Calvin Synod Herald, 1984 (84. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1984-06-01 / 3. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 7 — REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA As he passed through the rejoicing multitudes with his officer After he had entered the courtyard of Prinsenhof, he still of the halberdiers before him and his party behind him, hund- heard the happy shouts of the people echoing from Groot Markt reds and hundreds shouted on both sides: through the little city, “Hail, Father William'.’’ “Long live the Beggars! God will not see thee perish; “Long live the Prince!” Long live the Beggars! Oh, noble Christian band.” A Declaration of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Bench in Hungary The January 8, 1984 number of the Roman Catholic weekly Uj Ember carried the text of the following Declaration. “The 10th of November, 1983 was the 500th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther. On this occasion many have commemorated the life work of the theologian who, at the dawn of the New Age, made an essential contribution to the momentous change which has since affected the life of both of the church and the world. The Roman Catholic Bishops’ Bench in Hungary has wished to participate with fraternal sympathy in the celebration of the Evangelical Christians of the world and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary. The name of Martin Luther has been associated over the past centuries with the painful recollection of the event of separation. This remembrance, however, wishes to speak of Martin Luther in an ecumenical spirit, so that the observance of the 500th anniversary may serve the unity among Christians. Both the historical distance and scholarly research help us in having now a better and more differentiated idea of the personality and multi-faceted legacy of Martin Luther and the historical data of the XVIth century. The portrait thus obtained presents the deeply religious and passionate personality of Martin Luther and the complicated religious, social and political conditions of his age. We have no intention to be judges over history. We should have a still better understanding of the historical facts so that we may be fair and just without prejudice and, with the exercise of Christian love, we may arrive at a common understanding of the situation existing at that time. We are helped in the knowledge of truth and its common understanding by our faith in Christ which, in our time also, binds us together. Since, to the glory of the triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we openly bear witness together to Jesus Christ as our God and Lord our only Mediator between God and men (2-nd Vatican Council). We are bound together furthermore by the one baptism of our Lord Jesus Chirst and by our love of the Holy Scriptures. We are at one in holding the Apostles’ Creed and the Chalcedon Confession of Faith. The Second Vatican Council warns us Catholics not to place obstacles, when seeking unity, in the way of the operation of providence, neither to prejudice, by premature action, the future promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must therefore bow ourselves before the mystery of divine Providence and to await attentively the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that the present anniversary too may promote the unity of all those who have been baptized and therefore bear the name of Jesus Christ.” (//CP) A PARABLE OF TWO CHURCHES Unce there were two churches. One was very rich, with a large staff, a huge building, a splendid budget, and a prestigious location on Main Street where its gold cross and steeple could be seen for many miles. The other church was very poor. Its members could hardly support a small budget, and could afford only a part-time preacher. But it was a friendly congregation in which people loved one another very much. Older members taught by their example. They took seriously their responsibility to go out and reach others. One day a new family moved to town. The father worked at two jobs because there were several children. It came to pass that the father became ill and was forced to be off from work for a long time. The mother called the rich church and talked to the secretary. She learned that the senior minister could not come because he had to prepare his sermon. The associate minister had a committee meeting and the youth minister was at a “Love-In”. The secretary said, “I am sorry, but our ministers are all busy.” The members of the poor church heard about the family from one of their members. Two of them came to call and offered help. One brought clothes for the children and the other brought food. Transportation to the doctor was arranged. Dr. Andrew Laney shared the eight causes of a growing Church with his penple. 1. THE CHURCH GROWS where there is a spirit of love and unity among all the members. 2. THE CHURCH GROWS where its leaders are men and women of integrity, enthusiasm and total commitment to Jesus Christ. 3. THE CHURCH GROWS through the establishment of small fellowship groups. 4. THE CHURCH GROWS where the people have a mind to work and pray. 5. THE CHURCH GROWS when each member realizes that God called him to the ministry of service when he was baptized. We are all “in the Ministry" of Christ. 6. THE CHURCH GROWS when it plans for the future. “Where there is no vision, the people perish." 7. THE CHURCH GROWS as the individual “If we can help you in any way, we will be glad to do so, for this is part of our ministry as Christians.” Verily, verily, which church will the family likely attend? Copied, St. Peters UCC, Millbury Christian in it grows toward spiritual maturity — in Bible understanding, in prayer life and in bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 8. THE CHURCH GROWS when its members scatter across the city to be involved wherever there is human need and lostness. God has called this Church to grow because of your life! TOLEDO, OHIO On May 6th a historic event took place. Calvin Church went to Memorial United Church of Christ. We had a combined choir. Dr. Josep Evans from Columbus was guest speaker. Rev. Gerber and Rev. Bertalan did the liturgy. A pot luck followed. Memorial celebrates its 85th Anniversary and Calvin celebrates its 81st year. It was a historic day for both churches. A Growing Church
