Bethlen Naptár, 1986 (Ligonier)
Kálvin Egyházkerület
1986 155 program designed to increase the membership and the spiritual growth of Calvin Church. The Lord has blessed us greatly, and under the guidance of the United Church of Christ, we will seek ways in which to share God’s love with more people in the Toledo area. But there is a second, much more personal level on which our story is told. This part of the story tells about a young couple whose baby becomes ill suddenly. They are nervous and afraid. The story tells about their friends from church who are there with them. Another part of this story tells of a family overcome by grief at the loss of a loved one. The story tells of friends from church standing by, trying to help in any way they can. The story tells of groups of men and women who for years have served each other, using the unique skills God has given them. The men and women work and socialize; they sometimes struggle, sometimes debate, often disagree; yet most often they celebrate their oneness, their life here, in Christ’s Church. The story also tells of young people with dreams and expectations; young people doing their best to grow and mature in a sometimes very complicated world. The story tells of how the young people come here, to their church. It tells of how they study here, sing here, dance here. Church is a comfortable place, a safe place for them to be. And the story, also, tells of people in need, people in pain; people seeking food, others seeking clothing. The story tells of the lonely people, the separated; people without jobs, people without money. All these people drawn spiritually and physically to the church, and here being met by Christians who are able to share of what God has given them. Our brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the real story of our Church; not just here in Toledo, but in every location. Beyond all the facts and figures, more important than all the budgets and by-laws, is the human story of the Church: the human story of all our needs and weaknesses, met and overcome by the saving grace of God. Using the strength and wisdom given us by God, the Toledo congregation will continue in His service during this new year. We remember our sister congregations in our prayers. May God’s blessings be upon you!
