Magyar Egyház, 2006 (85. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

2006-10-01 / 4. szám

4. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Report of the Bishop on the 2006 General Assembly of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America Ontario, California, November 18, 2006. Beloved Members of the General Assembly of the Synod! Dear Chief Elder Beke! Dear officers, pastors and elders of the Synod! Dear honored guests! Dear Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ! I choose to open this report in the words of the Apostle. In 2.Peter 1:19 he writes, “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; ” Through his words, the Apostle Peter makes it evident that the Holy Spirit is at work in his life. We know to be true that in Biblical times, it was not unusual for the Holy Spirit to ascend on prophets, pastors, apostles and the like. His utmost goal for you, and for myself and for these congregations before us, is to take His words and use them for His glory. “His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. ” Since the General Assembly held on November 23, 2002 the following changes have been made. Eastern Classis: The Reformed Church in America’s con­gregation in New Brunswick,NJ, lawfully and through the Lord’s blessings joined the Hungarian Reformed Church in America in January 2003. The General Assembly of the Classis took into con­sideration the existence of several congregations. After much de­liberation, it was decided that the following congregations would cease to exist: The congregations in Linden,NJ, Peeskill,NY, Ro­­seton,NY, Warrenville,CT are no longer functioning as members of the Hungarian Reformed Church. Central Classis: The Oshawa,ONT.Canada church has separated from its mother church in Toronto, Canada and subse­quently stepped out from our denomination. Western Classis: a. After a two year break, the Dallas,TX and Houston,TX congregations, with the dedication of Rev.Ferenc Gaál, have once again begun a work in the church, and are rebuilding their commu­nity for Christ. b. As a result of the dedication and great servitude of Dean Sándor Szabó new churches have emerged in Denver,CO, Honolulu,HI and Seattle,WA. In accordance with the By-Laws of our church, with the assistance and hard work of many pastors, I was able to visit all of the congregations within the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, with the exception of the mission congregations in San Diego,CA and Rochester,NY. I would like to remind each one of us; that our actions, thoughts and works should be governed by one alone, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only, with this focus that our congregations and the entirety of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America can reach its true potential and its goals. The standards for this state­ment come from the BIBLE and it is cmcial that we understand that no individual member, pastor, elder or office holder has the power above this to change any portion of the By-Laws of this Church and as faithful followers of the Lord we must obey these By-Laws. Additionally, each time the pastors as well as church council members meet in conferences, this serves to strengthen the work and live of our congregations. The production and distribu­tion of our official newsletter, Magyar Egyház-Magyar Church, as well as monthly newsletters, bulletins and other announcements within individual congregations, also serve to cement our churches in mind and spirit. Despite our small size, our congregations have made a large impact in missions for the homeless, as well as survivors of floods, donations to schools as well as working to strengthen and build our partner churches. In keeping contact and support for our partner churches in the states, we have worked toward a time to meet, together with the partner church and share in worship to­gether. In accordance with the By-Laws, I have sent letters my colleagues as representation that we, working together, have filled the duties of our positions. Consequently, I could not have com­pleted my duties without the heartfelt dedication and faith of the following: Mr.Antal C. Beke, Chief Elder, Rt.Rev.Sándor Szabó, Ecclesiastical Secretary, Ms.Priscilla Hunyady, Treasurer, Very Rev.Dr.Imre Bertalan, Ecumenical Secretary and Rev.Árpád Dró­tos, Rev.Ambrus Batiz Members of the Ministerial Qualifying Committee for the Synod. From the Eastern Classis: Very Rev.Barnabás Rőczey, Dean, Frank Király, Chief Elder. From the Central Classis: Very Rev.Ferenc Varga, Dean, Mr.Mihály Szokol, Chief Elder. From the Western Classis: RtRev.Sándor Szabó, Dean, Mr.Zsolt Demeter, Chief Elder. Additionally, I would like to ex­tend warm gratitude to those associated with the labor for the pub­lication of the “Magyar Egyház- Magyar Church” newsletter: Rev. Bálint Nagy, Editor and Rt.Rev.Sándor Szabó, Co-Editor and busi­ness manager, Very Rev.Ferenc Varga, Rev.Árpád Drótos and Rev.Lajos Fábián, members of the editorai board as well as the work of the printer, AD PRINT (Phoenix, AZ.) Over my four years of service, as Bishop, each year I par­ticipated as a consultant for the Hungarian Reformed Consultant Synod as well as at the Hungarian Reformed World Federation conferences. As a consultant at each event, I presented the accom­plishments of each of our congregations and of the Hungarian Re­formed Church in America as a whole. I officially announced my retirement on August 1, 2006. However, I will continue to work along side the newly appointed pastor, Rev.Dr.Sándor Tenke and assist my congregation until the appointment of the new Bishop. Rev.Dr.Sándor Tenke was elected pastor of the church by a congregational vote and began his servi­tude at the church on October 15, 2006. In the name of the General Assembly, I would like to thank the congregation of the Ontario Church, Rt.Rev.Sándor Szabó, Pastor-Dean, Mrs.Ilona Péter, Chief Elder as well as the work of the Church Council members. I pray the Lord’s blessings on the Rt.Rev.Sándor Szabó, Bishop, and Mr.Anthony C. Beke, Chief Elder as well the newly appointed Officers of the Synod. May the Lord bless your work and your lives, as you continue to follow His teaching and work for His glory. May our Lord continue to shepherd the 29 congregations within the Hungarian Reformed Church in America and continue to bless the faithful, and hard working within each congregation. It is with heartfelt sympathy that we remember those who are no longer with us. Rev.Ollie Benko-Hali, Rev.Mária Babos, whose dedication the Chinese missions will be missed and is greatly appreciated. May their memories be honored. “ Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!” Psalm 100:2 Andor Demeter, Bishop

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