Magyar Egyház, 1989 (63. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1989-09-01 / 5. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9. oldal On Friday, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Bütösi, recently retired, of Ligonier, PA, summarized the spirit of the week’s discussions under the topic of Christian response and commitment. God has called us to witness His grace in Jesus Christ. Like an army, we are to penetrate human awareness of Jesus Christ through our actions. “God is on trial” in the eyes of the world, and how Christians demonstrate their faith through works will determine human response to the Salvation in Christ Jesus. The value and success of the Youth Camp is demonstrated by those who return year after year. This is especially evident in the Counselors In Training. It is a pleasure to see their growth to maturity and responsibility. Gone for the most part the self-serving, privileged notions about their positions and replaced with the knowledge that they are responsible for others as well as for their own actions and words. On occasion we meet up with each other, and after reliving the camp highlights, all express a desire to be back again. They have come to value Christian fellowship. The Psalmist must have had them in mind thus: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.. . For there the Lord commanded the blessing — life forever.” (Psalm 133:1-3, NASB) The Lord bless and keep our youth, and raise in them a mighty faith that they be strong pillars of His church. We, in turn, are called upon to support, build, and guide their faith both with our spiritual and monetary resources, so that God’s blessing be upon us, our children, and grandchildren. Rev. Louis Medgyesi UCC Camp Director MEETING OF THE AMERICAN HUNGARIAN PRESBYTER'S ASSOCIATION The 43rd Annual Conference of the American Hungarian Presbyter’s Association was held in Ligonier, PA on September 3rd and 4th. Delegates from the various congregations arrived already on Saturday, September 2nd, and the first evening was spent together as a time of getting to know each others. The meeting was opened with a Divine Service of Thanksgiving on September 3rd in the Ligonier Chapel, where the representatives mingled with the occupants of the Bethlen Home, calling upon the name of the Lord, for a successful meeting, and Christian fellowship. The official meeting started after a delicious lunch offered by the Bethlen Home. Following the opening devotions, Roll Call was taken, reports of the Secretaries, Treasurer and Vice-Presidents were made. Members from the different delegations were asked to report on individual congregational activities, which gave an opportunity of all to see the different problems, difficulties and solutions in these matters. During the afternoon hours the President of the American Hungarian Presbyter’s Association introduced the guest speaker, the Rt. Rev. John Butosi, who in these days spends his time in retirement in Ligonier, PA in the newly built Retirement Cottages. Dr. Butosi’s subject was “Long Range Planning in the Local Church.” The delegates enjoyed the well delivered, much substentive presentation. Many questions have been asked and answered during the time of discussion. Following the presentation of the main speaker, the Chair has appointed the appropriate committees, and asked to continue their work. The evening closed with an old fashion outdoor picnic at the Behtlen Home. The second day of the meeting opened exactly according to schedule, and handled some of the subjects postponed from the first day schedule. Early in the morning report was given on the Youth Conference held this August jointly by the two denominations in Laurelville, PA. Rev. Louis Medgyesi and Miss Priscilla Hunyady co-camp directors offered their encouragement to the congregations to send their young people to Youth Camp. Attendance this year was somewhat lower than in previous years, but the subject matter, and interest of the young people made this another successful conference. A short report was also given on our Mission work, especially toward South America. Dr. Butosi, who was a member of the Mission Committee of the Minister’s Conference encouraged the congregations to support the worthwhile causes arising not only in South America, but throughout the world. The meeting arrived at this point to the Committee reports: Financial Committee members reported that all monies entrusted to the treasurer has been accouned for, and should be accepted. The Recommendation Committee made the following report: 1. Recommended that the Churches promote and support Youth Camps, Registration Fees and travel expenses to the annual summer camp. 2. Recommended that the Ministers report at their monthly meetings on all their pastoral visits to regular members-shut-ins, inactive members, youth and potential Church members. 3. Recommended that the Church Elders and Members continue spiritual growth through personal and group Bible Studies. 4. Recommended that all Churches promote Summer Vacation Bible School for their children. 5. Recommended that the Presbyter’s Association donate $50 to the Bethlen Home and Archives $200 to the Summer Youth Camp for Special Activities $100 to aid the refugees from Transylvania, Rumania $50 to Hungarian re-settlement of Refugees in the two location in the US.
