Calvin Synod Herald, 1972 (72. évfolyam, 8-12. szám)

1972-10-01 / 10. szám

6

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Contributions reported by 45 U.S. communions with an inclusive membership of 42,941,762 total $3,826,852,386 or a yearly per capita total of $89.12. Most of this amount stays in the local parish ($3,063,230,385, or $71.34 per capita). The remaining $763,622,001 or $17.78 per capita is national or world benevolence giving — about 20 per cent of the total.

The previous Yearbook, reporting on contributions from 48 U.S. churches (some different from the 1972 Yearbook) found a total donation of $3,099,589,399, with a per capita inclusive membership contribution of $87.00, indicating a rise in funds contributed and reported. Increases in giving however, must be seen in the light of ever more rapid increases in inflation in recent years, Mr. Jacquet commented.

The 1972 Yearbook reports that new construction of religious buildings continues to decline from the 1965 all time high. Total 1970 figures, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, show $921,000,000 in new construction of religious buildings versus 1969’s figure of $949,000,000. In 1965, new construction was valued at $1,207,000,000 and if the 1970 figure were reduced by the inflationary factor in the construction industry, to the value of the dollar current in 1965, the value of the 1970 figure would be only $580,230,000, the editor pointed out.

The number of ordained clergy continues to increase. The 1972 Yearbook notes a total of 393,826 against the previous year’s reported 387,642. Of the 1972 figure however, only 235,189 are serving in parishes, an increase over 1971’s total of 217,360. Ordained clergy not serving local churches are either retired or employed in nonparochial capacities.

HOW

WILL

YOU

VOTE?

When your church asks you to decide about your giving

Probably the only way you can cast a 'more" vote is to spend less on yourself. Before you vote think about Christ s selt-ottering love, the desperate needs of millions of your fellow humans, and your own circumstances as an American Christian. Consider General Synod's suggestion that each member give to his church at least $1 per week for every $1,000 of annual income. Then think again about your vote.

Stewardship Council, United Church of Christ

Report of the Committee on Church Papers

The backbone of the Communication System of the Synod is the Reformátusok Lapja. Its importance in the Synod’s life deserves a report extending through many pages: inspiration, counselling, guidance and coordination of the many phases of the Synod’s life depend on its contents on the one hand and on its acceptance by the membership of the churches on the other hand.

1. The Youth Column be re-established;

2. The English Section be printed in the front pages on a trial basis for another year.

3. The contents of the RL be divided on a 50-50 basis between the English and Hungarian Sections;

4. “CALVIN SYNOD HERALD” be the title of the English section with indication that it has Hungarian content to offer also. “REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA” remain the title of the Hungarian section.

5. Classis Presidents are asked to inform the editor about the life and major events of their classis and congregations.

6. The Pastors are asked to send the editor a copy of their Church Bulletins and Church Letters mailed to the members.

7. The Consistories should be kindly asked to order the Paper for all members of their churches.

8. The Consistories should be asked to order extra copies to be used in local mission to gain new members.

9. The Pastors are asked to mail the editor articles.

10. The larger congregations are asked to secure ads for the Paper.

11. The Synod enforce all its previous resolutions concerning the Church Paper.

12. The proposed budget of the Ref. Lapja be accepted.

13. The Rev. and Mrs. Francis Vitéz be commended for their conscientious and excellent work which they do on behalf of the Reformátusok Lapja.

(Minutes of the 34th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod —Conference UCC, April 24-26, Bridgeport, Conn.)

A Camper's Report

(Continued from page 7)

At the Friday night Concecration service, most of the girls and guys broke up crying, but somehow I didn’t. I was standing in the circle around the fire and I thought, why should you cry, you should rejoice and be happy for the spirit of YOUR Lord is next to you. Everyone else around me was crying, and my heart rejoiced, and I felt love for the Lord and everyone around me. As I walked towards the rec hall, I felt peace and good-will to all the people of the world. I have tried to express my feelings about camp, and they might confuse you, but I will just ask you this one thing? Come to camp once and try it like I did. No one is forcing you to go. It is only a week, and I promise it cannot hurt you. Come next year. Try it! You’ll like it! The songs, the people, and the feeling of love around you.

Thirty-seven people chartered a bus from Hammond of which seven were from our local congregation.

J. F. Dudich