Bethlen Naptár, 1959 (Ligonier)

Bethlen Almanac

34

BETHLEN ALMANAC

CANTON, OHIO:

It is just two years now that we have finally adopted, in full, all the rules and disciplines of our denomination. As was expected, some remarked: “It was about time!” The ruling body of the local church, the Session consisting of 21 elders, was divided into four Standing Committees, each being assigned a specific job. Our Board of Trustees, numbering twelve in membership, is charged with conducting the temporal affairs of the church. Thus each body or group does its own work and is responsible for it.

We not only install elders, but also ordain them, since this is required by the Form of Government of our denomination. For the trustees there is a recognition service. While active service as an elder is for three years, ordination however is for life.

One of the most spiritually satisfying experiences we had last year, was the Sunday evening service held in the season of Lent and in Advent. The large congregations attending these services — which we called “popular services” — really warmed our hearts. The minister preached the sermon and the elders offered the prayer and read the scripture. The fellowship hour which followed was an enjoyable and informal gathering.

Our week-day Bible class for adults gave us an opportunity to study the Book of books more systematically. The Bible school, with 155 pupils and 19 teachers, was a source of real inspiration.

In May the congregation held an informal reception for the minister, commemorating the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the Christian ministry. The good people of the church showered him with many gifts.

In studying our annual report, we find that the per capita giving to Current Expenses through the weekly envelope was $23.45.

Francis R. Nagy

nesfcarBrstatatat

AUTUMN CAME TO PARIS

Yes, Autumn came to Paris yesterday,

Gliding in silence down Rue Saint-Michel;

Here in the dog-days, soft beneath the leaves She met and hail’d me well.

I had been strolling toward the slumbering Seine, Deep in my heart burn’d little twigs of song: Smoky and strange and sad and purple-hued. Nigh dead, I walk’d along.

The Autumn understood and whisper’d low;

Rue Saint-Michel grew tremulous and grey;

The jesting leaves cried out along the street And flutter’d in dismay.

Endre Ady