Magyar Egyház, 2005 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2005-07-01 / 3. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 7. oldal Dear fellow Christians, The 59th Annual Conference of the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter’s Association was held on September 4-5, 2005 at the Bethlen Home Conference Room in Ligonier, PA. Thank you to all who took the time to travel from around the country to attend this annual meeting. The following is a condensed version of the events of the meeting. After the initial registration process on Sunday morning, we attended church service in the Chapel. The meeting began with the officers giving their reports followed by the reports from various congregations about their activities. Following a great lunch in the dining hall of the Bethlen Home, our guest speaker gave her presentation. Sandy Crumrine, from the Valley Youth Network in Ligonier, shared her experiences working with the Youth in the community. She is a wonderful, caring person that God is using to make a positive difference in young people’s lives. Following later was the report from the Bethlen Home given by Rev. Bertalan and Mr. Michael Walker. The administrators, staff, and residents of the Bethlen Communities make these facilities a beautiful and loving place like no other that I’ve seen. The Youth Conference report was given by Priscilla Hunyadi and Bishop Karl Ludwig. The annual camp continues to be a great success. There are numerous positive things that were shared about the camp. It is a place where young people can look forward to going to continue to learn the Word of God in a loving, Christian environment. A special memorial prayer followed remembering church leaders who have recently passed away. The meeting was later adjourned until the following morning. Dinner was served in the dining hall of the Bethlen Home. That evening, the traditional hospitality suite was held at the Ramada in the room of Barbara Vágott and Deneise Oroszvary. Snacks and refreshments were provided along with music and singing by Rev. Leslie Martin. The meeting continued on Monday morning with the Recommendations Committee presenting their list. Following discussions, the final list of recommendations were approved as shown. The goal of recommendation 4 for the donation to the hurricane fund was achieved from a collection during our meeting. The closing of the meeting was followed by the Worship Service with Communion that was held in the new building. A picnic was held at the pavilion with the staff serving some delicious cooked food. Thank you again to the Ministers, Presbyters and Guests for taking part and attending, and to the Staff of the Bethlen Communities for their gracious hospitality. Yours in Christ, Frank B. Király AMERICAN HUNGARIAN REFORMED PRESBYTERS’ ASSOCIATION 2005 RECOMMENDATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT The Committee Recommends the Following: 1. That the American Reformed Presbyters’ Association makes a donation of $750.00 over a 5-year period to the Bethlen Home toward the purchase of a memorialized item. 2. That the American Reformed Presbyters’ Association makes a donation of $150.00 to the Youth Camp as a token in recognition of the splendid work of the leadership and counselors. 3. That the Association raises Presbyters’ dues to $2.00. The by-laws were amended to reflect this change. 4. That the Association hold a special collection this morning for hurricane relief to equal $500.00, the beneficiary of the funds to be determined by the executive committee. 5. That every church should hold an annual Bethlen Home Sunday. This would involve hosting a speaker from the Bethlen Home and serving a simple lunch. 6. That the minister, with the Chief Elder or another Elder, personally visit their churches’ members annually and utilize the youth of the congregation in these efforts whenever and wherever possible. 7. That an annual Christian Education Workshop be held. A minister will oversee the workshop. All member churches should be notified well in advance so those wishing to attend could make arrangements. 8. That all churches actively promote Youth Fellowship. 9. That all churches actively promote mission and outreach projects. 10. That a copy of these recommendations be sent to all churches to be read to the congregations. Further, we request these recommendations be published in the Calvin Synod Herald and Magyar Egyház along with the Presbyters’ meeting report. Recommendation Committee Ernie Marczi - Frank Dudás - Eugene Rutkowski - Oscar Hawaii - Wilburn Roby Praying in Jesus’ Name in the Government South Carolina's attorney general says he will not tell local governments whether they can pray before their meetings. At least two groups are urging local boards and councils to stop using the name of Jesus Christ in prayers at public meetings in the state. The challenges follow the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal filed by the town of Great Falls, which was fighting a lawsuit brought by a Wiccan priestess. The American Civil Liberties Union asked Attorney General Henry McMaster to offer cities guidance on what invocations are legal, and McMaster sided with Great Falls. However, John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, believes invoking a specific deity is protected under certain circumstances. "If it's a personal council member who gets up and does it on his own, it’s fine," Whitehead says. "But I think if a corporate entity such as a city council writes a prayer and they ended it, say, in Jesus' name or even Allah's name, it will probably be found unconstitutional." Jim Brown, Agape Press
