Calvin Synod Herald, 2014 (115. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-07-01 / 7-8. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 5 Saints Day is too often totally ignored and observed mostly by the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches in America. The U.S. national Memorial Day in May is set aside to honor the nation’s military who gave their lives in battle. The national Veterans’ Day, in November, honors all who served in the armed forces at any time, and so few bother to show up for the rites. Instead, too many look on these as the occasions to remember civilian family and friends, detracting from the purpose of the days and our indebtedness to those who served. Totenfest, literally the “Festival of the Dead,” is an import from by the Evangelical Church of Germany, celebrated on the last Sunday of the Church Year, just before Advent. Its theme is less about the Christian’s eternal life and mostly about remembrance of loved ones. The occasion is still observed on that day by churches with these roots. Lately, some have changed the date to coincide with the All Saints Day observance. The Festival of the Saints of Christ the King is the theme of the last Sunday of the Church Year. While it focuses upon the final glorious victory of Christ, Lord of lords and King of kings, when all things will be reconciled to God, the Christian Church with wild rejoicing basks in the grandeur of it all because the saints who follow him share in the victory of the Son’s conquest over Satan and in the Father’s invitation to join with his Son forever in the incomprehensible blessings of heaven. It is what the whole worship of the Church is about, God’s initiative through Christ in our salvation and the blessings of a faithful response in gratitude. Kingdomtide - A Lively Hope I suggest that the Reformed churches urge a reformation of their Worship Calendar to emphasize the post-Pentecost Trinity Season and, with a Last Days emphasis, the season of Kingdomtide at the end of the Church Year. After a year of reflective contemplation upon the saving works of God and the Christian’s grateful response, this is a time like no other to lead church members and others to ask again the decisive old question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” When better to hear again Jesus’ answer, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” and “Follow me.” Jesus had spoken many times of the “kingdom of God” and in parables said “the kingdom of God is like ... .” It is because he loves all those whom he created that God sent his Son, their brother, to give his life for them, that they may abide forever with God in eternal life. Some old ideas are worth remembering, recycling and restoring. Among these is the popular usage of Christmastide, from Christmas Day to Epiphany, and Eastertide, from Resurrection Day to Pentecost. Similarly, the use of Kingdomtide from All Saints Day to Christ the King Sunday offers an appropriate means to show the jubilant triumphal nature of this final season of the Church Year, inviting all to join in the Jubilee and get on board the ship, the Church, with Jesus at the helm. None on board need fear the Stalker of Souls nor drowning in the flood. Built upon the Scriptures, the emphasis on Kingdomtide enables the churches to reflect the total spectrum of the redemptive message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Albert W. Kovács 76th Annual Meeting Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ Held from May 13 to 16, 2014 at Ligonier, PA The 76th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ was opened with a Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion at Moriah Chapel of Bethlen Communities at 9:00 AM. Participating in the Service were members of the Conference Council: Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, Bishop; Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Aux. Bishop; Mr. James Balias, Synod Presbyter; Rev. Viktor Toth, Synod Treasurer; Rev. Stefan M. Torok, General Secretary. Also participating were the Deans of the Classes: Rev. Peter L. Toth, Rev. Dr. József Posta, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Exec. Dir. Bethlen Communities, and Rev. Gabor Nitsch, Bethlen Communities Chaplain, who prepared the church and the communion. A fellowship luncheon was hosted by Bethlen Home in the Ligonier Room. Following the meal a special presentation was made by the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director, on the life and work of the total Bethlen Communities program. Mr. Michael Walker, Administrator of the Nursing Home, informed all about its day to day operations. The Rev. Gabor Nitsch gave a report on the spiritual aspect of the Bethlen Communities numerous programs. The Annual Meeting commenced at 1:30 PM in the meeting room of the Ramada Inn, Ligonier. Before the meeting officially opened, numerous items relating to the Minutes, reports, Agenda, and other were distributed to the Delegates of the Synod Meeting. Bishop Bela Poznan called the Annual Meeting to order with a Convening Prayer. Remembering Faithful Servants: The Synod remembered the faithful servants of the Lord who have been called home to be eternally with the Lord, by the Rev. Gabor Nitsch. Bishop Poznan led the assembly in prayer. Remembered was Zsuzsanna Szabolcs, wife of the former pastor Kalman Szabolcs. The session was opened with an address by Mr.James Balias, Synod Presbyter. Bishop Poznan asked Rev. Stefan Torok, General Secretary, to take the Roll Call of the assembly. The Roll Call showed the presence of 17 ministers, 15 lay delegates, 2 licensed lay ministers and 5 alternate delegates, indicating a quorum. Bishop Poznan, acknowledged the Roll Call and officially declared the Annual Meeting open. The Agenda, prepared by the Conference Council, was distributed in the packets to the delegates. On a motion by Rev. Jim James, seconded by Rev. Peter L. Toth, the Agenda was accepted unanimously. Bishop Poznan asked the Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi to act as Parliamentarian of the Synod. Introduction of Guests: Bishop
