Calvin Synod Herald, 2009 (110. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 2 Norridge United Church of Christ Second Annual Gulyás Festival The Second Annual Gulyás Festival and Competition was held July 12th. This year it was a two-day affair, with Hungarian singers and dancers performing on Saturday, with Sunday being the “cook-off’ competition, with the winner decided by those who went from kettle to kettle to give it the “taste test”. This was an event waiting to happen; Saturday’s crowds exhausted all the supplies that had been purchased for the twoday event, and Sunday saw the members scurrying for additional food after the “Gulyas Competition” pots were empty and the crowds were still coming. Featured were authentic Hungarian folk dance performances, cultural exhibits of Hungarian artifacts and memorabilia such as The Hungarian Crown Exhibit, Hungarian themed gold and silver jewelry, and Hungarian books. A Cultural Tent was set up by the Hunyadi Mátyás Cserkészcsapat (Hungarian Scouts) with programs for kids such as traditional games, an archery demonstration area, and teaching Hungarian folk songs. Haverock, Chicago’s Hungarian rock band, performed popular Hungarian songs. The event was very successful, and brought extensive publicity to the Norridge congregation. Rt. Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig, Bishop Serious Cooking Enjoying the Festival STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS “Can We Revitalize Our Churches?” Editor’s note: The following was presented by Rev. Imre Bertalan, Executive Director of the Bethlen Communities, on August 8, 2009 at the District Conference of Presbyters and Church Workers. The organizer was Mr. John Evanko of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Fairport Harbor. The half-day conference was free and the hosting church, The Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain, OH graciously provided lunch as well as a dinner goodie-bag to the attendees for the road home. Mr. Evanko wrote us to say: “... Our Church Workers and Presbyters Conference was a success. Reverend Imre Bertalan’s topic on I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church by Rev. Paul Nixon (author) brought a lot of questions and discussions by the 40 Sisters and Brothers representing the churches of Lorain, West Side, Walton Hills and Fairport Ohio.” “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ” Luke 12:32 “Where Jesus is, there is life. There is abundant life, vigorous life, loved life and eternal life. There is life-before-death. Ifind it deeply distrubing and unsettling whenever I think about how we have become accustomed to death — to the death of the soul, to death on the street, to death through violence - to deathbefore-life. Jurgen Moltman “To (Dr. Moltman ’s) list I’m compelled to add how disturbed and unsettled I feel whenever I think about how accustomed we have become to the death of the church. Rev. Paul Nixon, Author “I REFUSE TO LEAD A DYING CHURCH!” SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER: 1. Some congregations are called by God to a relatively short mission life (1-2 generations). 2. Most congregations are invited by God to thrive generation after generation. 3. Older congregations have roots in the community. Despite low attendance, the roots are widespread. Former members and the families of former members are out there. 4. As some younger members of our congregations leave, other young people move in to our community. 5. Everyone knows someone who does not attend church and who may be looking for spiritual nurturing. 6. Apostolic leadership has built congregations in the past and continues to do so today. 7. Most of our church members have difficulty inviting others to church. Continued on page 8
