Calvin Synod Herald, 2011 (112. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)
2011-07-01 / 7-8. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Synod Greets New Pastors Senses HRFA’s Dim Future Calvin Synod met again in Ligonier, PA, for its 72nd Annual Meeting, May 17-21, with Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan presiding. As the Roll of churches was called and a quorum declared, the Delegates were quickly cheered by the presence of new pastors from churches that had been vacant, including one elected just two days before. Some newly ordained during the year, and others coming to Synod as new colleagues from Hungary brought a spirit of hope for the future of the churches. But the prospect of the demise of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America occasionally clouded the proceedings, resulting in a Resolution of concern and a plea for the Synod’s involvement in future merger or consolidation plans. It lamented the loss of the long-standing partnership of the Federation, which was an outgrowth (a spinoff) of the churches own organization some 115 years earlier. New Pastors and Church Life Elders of the New York congregation were proudly introducing their new minister, Rev. Csongor Kovács, who was elected on the Sunday before. The church in Westside Cleveland has called Rev. Tamas Biro, who is also preparing to move from Hungary. Fairfield’s new Assistant Pastor, Rev. Tibor Király, made his presence known with his new colleagues during the meeting. The Rev. Viktor Toth, and wife Bemadine, traveled from Los Angeles suburban Hawthorne church. The Norridge, IL, church was represented by Rev. Aron Trufan, who also was ordained last year after the Synod’s meeting. Fittingly, a series of workshops were held during the sessions on “Church Leadership and Congregational Vision.” The subject was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Lee Solomon, from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. The delegates urged the Conference Council to form an appropriate committee to encourage and assist churches in their homegrown efforts along these lines. Local churches were given several opportunities to tell their stories of the previous year, and hear about the major events and achievements of other congregations in several “Congregational Sharing” times on the Agenda. One of the recommendations which passed urged local churches to increase their efforts to gather food and aid for the poor with regular and ongoing collections. Bethlen Communities Host The long tie between Hungarian Reformed churches and Bethlen Home was reaffirmed during the opening Communion Service in the chapel, the fraternal dinner events at the Bethlen Communities’ skilled care Home, and the hospitality of the Bethlen Heritage Center. With this mission of the churches observing its 90th year, its current CEO, the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, pointed out that its most recent three year accreditation, and also US News and World Report’s top listing of Bethlen Home, should make congregations proud of this ongoing work of Christian service. Just days before, he reported, the latest plans to add new independent living residences had been approved by the community, and there was a real possibility of the first units getting under construction this year. They will be located just to the left of the Kalassay Drive entrance to the campus. William Penn Association Hospitality An enjoyable evening Hungarian style dinner was served again by the William Penn fraternal at its lovely Penn Scenic campground, on Wednesday. The Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan used the opportunity to thank the Board of Directors for their generous gift of $5,000.00 to underwrite a large portion of the expenses of the Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp, which is in addition to their own youth event. Hungarian Reformed Federation Synod authorized a special committee to draft a resolution prior to a forthcoming Convention to direct the manner of the merger of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America with another fraternal entity. Declining membership and financial viability leaves it unable to continue on its own. The HRFA Board of Directors had contacted several ethnic groups, but appeared ready to recommend only one to the meeting of Delegates. Despite increasing cooperation in recent years with the Hungarian rooted William Penn Association, the merger with them appeared doomed, and instead one recommended with GBU Fraternal Life. A resolution was overwhelmingly passed by Synod Delegates, recognizing that the Federation was begun by the churches’ ministers and elders just one day after the ecclesiastical organization in 1896 at Trenton, NJ. The long partnership was noted, in which the churches and their members provided the HRFA’s basic building blocks, both leadership and membership, as well as use of the churches’ facilities. Of concern was the possible loss of the HRFA’s assets, including the Kossuth House offices, for the membership’s church and benevolent programs. The Federation was commended in a separate action for its $5.000.00 contribution to the summer Youth Camp of the churches. (The Resolution is printed in its entirety in this issue.) Denominational Relations Synod’s representatives to Local Church Ministries and the UCC Executive Council reported on proposed changes in the denomination’s governing structure. They noted there was disagreement about the recommended format, and major financial difficulties at the national level. Faithful and Welcoming Churches annual report highlighted the group’s growth in credibility, and plans to develop pilot programs involving more local churches. Several Synod pastors are involved in joint planning for a workshop at Ligonier involving
