Calvin Synod Herald, 1978 (78. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1978-07-01 / 7-8. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD CHURCH TALK TRANSLATED Sometimes the language of the church is very confusing, but the nice thing about it, it sounds good and important. However, when you translate church talk into standard language, they could be meaning ... When pastors say. “The thing I love about this church is that everyone calls each other by first name. There are on strangers in this church.” They mean: “No one has joined this church in five years.” When pastors say: “God hates discord, that is why I have refused to preach about controversial topics.” They mean: “The last time I did that, the church formed a pulpit committee.” When church treasurers say: “It’s not good enough to give until it hurts. God wants us to give until it more than hurts.” They mean: “We aren’t going to make budget again this year.” When church school superintendents say: “Our Sunday School lessons are not basic or evangelical enough.” They mean: “Our teachers don’t understand them.” When men say: “I’ll only attend Wednesday night worship if I can be assured the service will be worthwhile and meaningful.” They mean: “I want to be assured I’ll be home in time to see ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ ” When women say: “Who needs ERA? I’ve been leading my household in spiritual matters all along.” They mean: “My husband hasn’t darkened the doorstep of the church in 35 years.” When pastors say: “Young people are not the church of the future. Young people are the church of today.” They mean: “The youngest person in the congregation is 35.” When pastors say: “Thank God for the zeal and idealism of our young people.” They mean: “This prayer vigil against the B-l Bomber was not my idea.” When pastors say: “I have been happy here, but God doesn’t want us to get too comfortable. He wants us to be alert to all opportunities to serve Him.” They mean: “I’m being called to a bigger church.” When pulpit committees say: “We think it’s time this church considered calling a younger pastor.” They mean: “One who will work for less money.” When church leaders say: “We are so richly blessed by a pastor who is sacrificially devoted to the cause of Christ.” They mean: “We have turned down the pastor’s request for a raise, but we have agreed to get the parsonage exterminated.” When parishioners say: “Pastor, I thoroughly enjoyed your sermon this morning.” They mean: “I’ve always had this strange ability to snore when I’m awake.” according to Philip Jenks of the American Baptist Church Quoted in PA AM Newsletter, Ed’s. Cl. Jul.-Aug., 78 (Continued from page 2) THE NEW EDIFICE of our Cleveland West Side Church is also progressing to the point that its dedication is now set for the fall. HUMAN RIGHTS: Dr. A. Havadtoy and Mr. L. Hamos participated with Bishop Butosi on June 16 at a meeting of our UCC in New York City which is preparing a pronouncement on Human Rights to the 12th Gen. Synod. — Our UCC Office for Church In Society submitted our resolution on Romania to the Subcommittee on Trade (C. A. Vanik) as well as to the Senate Committee on Finance (M. Stern) in preparation for the review of Romania’s MFN status. — A Connecticut Committee has a meeting with Sen. A. Ribicoff on the same subject on July 11 in Washington, D.C. HEART-LUNG UNITS: parts were mailed to Hungary by our Cleveland First Church and PEMCO INC. (Wm. Köteles) through our Synod. (Dr. J. Piri’s contribution was $1,000) DENOMINATIONAL NEWS: Speakers and films on the Wilmington Ten are available to local churches... Key- Pak was sent to lay leaders in stewardship whose name was submitted by our pastors ... Dr. Sheldon Mackey is resigning on Feb. 1, 1979... Participate in conversations with people of the Christian Church (Disciples of Chrst). “Let’s Talk” material was mailed to pastors.. . The Exec. Council raised the income standard from $5,400 to $6,000 for a retired minister or clergy couple and from $3,240 to $3,600 for the surviving spouse of a minister... The Board for Homeland Ministries asks for nominees for corporate members; pastors are to submit names to the Bishop... JUST BRIEFLY: The Rev. T. Lőrincz is ready to substitute if pastors are on vacation. Call 215-228-3309... Lie. Stephen Nagy plans to get married on Aug. 26 in Columbus, Ohio ... Rev. Stephen Sziarto participated in the 25th Anniversary Vesper service of the FBI in Washington D.C___Dr. L. Berzeviczy’s temporary address is c/o Radnóti Glass Tech., 125 E. Santa Clara Ave., No. 10, Arcadia, Cal. 91006... Bishop Imre Varga of Czechoslovakia visited USA at the invitation of the United Presbyterian Church. On June 9 he met Hungarian ministers at the Vitéz’ residence ... FORTHCOMING EVENTS: July 16: Szirmay installation (Detroit). July 20: Consultation in Pittsburgh, Pa. July 21: Meeting in Ligonier, Pa. Aug. 1-21: Bishop on Vacation (in urgent need call Revs. Parragh or Vitéz). Aug. 20-26: Youth Conference. Aug. 26: Wedding in Columbus (Nagy). Aug. 27-28: “Itt-Ott” conference. Sept. 3-4: Presbyter’s Association. Sept. 4-5: Ministerial Meeting. Sept. 9: New Jersey Festival. Sept. 17: McKeesport, Pa. (70th anniversary, Dr. Fabian’s ordin. and installation). Sept. 24: S. Norwalk (85th anniv.). District Conf. (Buffalo). Sept. 24-25: Conf. Council mtg. (?) « a » CALVIN SYNOD YOUTH CAMP August 20-26 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CAMP R 711 N Ligonier, Pa. 15658 Camp Director: REV. ANTHONY SZILAGYI, JR. R. D. No. 3 Carlisle, Pa. 17013
