Calvin Synod Herald, 2002 (103. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2002-05-01 / 5-6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 5 God of Love - The Lifegiver Psalm 139 8.7.8.7.8.7.7 Divinum Mysterium Albert W Kovács - c. Alt. - Cwm Rhondda Of the Father’s love created, Fearflly and wonderfully’ His design a unique being, Woven O so intricately. I praise You who are so awesome, For Your grace and for mercy. God of love, the Lifegiver. You beheld my unformed substance, Ere my days began to be; Inwards parts and outer features, In the womb You knitted me. I was being made in secret, Now I praise You in the day. God of love, the Lifegiver. O that you would stay the wicked, Who malisciously oppose You; Men of blood would dare to slay us, Even God’s work to undo. O God, search me, know my heart, Try me and know my thoughts, God of love, the Lifegiver. Amen. Synod Delegates Raise Pastor’s Minimum Stipend to $24,000 The last time Calvin Synod set a minimum for pastoral compensation it was 1994, and the figure was $20,400.00. When the United Church of Christ set its minimum at $23,400.00 it was 1997, and for the last five years the Conference Council has urged churches to accept it. Bishop Medgyesi, noting this in his annual report, commented there: “Since our churches require the best possibly trained and qualified pastors for their multifaceted work, then let them offer the best possible compensation as well.” The delegates also approved a recommendation for a Calvin Synod Retired Pastors and Widows Fund to help in situations where the churches inadequate compensation and failure to support ministerial pensions have created hardships in old age for retiree families. They also voted to raise the churches annual assessments by one percent, to five percent of income (less capital payments) plus the per capita. Churches are also urged to support the voluntary one percent quota for Home Missions, aiding churches in urgent need. Bishop’s 2002 Synod Report Urges Serious Evangelism The Synod’s keynote address by Bishop Louis Medgyesi issued a challenge to the members and the ministers “to share in the same call for action” as the Lord’s workers in the harvest, where the number now is too few. He recognized the Synod’s ethnic history, as part of the “grand mosaic of Christian tradition and faith expressions”, as having “been blessed by God with firm biblical foundations in our theology, liturgy and hymnology. At the same time,” “he added, “these God glorifying treasures of our Hungarian Reformed identity are not to be hoarded but must be shared and utilized as tools, ways, and means for evangelism.” The Bishop voiced concern for those who prefer the status quo and “laying back on the laurels of faithful ancestors.. puffed up with pride and prejudice.” Then he applauded the “numerous dedicated and committed Christians, “who regularly attend church service, participate in Bible studies, take part in church meetings and conferences, assume leadership roles, volunteer for a host of duties,... support the congregation with their resources, and represent the church in civic and cultural groups with honor and distinction.” Trusting in God “We need to remember that both clergy and laity share a common ministry and that no one is able to fulfill the calling of Christ for effective evangelism alone. Evangelism cannot take place without a willingness to step-out in faith and unless we are willing to pray with anticipation that God will honor His own Word and provide the laborers for the task. Much like the apostle Peter, who stepped out of the boat onto the waters when Jesus called him, although he began to sink and needed divine help and intervention, he was the only disciple who ever experienced the high adventure of walking by faith upon the waters. The event inspired all of them to trust in God’s provisions and expect His divine power when conditions seemed hopeless and bleak.” The Harvest of Souls Timely words followed: “Where will the Calvin Synod churches be in 5,10, or 20 years? What can we do to stop the continuous decline of membership and closing of our churches? What vision do we have for its continued life and witness? Unless the vision is tied directly to evangelism whereby we make a conscious effort to bring in the harvest of souls, our lampposts will be removed from the heavenly temple. The choice is ours: We either evangelize or fade out of existence.” □cn □□□
