Bethlen Naptár, 1984 (Ligonier)
Kálvin Egyházkerület
98 BETHLEN NAPTÁR to be petitioned for our legal consolidation. For this purpose we are working on our new Charter and By-Laws. The congregational meetings were preceeded by the joyful celebration of our union at a common worship service, and were followed by a delicious and cheerful thanksgiving luncheon. These events were also highlighted by the services and participation of our distinguished guests and will ever be remembered by our happy, beautiful people. Much could also be said about the “courtship period” of this “marriage,” the common worship services, the common celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and the evei strengthening ties of love and friendship among our people. It is even more important, however, to understand the theological significance of this event in the life of our church. Sixty-one years ago the breach that sinfully di/ided the Church of Jesus Christ among Hungarian Reformed Christians was initiated by our forefathers among the very walls of our McKeesport Sanctuary. On June 26, 1983, some generations later, by the grace of God, among the same walls, a unique event of great historic and theological significance was celebrated. THE UNION OF THE TWO CHURCHES WAS IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY THE HEALING OF THAT ANCIENT BREACH: IT WAS THE HEALING OF ONE OF THE WOUNDS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. In Isaiah 58:12 we read, “And our ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” The office and function of the Christian Church in the world is that of a repairer and restorer. Repairer of the breach between man and God, between nations, classes, generations, members of broken families, broken churches, man and man. The Church should also function as a restorer of “streets,” through reconstructing the ways of communication, mutual exchange and comunity spirit among enstranged parties. Every single congregation of the Universal Body of Christ should function as a repairer and restorer. In 1983 we rejoice and give thanks and glory to God, because we believe that this description and promise fits our united church in a modest and humble but special way. ^ e read and understand Isaiah 58:12 as God’s forgiveness and absolution of the sins of the fathers, and our similar tendencies, and as His most gracious promise for the future of our new Church. On the basis of His promise we can already visualize the beautiful house of worship God will help us to build to the glory of His Holy Name. Behind our story there are people: God’s people, faithful, hard-working, praying church leaders and members. May they ever be blessed. D.V. you will hear about us more next year.
