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Searching for New Ways

alias Report of Ministry about the Work in the Lutheran Church in Alsóság in 2003

Introduction

Nowadays, everywhere around the world we see that the traditions are being lost, getting out of fashion, and different organisations, groups, communities are looking for new ways. The reason of this is not only the fact that sometimes it is worth to make changes but also the experience that the well-practised, through the centuries working institutions do not function any more: the role of the old ones get less important, we need new ones. This is true also in connection of the church, as well. Looking for new ways, it is a task even for us.

There are lots of studies, books that have been published by theologians, sociologists, important persons of the church and civil region who worry about the future of the church. We must not keep them out of consideration. The changed world, the changed thinking, the changed personal and material terms of condition are forcing reality also for the Lutheran Church in Alsóság.

In New Situation

Personal Questions

I do not want to tear wounds but it is worthy to remember the first death-case in the congregation last year that was a shaking and heart-twisting fact. Miss Katalin Baranyai, the notary of our congregation and the engine of many ranges of our work, has found rest by the will of God. Her assistance has meant a lot in my service, because her preciseness and consistency kept me beyond the borders among my manifold tasks. Her activity in the church has given impulse for seeking new ways. Especially those circles of our ministry have been strengthened that have been urged by her: Sunday School, Anniversary of Confirmation, Association for Women, presenting baptised children, etc.

I need also to mention that we cancelled the employment of Miss *Éva Somogyi*, organist - religion teacher. The reason of her leaving has been told at the meeting of the Presbyterium. I am sorry that a normal collegial relation could not be established so that we could not have continued our common ministry. I believe, and I also see that she works well in her new position with new inspiration, with satisfaction. Her leaving caused, however, difficulties in different areas and we could not have found a good solution, yet.

Demographic Fundamentals

In Alsóság - similar to other parts of the country - the number of children decrees who reach the school-age. This means a problem especially for our church - in terms of the religious education. We have to draw groups together and even so it is hard to collect enough young people for a study group.

At the same time we see crowds of people settling down and so we ere able to discover new church-members. This gives, however, a task for everyone: we have to find and switch these sisters and brothers in the congregation. Some of them register by their own but the most of them have to be addressed.

to be continued...