Calvin Synod Herald, 2007 (108. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-11-01 / 11-12. szám
CALV IN SYNOD HERALD 11 The American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter’s Association 61st Annual Meeting September 2nd and 3rd 2007 Bethlen Communities - Ligonier, Pennsylvania The opening Service was held at The Bethlen Home Chapel. Participating in the service were Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Wilburn A. Roby Jr., Priscilla Hunyady, Frank Király, Andy Lovász and Rev. Gabor G. Nitsch, Chaplain of Bethlen Communities. Rev. Nitsch’s Meditation was “Do You Have a Vision?” The Text for the Meditation was from 1 Timothy 6:21. Guest Speakers were Rev. Imre A. Bertalan and Mr. James Balias. The Topic was “The Future God Provides”. The resources used were: The Holy Bible - God’s living Word, The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren, Revive Your Mainline Congregation - Prescriptions for Vital Church Life by Robert D. Schieler, and parts of the Report on The Holy Fast of September 2-3,2002 by Rt. Rev. Dr. John Butosi. After the lecture a positive question and answer period followed. Frank Király and two members of the Trenton Youth Group, Ashlea Frampton, Airlia Oroszváry reported on their Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic, to help build a school. I was happy to see the youth return this year, and would encourage more of our congregations to bring their youth. Thanks, Frank. The American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter’s Association 2007 Recommendations Committee Report of September 3, 2007 1. It is recommended, that the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter’s Association continue to support the goal of establishing and sustaining a Reformed Church and Hungarian Cultural Conference Center on the grounds of the Bethlen Communities, in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Passed 2. It is recommended, that the Presbyters encourage their respective congregations to support the above effort. Passed 3. It is recommended, that the Presbyters Association make a donation of $200.00 to the Youth Camp. Passed 4. It is recommended, that each Congregation of the Presbyters Association make an effort to send their Youth to the Youth Camp, next year. Passed 5. It is recommended, that every church should hold an Annual Bethlen Communities Sunday. Passed 6. It is recommended, that the Minister, with the Chief Elder or another Elder, personally visits their church’s members annually and utilize the youth of the congregation in these efforts whenever and wherever possible. Passed 7. It is recommended, that all churches actively promote Youth Fellowship. Passed 8. It is recommended, that all churches actively promote mission and outreach projects. Passed 9. It is recommended, that Officers of the Presbyters and Ministerial Association meet to find time for a joint session of both Associations at next years conference. Passed 10. It is recommended, the Vice- Presidents of each class, collect a list of all church elders addresses and emails of each congregations and forward them to the Secretary. Passed 11. It is recommended, to commend Frank Király for his dedicated service in working with the youth with regards to youth camp and missions. Passed 12. It is recommended, that a copy of these recommendations be sent to all churches to be read to the congregations. Further, we request these recommendations be published in the Calvin Synod Herald and Magyar Egyház along with the Presbyter’s meeting report. Passed The Holy Day behind the Holiday Scripture reading: Luke 1:26-38. Text: “Beyond all question, THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS IS GREAT: HE (Jesus) APPEARED IN A BODY, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16. I assume you also read or heard this title for a Christmas sermon: “The true meaning of Christmas.” This title presupposes two things, the majority of the people are unaware of the true meaning of Christ’s birth, and that preacher is in the possession of this secret. I never dared to use this title, however, may I ask you to come along and let us see what separates the commercial from the spiritual, the usual from the unique, and the overbearing from the uplifting. While every pastor wishes to touch the hearts of the worshippers during Christmas season; the challenge is there to communicate the divine mystery of incarnation to human intelligence, yet we feel that this task is almost beyond our abilities. What Is Behind Our Christmas Joy And Celebration? THE NICE GIFTS WE OPEN WITH GREAT SURPRISE. Especially the children are surprised that Santa Clause received their letters and granted their wishes. On the other hand, as you come to the church you will hear the same old story from the gospels. There is not any surprise for the adults in the Christmas worship service even when the true meaning of Christmas is promised. Rather our faith, tradition, and being with our loved ones bring us to the church. Continued on page 12
