Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)

2008-03-01 / 3-4. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

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Now Is the Time

John 4:35: “Do you not say, There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest.”

Jesus had met the Samarian woman at the well, and had touched her heart. She hurried to tell her people about this wonderful person she had met, and told them she suspected that this was the Christ for whom they were waiting. Meanwhile, the disciples, who had gone for something to eat, returned and were preoccupied with their task of bringing food to Jesus. Jesus’ reply was that he had food they knew nothing about, and instead reminded them of their task as disciples. Since the Samarian woman had intrigued her countrymen, and they were approaching Jesus. This was the “field” Jesus was speaking about - people with whom the disciples were to share the Good News. But the disciples seemed

Church Celebrates 100 Years

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, Third Avenue Calvin Reformed Church (originally named the Hungarian Reformed Church of Beaver Falls), will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its founding. Our congregation invites you to join us in giving thanks to God and in celebrating this momentous occasion.

The Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop of Calvin Synod, will share the Word of God during the Anniversary Service of Worship, which is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM. Other pastors representing our beloved Hungarian Reformed sister churches will also take part.

Following the church service, you will be invited to attend the 100th Anniversary banquet, which will be hosted at the Berkshire Banquet Hall nearby. Tickets for adults will cost $30.00 (includes open bar and three entrees). Young people, through age 12, will be received as special guests of the Third Avenue Sunday School. More information on the banquet will follow in the next mailing, scheduled to go out in February.

Most important for now, is that you mark the date of April 19, 2008, in your calendars and make plans to attend. Also, if you would like to place a greeting or advertisement in the 100th Anniversary Book, which will be distributed on April 19, please complete the enclosed greeting/donation form and return it to the address on the form by Friday, February 29, 2008.

In Faith and In Love,

Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Pastor Mr. Wilburn A. Roby, Jr., L.L.M, Chief Elder Mr. Endre Csornán, Anniversary Chairperson Third Avenue Calvin Reformed Church Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

a bit preoccupied with their “task,” seemingly having forgotten why they were disciples.

Sometimes we are just like the disciples. We came to Christ in our local church, and soon learned the ways of our congregation, our fellowship. We became good “church members.” We became active in all the church functions, as we were expected to. We worked the bazaars, helped at the picnics, cooked in the kitchen, served at the banquets, attended worship services, volunteered for committees and clean-ups, we did all the things expected of us. Yet Christ said that what the disciples were doing was lacking.

This very much echoes Luke 10: 38-42: “Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.’” What Martha was doing was not bad - in fact, it was necessary in life. But Jesus’ problem with her was that her “housekeeping” chores had distracted her from the real opportunity at hand - fellowship with the Messiah.

“I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest.” Now is the time to turn to the real reason we are together in our fellowships, our congregations. We are not called to be caretakers of “houses of worship” with empty pews; we are called to share the good news, to let others know of the wonder of Christ and what He has done in our lives. As we share the good news with others, we will discover that slowly the pews will no longer be empty, and in fact we will not be alone being caretakers of our churches. A living faith is infectious, spreading from person to person because of its very nature.

Now is the time for each of our churches, for each one of us, to share the “Good News” with those we meet and see every day. Like the “woman at the well,” those we meet and see everyday are thirsting for that somethig which will change their lives. They are searching for a living faith, they are searching for a living God; we have the true God, we have the living Savoir, Jesus the Christ, who will change every life that hears of Him and comes to know him.

During this time of Lent, when we prepare for that great celebration of the resurrection, let’s observe these forty days by introducing others to the reason we are Christians. This time of preparation presents us with the “fields ... already white for harvest.” Let us not be distracted with the tasks of the day as were Martha and the disciples; instead, fulfill the calling of our Lord, spread the Good News, touch the hearts of those who have not yet had the opportunity to understand the difference Christ can make in life.

Rt. Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig, Bishop