Calvin Synod Herald, 2006 (107. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2006-11-01 / 11-12. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 Faithful and Welcoming Churches Today and Tomorrow Faithful and Welcoming Churches is preparing to be a presence at the UCC 50th Anniversary events next July in Providence, Rhode Island. It will attempt to remind the denomination of its historical roots in faith and doctrine at the time of the merger, from which it has strayed and wandered off into divisive heresies that have splintered the church. At least 205 congregations have quit the UCC since the last General Synod in 2005, including the whole Puerto Rico Conference. Of these, 24 were in Pennsylvania and 18 in Ohio. Numerous other churches, many a part of FWC, and others considering if staying is possible, are on the verge of leaving. First National Gathering The first assembly of interested churches and members was held in early August, in Pennsylvania. More than 150 met together, although last minute changes in location and time took its toll. Calvin Synod was represented by FWC Board Member Rev. Albert W. Kovács and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Vásárhelyi. Bishop Ludwig, the FWC Secretary of the Board, numerous ministers who are part of FWC, and members could not attend due to the Installation in Columbus and commitments elsewhere. UCC denominational leaders were invited, and several participated in the opening sessions, as well as other staff from area UCC conferences. Leadership from renewal groups at work in the UCC for may years also informed the assembly. The meeting was warmly hosted in the fine facilities of the Shepherd of the Hills Church, in rural Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, a few miles southwest of Allentown. FWC Future Plans The second National Gathering is already in the planning stage, with the Cleveland area being targeted. It is the home of the UCC’s offices. Already many FWC churches are nearby, and transportation and housing are excellent. Most Calvin Synod churches in Ohio are FWC partners. The next meeting of the FWC Board of Directors is also scheduled for mid-January, the site under consideration. The gathering of Directors from the Northeast, South, Midwest and West is indicative of the widespread discontent within the UCC family. UCC Dollar Shortage The UCC has called the churches, including Calvin Synod congregations, to support its treasury through Our Christian World Mission (OCWM), and to indicate their loyalty. But the Synod’s churches have resisted for years, supporting many alternative mission aid projects instead, protesting the use of OCWM funds for undesirable and even heretical programs. To the argument that churches could support most of the UCC programs, and lack of dollar support is really disloyal, a counterargument was raised at the FWC meeting. It was noted that the UCC itself called for the use of an economic boycott of nations that fostered undesirable programs, even if it adversely affected the whole nation. It was pointed out that if the UCC could support this weapon to register its protest, the churches also could use this means to effect change. The UCC has had to reduce staff and programs due to a lack of dollars from the churches. However, income from old trusts and endowments has insulated the denomination to some extent from feeling the full brunt of discontent. Even the loss of205 churches and a Conference are brushed aside. Rev. Albert W. Kovács Woodbridge, New Jersey It’s Christmas Again “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. 1 BRING YOU GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been bom to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:8-11. Our Dear Members and Friends, The angel had proclaimed: “I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS.” Strictly speaking, Christ’s birth is not an UNHEARD GOOD NEWS for us anymore. How many of us can say, Christmas is here AGAIN. Older ones have celebrated this holiday many times. So, the celebration of Advent, Christmas, and New Year is here AGAIN. Let us see what are hidden behind this word: AGAIN? I hope you will agree with me that there is a treasure hidden behind these five letters: AGAIN. • “AGAIN” means, it is a grace period, that is, we will have another chance. We can start all over repeatedly, and learning from the mistake we have made in the past, this time we will be definitely more successful. • It is said, everybody deserves a SECOND CHANCE. The first opportunity could have been ruined by circumstances. We should ask ourselves, will the second chance be the last one, or the third or even the fourth might follow the second one? • How many chances should God grant us and how many chances are we willing to offer to our beloved ones, friends,
