Calvin Synod Herald, 2017 (118. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-11-01 / 11-12. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Christian life as keeping a lot of rules, a lot of “do’s” and “don’ts” (mainly “don’ts”). Or if people view Christianity more positively, they might see it primarily in terms of the benefits it can bring, like improved relationships, stronger marriages, guidance in raising children, emotional strength to deal with trials, difficult people, and circumstances. However, the essence of Christianity isn’t about rules, or “do’s and “don’ts”, or even blessings. The essence of Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, the Christian life brings many benefits, like joy, peace, hope, and love.... But they all come through Christ. They all flow from our relationship with Him. Knowing Christ is worth more than anything else in this world. We will never be disappointed by Him. He is that treasure, He is that pearl of great value. He is God’s Gift to us, this child in the manger, and He is worth more than anything else we could ever possess. This Gift of the Father is available to everyone, but God doesn’t force Him on anyone. We must decide to receive this Gift. We must take the package, open the box, and accept it as our own. We each must make the decision to receive Jesus Christ into our lives. Now, maybe you “opened" that Gift years ago, you had a fruitful relationship with Christ, but lately the Gift has been “sitting on the shelf,” you don’t spend time with the Lord. You have been too busy, or too distracted, or too hurting to give Christ the time and attention you know He deserves. Or maybe for you that Gift is still “under the tree,” wrapped and waiting to be opened. Dearly beloved, I want to encourage you, please don’t leave Christ on the shelf. Don’t leave Him under the tree. Take Him into your heart and into your life, even now. That Gift from our heavenly Father has a tag with your name on it. What better time would be than Christmas to renew your commitment to Christ, or to begin a new life of fellowship with Jesus Christ? Yours in Christ Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai Bishop European Partners Visit The United Church of Christ organized a trip to Europe in September of 2017 for commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I was also invited as a Conference Minister, to participate in the European Partners Visit. The group visited five European countries on their trip: the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, and Germany. The UCC leaders planned a three day trip, from September 16-18, to Budapest, Hungary. On the first day the delegation visited the Refugee Ministry & Kalunba Social Services Nonprofit Ltd. of the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH). They met with the leader of the RCH Diaconal Office’s Refugee Integration, Ms. Dóra Kanizsai- Nagy who shared about her work for the refugees in the city. The group was impressed by the RCH’s dedication to welcoming the strangers. Following the meeting at Kalunba, the delegation visited the Reformed Church at Kálvin Square which was the first church of the Reformed Church in Pest. After the Kálvin Square church visit the delegation went to see the Reformation Jubilee Exhibit of the National Museum. On Sunday morning the UCC leaders participated at the worship service at St. Columba’s Church of Scotland. Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the UCC delivered the sermon. In his teaching Dr. Dorhauer expressed that by how we deal with strangers will also demonstrate how we want to live our lives. Following the service, the UCC delegation had a meeting with Rev. Aaron C. Stevens, Minister and Rev. Njeri A. Wagana Hughes, Associate Minister of the church. Rev. Wagana Hughes was the first pastor from Africa who was ordained by the Reformed Church in Hungary. There was a presentation about the history of the congregation and then questions were asked about the current ministries and work in a multicultural and multiethnic church. The congregation currently has 40 children speaking 15 different languages. On Monday morning the UCC leadership had an informal breakfast and discussion with Kearstin Bailey, a Global Mission Intern of the UCC who is serving the RCH since October of 2015. She shared her work and experiences in Hungary with the group. After this the delegation held meetings with the Department leaders of the Synod Office. Rev. Tamás Kodácsy, former chairman of the Council of the Eco-Congregation, gave a thoughtprovoking presentation about the work of the Eco- Congregation Movement and Mission. Then Rev. Eszter Dani gave a presentation about the Roma Mission and Ministry in Hungary. Continued on page 8
