Calvin Synod Herald, 1984 (84. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1984-12-01 / 6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 3 — REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Christmas Message in 1984 On behalf of the Hungarian Reformed Church Uniting we send our warmest Christmas greetings to our constituency both in the Calvin Synod of the United Church of Christ and in the Hungarian Reformed Church in America as well as in other affiliated churches. When the glory of the Lord shines around us in the mystery of Christmas, we share with you the good news: the Lord Jesus Christ is among us! The sign is so meager, poor, and embarassing like the swaddling cloths of the manger, yet those who hear the angels singing can see it: the revitalization of the Hungarian Reformed Church Uniting is a sign that not only centrifugal forces are at work in the Hungarian Reformed diaspora, but centripetal forces as well. We experience in these days not only the evil powers that make us move away from the redemptive center of our life — due to our sinful inertia, — but we experience the power of the Holy Spirit, too, who draws us to move toward Him and toward one another in reconciling love. For this miracle of grace we sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) We are happy to report to you that we have already unified our summer youth camp, our efforts to preserve historic materials, and our mission work in the Hungarian Reformed diaspora. Of course, we jointly support national associations of presbyters and ministers as well as our charitable institution, the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. We are determined to expand and deepen joint meetings for church leaders and workers, auxiliary organizations, radio and press services, etc. We envision union churches, joint work for theological education, utilizing ecumenical opportunities, and thus enhancing organic union. For all this we are grateful. But the more we understand the Christmas Gospel, the more we realize that our task is greater than that: the Good News of great joy in Jesus Christ is for all people! Not only the concept of the Hungarian Reformed Church Uniting must challenge the grass root of our own people (or else it will be another vain attempt of enthusiastic leaders), but the Gospel of Jesus Christ must also reach our brothers and sisters who now walk in the darkness of gloom and anguish in other parts of the world (Isa. 9:1—2). Our hearts go out especially for our brothers and sisters in Transylvania (Romania) and Czechoslovakia nad Carpatho-Russia (Soviet Union) whose burdens are increasing daily. We urge you to pray and work for them until not only the Christmas light shines on them, but the yoke of their burden and the rod of their oppressor are also broken as on the day of Midian (Isa 92—4). Remember also the starving people of Ethiopia whose plight is expected to be the worst in this century. The prophetic promise which was fulfilled at the first Christmas, is that when we share our bread with the hungry, then our light breaks forth like the dawn and the glory of the Lord shall be our rear guard (Isa. 58:6—8). Special collections are appreciated! In these foreboding days may God help all of us to worship the new-born King with all that we are and all that we have — as the wise persons always do! — and understand the authentic Christmas message that even through the autocratic decrees of ceasars God works out His redemptive purposes, and the unspeakable gift of God in Jesus Christ is sufficient reason to praise Him always and in everything (Eph. 5:20). Have a blessed Christmas! Yours in His service, Bishop Dezső Abraham and Bishop John Butosi Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, In this Holiday Season when family and friends gather together to strengthen their bond of love, it is easy to forget those less fortunate in our midst who sruggle along in loneliness, illness, and poverty. The Apostle Paul in his first letter to Timothy chapter 5:8 clearly states the Christian duty to be considerate of the needs existing within each member’s household. Therefore we cannot fail to take notice of such needy cases whenever they come to our attention, and we cannot shirk our duty without responding with as much help as possible. ^CHRISTMAS FUND ( We are all grateful for the service and leadership of clergy, which we experience throughout our lives. One way we can express our gratitude to retired and active ministers who have special needs beyond their resources is through the United Church of Christ Christmas Fund. “Year after year, I give thanks for the Christmas Fund,” says the Reverend James R. Smucker, Conference Minister of the New York Conference. “When emergencies arise in the lives of our retired or active clergy, we are able to say: ‘The United Church of Christ cares about you!’ Those of us who serve through Conference offices are most grateful for the annual outpouring of love expressed through the Christmas Fund offering.” “Serve One Another in Love” is the theme of this year’s Christmas Fund. The words are from Paul’s letter to the Galatians calling Christians of his time to love one another. We in the United Church of Christ can respond to this call through the UCC Christmas Fund. The Christmas Fund For the VETERANS Of THE CROSS and the EMERGENCT FUND Serve One Another in Love! The Rev Annie R Campbell served for 40 years in the rural South in a ministry diverse in form and distinguished in quality Honored in 1977 with General Synod's Antoinette Brown Award, she is retired and lives in Winter Park. Florida The Christmas Fund receives the ({if ts of thousands of donors, "serving one another in love," and provides practical help to retired ministers in need and an emergency reserve for all ministers. THE CHRISTMAS FUND The Pension Boards, United Church of Christ UCC Christmas Fund poster honors Annie R. Campbell, a pastor in the rural South for 40 years. Within our own “church-family"there are two Seminary students who need material aid as well as spiritual good will to continue their education. As members of our “household” their plight warrants our attention. Let us therefore lift them up from their plight in the spirit of love with the charity of our heart. Contributions may be sent to the following two addresses: Mr. Andrew Cece Mr. Peter Bodor 1 7 Seminary Place 910 Center Street New Brunswick, Ashland, OH 44805 New Jersey 08901 With Christian love, Rev. Louis Medgyesi Rev. Aaron Elek
