Calvin Synod Herald, 1995 (95. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1995-05-01 / 3. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 8 -AMERIKAI MAGYAR REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Report on the Annual Meeting “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1. Corinthians 21:27 Every Annual Meeting is a temptation for the congregation to justify itself, by "boasting" about its accomplishments. We are no exception: since in today's world, even survival is a tremendous "accomplishment," even if more or less at the same level as a year ago. Since a newer wave of Hungarian immigrants can hardly be expected (thanks to God!), our natural tendency should be to decline. By the grace of God, we are holding our own and only barely diminishing. Only those who actively participate in the life of our congregation would know how much work, sacrifice and faithfulness are behind our "results." We are "boasting in the Lord" with the faithfulness of our workers, knowing that any willingness or ability we may have come from Him. The above quoted Bible verse offers us three messages for guidance and encouragement: IVe are the body of the resurrected Christ; that is He "operates“ through us in this world. We visit on His behalf, He touches people through our hands, we------------------------------------------------------------*\ May 25 is Ascension Day Heidelberg Cathechism Question: How do you understand the words: "He ascended into heaven"? Answer: Christ was taken up from the earth into heaven before the eyes of his disciples and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead. Luke 24:50-51: (Jesus) led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them. Acts 1:11: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." Acts 10:42: He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Cf. Matt. 25:31-46. not only proclaim but also embody Christ's message. This is our mission to the world. Within the body individually, we are the different parts of the resurrected body of Christ. The parts take care of themselves, work together, and help each other. “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together (26. verse). This concern for each other is ourinternal mission. Finally, it is a great privilege that we, fragile humans, can be the living body of the resurrected Christ, the only Son of God. He bestowed us with this privilege. This is why we should not despair; in fact, with gratitude and joy, we pray for God's guidance for this new year. Szabolcs Soby Kálmán, pastor Cleveland West Side Church EDITOR'S NOTE: Every pastor of all our congregations presented a report. Space does not permit us to present all the reports. We selected one that has an eternal message for us all. eoces && Uu/Áy tfuAs A&OAOSls oß cuzct/ KerteíMtctl. WILLIAM PENN ASSOCIATION Fraternal Life Insurance and Annuities 709 Brighton Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Phone: (412)231-2979 or 1 -800-848-PENN (7366) FAX: (412) 231-8535 V.
