Magyar Egyház, 1956 (35. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)

1956-02-01 / 2. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

11

place according to this theory proceeds from some force or energy in nature itself. The Bible does not find any such force of progress onward and upward either in material things nor in the society of men. On the contrary, the Bible agrees with our experience, that the tendency both of nature and of human nature is downward. The things that exist inevitably decay. The human being inevitably grows old and dies. The best things in human society seem always to be spoiled in a tragically short time. Only when God intervenes, is there any reversal of this process.

Once more, I believe, there is room for a resolution of the apparent tension between science and religion in the question of evolution. The Bible indeed presents a certain progression in life. On the third day, the earth puts forth vegetation, on the fifth day fish and birds, and on the sixth day the higher animals and, by God’s special intervention, man. Each of these arose, however, not by chance, not by some blind, natural force, but by the word of God. Likewise, whatever progress the world will make before the end, and whatever good is accomplished, will come to pass by the same word of God, which alone keeps all things from disintegrating completely.

This is about as far as I can go with this fascinating subject (or, at least, I hope it is fascinating to you, too!).

I trust, now, that you have a fairly clear idea of what we mean by the Christian doctrine of creation, what we mean when we say, e.g., I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I hope you can see what a wonderful Christian confession we have in the text for the day, “By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God.” Above all, I pray that you may have this understanding of the matter, and that you may enroll in the catalog of the faithful who do not shrink back, but have faith and keep their souls.

For a Christian understanding of the creation of the world is not an isolated, unrelated matter. It goes hand in hand with our whole Christian witness. The God of creation is also the God of redemption. The Father of all is in a much higher sense the Father of our Jesus Christ, and, through Jesus Christ, our God and our Father, as the Heidelberg Catechism so rightly and beautifully suggests in its deeply religious answer to the question about creation.

Therefore, let us stand firm. While we can and should receive gratefully all the light that an honest astronomy, or geology or biology may shed upon the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, we must' maintain that the clear implications of God’s self-revelation in the Bible are to be preferred far above anv human theory. We must maintain it in the face of denial by manv in high and influential places.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8). Amen.

CHARLES KRAHE

“Back to God Sunday” will be observed on February 12th in the Hungarian Reformed Church, Passaic, N.J. “Back to God Sunday” will be observed bv all Legion Posts throughout the nation. The members of the Legion Post connected with the Passaic Magyar Congregation will assist in the Church service and urge all members to make a special effort to be present.

(CHURCH VISITOR, Passaic, January)

THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PASTOR — 1955 DUQUESNE, PA.

1955 was the first full year in our new church. We looked upon St as a year of test, testing our church attendance as well as contribution following the years of building and dedication of our new church. Thanks be to God for his providence, we met the challenge and came out with flying colors. There are some things in which we need a greater faith and dedication.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE: A year ago, in my first report given in this new church, I stated, “Never in the history of our congregation did so many people attend our services or use so fully our facilities as they did during the past year”. Today I can report that in the year 1955 there was no let down in the attendance figures of Sunday services, perhaps only a small and natural shift. The average Sunday attendance still stands at 220, with the following small shift in favor of the English services: attendance at Hungarian services averaged 80 per Sunday, at English services 140 (in 1954 it was 85 and 135, respectively). The attendance average should and can be increased by more people attending services every Sunday, and not just occasionally. It is at evening services where our attendance must be greatly increased. This is very discouraging to the pastor, and at the same time shows a lack of self-discipline on the part of the members.

HOLY COMMUNION: The number of members attending Communion services increased, although the average can easily be destroyed by one “poor showing”. In 1955, 1,533 souls lived with the sacrament (on seven occasions, 16 services, and some in the homes), an average of 219 per occasion. The sacrament was also administered at the Union Reformation service for the Goodfellows which was held in our church last year, but, of course, this is not included in our figures. As you know we introduced the individual glasses at our World Wide Communion Sunday, using the common cup at the Hungarian services and the individual glasses at English services. This logical division proved itself acceptable by the members. Any member may choose between the services and we still retain the dignity of our Communion services.

CONTRIBUTING: I often reiterate the statement that the act of contributing is not a monetary act as much as a spiritual act. We have two types of givers: one, when the worshiper gives willingly and thankfulW. mindful of the many blessings God has bestowed upon him, and the other, when one gives reluctantly or under compulsion. This compulsion may be our rules and regulations, to keep up with others, to excel others, o* other improper motives. The majority of our member« according to my best knowledge, give cheerfully not under compulsion. #Not only because we feel individually responsible for our share, but as in a family where love and peace abide, all cooperate and pull together cheerfully toward a common goal. Anvone coming to church regularly will give regularly, and the amount contributed by such members is naturallv far above the average. Deducting from last year’s income all group donations and income from real estate, w» "»"eived $17,500.00 from members. Using this for our basic figure, our average of familv dnnn was $100.38, and the average of confirmed individuals, $51.67. (This average last year was $105.26 and $60.00, respectively, which included contributions at the time