Calvin Synod Herald, 2012 (113. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2012-07-01 / 7-8. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

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The fourth committee dealt with the Bishop’s report and Conference Council combined minutes. Both the Bishop’s report and Conference Council minutes were received and made a portion of the minutes of the Synod. Comments were made that lasts years total minutes did not include the Bishop’s Report, and it was suggested that in the future all reports be included in the minutes. Motion passed.

The highlight of the afternoon was the first presentation of Dr. Robert Gagnon Professor of New Testament Studies from Pittsburgh, PA Seminary, dealing with the subject of “Homosexuality in the Light of the Bible.” Everyone in attendance was fascinated

with the presentation. This item very much fit into the decision making process as we were dealing with our relationship with the United Church of Christ.

The meeting broke up late in the afternoon only to fulfill the invitation by the William Penn Fraternal Association to “Penn Scenic View” for a picnic. All of us enjoyed the warm hospitality and the wonderful Chicken Paprikas dinner. Mrs. Barbara A. House, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, greeted us on behalf of the William Penn Association. There were many members of the Board present. On behalf of our Synod, Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan presented a check, expressing our thanks for the use of William Penn Scenic View facilities by the Conference Council during the year and their gracious financial support of the Youth Camp. We also celebrated the special honor bestowed upon Mr. Endre Csornán. Fraternal Director, who received a special award from the Government of Hungary for his longstanding service to the American Hungarian Community. During the evening Mr. Lehel Deák provided educational entertainment to the gathering. The third day assembly meeting was opened with a devotional by the Rev. Tamas Biro, newly elected pastor of the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland, OH.

Bishop Poznan, greeted the newly arrived guests, among them the Rt. Rev. Sándor Szabó, Bishop of the Hungarian Refonned Church in America and some members of the Bishop’s Council who arrived for their regularly planned meeting. Bishop Szabó brought greetings from their denomination and gave presentations to our assembly in both languages.

The next person greeted was the Rev. Dr. August Molnár, founder of the American Hungarian Foundation of New Brunswick, NJ. The recently retired director, brought greetings in his new role as Board Co-Chairman, and gave a brief overview of the history and relationship of the Foundation and the Hungarian Reformed Churches.

The morning session further included Dr. Robert Gagnon’s second presentation on “How do we prepare to partake in the Lord’s Supper.” Once again every truly enjoyed the presentation. The meeting continued with a committee report of the Overseas and Home Mission by Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, and a report of the Museum and Archives committee.

The afternoon session included a report from the Nominating Committee. Mr. Lehel Deák presented a slate to fill the slots available for our Synod on the Bethlen Home Board of Directors. After elections we continued with “Congregational Sharing” hearing reports on the life of our congregations.

The Church and Ministry Committee, which had previously met presented their report on the individuals who received “Privilege of Call” in the denomination, as well as those whose “Renewal of Standing” was recommended.

The Committee reports continued with the Financial Committee, Women’s Concerns Committee, and Multi Media Committee.

Reports were heard from the Classis Committees: including the Eastern Classis Lay Life and Leadership, Evangelism and also the Worship Committee.

Mr. Wilburn A. Roby gave a report on the Calvin Synod Herald, and presented the proposed budget for this year. Rev. Torok and Rev. Vásárhelyi expressed their appreciation to those who are helpful in the publication with Church News and articles. The special item discussed on the first day of the meeting was brought back on the table on the subject of the United Church of Christ Unified Governance. After a lengthy discussion of the subject a vote was taken and the item failed on majority vote.

Later in the afternoon, we heard the third presentation of Dr. Robert Gagnon on the subject of “Church Discipline.”

The evening concluded with the Annual Banquet held at the Bethlen Communities Heritage Center. During the dinner a motion was made to honor Dr. Robert Gagnon as “Honorary Hungarian.”

During the evening festivities Bishop Poznan invited Rev. Gabor G. Nitsch, Chaplain of Bethlen Communities to introduce Mrs. Helen “Ilona” Rose, who was recognized by the Synod with a special plaque for her years of service both to Calvin Synod and the Bethlen Communities with her faithful organ playing. She was honored with a basket of flowers.

The second person of the evening to be honored was introduced by the Rev. Albert W. Kovács. Both the introduction and picture is presented in this issue of the Calvin Synod Herald. A plaque was presented to Rev. Dr. August Molnár, for his life long dedication and service to the greater Hungarian Community. Rev. Molnár briefly recounted his life, and how it was several times re-directed, and, as a result, his vocation led him to his place of service, surely through the guidance of God.

In closing the evening, Jill Pongracz Murrell, delegate from the Lorain, OH congregation, led us with the singing of the Hungarian National Anthem, the Himnusz.

Commencing the meeting began with devotional, by the Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, Bishop.

On the last day of the meeting we heard the report on the Resolution and Recommendation Committee presented by Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi. There were 13 recommendations and they