Calvin Synod Herald, 1980 (80. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1980-03-01 / 3-4. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICAN-HUNGARIAN REFORMED ECUMENE IN 1980 — YOUTH CAMP — Encouraged by the success of its combined youth camp of last year, the Hungarian Reformed Church in America and the Calvin Synod (U.C.C.) church officials agreed to hold another, together, from July 20-26 in the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Mount Pleasant, Pa. There are certain short term and long term benefits in such a cooperative work. In the short run, youth on both sides can enjoy a week of spiritual, social and emotional growth within the context of our Hungarian Reformed tradition. The fact that participating youngsters come from a wide variety of geographic and congregational settings helps them to share and discover their common concerns, values and roots. This year’s camp theme will focus on the background of the participants: the history of the Judeo-Ghristian faith. Daily speakers, in succession, will lead the campers in a journey from the past to the present, with an eye on the future. It is the intention of the camp that through a variety of activities (vesper, main lectures, meditations, music, workshops, sport activities, games) we will present a Christian way of life where religion is an integrated, normal part of everyday activities. When faith is a functional force in life religion will never recede into a limited, once-a-week function. Friday night’s fireside Consecration and Communion Service is the apex of the camp, when all campers are encouraged to make a new or renewed personal commitment to God and His church. What happens here is in the hand of the Lord but the camp will try its best to prepare all participants for such a culminating event. The long term benefits of the camp are beyond measurement. The futures of our churches depend on the spiritual preparation of our youth. Without them our past and present struggle is pointless. It is therefore a very special responsibility of each minister and church leader to encourage young and old to help camp. It needs not only oampers (at least 55), but counselors to run the events and provide supervision. Some congregations assume the full or partial cost of the camp as a mission project. Those who can’t send campers or personnel could help by designated giving; every penny will help in this inflationary times when the cost of one camper is now $75.00 plus transportation. Dormant youth groups in local churches can be revitalized by sending their members to camp. The future success of camp vitally depends on the pastors’ attitude. Inertia, hopelessness, or uninvolvement is a major cause of low attendance. Camp support reveals priorities in many congregations. Presently this combined youth camp is the most visible demonstration of our American Hungarian Reformed Ecumene. It is refreshing to realize that campers are unaware of any “separatedness.” The spirit of the camp is contagious. It can melt denominational divisions, heal rifts among clergy and laity and bridge the gap between generations by forming an invisible spiritual bond among all participants. Won’t you come and get a dose? Dr. L. M. Medyesy UCBHM PROGRAM FOCUSES ON EVANGELISM, CHURCH GROWTH A two-year program to enhance evangelism and church growth has been initiated by the UC Board for Homeland Ministries. Purpose of the Evangelism / Church Growth Project is “to help local churches grow on every level — in spirit, in depth and witness and in membership,” explains its director, R. Alan Johnson, the Board’s secretary for evangelism. Six conferences are presently being selected for the initial stage of the project, which aims at geographic, ethnic and community diversity. Within each conference, regional centers for the program will be chosen, where there can be as many as ten to fifteen churches working on it. Other conferences will be given an opportunity to participate later. The project will begin with a training event, in which the pastor and at least four laypersons from a local church work as a team. They will examine the theological and biblical underpinnings for evangelism and church growth, the sociological structure of their congregations and communities and the practical skills required to put their ideas into action. Follow-up sessions for additional training will occur at four-month intervals, and an evaluation will be held in each conference after one year. Workshops that focus on the specific concerns of the participating churches will be a continuing part of the project, Mr. Johnson states. “We are committed to the institutional health of our churches,” Mr. Johnson says, “The project will be a means whereby we explore our evangelism message and action for the 1980’s and use the resources and skills we develop to help our congregations grow.” KYP, Febr. 15, 1980 CWS AIRLIFTS SUPPLIES TO PAKISTAN FOR AFGANS Church World Service has airlifted 90,000 pounds of blankets, clothing and medical supplies to 500,000 registered Afghan refugees who have sought refuge in northwestern Pakistan. Additional refugees have not checked in with the Pakistan government. Another shipment of medical supplies will be sent as quickly as needs can be determined by CWS staff, who are working in close cooperation with the Pakistan government. CWS has issued an appeal to its 32 member denominations for $175,000 to cover the cost of the shipments. • You Belong: A Handbook for Church Members, written by UCC minister, Allen H. Marheine, explains the what, why and how of UCC membership. $2.95 paperback. Published by United Church Press, 132 W. 31 st., New York, N.Y. 10001. All orders totaling $40 or more will receive a 25% discount. “United Church of Christ Identity Booklet,” published by UC Board for Homeland Ministries, lists resource materials on the Church’s history, faith and ministry and publications and periodicals produced by its national agencies. Send 150 each for one-nine booklets or 100 each for ten or more to Division of Evangelism, Church Extension and Education, UCBHM, 132 W. 31 St., New York, N.Y. 10001. KYP, Febr. 15,1980
