Calvin Synod Herald, 1979 (79. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1979-01-01 / 1-2. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 5 $1.00 per year for the next several years, — the absolute minimum of expenditures would be about $25,000.00 (utilities, insurance, custodian, office, temporary parttime worker and work). A more efficient operation would cost us approximately $32,000.00 — including a full-time Center Director. But if we would like to give a chance to the whole concept (including the start of the “Heritage Center), a realistic budget would be in the neighborhood of $45-50,000.00. These figures are based on careful budget making. How do we expect to raise this money? If the Synod churches would be willing to give $3.00 per each reported member, we would have about $15,-000.00; perhaps from the Synod Fund interest we can add to this $5-7,000.00; which means that with such “sacrifice” the Synod alone would almost be able to meet the absolute minimum level. If the Hungarian Reformed Church in America and other churches volunteer similar support, the more efficient operation is assured by the “sacrifice” of the churches alone. But individuals and other organizations have already indicated their vital interest and sacrifice, which makes the full operation of the Center a distinct possibility. In short: IF WE RECAPTURE THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF THE BETHLEN HOME AND SUPPORT THE CENTER WITH A MODEST $3-5.00 PER MEMBER YEARLY DONATION, WE SAVE THE BETHLEN HOME AND SECURE A VIABLE CENTER FOR OUR PTJTURE. If we miss this opportunity, it is not likely that we would ever build an edifice similar to this one. WHAT ABOUT PURCHASING THE HOME? The official proposal of the Conference Council prepared by our lawyer, which is under consideration now, proposes that the Synod should be given an option during the lease period of 5 years to purchase the Home at a price to be agreed upon between the Federation and the Synod. Our feeling is that it is not only desirable, but imperative to purchase the building as soon as possible. But is it possible? We are convinced that it is, especially if the present leadership of the Federation acts as wisely as the Shrewd Manager of the Bible (Luk. 16:1-14) and we act as church members as resolutedly as Naboth of the Old Testament (I. Kings 21:1-19). Therefore, as soon as the lease arrangement is concluded and the referendum vote of the 40th Annual Meeeting approves it, a special drive should be launched for the purchase of the buildings. Of course, this drive will solicit contributions not only from all our Hungarian churches, but other civic and fraternal organizations, individuals, even non-Hungarian foundations as well. The Children’s Home buildings of the Bethlen Home can be and should be OURS again! TWICE OURS One of my favorite stories relates of a little boy who was vacationing with his family at a lake side. With the help of family members, he made a little toy boat and used it for amusement on the lake. One stormy night, however, the little boat disappeared from her mooring site and the heartbroken boy had to leave for home without recovering his favorite toy. But the next year, the family was back in the same town and as they walked on the streets, the boy noticed his lost boat in a shop window. He ran into the store and demanded with a loud voice: “I want my boat back. It is my boat. My initials are on it!” “Yes, my boy” — the store keeper calmly replied, “it may be yours. But it costs us $7.13 to repair it. If you pay this amount, the boat is yours again!” What could you do? The parents “loaned” the money and as they were leaving the store, they overheard the little boy saying while hugging tight his repossessed treasure: “My little boat, now you are twice mine: first, because I made you, and second, because I have bought you back!...” May this joy be ours, too! Rt. Rev. Dr. John Butosi Bishop of The Calvin Synod ft ft ft EACH DAY BRINGS A CHANCE TO DO BETTER How often we wish for another chance to make a fresh beginning A chance to blot out our mistakes and change failure into winning — And it does not take a special time to make a brand new start, It only takes the deep desire to try with all our heart. To live a little better And to always be forgiving And to add a little “sunshine” to the world in which we’re living — So never give up in despair and think that you are through For there’s always a tomorrow and a chance to start anew. Helen Steiner Rice o a a ANTIDOTE FOR EXCUSES People give various excuses for not attending church. Perhaps you can find your favorite in this list. —- Because it’s raining . . . You go to work in the rain! — Because I have little kids . . . Children are welcome. And we have a nursery! — Because the church always wants money... So does your wife, kids, and the things you love to do! Because no one invited me... People go to the movies without being asked! — Because I have company... You’ll make a great witness if you bring them along! St. John’s News, Dec. '78
