Calvin Synod Herald, 2017 (118. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 9 and Teresa Gagliardi were unable to spend the whole week as they normally have done, but came to Pennsylvania from Fairport Ohio for the Consecration Service and Holy Communion on Friday evening. The Youth Campers program this year addressed the role of the Old Testament prophets and the relationship of their prophecies to the coming of Jesus the Christ, in whom the prophesies were fulfilled, reflecting on Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:20,22. Every morning there was a time set aside after breakfast for "morning devotionals" during which the campers read the morning devotion prepared for that day by the main speaker. The daily topics and main speakers were: Monday: Prophets & Prophesies: The Basics -II Peter 1 :20 - 21. Isaiah, Zechariah, Micah, and Prophesies from Genesis and the Psalms. Tuesday: Jesus' Lineage & Birth - Isaiah 9:6. Some of the best-known prophesies - referring to Christmas. Rev. Judith Mayer Wednesday: Jesus' Ministry - Malachi 3:1. Preparing the way of the Lord, Jesus in Galilee, Parables. Rev. Lisa Kerestesi Thursday: Jesus' Last Week - Zechariah 9:9. The proph esies of the events from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. Rev. Aubrey Woods - from Ohio, has a successful music and youth ministry. Friday: Jesus' Resurrection & Ascension - Psalm 16: 10. The foretelling of the gift of eternal life through Christ. Ms. Katie Slemp, Mr. Ari Vangeest -Counselors, attending Calvin College. There were 4 Bible Study Groups, with all campers rotating to each group. There were daily workshops led by counselors. The workshops were "Hungarian cooking," a discussion group addressing topics of interest to the young people, "gun safety," "Hungarian whip making," "Dance class," Board Games. The afternoons had "team building" using Christianteaching games, a Scavenger hunt, Field/Water games, Bible trivia, swimming, The evenings were programmed with various enjoyable activities including “Initiation of new campers" with snacks, a "Pool/Gym Night" with Ice Pops & Watermelon, a "Dance Night with Pizza & Veggie Tray, the "Annual Talent Show" with Ice Cream, and the Friday night "Consecration Service", which was led by Rev. Judit Mayer and myself. On Wednesday, we spent the day at the Bethlen Home Nursing facility. The campers split up into three groups, some going from room to room singing, others just going to rooms to speak to resident, and a third group spent the afternoon assisting the residents in playing "bingo". Prior to returning to Laurelville Church Center by school bus, the campers could spend an hour sightseeing and shopping in Ligonier. Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig taught the Counselor in Training program, "graduating" three adults this year, using the "The Christian Camp Counselor" teaching manual. On Friday evening, we met at the Camp Fire and remembered the activities we shared during the week, reminiscing on the time we had spent together. Then the Campers were asked to reflect on how these days have affected them, and each camper added a branch to the fire, symbolically offering themselves by committing their sins to God's care. The Campers then processed up to our Activities building, which was prepared as a Chapel for Worship. Rt. Rev. Ludwig and Rev. Judit Mayer led a Service of Worship, with Rev. Mayer offering a Blessing to the Junior Campers, and together the two pastors offered the Elements of Holy Communion in the traditional Hungarian Reformed Service. After a week together, there were many tears shed as our Campers had to prepare to leave this wonderful time and place. The cost of the Mennonite Church Center is slowly rising, as also our insurance premiums for the week, so finances are very important. With a low point in our treasury this past year, the Western Classis donated $5,254.50 from its "designated mission money" to the Camp. On Wednesday at the Bethlen Home the William Penn Association made a generous donation of $7,500.00, increasing their past donations by 50%. The GBU District 3000 also donated, as did several of our Calvin Synod congregations. Many congregations provide support to their own youth, and a number of youth hold fundraisers throughout the year to enable them to go to Camp. We strongly encourage our congregations to consider this very important work as a priority for their designated "mission" funds this year. Make this a priority, but not only if you personally have Campers to send; some families have more than one child, and this becomes quite expensive, if they want their children to have a "Christian Camping Experience". Submitted by Rt- Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig, Calvin Synod Co-Camp Director * * * Additional Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp pictures on page 7 ***
