Calvin Synod Herald, 2016 (117. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-01-01 / 1-2. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD apostles said to the Lord, 'INCREASE our faith!'" Luke 17:5. The Savior had charged Peter: "But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, STRENGTHEN your brothers.” Luke 22:32. It was recorded about Paul and Barnabas: "They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lustra, Iconium and Antioch, STRENGTHENING the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts of Ap. 14:21-22. PROTECTING THE FAITH. Please read the story how Apostle Paul had spoken against idols and false gods, as recorded in Acts of Apostles 17:16-34. It starts in this way: "While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. SO HE REASONED in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there." 16-17 verses. The other good example is the defensive speech of Stephen, who had become the first martyr, please read Acts of Apostles 7:1-53. The branch of science in theology that protects our faith is called apologetics that is the systematic, logical defense of our teachings. PROPAGATING OUR FAITH. Our Lord had charged his disciples:"... go and MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . .” Matthew 28:19, and He did the same before He had ascended into heaven: "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of Apostles 1:8. During this coming year what will make us kneel down and turn to God: FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE, or TROUBLE, TRAUMA, and TRAGEDY? Do we still remember how many came to church suddenly after September 11, 2001? What will direct our attention heavenward, smile on our face or teardrops in our eyes? Lord, have mercy on us again. Alexander Ja Iso New Website of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland, Ohio We are excited to announce that after five months of hard work, our church’s brand new website is officially up and running! Please visit the website of our church at www.firsthunrefchurch.org May this great tool be used for God’s glory and to the blessing of our congregation and for many others. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai Congregational Appreciation Luncheon The United Church of Christ in Bridgeport, CT held its Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, October 18, 2015. This event is takes place every October when the congregation honors one of its own members for their dedication throughout the year. The individual chosen is a devoted church member, leading an exemplary Christian way of life. This year, Claudia Margitay-Balogh was honored. She is an integral part of our Bible Study classes and can discuss different parts of the Bible in depth. She is open to suggestions, able to communicate with all of our church members on their level, and takes on projects that bring our church into a good light. She is one of our lay members who preaches on Sundays, bringing to our congregation an intellectual meaning of her topics. Her voice is clear and distinct, which can be attributed to her former profession as a teacher. We are very glad that she is part of our congregation. Claudia is one of the many treasurers within our church. She can be seen at the door at our Flea Markets and Fairs. She prepares and is the editor of our church newsletter. She organizes volunteers to prepare our communion table and has recently taken on a church mission of presenting puppies to the pediatric patients at Bridgeport Hospital. She is also responsible for our church property being designated as a historical site. Claudia has a passion for all things Hungarian, and in preserving her own heritage and traditions. Together with her husband Joseph, they helped create a Heritage Room in the church basement. They also printed the Magyar News, a local Hungarian newspaper distributed throughout the community and hosted the local Hungarian radio station for many years. Chief Elder Joseph Poruban announced the selection and presented a gift from the congregation to Claudia during the worship service. It was followed by a Hungarian gulyás and chicken paprikás lunch. Thanks to Bill Bero, Sandra Stasko, and Barbara Gergely who prepared and served the lunch. It was a wonderful day!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Submitted by James Balias Hin the photo: Chief Elder Joseph Poruban Rev. Dr. Mark Horton Claudia Margitay-Balogh and Barbara Poruban
