Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-05-01 / 5. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 15 President’s Page HIGHLIGHTS of the 31st Annual Synodical Meeting in Ligonier, Pa., April 13-16, 1969 include: 1. A total of 32 congregations were represented by 53 accredited members (30 pastors with standing in Synod and 23 church delegates). In addition: 2 congregations in dual standing, 1 pastor in dual standing, 6 ministers from the Hungarian Conference of the United Presbyterian Church, and several guests were present. Our special guests included Dr. Ben M. Herbster, Mr. and Mrs. William Köteles, Rev. Don A. Bundy, Rev. J. B. Wagner, Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Beky, Rev. and Mrs. A. Daroczy, Rt. Rev. L. Nagy. 2. New officers elected are: Dr. John Butosi, president; the Rev. Arpad Be- retz, vice-president; the Rev. Francis Vitéz, secretary; the Rev. Joseph Mar- salko, treasurer; Dr. Joseph Piri, Presbyter-at-large. (Dr. Arthur Moor, legal advisor.) Their term expires in 1971. 3. In the matter of the proposed constitutional amendments concerning the change of titles (President to Bishop) it was voted to table in accordance with the President’s report. (“Let us honor the opinion of the Executive Council until, by persuasion, they change it; it would also be advisable to wait until the Plan of Union is prepared and we see what kind of a “Bishop” is recommended in it. In the meantime let us keep this question alive by scholarly discussion for the purpose of a faithful ministry and sound doctrine.”) 4. A testimonial dinner was given in honor of the Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster, retiring president of United Church of Christ and Mr. William Köteles, president of the PEMCO Corporation. Both were given tributes by members of Synod and a Recognition Certificate. 5. Synod delegates and friends (more than 70) were guests of the Bethlen Home at a dinner on Monday, April 14. They were greeted by the Rev. Alexander Daroczy, Superintendent of the Bethlen Home and Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Beky, president of the Hungarian Ref. Federation. Rev. Dr. John Bütösi 6. The denominational representative was the Rev. J. B. Wagner who gave a report on denominational work and projects. 7. Family Protection Plan for pastors and churches voted. Each pastor is requested to make application to the Pensions Board AT ONCE! Churches are asked to underwrite the cost of this Plan. The Rev. Bundy of the Pensions Board was presented and explained the Plan to the delegates. 8. Synod voted on recommendation of the Youth Committee to hold a Junior and a Senior Camp in 1970 at one camp site and at the same time. 9. The recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the assessment ot local congregations was referred back to Conference Council for study and clarification. (How to report church membership on equal basis is the knotty question!) 10. The Rev. Andrew Hamza, president of the Hungarian Presbyterian Conference reported on the meeting of the Committee of Ten, the “Princeton Plan” and on the visit of two Transylvanian churchmen in the near future. 11. Buffalo West Side Church was joyfully accepted into our fellowship pending their official release from the New York Conference. 12. Sincere congratulations and prayerful good wishes were extended to the Rt. Rev. Arpad George (who served in the Conference Council for 14 consecutive years in various capacities) in his new position as Federation Secretary. The Synod also expressed appreciation to the Rev. Julius Paal for his devoted services of many years in our Synod. 13. Synod voted to support the three Synod appeals for 1969: (a) Debrecen Fund for the continued renovation of the old college in Hungary; (b) Heart-Lung Unit to Transylvania; (c) The Hungarian Reformed work in Montevideo, Uruguay. Let us stop here! Delegates are requested to read the above highlights at the consistory meeting in April or May as they report on the Synod Meeting. Of course, these are only reminders and they may add many other things which are not included in the 13 points. Perhaps they can mention (a) the extensive use of the English language, (b) the great number of capable and interested second generation delegates, (c) the presence of women delegates, and (d) the self-disciplined manner in which controversial issues were constructively discussed. DR. BEN M. HERBSTER sent the following letter after the synod meeting: “Words fail me to try to express my appreciation of the honor which the Calvin Synod paid to me Tuesday night. I shall remember it as long as I live and I want you to know how much it means to me. Thank you again...” FALL RETREAT is planned tentatively for October 28-29, 1969. “A Critical Analysis of our Churches” is the suggested topic and each classis is urged to have a preliminary consultation on the subject, sharing their insights with the other classes. The Rev. Desmond D. Parragh was asked to co-ordinate the preparations. Let us all take this undertaking with utmost seriousness because the problem is of utmost seriousness!... THE YOUTH CONFERENCE which is scheduled from August 17 through 23 is already in the making: registration forms were sent out and the registration deadline is July 15. Two new additions are on the back of the registration form: permission to smoke and play football. .. WE NEED ADULT ADVISORS, PASTORS FOR THE CAMP... If you can be of help, please notify the Rev. A. Beretz, temporary coordinator. For application form write to Benny Borsay, 337 Dorsey, Morgantown, W. Va. Rev. Francis Vitéz, Editor 493 Amboy Avenue Perth Amboy, N. 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