Calvin Synod Herald, 2013 (114. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)
2013-11-01 / 11-12. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 9 Rev. Dr. Mark A. Horton elected as part time minister to Bridgeport, CT When Rev. John W. Olson decided to retire in June 2012, the search committee of The United Church of Christ on 963 Laurel Ave., Bridgeport, CT undertook their mission with diligent prayer, trusting in the Lord to guide the committee in the Lord’s will and desire for this congregation. The search committee’s prayers were answered when Rev. Dr. Mark A. Horton was elected in December 2012 as our part time minister. A native of Western New York, Rev. Horton received his Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Houghton College. He then attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1986, Rev. Horton completed his Doctoral Ministry degree at Boston University School of Theology. He also received his M.B.A. in 1993 from the Graduate Theological Foundation. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Rev. Horton served in parish ministry for 18 years. He has also taught at Westminster College in Oxford, England and the Theological College of the Bahamas. As a trained Interim Pastor, he has served churches in Sherman, Brookfield, Ridgefield, and Danbury, Connecticut as well as in Pawling and Cortlandtown, New York. Presently, the Rev. Dr. Mark A. Horton serves the WestConn campus in Danbury as an ecumenical campus minister and adjunct faculty member. He lives in Danbury, Connecticut, with his wife Susan. They have one married daughter. Right from the beginning, Rev. Horton was a perfect fit; the congregation immediately connected to him as he connected to us. This understanding was confirmed when he wrote the following words in our church newsletter. ’’Although I’ve been with you just a few days, already the United Church of Christ Bridgeport is beginning to feel like home to me. Your generous smiles and helping hands, your gentle spirit, and warm welcomes confirm for me God’s call on my life to serve as your pastor. I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us! As we move forward into a new year and a new chapter in the life of the United Church of Christ Bridgeport, I look forward to talking together about what feeds us, physically and spiritually as individuals and as a community. I look forward to sharing the table with you over a cup of coffee and in worship as we come to Christ’s Table, and I dream of extending the welcome you have already offered me with all who come through our doors.” Rev. Horton is indeed feeding our congregation spiritually. During Lent of 2013, Rev. Horton led a very successful and informative Bible Study entitled “HOSANNA - A Spiritual Journey through Holy Week.” Participants during the five week session reflected on the events that occurred during Holy Week. Beginning with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, each event was read within each of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The participants learned that all of the events during Holy Week had detail differences within the different Gospels since each Gospel writer had his own reasons for writing, his particular theology, and the interests of a particular audience in mind. All who were in attendance felt closer to the Lord through this Lenten Bible study. The participants felt such joy that they asked Rev. Horton to conduct another scripture study. Rev. Horton then lead the participants in another Bible Study entitled “Parables: Stories for Life in God’s World.” Once again the attendees learned so much. These stories were used by Jesus to teach his disciples and listeners. Although deceptively simple, Jesus’ parables are profound, complex, deep, and challenging. They continue to speak to all of us as we read them again and again. Jesus’ parables are more complicated than a straightforward, moral lesson and often include troubling elements which can not be explained easily. They are not meant to be solved but reflected upon time and time again. Presently, the Bible study group is studying the Bible: how it came to be, how it has been preserved and handed on, and the place it has in our lives. Because Rev. Mark is an educator, his sessions are always well organized, knowledgeable, connectable, and open to questions and discussions. We at the United Church of Christ in Bridgeport, CT look forward to growing with our new pastor and pray that the Lord will continue to bless Rev. Mark A. Horton and his church family. Claudia Margitay-Balogh Consistory member and Bible study participant Christmas Gifts for Retired Ministers and Ministers’ Widows Dear Congregations, Christmas is the season to remember with our appreciation for our retired ministers and ministers’ widows. Calvin Synod Conference Council is asking our congregations to make donations to this fund. Through your kind help we will be able to continue to send gifts to retired ministers and ministers’ widows during this Christmas. Donations may be sent to the Calvin Synod Treasurer: Rev. Viktor Toth 3220 Merrill Drive #37 • Torrance, CA 90503 When you will send your donation, please write in the Memo section of your check: Christmas Gifts for Retired Ministers and Ministers ’ Widows. May God bless you for your generous donations! Yours in Christ, Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba G. Krasznai Auxiliary' Bishop Homeland and Overseas Mission Coordinator
