Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-09-01 / 9-10. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Hungarian Reformed Youth Church Camp 2008 Report “God’s Peculiar People” - Society mocks them, God molds them, mighty things happen! 1 Peter 2:9 teaches us”But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” and from Titus 2:1 we learn “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Hungarian Reformed Youth Church Camp 2008 began with some chaos due to summer storms. And the Pennsylvania Turnpike was closed for awhile, so some of our campers arrived late, but safe and sound. Camp attendees came from our various churches, and three children came from Hungary with a Minister, Rev. Daniel Puski. At the beginning of the Camp Program, to help the children focus on the lessons of the week that were to follow, we discussed how the term peculiar also means chosen. God chooses us - not by how great or powerful we are - but for our weaknesses, so He can show the world His power and that we are His. After breakfast, each camp day began with Praise and Worship, followed by Morning Devotions, then Bible Character Studies. Every day during the week, we studied the lives and characters of various important Bible figures, such as Noah, Joshua, Ruth and the Apostle Paul. At the end of the week, the Rev. Rt. Louis Medgyesi conducted a very special in-depth class for the campers on Jesus, the Servant King. In addition to the daily Bible Character Studies, throughout the week we also had four Bible Studies where the children would rotate through classes on Deborah, John the Baptist, Judas and Peter, and Gideon. Daily group Bible activities included “Team Challenge”, where each afternoon, the children would meet in their groups, and complete activities related to the Bible, including scavenger hunts, Bible quizzes, and so on. Not only did the children learn in depth about the Bible, but they also learned to work together as a group, all friends in Christ. Additionally, every afternoon after a wholesome lunch, the children participated in structured arts and crafts workshops such as knitting, tie-dye, Hungarian-style whip making, and various movementactivities such as formal (ballroom) dance. Evening structured workshops included Hungarian cooking, as well as What’s Right and What’s Left (a topical study on today’s issues and what God says about them), and also a workshop titled Acting for the Christian Soul, as well as the study of Hungarian Culture and Language. Mid-week, after a Bible-focused music session with the children of the Walker Family Band (they range in age from 12-17) we boarded buses for Bethlen Home, where the campers visited with the residents, and were also treated to a Lunch Feast, in true Bethlen Home style. Thursday night, there was a Talent Show which showcased the many God-given talents of our peculiar (chosen) little group. The Friday Evening Consecration Service is the spiritual high of the week. After the Worship and Communion, there are always lots of tears and hugs as we know Saturday morning will take us all our separate ways, at least until next year. Then it was time for Friday night quiet, reflection and packing. Saturday morning before our departure, we sang together once more and then left with knowledge that God calls us down from the mountain top to the valley to share what we have seen and heard. End of camp came too quickly - many campers came up to the leaders saying they would love camp to last two weeks! In closing, I would to express a heartfelt Thank You! to every individual and organization - who prayed for, worked at and participated in any way - to help make Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp 2008 successful. May we all continue to serve God to his Glory. In His Service, Kathleen Smith, Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp 2008 Activities Director 70th ANNUAL MEETING of the Calvin Synod Highlights of the Minutes of the 70th ANNUAL MEETING of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ held in Somerset, Pennsylvania Tuesday, May 20 through Friday, May 23, 2008. The delegates to the 70th Annual Meeting began with a worship service at the Bethlen Home Chapel in Ligonier, and following a meal provided by the Bethlen Home, reconvened at the Quality Inn in Somerset, Pennsylvania. 24 Congregations were represented, including 21 ministers, 15 delegates and a host of guests from local congregations and from other organizations and denominations. Guests included Rev. Hans Holznagel of the UCC, Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó, Bishop and Rt. Rev. Stefan Torok, General Secretary of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, Mr. Leslie Megyeri, Chief Financial Officer of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. Also with us were Mr. George S. Charles, Jr., President of the William Penn Association, in addition to several officers, who hosted us for the Annual Banquet at Penn Scenic View, their retreat center near Donegal. HIGHLIGHTS John Calvin 100th Anniversary: The Calvin Synod and the Hungarian Reformed Church in America (HRCA) will cooperatively celebrate the 100th Anniversary of John Calvin’s birth in 2009. The first event will be held on the second weekend of October, 2008, in New Brunswick, New Jersey and at the 82nd and 69th Street Hungarian Reformed Churches in New York, NY. Bishop Bolcskei from Hungary will be joining us at the event. Cooperation with HRCA: The Calvin Synod and the HRCA will explore the possibility of cooperation in regards to their church publications, granting of “ministerial standing”, and other areas of mutual interest. Calvin Synod Herald Report: 1. Mrs. Sandy Mansell has to discontinue working with the Calvin Synod Herald due to additional work responsibilities. Mrs. Mansell’s service has been greatly appreciated. Ms. Tünde Garai will continue Mrs. Mansel’s tasks with Calvin Synod Herald. 2. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to send in articles, church news and photos, and are also encouraged to subscribe to the newspaper. John Butosi Autobiography: The recently published book of Rt. Rev. John Butosi has been introduced and recommended to all representatives. Bethlen Communities: l.Facilities Utilization: Calvin Synod representatives unanimously expressed in their commitment for the Bethlen Communities, and encouraged the Bethlen Communities to utilize the old facilities for Cultural and educational purposes: a. “Calvin Synod gratefully appreciates the work of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and the Board of Directors of Bethlen Home to develop and construct the fine facilities to provide superb health care for the elderly; and, now encourages the next step toward development and growth of plans and programs to emphasize the special character of its religious, cultural and charitable heritage, with special emphasis on it relationship to the churches which fostered its life and growth.” b. “The Calvin Synod encourages and supports the plan for renovating
