Calvin Synod Herald, 2017 (118. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 5 the other? My feeling is that scripture encompasses boththe life and the love of Christ together. On Saturday, we attended a luncheon hosted by Faithful and Welcoming Churches. “Christ in the UCC” was launched as a separate movement; a call for our denomination to reclaim its identity as the United Church of CFIRIST. It was good to be with Bob Thompson, President of Faithful and Welcoming, and meeting John Dorhauer, who stopped by. Having been to general synod before, this synod seemed very calm and peaceful. Though there were a few issues that boiled over the emotions of some, there seemed to be a recognition that our church needs to embrace each other even if we see things differently. It is not so easy to do, especially in a denomination of autonomy that attempts to bring all into one. We all need to flow down that river together, navigating the twists and turns along the way. Our denomination rolled out a new vison and purpose statement for the future. Three Great Loves- a call to love our neighbor as ourselves; and to build a just world for all; asking congregations to seek ways to live out a commitment in mission- united in God’s spirit and inspired by God’s grace, love all, welcome all, and seek justice for all: for children, for our neighbors, and for creation. For more detailed information on anything General Synod 31, go to ucc.org to find it. Jim Balias, Calvin Synod Presbyter Calvin Synod delegates at the United Church of Christ General Synod 31 in Baltimore, MD Jim Balias, Jill Murrell and Rev. Viktor Toth LETTER TO THE EDITOR Kudos to Rev. Stefan and Mrs. Cynthia Torok for their article in the Calvin Synod Herald on the "Niagara Falls Conference Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation." Not only did it communicate the significance of the event but it introduced readers to the important sponsors of the event, recounted the highlights of the celebration, and shared the impact of the liturgical theme of 2 Corinthians 3:17: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom." The bond between Reformed worshippers was further strengthened in reading that the service was held in both English and in Hungarian and in seeing the presence of special guests from Hungary, the Rt. Rev. István Szabó, President of the Reformed Church of Hungary, and Rt. Rev. Béla Kató, Bishop of the Reformed Church in Transylvania. To know that the devotionals were conducted by pastors of the Hungarian Reformed Clergy in America speaks volumes about the relationship between the Hungarian Reformed Churches in Hungary and the neighboring countries with Hungarian Reformed Churches and the diaspora. When over 250 attendees traveled from all parts of the globe to attend this celebration and reaffirm their faith, it is obvious to all that their spiritual heritage is strong and continuing to grow. Thanks to Rev. and Mrs. Torok for sharing these glad tidings that mark this most special of anniversaries of the Reformation! Kathy A. Megyeri 1618 A Belmont St. NW Washington, DC 20009 Home: 202-332-0082 Cell: 301-325-5319
