Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-05-01 / 5-6. szám
12 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD TRAC A Christmas for the Homeless- Congregational News - Churches in the East Coast In Cluj, announcements were made on the radio and in various Reformed congregations that a Christmas program was to be held for the city’s homeless people, with the result that many people helped, financially and with clothing. Although it was cold outside, there were many homeless people there, and many helpers too, including youth groups from several churches. We gathered together at the Twin Towers Reformed Church and met in its small side room. We sang and talked, while the children had a different program in another room. Some girls arranged a “playhouse” for them and helped them make Christmas ornaments, draw pictures and play. What the older people really enjoyed was the slideshow. We showed pictures of them on TRAC’s digital projector, and their laughter could be heard out in the yard. They enjoyed this because it reminded them of former occasions, stories of the past, and some people who have passed away. Later, around 3.30 pm, we went to the church where they took part in a service held by Előd Marton, who finished his theology training last year. We started with a song, and then listened to the word of God. The adults and children were all there. A few of us were there also to supervise, while others prepared the food during the service. The youth groups had cooked warm food. The room was too small for everyone to eat together at the same time, though, so the others went to the yard to be given some clothes. Then, when those who ate had finished, the second group entered to have their goulash. Finally, after all this, we said goodbye, wished them all happy holidays and gave them packages of food, with candies and other things for the children. In this way, we concluded the year by trying to provide some warmth, hope and Christmas love to these poor people. Jenő Lako Student at the Theological Seminary M. 2008 Zwingli Year and 2009 Calvin Year preparation. Eastern Classis is making preparations for commemorative events in 2008 and 2009. Lehel Deák suggested organizing separate competitions for the Calvin Year among young persons under 16, young adults between 17-18, and adult laymen to prepare an essay or poem and for ministers to prepare sermon or essay with the theme of “What does it mean to be a Calvinist?” Essays would be not less than 1 page and not more than 4 pages, 10 point double spaced format. The essays could be written either in English or in Hungarian. A committee would judge the competition and announce awards winning works at the 2009 Calvin Synod Meeting. Awards for adults and ministers would be $500 for first prizes, $300 for second prizes, and $200 for third prizes. Yound adults 17-18 years awards $100 first prize, $75 second prize, 16 and under awards $100 first prize, $75 second prize. Participants would have to be members of a Calvin Synod Church. Judges Rt. Rev. Vásárhelyi, Lehel Deák and Rev. Zsolt Otvos. Due date January 31, 2009. MANVILLE. NJ - Rev. Anikó Kocsis is serving the Hungarian Part of the Congregation and Peter Maurer the English. WOODBRIDGE. NJ - The Rev. Albert W. Kovács will retire in July or August. He also serves the Perth Amboy, NJ Church. Bot Churches are being also served by the Rev. Csilla Toth. THE NORWALK. CT The pulpit is still vacant. Sunday services are being held by supply pastors. PASSAIC. NJ - June 7: Hungarian Day in New Brunswick, NJ June 8: Tricky Tray in Calvin Hall June 22: Picnic Manville, NJ Mr. Palagyi afaithful member, hard worker of the church Rt. Rev. Vásárhelyi paid a visit to the Manville, NJ church, where the basement suffered flood damage 1
