Calvin Synod Herald, 2011 (112. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)

2011-11-01 / 11-12. szám

4

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

The American Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Association 2011 Annual Meeting was held August 29-30, 2011 at the Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Rev. Eric O. Springsted, Ph.D., was the keynote speaker with a presentation entitled “Living into the Word: Calvin and Augustine. ” He was also the featured speaker at the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter ’s Association Annual Meeting held the weekend before.

Rev. László Ujj gave a short presentation about Bethlen Gábor, namesake of the Bethlen Communities, with Rev. Dr. Joseph Posta adding additional facts about his life. A discussion followed about Bethlen Gábor, his time and the historical circumstances.

Rt. Rev. Béla Póznán, Bishop of the Calvin Synod, reported that he and Bishop Sándor Szabó of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America (HRCA) were invited to Hungary by the Hungarian Reformed Church Convent, representing all Hungarian Reformed church from around the world, some 125 representatives in all. He reported that Bishop Szabó spoke extensively on the relationship of our Hungarian Reformed churches on the American continent with the church in Hungary, while he (Bishop Póznán) emphasized the positive results of cooperation in the past, and the desire for working closer toward unity in the United States. He also reported that while the move for unity has been achieved by most churches of historic Hungary, the representatives of the Slovak Hungarian church found this more difficult, but have since signed on.

Bishop Póznán also spoke about the new religious laws passed by the Hungarian Parliament which defines which organizations are recognized as “true religious bodies” and the reasoning behind the restrictions (i.e., abuses by a number of groups under the guise of the status of “church”).

Rev. Zoltán Vass, a member of the Canadian Hungarian Ministerial Association, spoke about the 2008 Diaspora conference in Budapest. He was asked about our relationship with the Hungarian church and how it could be improved. Rev. Vass suggested that we in North America declare a “Diaspora Year 2013”. It was suggested that we invite the Fiatal Reformátusok Szövetsége Choir (Association of Reformed Youth Choir), to the USA and Canada for the Diaspora Year 2013 as part of that celebration. The concept is that in May of 2013 we hold a two- or three-day conference on both sides of Niagara Falls, a joint United States/Canada Ministerial Association Meeting, and invite the leadership of the Hungarian Convent. A suggested date was Memorial Day Weekend 2013.

As a result, a Coordinating Committee of the Rt. Rev. Béla Póznán, Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó, Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Rev. Zoltán Vass, and the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan was established to follow up on discussion and implementation of this Diaspora Year 2013 with the intent “to celebrate this year with joint programs of the Hungarian Reformed churches of North America, to include a meeting of the Presbyters and Ministers at Niagara Fall, in 2013, and to welcome a tour of the Fiatal Reformátusok

Szövetsége Choir (Association of Reformed Youth Choir) from Komárom to the communities of our churches. ”

Bishop Póznán announced that if Hungarian Reformed Church in America and Calvin Synod work together, the Reformed Church in Hungary would be willing to send a minister to work in the United /States diaspora to assist us. They are willing to commit $30,000.00 for this purpose. The American churches are expected to contribute transportation and housing for such a person.

On an other note, Bishop Póznán reported that he had requested the Hungarian government consider offering a grant of $30,000.00 to the Bethlen Communities Heritage Center, and felt that there is a good possibility this will come to pass.

The desire was again expressed for a time when pastors and lay leaders could discuss the real issues and difficulties facing local congregations. The feeling was expressed that the AHRMA could meet this need with a “retreat” - “csendes napok”. A committee composed of Rev. Ferenc Varga, Rev. Árpád Drótos, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Rev. Gábor Nitsch and Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig was established to plan and implement such a retreat, possibly together with the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter ’s Association.

Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director of Bethlen Communities, gave a report about the “Home”. He emphasized that Bethlen Communities can only be successful by relying on our faith in God and following his direction, and that the Hungarian Reformed Church in America and the Calvin Synod are the only two “constituent” members of the Bethlen Communities Board of Directors, and the involvement and direction of the two church bodies is important to the future of Bethlen Communities.

He announced the “good news” that by next year the Heritage Center should be in place and available to host the American Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Association.

Rev. Bertalan spoke about the 90th Anniversary reunion of Kalassay family and former residents of the orphanage, and that on Friday, October 28, 2011 Bethlen Communities will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary with a Service of Worship and a Banquet, and invited all present to attend.

Rt. Rev. Ludwig reported on the 2011 Youth Camp co-sponsored by Calvin Synod and the Hungarian Reformed Church in America held July 18-23. Again this year the campers fulfilled the Camp’s ministry at the Bethlen Home. The young people either visited the residents, played bingo or games with them or sang to them.

Rt. Rev. Ludwig stated that this camping opportunity - a week of Christian Fellowship - is a unique experience for those who attend, and many young people find this time to be one of tremendous spiritual growth, and it is often life-changing.

Rev. Zoltán Vass reported on the Hungarian Youth Camp in Canada, held the last week of June, first week of July. It is all in