Calvin Synod Herald, 2012 (113. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-07-01 / 7-8. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 74th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ The Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ convened on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in Ligonier, PA. The opening Worship Service was held at the Bethlen Home Chapel, beginning at 9:00 am. The Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, Bishop, presiding, led the service. Participating were Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Auxiliary Bishop; Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, General Secretary preaching in English; Ms. Lisa Toth-Maskarinec, Synod Treasurer; Mr. Lehel F. Deak, Synod Presbyter preaching in Hungarian; Deans, Rev. Stefan Torok of the Eastern Classis and Rev. Ilona Komjáthy, Central Classis; and Mrs. Helen Rose, Organist. The Worship Service included the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Following the service lunch was served at the Bethlen Home, where we were greeted by the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan Executive Director on behalf of the residents and staff of Bethlen Communities. The annual meeting was called to order by Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, Bishop at 1:45 pm. Roll Call by Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig indicated that 21 congregations were represented by 22 ministers, 13 delegates, 2 lay officers, 4 alternates and a number of guests including members of Duna Television of Hungary. Following the usual proceeding of the acceptance of the agenda, establishing standing rules, appointment of a parliamentarian, appointment of committees and introduction of guests, the first item of the meeting was the Bishop’s Report, which was printed and made available to all delegates. After hearing the report it was motioned to send it to the appropriate committee. The same followed with the Conference Council minutes and Treasurer’s report. The main topic of the afternoon was reviewing our Relationship with the United Church of Christ. In introducing the topic Rev. Albert W. Kovács presented a report in which he reflected on our current situation and presented some ideas for discussion on the possibility of future action of Calvin Synod in this regard. An extensive discussion followed. Continued from page 3 we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. "(1 Thess. 4:16-18) So the old story of Jesus' healing becomes new if we are able to connect to Jesus through faith. May God grant that precious gift of faith to us that we may hear and believe the promises of Christ. " But strive first the for the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) In His Service, Bishop Poznan The last items of the day were to remember the deceased members of our congregation who have been called to the Lord. The memorial service was conducted by Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Csaba Krasznai. The second day of the meeting was opened with a devotional conducted by Rev. Csongor Kovács, pastor of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of New York City. After approval of the first day’s minutes a report was made by Rev. Joseph Vásárhelyi, member of the Executive Committee of the United Church of Christ. A report on Wider Church Ministries written by Ms. Zora Ludwig, was read in her absence by Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig Bishop Emeritus. Special item on the United Church of Christ Unified Governance presentation was made by Rev. Susan Towner Larson. A long discussion followed the presentation, but a vote on this issue was deferred until a later time since many in attendance were not familiar with the issues which were mailed well in advance to all congregations. The meeting continued with a presentation by Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig on the “Faithful and Welcoming Churches”. Rev. Ludwig gave a short report outlining the history of the organization, and how it has grown and what the aims are, as well as on the current status. Another member of this committee, Rev. Albert W. Kovács further commented on the issues. Bishop, Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, opened discussion of “Reviewing our Relationship with the United Church of Christ.” The discussion lasted a very long time with many requesting time to make comments and observations in this matter. Since many of the comments and observations were of a negative tone the Rev. Susan Towner-Larsen asked for the floor. In her comments she expressed her feeling that the United Church of Christ has negatively been mis-portrayed in our discussion and asked that Calvin Synod invite input from the greater church in these issues. After a lunch break, the meeting continued with congregational sharing. Many congregational delegates gave reports on the life and activities of their churches, which was greatly appreciated. The congregational sharing was followed with Classis reports. Printed reports were distributed by the Deans. Rev. Stefan Torok, Eastern Classis; Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Lakeside Classis; Rev. Ilona Komjáthy, Central Classis; and Rev. Chuck Huckaby, Western Classis. The first Committee to report to the assembly was the Travel Expense Committee. Rt. Rev. Koloman Ludwig, Chair, reported that reimbursement has been established at $0.50 per mile, and those flying will receive full compensation for their airfare upon producing an airline ticket. Motion passed. The second committee to report was the Youth Camp. Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi, Chair indicated that the camp was held between July 15-21, attendance was much lower than in previous years, but the camp provided a great spiritual growth to all who attended. He encouraged pastors and church lay leaders to attend next year’s camp and financially support young people from their congregation. Motion passed. The third committee to report was the Youth Committee. Rev. Chuck Huckaby. A printed report was submitted to the General Secretary. Motion passed.
