatible with its own essence and yet give leadership to the future well-being of all mankind. Workshops dealing with the Crisis in Faith, the Strengthening of the Local Congregation, Racial Justice and Peace will grapple with these “here and now” issues. The Mission of Calvin Synod will need to be re-examined. Our ecumenical ministry has been growing both in support and out-reach. In some instances only our prayers and support will sustain work already begun, especially in South America. The harvest is great, the laborers are few. If we are to be equal to the mission God has given us, we need to re-examine our structures also. We need to find ways in which fellowship, communication, common study and work can more easily be facilitated. The Mission of Calvin Synod needs to be understood and supported by our congregations and people. As denominational structures are being dismantled the burden of many services and projects will need to be assumed by the conferences. Many have already provided funds and structure for these new tasks. Calvin Synod must also face up to these new opportunities for ministry. Our material resources are meager but we are rich in spiritual and cultural resources. We must learn to utilize both for the good of our churches and people and for the Ecumenical church. The time for sacrifice, treasure and talent is NOW. May God’s Holy Spirit guide our Annual Meeting in its quest for mission and service. Arpad L. Beretz, Bishop The 1972 Annual Meeting of Calvin Synod Conference will begin on April 24 at 9:00 a.m. at our Bridgeport church, 963 Laurel Avenue, corner of North Avenue. Telephone: 203-368-3658. Our Workshop on Mission Priorities will be held on Monday afternoon, April 24, 1972. The following issues will be discussed: The Faith Crisis, the Rt. Rev. Dr. John Butosi of South Norwalk, Conn., leader; Moderator: Rev. Joseph Marsalko. The Strengthening of the Local Church, the Rev. Paul Kantor of Buffalo, N. Y., leader; Moderator: Rev. Joseph Kecskemethy. Racial Justice and Peace, the Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Ludwig of East Chicago, Ind. leader; Moderator: Rev. Aaron Elek. Valuable resources for preparation are: 1. Minutes of General Synod in Grand Rapids. 2. Social Action September 1971, “Whole Earth, Whole People”. 3. United Church Herald. Communion Service on Monday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. Testimonial Dinner for Synod Lavmen, Tuesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. X isten, Girls tian I was hungry and you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger. Thank you. I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release. I was naked, and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance. I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health. I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God. I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me. You seem so holy; so close to God. But I’m still very hungry, and lonely, and cold! — Boh Rowland in The Nebraska Record U.C.C.
