Magyar Egyház, 2005 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

2005-07-01 / 3. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

3. oldal

HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA

Dear Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ!

It is my duty to report the more eminent activities and accomplishments of the American Hungarian Reformed Church, in the past year (June 10, 2004 -June 10, 2005). All accomplishments were made with the spirit of God and the Holy Bible leading our pa

We know, that the work we can do for our church is to have faith and follow Jesus’ teachings as well as follow in his footsteps when we determine our actions and life choices. Yet, we also know that life has its difficulties and it is not always easy to keep our faith strong. However, we need to remember that even in the most trying of times, God’s word and the church were still able to shine light upon the people and relay the message of God.

In the past, we have wondered: What now? The only answer to that question is to do the same as we always have; with God watching over us and following Jesus’ teachings.

In the United States as well as anywhere else in this world, whether our language is Hungarian, English, Spanish, Italian, German etc., the teachings of our church and our beliefs remain the same. We all strive to do our work in the name and Spirit of the Lord.

It has been my duty to uphold communication with my co-workers and I have sent each of them a copy of my legal documents. I thank them for their dedication and work.

My duties:

Bishop’s Visit: Central Classes: Duquesne, McKeesport, Toronto. Eastern Classes: Bethlehem, Carteret, New Brunswick, New York, Perth Amboy, Roebling, Staten Island, Trenton. Western Classes: Hollywood, Ontario, San Francisco. We thank the Lord that the pastors, presbyters, congregations, and elders can work together in harmony for our church.

I greatly appreciate the work of, the three deans, Very Rev. Barnabás Röczey, Very Rev. Ferenc Varga, and Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó for organizing the Bishop’s visit. Further, Mr. Anthony C. Beke Chief Elder, and the three Elders of the Eastern Classes: Mr. Frank Király, the Central Classes: Mr. Mihály Szokol, Western Classes: Mr. Zsolt Demeter. Also, I thank Rev. Bálint Nagy, Editor of the “Magyar Egyház Magyar Church,” Rt. Rev, Sándor Szabó, Co-Editor and business manager and the Editorial Board: Rev. Lajos Fábián, Rev. Árpád Drotos, and Very Rev. Frank Varga.

I participated in the Western Classis annual presbyter’s conference. I was the guest of the San Francisco area Hungarian Reformed Church’s congregations.

In Pápa, Hungary I recounted to, the World Federation of Reformed Churches, The Consultative Synod of the Hungarian Reformed Churches and The World Federation Hungarian Reformed Churches, the works of our church. Rev. Dr. Attila Kocsis invited me to participate in the Eastern Classis pastors conference. I reported the works and accomplishments of the Western Classis.

I solemnly report that it was the wish of the Lord to call to him Rt. Rev Dr. Ferenc Vitéz , the pastor of the Perth Amboy congregation, and former Bishop of the Calvin Synod, Rt. Rev. Paul Mező, the pastor of the Toronto congregation and Honorary Ecclesial Secretary of the Hungarian Reformed in America, and Mrs. Margaret Ábrahám, esteemed wife of Rt. Rev. Dezső Ábrahám. Blessed be their memory. I have included a letter for each of their families.

I announce the following:

1. The Synod’s Ministerial Qualifying Committee has qualified Rev. Eva Mező to take on the role of her late father, Rt. Rev. Paul Mező, pending her election. Currently she is serving as the “acting minister” until a decision is made. I ask God’s blessing on her life’s work.

2. In the Western Region’s of Dallas and Houston, Rev. Ferenc Gaál has been entrusted to serve the congregation. We hope that his new position will be successful. We ask for God’s mercy and blessing upon the congregation and it’s young pastor.

3. Iam happy to report that, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó, there has been a Hungarian Reformed Church established in Seattle, Washington. The swearing in will be conducted by the Bishop on June 26th, 2005.

4. Also under Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó a new congregation was formed in Denver, Colorado. God bless the new congregation. We appreciate the reverend’s work.

5. Former dean’s of the Eastern Classes Rt. Rev. István Török has agreed to act as the pastor of the two congregations Carteret,NJ and Staten Island,NY. We ask God’s blessing upon his work.

“ Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28).

Thank you for your time and patience, and I ask that you accept my report.

Respectfully,

Andor Demeter, Bishop.

Az Amerikai Magyar Református Egyház hívő népe és a szolgálatra megbízott tisztségviselők nevében Isten iránti háládatosság lelkületével köszöntjük megalakulása 90. évét ünneplő New Brunswick-i Magyar Református Egyház bizonyságtevő hívő tagjait, a gyülekezet presbitériumát, vezetőségét élen Nt. Rőczey Barnabás lelkipásztor-esperest és Samok János iogondnok testvérünket. A továbbiakban is életükre és munkájukra a jó Isten gazdag áldását kéijük.

“Szolgáljatok az Úrnak örvendezéssel; menjetek eléje vígassággal. Mert jó az Úr, örökkévaló az ő kegyelme... ” (Zsolt. 100:2,5)

Testvéretek az Úr Jézus Krisztusban. Békesség Istentől!

Demeter Andor, püspök Beke C.Antal, fógondnok

In the name of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, its faithful members and leaders, we greet the Hungarian Reformed Church of New Brunswick and its congregation lead by Very Rev. Barnabás Rőczey, Pastor and Dean, and by Mr. János Samok, Chief- Elder, when they commemorate the 90th year of their establishment. We ask God’s rich blessings on the life and work of the congregation.

„Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.. .For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;"

(Psalm 100:2,5)

Your brothers in Jesus Christ,

Andor Demeter, Bishop Anthony C.Beke, Chief-Elder