Calvin Synod Herald, 2006 (107. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2006-03-01 / 3-4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Bishop’s Easter Greeting 2006 “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” Luke 24:19b, 20a. Each of us already “knows the story” of Jesus and his resurrection. We have heard it since childhood, and it has become part of who we are as Christians. We are familiar with this wonderful telling of Christ’s ministry, His arrest, crucifixion and resurrection. We are also familiar with the tremendous blessings that we have received as a result of this loving, selfless act by Jesus. We are now coming to the season when we will recount His trial and abandonment by his disciples, and remember those who were believing and faithful to the end. As the Gospel is read, this will be very familiar to each of us. Sure, we “know” the “story.” But do we really let the tremendous gift of Christ live in our lives? Does it make a difference to your everyday life that Christ was willing to die for you? Does it make a difference that the gift of eternal life is offered to you by his sacrifice? Unfortunately, we do “know the story,” but often things we know don’t have much of an impact in our lives. That is a great sadness, considering what a difference Christ could make in each of our lives. We Reformed Christians have a wonderful legacy - our faith ancestors realized that the gift of God through Jesus the Christ is much more than a religion; it is new possibilities for life both in the future and now, in this life. The true legacy of the Reformation is “continuing reformation,” renewing our acquaintance with our Creator and our Savoir being a priority in life. The Reformation called us back to the Scriptures, enabling and encouraging renewal of a relationship with our Maker. Sure, we know who God and Christ are. But do we really “know” Him in our lives? Does Christ walk with us every day? Is he there in our every decision? As we approach Easter, our first reminder of Christ’s sacrifice is during the time of Lent. This is an excellent opportunity to delve into Christ’s life: His teachings both in words and in deeds, His attitude and demeanor toward all those with whom He came into contact. Lent is not a time of ritualistic self-denial; it is a time of personal growth. Holy week, beginning with Palm Sunday, gives us a time to reflect on the fact that it is much easier to celebrate our leader than to follow Him. His disciples and “all of Jerusalem” praised Him and sang “hosanna,” yet five short days later they were denying they had ever met him. Those who knew Him best drifted away when it was inconvenient for them; do we learn from this? Finally, we will sing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and join around the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion. This year, will we “really know” what His Body and Blood mean to us every day of our lives? Only you can determine that in your life. May God’s tremendous gift be truly yours this Easter. Fit. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop HRC Fairport Harbor. OH • March 2, 3 & 4 - Church Cabbage Roll Sale. • March 18 - Women’s Fellowship Chicken Paprikas Dinner. • March 26 - Women’s Fellowship-sponsored Easter Chalk Talk. • April 8 - Church Kolbász Sale. • April 22 - Women’s Fellowship Swiss Steak Dinner • April 29 - Men’s Group Reverse Raffle at the Kirtlander Party Center. EASTERN CLASSIS SPRING MEETING On Saturday, March 11, 2006, the Eastern Classis of the Calvin Synod will hold their Spring Meeting at the Hungarian Reformed Church, 220 Fourth Street, Passaic, New Jersey. Rev. Albert W. Kovács - Dean Rev. Leslie Martin - Secretary Mr. István Balia - Classis Presbyter Rev. Albert W. Kovács installed as John Calvin Churches’ Pastor by Calvin Synod Bishop Ludwig Chief Elder Ernest Balogh; Rev. Albert W. Kovács and Bishop K.K. Ludwig
