Magyar Egyház, 1967 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1967-08-01 / 8-9. szám
10 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Eighth Annual Conference of the United Church Women of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America Due to the extended coverage on the Synod of Debrecen in our last issue this report could be printed at this time only. Despite a persistant downpour of rain all afternoon of May 7th we were inspired to see buses of women unload at our Carteret church and register for our annual United Women’s Conference. About 160 persons attended, including the clergy, from our various sister churches. The theme of the English language group was, “Church Women United — For Such a Time as This.” Our two prominent speakers were Dr. Margaret Shannon, Executive Director and Miss Helen B. Turnbull, Coordinator of Denominational Planning, United Church Women, Division of Christian Unity, National Council of Churches. Dr. Shannon was our first speaker and she began by telling us of her relationships with the Reformed Church of Hungary. Her first connection was with Hungarian Reformed people when, in 1951, she was greeted in Yugoslavia by a group of women who had walked eight miles to meet their plane. She found the Hungarian folk to be very devoted, many attended church five times a day and women memorized many of the Psalms to keep their faith alive. She related that in 1948, two women brought of Hungary a silver coin like medal. On one side was the inscription from Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” On the reverse side were figures of women holding a heart and the words, “Hungarian Reformed Church.” She stressed that only as we care, meet and act together, can a true ecumenical movement be experienced. Through the efforts and cooperation of Bishop and Mrs. Ágoston, the project of small dolls was begun. These dolls were made by women of Hungarian Reformed congregations in Yugoslavia. Sent to the U.S. and sold here the funds were used to build the first dormitory for girls in Cameroon, Africa. This endeavor later also provided for dormitories in Lebanon and a clinic in India. Dr. Shannon referred to her acquaintance with Mrs. Maria Ágoston and related to us many of the stimulating conversations they shared. One thought, worthy for us to remember, was when her son married a woman who had no faith and she told Dr. Shannon that we must wait until she knows we love her, to preach to her. She added that the ministry of women is to win others to Christ, not scoldingly, but in love and prayer. Could we not all heed this same good advice today? As one person touches person in friendly acts of loving-kindness, the heart responds in listening and loving — we lift one another up and the Christian fellowship and witness may then have opportunity to grow. Another association that Dr. Shannon shared with us was with a Hungarian lady, who directed some remarkable thoughts to American women. Namely, that as we note the national unrest and racial demonstrations, we ask ourselves, what is God trying to tell us? What is happening to modern woman? to youth? What are we being called upon to do? In some instances we see a whole generation raised up without the symbol of the church. Do women no longer hold their traditional role in the home and church? This friend pleaded with American women to get down off their pedestals to demonstrate their love and desire to walk the narrow way of God’s people. We were pleased to learn of Dr. Shannon’s many contacts with Hungarian people and we were indeed privileged to have her with us. Our second speaker was Miss Helen B. Turnbull, whose smile and joyous spirit was a real blessing to our conference. She gave us explanation of their new name: from the previous United Church Women to Church Women United. The new name more nearly describes a movement with a mission to overcome social barriers, to strive to become interracial, interdenominational and international. Miss Turnbull then gave us a brief history of the Fellowship of the Least Coin that started ten years ago in Asia and has spread now to women on five continents. The least coin of their country, (as in America the penny) is set aside once a month by every woman to remind them to pray for their sisters in Christ all over the world. The idea being that even the poor can give from their poverty, as well as the rich — thus it is essential that only the “least coin” be set aside, so all women will be the same. Funds realized are used intercontinentally for projects in evangelism and ecumenical ventures of women in fields of poverty, education, health and international relation. She informed us of three special observance days: World Day of Prayer, World Community Day and May Fellowship Day. The Hungarian Language group heard the Rev. Zoltán Király from Manville, N. J. who spoke on “A Második Helvét Hitvallás mai elkötelezése a gyülekezet számára.” During our business meeting that was held when the two groups reconvened in Bethlen Hall, the following officers were elected for the coming year: President — Mrs. Alice Rodvansky, 82 Androvette Street, Staten Island, New York 10309. Vice-President — Mrs. Mary Kitchen, 1821 Chestnut Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey 08611. Secretary — Mrs. Jean Somogyi, 222 Sixth Avenue, Roebling, New Jersey 08554. Assoc. Secretary — Mrs. Elizabeth Szilagyi, 117 Ave. C, New York, New York 10009. Treasurer — Mrs. Ollie Hall, 192 State Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861. While the inspiration we have received from our speakers is yet fresh in our hearts, why not begin right now to look forward to next year’s conference? Let’s keep alive the new friendships we make at our conferences each year and then deepen and renew the older friendships we have made over the years, that together we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Betty Varga THE LAST NIGHT A radio play by LÁSZLÓ CS. SZABÓ Translated by ISTVÁN SZIARTO “The Last Night” was broadcast in Hungarian by the British Radio on its Hungarian program on December 25, 1959 and printed in the March-April, 1960 issue of the literary magazine “Uj Látóhatár”. This English translation will be printed in two parts; in this and in the October issue. Some of our churches may want to use this play for presentation at Christmastime. THE CHARACTERS: The Apostle Peter. Xanthippe, wealthy Roman widow, secret Christian. Flavius Clemens, her son, secret Christian. Linus, his friend, a sympathetic pagan. Demas, Apostle Paul’s emissary. First servant. Second servant. Annie, servant girl.
