Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1929

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 17sonal evangelism with a two weeks' series of meetings sometimeduring the year as a period of ingathering.Your Secretary has participated in some evangelistic workthis year. One hundred forty-seven sermons and addresses havebeen delivered since the firstof August, the majority of whichwere given in connection with evangelistic meetings.Of the fieldsvisited, perhaps Sparta and Selma have gonefarthest in realizing fruitage from families outside our Church.Both congregations reached definitely into the community afterunchurched families. Selma has received twenty-one from theoutside since last November; while Sparta has received a littleover half this number from the world.Reports from a number of other congregations indicate asteady program and much prayer and personal work.A number of our congregations report not a single convertor accession during the year. There should be enough appliedspirituality in an ordinary congregation to convert and win toour Church some each year.If each congregation will begin a definite, personal evangelismcampaign with a view both to leading the unsaved toChrist and winning them and others to the Covenanter Church,we will be blessed with a growing constituency. Usually suchwork should be followed with two weeks' evangelistic meetings.We close this part of the report with an expression ofregret at the loss of Mr. R. A. M. Steele, who has for severalyears served the Church faithfully in evangelism. Mr. Steelehas gone into business again. Expressions of high appreciationof his services came from a number of congregations where heassisted in evangelistic work this year and regret from the penof a number when they heard of his resignation. We found inMr. Steele an efficient and spirit-filled assistant. He did muchgood.Stewardship.The first work in this department was to send out largewall posters for the Synodical Budget. The work of the Budgetand the matter of Stewardship were both advertised throughthe pages of the Covenanter Witness. Every Member CanvassCards and Stewardship literature were printed and sent out tocongregations desiring them. Prayer requests for the Budgetwere sent out through the pages of the Witness and also directlyto congregations through their pastors. A connection was establishedbetween congregations desiring it and the Layman Companyof Chicago for literature at a nominal cost, on tithing.This literature was an excellent series to be used over a periodof months. A number of congregations availed themselves ofit, and testify as to its value. This year, a little less thaneighty-five per cent of the Budget was raised.To raise a Budget of $100,000, the following should be kepttributions in Budget be plan mind. used has for in been First, weekly many our used Church. we of before our should to congregations give the Second, realize the membership. congregation a that more to $100,000 keep systematic Where the full is status a information,not plan systematic a of should large con­