Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1969-01-01 / 1. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

15

Rev. Dr. John Bütösi

President

THE 1969 YEAR BOOK REPORT FORMS

are being mailed. May I urge our pastors to do their best so that all forms (5-6 altogether) might reach the president’s office no later than

JANUARY 22, 1969

(In order to accelerate your work, let me call again your attention to the meaning of the terms:)

MEMBERSHIP REPORT is filled in by the synod as reported Dec. 31, 1967. The trouble is manyfold here: many ministers do not “feel” reporting or report too late; we do not have a uniform standard and therefore each congregation reports according to its own pleasure; somehow the mission awareness of our congregations are not at the highest level; etc. Whatever the reasons might be, let us understand three things: (1) membership figures cannot be changed DURING the year: NOW is the time. (2) According to the decision of the last Synod Meeting, it is requested that the Mission Budget of our Synod be reflected in local church budget realistically and be accepted voluntarily. Conference Council is working on that! (3) If we cut the numbers, we should increase the per capita assessment in order to meet our budgeted obligations! Is this a better solution?...

THE YEAR OF 1969

marks the 30th anniversary of our Synod. During these 30 years we had many blessings, with trials and testings. But our Synod still stands, despite our weaknesses and sins, and comprises the largest ecclesiastical body of Hungarian Reformed people in America. Of course, this fact clearly indicates tremendous responsibilities and challenges. May the Lord help us to “celebrate” not with empty boastings, but with more faithful obedience to Him who is our Lord!

FROM THE SYNOD SECRETARY

you received a letter which deserves your utmost attention. It reads as follows:

To the Classes, Churches and Members of Calvin Synod:

In accordance with the decision of the Conference Council’s meeting held at Ligonier, Pa. on October 29, 1968, the special committee composed of Dr. Arthur Moor, Rev. Joseph Marsalko and

Dr. John Butosi hereby submits two proposed amendments to the Constitution of The Calvin Synod.

AMENDMENT NO. 1. The first sentence of Article XI, of the Constitution of The Calvin Synod, Conference of the United Church of Christ shall be deleted. The new first sentence of said Article XI. shall read as follows:

“THE OFFICERS OF THIS CONFERENCE SHALL BE THE BISHOP, THE DEPUTY BISHOP, THE SECRETARY GENERAL, THE SYNOD TREASURER AND THE SYNOD PRESBYTER.”

AMENDMENT NO. 2. To Article XL of the Constitution of The Calvin Synod, Conference of the United Church of Christ the following new sentence shall be added as a second paragraph to wit: “THE CONFERENCE SHALL HAVE AN ATTORNEY AT LAW TO RENDER LEGAL SERVICES; HE MAY BE CALLED, BY THE BISHOP, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE MEETINGS.”

According to our constitutional provisions (Article XIII), it is the duty of the secretary to transmit such proposed amendments to the classes, the local churches and minister for their consideration at least 60 days before our annual Synod meeting. You are hereby given official notification of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of The Calvin Synod.

Sincerely yours,

Arpad Beretz, Sec.

The Calvin Synod

(A slight correction might be necessary in this letter: these proposed amendments are submitted not by the special committee but by the Conference Council — unanimously, according to our constitutional provisions in Article XIII.)

THE SYNOD MINUTES

are now available. If you have not received your copy, please contact Rev. A. Beretz, secretary. We urge our consistories to read these minutes (the second part is in English) and discuss the pertinent issues in a special consistory

meeting. We paid a great deal for the printing: let us take advantage of it now. A good elder is an informed elder.

VACANT PULPITS:

1. FLINT, MICH. Administrator: Rev. Arpad Beretz, 7520 Woodmar Ave., Hammond, Ind.

2. MIAMI, FLA. The congregation unanimously invited the Rt. Rev. Mathias Daroczy, but he declined the invitation. Administrator: Dr. Francis Újlaki, 561 S. E. 2nd Terr., Pompano Beach, Fla.

3. PHOENIXVILLE, PA. Call Mr. John Serdy, chief elder, 51 Buckwalter Rd., Phoenixville, Pa.

4. LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Call Mr. James Bodnar, 9420 4th Ave., Inglewood, Calif.

5. GARY, IND. Rev. Frank Endrei was elected to succeed Rev. Stephen Csuto- ros in Cleveland. Call Synod president

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Rev. and Mrs. Frank Endrei on the arrival of their third child, Joy Marie on Dec. 4, 1968.

Congratulations also to Rev. and Mrs. Ernest Miko on the birth of their third little girl.

THE EASTERN CLASSIS

had a special workshop in South Norwalk, Conn, on Nov. 24, 1968. Several important items were discussed and again we realized the interest, good will and creativeness of our elders. Similar meetings are being scheduled in the other classes in February and March. Pastors and elders are urged not to miss these opportunities.

HUNGARIAN REFUGEES

in Italy and Austria have greatly increased in numbers during 1968. They need our help and support for re-settling in the United States. (Affidavit, job, initial investment, etc.) If you are willing to help, please contact Mrs. M. Shackford, 475 Riverside Ave., New York, N. Y. 10027, Presbyterian Resettlement Committee. The Synod President’s office willingly gives any information in this matter.

Rev. Francis Vitéz, Editor 493 Amboy Avenue Perth Amboy, N. J. 08861

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