Calvin Synod Herald, 1973 (73. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1973-06-01 / 6-7. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 7 a) To develop, recommend and advocate appropriate strategies of compensatory action to deal with institutional racism in our present divided churches and in proposals for future structures of the Church of Christ Uniting. b) To set and advocate the adoption of specific goals, guidelines, and timetables for compensatory action at every level of life of the churches participating in the Consultation, utilizing the concerns and resources from the Memphis plenary. c) To review, evaluate, and report on actions taken by the churches in the area of institutional racism. d) To affirm the presence of the black experience and the experience of other ethnic minorities and their role in dealing with institutional racism. e) To develop plans and programs designed to equip the constituency to deal with institutional racism as an instrument of injustice for which whites bear special responsibility requiring the development of a new white consciousnes of the same depth and magnitude as the problem itself. We recognize that the experience of institutional racism in our member churches is a barrier to church union and that compensatory action is essential to any viable strategy for dealing with it. 8. That the “Guidelines for Interim Eucharistic Fellowship” document be confirmed and commended to the member communions for distribution to the churches as they seek to grow together as a community of faith. We believe the Interim Eucharistic Fellowship is an effective sign of reconciliation when its participants have committed themselves to an inclusive fellowship of faith and action. 9. That we refer to the Executive Committee our urgent concern that seminaries and seminarians be concerned with the issues we have identified as indispensable to the future life of the Church of Christ Uniting, requesting that strategies be devised to implement full engagement between the Consultation on Church Union and the total seminary community. Suggestions for possible action might include such items as the following: a) Inter-seminary dialogue around the issues of the COCU Plan, models and strategies. b) An inter-seminary exchange program for students to study at other COCU related seminaries for a term. c) Experiment with contextual training for seminarians in a parish-cluster setting, with the parish ministers and laity in a study-problem-solving motif.--------------------------------------^Jlie ^yfla^yar l^jeAáialtS Our weeping is more bitter; More piercing torments try us. A thousandfold Messiahs Are Hungary’s Messiahs. A thousandfold they perish, Unblest their crucifixion — For vain is their affliction, Ah, vain is their affliction! Endre Ady Translated by Watson Kirkconnell TRIPLE CELEBRATIONS AT BRIDGEPORT On June 3rd, Sunday morning special anniversary worship services were held in the beautiful sanctuary of the Bridgeport United Church of Christ. It was a very impressive scene when 85 members of the Ladies Aid Society dressed in white walked into the church of God to commemorate their 60th anniversary. Bishop István Szamosközi from Budapest preached the Hungarian and Arpad George from Washington preached the English sermons. At 12:00 noon a large crowd surrounded the 3 year old fellowship hall and religious education building originally named “Parish Center” for its rededication. Alex Bero, Jr., chief-elder, on the 3rd anniversary occasion, gave the key to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Bessemer, pastor to open the door of the newly named “Bessemer Center.” The following ministers officiated in the rededication service: Bishop István Szamosközi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Bessemer, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Butosi and Rt. Rev. Arpad George. The same persons participated in the Unveiling Services of the Memorial Table donated by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szanto in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szanto, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fedor; the Memorial Book donated by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hanz in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Szokody, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hanz, Mrs. Elizabeth Poruban, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Krisak, Mr. and Mrs. Bertalan Horvath and Miss Betty Poruban. The installation was done by Mr. John Joseph Erdos. At the banquet Mr. Alex Bero, Jr., chief-elder introduced Mr. Stevan Dohanos, nationally known artist as toastmaster. At the banquet three of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of Ladies Societies gave each a $1,000 donation to the church. All the organizations of the congregation and the neighboring church and Ladies Society representatives after extending their greetings gave their respective donations to the church. All the proceeds of the Triple Celebration were transferred to the Mortgage Fund and will be used toward payment of the mortgage given by the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. The Ladies Aid Society of its past 60 years’ income of $253,909.46, donated to the church $143,- 121.27 and $10,391.54 toward charity. Mrs. Joseph Furjesz made and donated a Beautiful Cake shaped as a Bible. The members of the Women’s Guild and Ladies Aid Society prepared the delicious Roast Beef Dinner which was served by the girls of the Youth Fellowship and Choir. Mr. Frank Bero gave very special help. The Bessemer Center is an artistically designed solid building with central heating and air-conditioning systems. The kitchen has modern equipment; the stage and windows are covered with expensive drapes; the fellowship hall and Sunday school rooms have the most modem furnishings. Dr. Bessemer delivered his first sermon to the congregation on Januar}' 1, 1924. Following his
