Magyar Egyház, 1988 (67. évfolyam, 2-4. szám)
1988-03-01 / 2. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 7. oldal ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EASTERN CLASSIS - HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH The Annual Assembly of the Eastern Classis of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America was held on March 6th at 3:00 pm, in the Perth Amboy, NJ Magyar Reformed Church. Representatives for the classis, together with corresponding members from the churches have gathered on this wonderful afternoon to discuss the life the unity of the Churches, and charter new directions. The Opening devotion was delivered by Rev. Zoltán Vas, pastor from Transylvania, presently studying in Princeton Theological Seminary. The Roll Call indicated that all officers of the Classis were present, together with delegates from the following congregations that make up the Eastern Classis: Bethlehem, PA; Carteret, Linden, Perth Amboy, Roebling, Trenton, all from New Jersey; Washington, DC no delegate represented our Miami, Florida congregation. Establishing a quorum the meeting was declared official. Greetings were extended by the following: Rt. Rev. Dr. Andrew Harsanyi Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, Mr. Anthony C. Beke, Chief Elder of the same, Rev. Imre Bertalan from the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America as President sent greetings, and expressed his sadness by not being able to participate because of earlier commitment on behalf of the Federation. Very Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz, greeted us on behalf of the Eastern Classis of the Calvin Synod, United Church of Christ. Very Rev. Sándor Forro newly elected Dean of the New York Classis, also extended his greeting in the name of the officers and congregations. We were sorry to receive report that Rev. Barnabas Roczey has fallen ill, and with prayerful hearts we asked God’s gracious healing gift upon him. Minutes from the last meeting prepared by secretaries Miss Priscilla Hunyady and Rev. Kalman Adorján was available to the members and were accepted as prepared. The meeting continued with the Dean’s Report from 1987, Dean Torok reflected on events in the life of the churches, special activities and reported on the general statistics. Established that all our congregations live in peace, and follow in the footsteps of the Head of the Church. All congregations are lead by a qualified Pastor, even though some changes may take place in their service during the near future. Encouraged the congregations to take greater interest and more cooperation between the churches, and assist theological student to the best of their ability. The Dean’s Report was followed by the Chief Elder Mr. Balint Balogh’s report. He has indicated that this is his first year as Chief Elder and has a lot to learn nevertheless he was able to visit a majority of congregations and had the privilege of discussing their problems and offered assistance in solving these matters. The meeting was continued with the report of the Treasurer. Mr. Andrew C. Lovász who diligently followed up on every transactions of the Classis. It was to our advantage that both Mr. Anthony Beke and Mr. Leonard Sendelsky, presidents of the Elders Conference and Area Elders Conference were present and reported on the activities of these organizations. The Meeting of the Classis with this has devided itself and continued its work in the following committees, assigned by the Dean: Financial and Recommendation. The committees, after finishing their work, made their report, which was wholeheartedly supported and accepted by the representatives. These recommendations will be mailed to every congregation of the classis for further action. A memorial service honoring the officers, elders and pastors who have been called into the nearer presence of God was held, asking God to give them a peaceful rest until the great day of reunion and meeting again in the kingdom of God. The final moments of the meeting were spent with announcements of upcoming events in the different congregations. When request was made for the next Annual Assembly of the Classis to be held on March of 1989, representatives from Trenton indicated that they would be more then happy to receive us, therefore the next Annual Assembly of the Eastern Classis of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America will be held on March 5th, 1989 at the Trenton, Magyar Reformed Church. The meeting was closed with the singing of “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” followed by the giving of the Benediction by our Bishop Dr. Andrew Harsanyi. Members of the Eastern Classis with this have been extended an invitation to the Fellowship Hall for a delicious Hungarian Supper.
