Calvin Synod Herald, 1974 (74. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1974-10-01 / 10-11. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 7 Camp Kanesatake, 1974 Twenty-five years ago, the Calvin Synod held its first youth conference. During that time, many youths from Chicago to Connecticut have attended. The camp has been held in several places, such as Mench Mill, Camp Luther, and Camp Kanesatake, just to name a few. However, Camp Kanesatake seems to be the favorite because of its beautiful setting in the hills of Pennsylvania, and more than adequate facilities. The theme this year was, “Quo vadis, Youth?” or, “Where are you going? Many things have changed in twenty-five years but there are so many things that need to be changed that the youth of today find it difficult to even survive, let alone change things that need to be changed. At camp, we realized that our Christian faith can really help us in our fight to make the world a better place. Those who attended camp agreed that within our own churches there is a need to develop youth work in order to make our churches strong and to help them to continue to grow. We are willing to fight to stay alive and we ask for the cooperation of our congregations to help us to maintain our beliefs in our church, and to continue to be proud in our Hungarian Heritage. We had several excellent speakers who spoke to us on where the church has been and where we hope it will go. Along with the main speaker, discussion groups proved to be quite helpful in understanding the role of the Christian youth in today’s world. As part of the evening program several workshops were offered that enabled the camper to understand some of his Hungarian background. Such workshops as Hungarian Language by Rev. Vitéz, Hungarian Folk Dancing by Andy Uzonyi, and Hungarian Cooking by Rev. Zoltán Kovács were among the many excellent workshops presented by the experienced leaders. Rut there is a need to present more workshops that have to do with our Hungarian heritage. Maybe something about the Revolution, and history of Hungary, or Quo vadis, Hungary. If you think you might be able to conduct a workshop, please get in touch with Rev. Arpad Antal. Although camp got off to a slow start, when Saturday rolled around, there was an atmosphere of love. For Christ had once again touched the hearts of those who were there. The joyful noise that can be heard after meals, the quiet serenity that can be felt during vespers, and the feeling of content and warmth felt during the singing of taps are all parts of camp that make it very worthwhile. We invite you to attend next year, for we would like to know where you are going, and where you have been. “You fill up my senses ...” —Melody Toth CAMP REPORT This past summer, from August 11-17, I attended Camp Kanesatake, the Youth Camp in Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania. I went to camp with Rev. Vitéz and Imre, who was known as “The Gopher” to many fellow campers because he had to “go for” many things. I really enjoyed myself this year and I hope to attend next year if possible. I have made many friends from other states, and learned about their churches and congregations. Each day we had a main speaker at the Rec. Hall. The lectures were very interesting and, following the lectures, the young people were able to express their opinions and ask questions. Rev. Vitez’s lecture about where we have come from was very interesting and gave you a lot to think about. After the lectures, our camp theme was brought up. “Quo Vadis, Youth?” which means: “Where Are You Going?” The discussion was focused on self-examination: Did we care about our past and were we willing to be involved in forming the future? Our conclusions were that it was important to care about the future enough to get involved with it. I wish to express my thanks to the Sunday School for providing me with a ten dollar scholarship for camp. I also would like to thank Reverend for taking me to camp because I really enjoyed being there. I urge others to accompany us to camp next year because you have the opportunity to make new friends and learn new things and it’s just a great experience. Thank you. Report submitted by Mary Sue Silagyi, a member of the John Calvin Magyar Reformed Church, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Rally Day, September 29, 1974. Grace at the Dedication of the New Parish Hall Woodbridge, New Jersey Lord our God who hast promised that wherever and whenever two or three gather in Thy name Thou wilt be among them, may we all feel Thy presence with us in this place. Thou art here, indeed, so Thou hearest our thanks for this new building and for the stewardship which made its erection possible: for the planners and for the builders, for all who gave time, talent and money; for the dreams, for the prayers, and for the efforts. As we are here to use this building for the very first time may we truly feel that it was Thy will to build, otherwise we could not have accomplished this work. We know that if Thou dost not build the house our work is in vain.—And whenever this house is being used, hallow it with Thy presence at all times. If children are told about the love of Jesus, hallow the school of salvation. If groups of young people, or men or women meet here, hallow their study as well as their recreation. If it be used for the good of the community hallow their endeavors. If the
