Magyar Egyház, 1972 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1972-10-01 / 10. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9 The following year saw 143 young people in attendance at Camp Kittatiny discussing “Interfaith Marriages”. I’m not sure how many young people who have attended conferences have made interfaith marriages, but I do know a number of intra-faith marriages have come about as a result of the B.Y.F. The year 1965 found us at Camp Ledgewood in Ohio discussing ‘‘The Layman’s Role in Church Life” and “Our Spiritual Heritage”. Our number was growing and the Akron ladies who prepared the meals put out the most delicious “camp grub” we’ve ever had. Not one of the 175 who attended could complain about breaded chicken — and the whole weekend cost $10.00! Back then Rev. Kovács, now of Trenton, was the Akron pastor as well as the conference speaker. There’s an additional asset to these conferences — I get to know clergymen who are otherwise only names in the Magyar Egyház. And then it was Perth Amboy’s turn to host its first camp conference! Now anyone who has ever worked on conference plans knows how much preparation must go into a worthwhile conference. Behind-the-scene activity that is just taken for granted but which must be worked out in great detail. Well, Camp Speers in the Poconos was bulging at the seams with over 192 in attendance as we listened to and shared in the presentation of “The Three S’s”. Can you recall what they stood for? “Scripture, Salvation and Service”. .. Our own Mrs. Betty Vargo gave the presentation on “Service”. How wonderful it is when laymen of great faith have courage to speak of their convictions. As it is our custom to alternate between east and west, 1967 found us at Camp Cavell in Michigan discussing “Morality in Creed”. Thanks to B.Y.F. I had now traveled further west than ever in my lifetime! If I close my eyes I can still see the glorious array of stars as we looked up into the heavens over Lake Huron. Another memorable conference. 1968—the first time two groups had to co-host a conference because many local fellowships were getting smaller in number . . . Trenton and New Brunswick were in charge, and the topic, so ably presented by a young man whose “bag” is the Bible, was, “Our Bible—Relic or Relevant”. The next conference brought us together at Camp Conestoga and was hosted by Youngstown. Another first—we added a day and assembled on Thursday. I honestly wonder if we have gained much by doing this ond I’m happy to see others are wondering too. The topic that year was “Is My Religion Relevant?” I cannot leave Youngstown without speaking of its minister Rev. K. Adorján, who was national advisor to B.Y.F. for number of years and still continues to join us at our conferences. It means a great deal to young people to have their pastors and church elders show an honest interest in their activities ... If only others could find it in their hearts to arrange to spend more time in camp getting to know their sheep . . . Rev. Illés, our ministerial advisor the last few years, will attest to its value — especially when he is affectionately referred to as “Rev” . . . Right Rev? The year is 1970 and we’re back in N. J. with Perth Amboy hosting the conference — but our number is smaller by 70 than the last time we were hosts . . . “Where have all the flowers gone” . . . Our speaker, a lovely young woman, lead us in our discussion of “How To Be A Christian Without Being Religious” from the book of the same name. Some of us learned about “Quiet Time” for the very first time. I wonder how many continue to practice it daily ... It takes a bit of self-discipline . . . it’s so easy to backslide ... I speak from personal experience . . . “Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something”! Did you or are you doing something? That’s the only way our conferences are worthwhile — if they affect our lives . . . That was the topic of last years conference hosted by McKeesport at Jumonville, Pa. I hope you can remember the messages you heard, not only the drumbeat of the Redcoats . . . Which brings us to this years conference co-hosted by New Brunswick and Carteret on “How Do You Want Your Religion?” Each of the three speakers had much to share with us . . . Many of us felt a “presence” at this year’s conference that we had not experienced so personally before . . . May it continue to work in our lives and in turn be felt by others. We’ve come a long way this last decade but we still have much to learn . . . But isn’t that what life is all about? And Who is Life? . . . “/ have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly,” said Christ. Praise the Lord . . . Elizabeth Tobias Dudich National Advisor Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter. — Mark 5:35-42. NEWS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS AKRON, OHIO Baptism: Imre Skrapics, the son of Imre and Agnes Skrapics. Godparents are John and Julia Skrapics. Wedding: László Schmeltzer and Ilona Garancsy. Witnesses were Gyula Schmeltzer and Earnest Schmeltzer. Funerals: Louis Keller, 56, Sept. 20, Mrs. Louis Mandy 84, Oct. 16. New members: Mr. and Mrs. József Vukan, Ilona Szabados. We started the 1972-73 Confirmation Class witth 7 participants. At the Presbyters’ Conference in Ligonier our minister made a speech (Church Discipline) and our presbyter Hugo Pfahler made an other speech. (Church and Youth). Hugo Pfahler became one of the vice presidents of the Hungarian Reformed. Presbyters’ Association.
