Magyar Egyház, 2000 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000 / 2. szám
MAGTAB EGYHÁZ I. oldal admittance. Are we a perfect church community? Far from it. Do we ever get frustrated in our church work? More than occasionally. However, I am convinced that God still has something in store for the H.R.C.A. At the turning of the centuries, we have great things to remember and, at the same time, we have great things to look forward to. In the 21st century, denominations won’t be held together by budgetary figures and by programs and policies, but by a vision that we are a church called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. On our agenda, provision is made for reports of our constituents by their representatives. For that reason, I will restrict myself to a few remarks that 1 feel should make concerning the life of our congregations. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: The last year of the millennium has been good to the small parish. Decrease of membership by death is offset by gain of new members. For Pastor Ronald Hari’s visit to Slovenia, the place of his origin that he has not seen since 1979, served as an inspiration. On his 52nd birthday, he was presented with a beautiful robe made in Hungary. Each season of the church year is observed in a meaningful way, celebration and sharing being the two guiding principles in the outreach to their community. Carteret, New Jersey: Celebrated its 96th Anniversary. Sunday School, Confirmation instruction, Bible study gains a special emphasis. The Lorantffy Society did not grow weary in helping the church through many social activities. Pastor Peter Toth, after 10 years of faithful ministry, tendered his resignation having accepted a call from the Norridge, IL congregation. In addition to his parish work, Pastor Toth rendered invaluable community services. He was instrumental in building a strong fellowship among the pastors of the area. As the vacancy occurred, I appointed The Right Reverend Stephen Torok to assume the responsibility of the supervising pastor. He consented and took proper steps toward providing the continuity of the pastoral service. Pastor Torok knows the needs of congregation. The congregation in this interim time is therefore in good hands. Linden, New Jersey: In preparation of this meeting, I called on Pastor Ambrus Batiz. He is unable to attend our meeting because of the serious illness of his wife Marika. He himself underwent three operations. The pastor reports that in spite of the difficult circumstances, obligations were met, and the building complex underwent extensive repairs. The pastoral service was carried on with the help of faithful and willing members. Let us lend our prayerful support to the pastor and his family in their tribulations. Miami, Florida: Reverends László and Eva Lukacsi regret that due to the distance, they are unable to attend the Classis meeting. They express their desire to be a part of the fellowship, which we have in the Eastern Classis. Miami seems to be very stable in membership and increasingly active in the ministry toward young and old. It offers a warm and hospitable atmosphere to visitors from far and near places. Their contribution to mission activities reaches out to brethren of our faith in the entire Carpathian Basin and amounts to 35 thousand dollars. László and Eva have been serving the Lord in the Miami congregation for five years. New Brunswick, New Jersey: It is with great joy that we hold this meeting in the sanctuary of a congregation that is a living example of how to strengthen the fellowship and witness of the Hungarian Reformed churches. While retaining full membership in the Reformed Church in America, the New Brunswick congregation found the pattern of working and serving together with sister congregations of the HRCA. Considering its geographical location, it is rightfully expected that the vitality of the New Brunswick Church will be primarily felt in our Eastern Classis. In addition to the missionary targets of both denominations, it lends support to the Hungarian School, the Bethlen Home, and New Brunswick Seminary. Seminary students benefit from the Kosa and Niksh foundations. Perth Amboy, New Jersey: The congregation observed several anniversaries: 96th anniversary of the church, 60th anniversary of the introduction of the English language church service, and Mrs. Lillian Banyacsky’s celebration of her 50th year as organist and musical director of the church. The emphasis is on Christian education: a wellrounded Christian education for children and adult members. The needs of the elderly are served by offering each Sunday morning transportation to and from church services. The 21st Century Committee is eagerly anticipating and preparing to serve the spiritual needs of the people of God in the new millennium. Roebling, New Jersey: Chief Elder Allan Birkholz and his fellow elders shared some anxious days and nights due to the unexpected turn of events which led to the resignation of pastor Edwin Stern. Who else could the Dean call upon than the former pastor of the congregation, the Right Reverend Stephen Torok, whose special skills seem to be that of solving problems evolving around church and pastor relationships? The trying period finally ended when soon to be ordained supply pastor Leslie E. Martin accepted the call. He and his wife Linda moved into the congregation of faithful people. Highlight of church events was the Annual Church Women United Conference sponsored by the Women’s Guild. Trenton, New Jersey: The celebration of the year took place in our Trenton Church when on
