Calvin Synod Herald, 1978 (78. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1978-11-01 / 11-12. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Official Communications “THANKS BE TO GOD for His inexpressible gift” — we say with the Apostle Paul (2. Cor. 9:15) in this season of Stewardship, Thanksgiving and Christmas. He concludes a stewardship sermon with these words: all that can be said about “liberality” is summed up in the consciousness of God’s supreme gift in Christ; we give time, talents and treasures, because first He gave Himself in an inexpressibly rich way to us! The heart of true thanksgiving is also God’s inexpress­ible gift in Christ: it is impossible for those who are in­grafted into Christ by true faith not to bring forth the fruit of gratitude (Heid. Cat. 64); all other “thanksgiving” is cut-flower, commerical faddism . .. Oh, and what is Christ­mas without thanksgiving for God’s inexpressible gift in Christ? Only a “mass”. .. May, then, the Gift of God in Christ — this “vast, unfathomable sea, where all our thoughts are drowned” — awaken wonder, worship, grateful service in us! AS WE ENTER the last two months of the year, we call the attention of our congregations to the following urgent matters: REVIEW THE PASTOR’S SALARY! According to the latest figures, our Synod is again next to the last Puerto Rico with $8,700 cash salary while the average UCC salary is $11,115.00. Even if you cannot match the percentage in­crease of the Presbyterians — which is 30-4035 over 1973 — please, make an effort to grant to your pastor the same increase you have won from your employer! MEET YOUR SYNOD OBLIGATIONS! Administra­tion quota for 1978 is due before Jan. 10, 1979 in order to be eligible for full travel allowance of your delegates at Synod Meeting. SUPPORT OUR SYNOD APPEALS! Among the special needs remember (a) ERDELY where earthquake-damaged churches are still in need of repairs; (b) BETHLEN HOME FUND by which intend to make a Hungarian Reformed Center; designate your donation for this purpose and send it through Synod Treasurer; (c) SOUTH AFRICA where our Hungarian Reformed churches have very difficult times; (d) HUNGER ACTION FUND which was created by the 10th General Synod to help the world’s starving millions. A TV DOCUMENTARY ON HUNGER was presented on Nov. 12-16, 1978 on many channels. Watch “The Fight For Food” program with your family or church groups and plan actions together! ON THE PASTORS’ RETREAT which was held on Oct. 16-18 in Richfield, Ohio, 26 persons were present in good fellowship, learning and sharing. Devotions were led by Revs. Z. Király, D. Parragh, and Dr. F. Vitéz. The “Local Church Problems and Possibilities” topic was introduced by Dean A. Antal and the discussion covered a wide variety of subjects from re'ocaP.on to a new “area church” concept but particularly ti e need of self-study became apparent. Under the topic o; “Pastor as They Are” which was in­troduced by the Rev. A. Elek, the significance of Christian interpersonal relationship, the vulnerability of the pastor and the power of God’s Word were emphasized, but the need for genuine “koinonia” among pastors, classes and Synod emerged as a real priority. A whole afternoon and evening was devoted to the iheme of “Children's Home Building, Syn­od Center or Wha ?" After venting our dissappointments, frustrations and hopes on the basis of the Bishop’s review, it became clear that there are several options before the Synod (a) To do nothing until the Federation “moves”; (b) Present a legal offer for renting the building under mutually agreeable terms; (c) To create an independent corporation inviting all interested organizations to partici­pate; (d) Helping the Federation by aroused public opinion to utilize the buildings as new needs demand it... The last topic was “Synod Problems and Possibilities.” The Rt. Rev. A. Beretz introduced it and the discussion resurfaced the imminent need of clarifying our purposes, setting long range and short range goals, and pursuing them with consistency and sacrifice... Of course, many other things “happened” in the retreat; this is only a taste of the feast. It was good to be together! IN REGARD TO THE CHILDREN’S HOME of the Bethlen Home the following developments took place recently: On Sept. 26 the Exec. Officers of the HRFA, our Conf. Council, 4 representatives of the HRCA and Rev. I. Ber­talan met in Woodbridge, N.J. to understand each other’s position. No “agreement” was reached. Bishop Abraham asked the HRCA congregations to in­dicate their support of the plan before Oct. 31, 1978. Synodical Pastors’ Retreat dealt with it on Oct. 17 ex­tensively. The Conference Council submitted a legally phrased letter of intent to the HRFA on Oct. 30. The terms of the proposal are under negotiations, and if a suitable agree­ment is reached the delegates of the 40th Annual Meeting will be asked to vote. The Nov.-Dee. issue of the Calvin Synod Herald will publish an article which will provide sufficient information on the subject. THE CONFERENCE COUNCIL met on Sept. 25-27, 1978 in Woodbridge, N.J. In addition to discussing the Ligonier problems and preparing the pastors’ retreat, the Council reached, among many others, the following important decisions: The 41st Annual Meeting on the Calvin Synod will be held on May 21-23, 1979 in Bridgeport, Ct. (The Bridgeport church celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 1979.) Please, mark it! The Conference Council has its next meeting on Feb. 13-14, 1979 in the Landmark Inn, Woodbridge, N.J. At the UCC National Meeting of IPomen the Rev. Dr. Eva M. Fabian will represent our Synod (Cincinnati, Oh. on Jan. 10-13, 1979). Two Wheel Chairs will be sent to needy persons in Transylvania. The human rights in Romania and the refugee situation in Italy should be a priority for all of us! VACANCIES: Pittsburgh and the Johnstown-Vintondale- Windber charge. If interested, call the Bishop. PERSONAL NOTES: Dr. A. A. Ludwig and Mrs. Zol­tán Kovács (Homestead) were hospitalized... Rev. Z. Ki­rály is regaining his voice... Mrs. Francis Újlaki passed away on Sept. 13 in Florida (Dr. Újlaki appreciates the con­dolence of the Synod & friends) .. . Dr. Louis Füsti-Molnár died on Oct. 8, Mr. Kálmán Brogyani on Oct. 9. CLEVELAND WEST dedicated its new edifice on Nov. 19. The pastors on the retreat visited the new church on Oct. 17 and enjoyed the hospitality! WALLINGFORD burned the mortgage on Nov. 26; Congratulations!

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