Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1969-11-01 / 11. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

15

President’s

Page

Rev. Dr. John Bütösi

THE PASTOR’S RETREAT was a use- ful occasion for the 28 ministers and the 10-12 visitors who attended it on October 20, 21 and 22 in the Holiday Inn of Ligonier, Pa. At a time when the very existence of the congregational structure is questioned in many Christian circles, the participants of the retreat never questioned that the church lives in local congregations who are fed by God’s word in worship services and serve their Lord by their obedience in their daily vocation. At a time when assimilation and acculturalization are still hunting concepts in many ecclesiastical circles, the retreat unanimously agreed to remain Hungarian Reformed without apology in the fellowship of the Christian Church. The whole atmosphere was free, friendly and constructive. The critical analysis of our churches showed us frightening depths in the lives of the pastors as well as in the struggles of the congregations, but there was a conscientious effort to recapture the scriptural attitude of “punished, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (II Cor. 6:9-10). It was particularly refreshing that we had ministers of the new generation (in their twenties) as well as retired pastors who looked back to a fruitful ministry of several decades. It was tentatively accepted that the Synod meeting will continue this subject and discuss two pertinent topics: “The New Minister in a Changing World” and “The New Churchmen in a Changing World.” — Consistories were asked to reimburse the pastors!...

PETER BORSAY was remembered in the Pastor’s Retreat as the Synod President presented the “Székely Ákos Medal” on behalf of the Synod to his parents, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. László Bor- say. Mrs. R. Almasi (the former Helen Borsay), her husband and Rev. L. L. Borsay were also present.

ELECTION. The Rev. Louis M. Molnár was elected pastor of the First Hungarian Reformed (UCC) Church in New York City on Nov. 2, 1969. ($6,000 basic salary, $864 pension and Family Protection Plan, $300 partial Social Security payment, $280 for hospitalization, $250 traveling expenses, parsonage with all utilities, one month vacation.) Rev. Molnár will assume his position as of November 15, 1969. — Rev. Bela Sóhajda also started his ministry in Kalamazoo, Mich, on Oct. 15. (Salary: $4,500 cash, $666 Pension, $500 other, parsonage with utilities.)

THE PRINCETON SEMINAR is shaping up. It will start at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 13 and conclude at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 14. On the first day there will be a lecture and discussion on contemporary theology and another session will be devoted to a preaching seminar. These will be led by professors of the Princeton Seminary while the evening will be devoted to informal fellowship. On the second day Rev. Dr. Tibor Chikes will deliver two lectures on “The Ministry As Profession” followed by discussion. Meal and lodging will cost approximately $15.00 for the two days and the registration deadline is January 1, 1970.

DUAL MEMBERSHIP was discussed in a recent Conference Council meeting and after a careful examination of the problem the Council reached the decision that dual membership for pastors as well as congregations means “fellowship,” that no financial contribution or reimbursement is expected. Of course, voting power or official participation is also excluded. But “fellowship” means full, voluntary co-operation in the work of the Synod because of its inherent values.

INSTALLATIONS: The Rev. Alexander Babos was installed pastor of our Grace Community Church in Bethlehem, Pa. on October 19. Rev. Bela Szigethy preached in Hungarian while the Synod President preached and conducted the installation in English. The choir of our Coatesville, Pa. church also participated in the service and we greatly rejoiced in their presence!

VACANCIES: (1) Dayton, Ohio as of Jan. 1, 1970. Call Synod President! (2) Gary, Ind. Administrator: Rev. Dr. A. Ludwig, East Chicago, Ind.

DO YOU NEED HYMNALS? Our Flint, Mich, congregation has 48 new E&R hymnals which they are willing to sell for $2.50 per copy. If you are interested call Dr. J. Zsiros, 1817 Delaware Ave., Flint, Mich. 48506.

TRIP TO HUNGARY. Under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Bessemer a charter flight is planned to Hungary from July 28 to August 28, 1970. Members of our Calvin Synod churches may take advantage of this opportunity. Further details will be published at a later date.

IN BRIDGEPORT our Laurel Avenue United Church of Christ will celebrate its 65th anniversary on November 23 under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Dr.

S. M. Bessemer. The Clinton Ave. First UCC where Rev. E. Nagy is the pastor will have its Diamond Jubilee on Nov. 16.

IF YOU KNOW the whereabout of Rev. Charles Gulyas (born in 1902), please notify the Synod President.

THE NEW ADDRESS of Dr. and Mrs. Ben M. Herbster is 855 Pondway Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45419.

THE SYNOD PRESIDENT was appointed by the Executive Council to serve on the UCC delegation to the Uniting Assembly of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the International Congregational Council at University College, Nairobi, Kenya, August

Rev. Francis Vitéz, Editor 493 Amboy Avenue Pertli Amboy, N. J. 08861

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