Calvin Synod Herald, 1996 (96. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1996-07-01 / 4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD AMERIKAI MAGYAR REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA- 5 The Synodica/ Council Members A Kálvin Egyházkerü/et Tanácsa r---------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ The Oath, of Their Office (Eskütétel szövege) I do solemnly swear to Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that I willingly accept the creeds and traditions of our Hungarian Reformed faith. I will obey and make others obey the constitution and by-laws of the Calvin Synod, Conference of the United Church of Christ. I will faithfully administer the duties of the office to which I was elected. I will do my utmost for the well-being of the congregations entrusted to our care in the service of our people. So help me God! \___________________________________________________ Wilburn Roby eskütétele pénzlámoki beiktatásakor. Synod's new treasurer's installation. What to do with Jesus? When you travel in East Central Europe you will probably notice a statue on the outskirts of many small towns: a cross along the roadside neatly settled in the woods. There was one just like that in my home-town, in Hungary, a short distance from our home. The writer of a wonderful short story tells us, that the good-hearted people of a certain village, felt sorry for the crucified Christ on the wooden cross, placed alongside the dirt road, just outside their small village. They felt sorry for Him there, beaten by the storms in loneliness. So it was decided to extent an "INVITATION" to Him that He be among them. But fairly soon some problems developed as the result of this new setting. The 'IMPORTED' Christ frequently interfered in their private lives and meddled in village affairs. He was able to restrain the hand of a farmer who was ready to add water to the milk she! was about to sell. He was able to curb the excessive language of businessmen who was about to shortchange his customer. He prevented one who was about to cheat on the spouse. He would not stand the fights among the people, and would not put up with long-standing resentments. He demanded a changed attitude toward both God and men. He kept reminding His hosts' of the Ten Commandments, and that they should be kind and love one another. It was very upsetting for the people of the village that their ususal way of life was being disturbed by Christ, whom they 'invited' into the village. Soon they started to resent hte interference and rebelled against Him. Finally, they called a town meeting, during which it was unanimously decided to return the crucified Christ to its previous place, on the dirt road, just outside their small village. It would definitely be better for them, they thought, not having Christ in their midst. So the crucified Christ, the galvanized iron, was soon nailed back to the wooden cross, and was returned to its former location. This pointed little story tells us that, at first, the good townspeople meant well, and wanted to bring Jesus into their lives. But Jesus disturbed their conscience, upset their decisions and private lives. Clearly, Jesus ha no business in interfering with their activites. He did not 'fit' into their home-life, so they knew exactly where to relegate Him. He belonged either in the church, or better yet, out there, near the woods. That is the best place for Him! They were still aware of His presence but now He was just far enough where He could be ignored. László Kovács Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz Bishop (Püspök) Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi Auxiliary Bishop (Helyettes püspök) Rev. Koloman Ludwig General Secretary (Titkár) Wilburn Roby Synod's new Treasurer (Pénztárnok) Alexander Dudás Synod Presbyter (Világi tanácstag)
