Monday, October 1
Poland
In Poland, Reformed congregations are few. Many families must keep their faith alive without the support of a community of believers or regular worship services. Kosciol Ewangelicko-Reformowany (Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland) is a minority and diaspora church.
Everywhere in the world, youth camps and conferences nurture the fruits of the Spirit, but in Poland they also provide needed social support. ``Kids who come from very small towns - maybe they are the only Protestants for miles. They feel affirmed and supported at camp. And . . . to be frank . . . we hope they fall in love, marry, stay in the church, and raise their own kids in our congregations,'' says Pastor Semko Koroza.
ERCP youth participate in a Christmas play.
Koroza speaks as a church planter and congregation-builder, and from personal experience as well. Raised Catholic in Lodz, he came to an Evangelical Reformed teen camp. There Semko caught the eye of Anna from Zelow, a historically Protestant Czech Brethren community. The rest is history. More than twenty years later, both work with youth in Reformed churches.
Youth gatherings nurture the future of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland. Yet camps are very costly, and many youth need financial help to attend.
The PC(USA) has supported church partner growth by sending ministry materials and by inviting pastors and youth into congregational and camp settings in the United States. Many faithful PC(USA) congregations support our ministry here. The PC(USA) is meeting critical needs in the lives of minority congregations in Poland. Let us thank God that this is so!
- Dr. Elizabeth and Rev. Douglas Searles, mission co-workers, Lodz, Poland
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland (ERCP): Rev. Douglas and Dr. Elizabeth Searles, mission co-workers for church growth and outreach
Partners/Ministries
ERCP: Rev. Marek Izdebski, bishop, Rev. Semko Koroza, ecumenical and international relations secretary
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Laverne Rhodes, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Tina Rhudy, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Elder Kerry Rice, Office of the General Assembly
Let us pray
Gracious God, we offer thanks for the deep roots and unquenchable hope of our partner in Poland. We pray that you will support congregations, encourage tireless pastors, and help youth and adults develop servant hearts. All this we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 62; 145
First Reading Hosea 2:2-15
Second Reading Acts 20:17-38
Gospel Reading Luke 5:1-11
Evening Psalms 73; 9
