Calvin Synod Herald, 1991 (91. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1991-05-01 / 3. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come The Hungarian Reformed Church of Columbus, Ohio celebrated its 85th anniversary on April 14,1991 Nine ministers took part in the anniversary service. Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Szűcs preached the Hungarian sermon. The title of his sermon was Key witnesses. The main idea of the inspiring sermon was that the members of this congregation were the key witnesses to God’s faithful support by which He kept this congregation in the faith and in the Hungarian tradition. As key witnesses we are responsible to really witness to the next generations about God’s faithfulness and to preserve and build the church through dedication and sacrifices, never to our, but always to God’s glory. The English sermon was preached by the Rev. Stephen Siarto, former pastor of the congregation. The title of his moving historical retrospective and challenge for the future was Quo Vadis? Is this congregation served by him some 50 years ago still willing and able to go on on the way of the Good Samaritan for the coming years? As the Holy Spirit filled us, and the memories and emotions brought tears in our eyes, and choked for a minute the old faithful shepherd, him and the flock has united again in great common beat of their hearts. Our Dean the Very Reverend Lajos Medgyesi led the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper. In the words of the institution, in the prayers and the elements we have experienced once again the loving and sinforgiving presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthened by the elements, we have stepped into the remaining years of our history down here on the earth, with trust and unmovable faith in our God. In the other parts of the service and in the communion took part: Rev. Elek Aaron retired pastor and Rev. Kalman Szabolcs his successor from the Cleveland West Side Hungarian Reformed Church, Rev. Frank Endrei from the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Cleveland, Rev. Raymond Kaiser, from the Dayton Evangelical and Reformed Church, Rev. Gerald Koster Methodist minister from Columbus (our supply minister in times of vacancy or vacations) and the local pastor Rev. István Nyeste. The service was followed by a dinner at the restaurant called Heimat Haus. Beside the good food we also Bishop Kálmán Csiha is visiting several American Protestant Congregations. He will voice his plea for help for the Reformed Church of Transylvania in Romania. The Reformed Church district of Kolozsvár has more than 60 congregations without a pastor. The Hungarians of these congregations are only provided with elementary education by the state. With only elementary schools it is difficult to educate future ministers. A Protestant High School would provide the missing link between elementary education and the School of Theology. General Synod 18 The eighteenth General Synod of The United Church of Christ will convene at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27,1991 and adjourn at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 1991. The meeting will be held in the Norfolk Scope Convention Center and Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, and be hosted by the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. Our Magyar “Calvin Synod will be officially represented by Bishop Zoltán D. Szűcs and elected delegates: Dr. Desmond Parragh of Chicago church, Rev. Lajos Medgyesi of Fairport church and Joe Sonye of Passaic church. Roger Perl in Hungary Northwest Ohio Association Minister Roger D. Perl travelled to Budapest, Hungary, February 13-21, to represent the Ohio Conference and the United Church of Christ in talks with officials of the Hungarian Reformed Church. This trip was one of several “extras” undertaken by Rev. Perl during Conference Minister Thomas E. Dipko’s attendance at the World Council of Churches meeting in Canberra, Australia. had good fellowship. It is well worth mentioning the inspiring message of Rev. Elek Aaron. If only all those who have ears to hear would have really heard as our dear friend Aaron being filled by the Spirit and fired up by his Hungarian heritage, has pounded into us with an irresistible elan the words of a noble call for faithfulness to our spiritual and ethnic inheritance! Lord you were our refuge for ages past and most surely you are our hope for all the years to come. Rev. István Nyeste “The school is essential to our survival,” maintains Bishop Csiha. For the building of a new high school, Bishop Csiha hopes to raise $200,000 through donations and pledges during his North American visit. Individuals, families, and churches are also being asked to sponsor a student. Pledges for $240 a year or $20 a month are requested. All donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to: Calvin Synod, Kolozsvár Fund, Calvin Synod, P. O. Box 36141, Canton, Ohio 44735. Cross is focus The new logo of the National Council of Churches, released as the council celebrates its 40th anniversary, offers a fresh interpretation of the church. The familiar ecumenical ship features the cross of Christ as its mast, riding waves which suggest the world, the waters of baptism and the winds of the Holy Spirit. ILORAINE BÜTÖSI ENTERED INTO LIFE! | The sudden and unexpected death of Loraine Biitösi came like a lightning from the clear sky to all of us. The tremendous loss shocked all our congregations all over the nation. Our entire Synod and Calvin Herald participates and deeply shares in the undiscribable sorrow of our past Bishop, who served through the longest span at the helm, and his family. Solemn funeral Service was held in the Ligonier Church on April 23 by Rev. Paul Kovács and the committal at the cemetary by Bishop Zoltán D. Szűcs. The Necrology and detailed report will be printed in our next issue. “Whether we live, whether we die, we are the Lord’s!” She was His, while serving among us with such examplary devotion; she is at His right now forever! Bishop Kálmán Csiha’s North American Visit
