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

2012-11-01 / 11-12. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

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Glory to God in the Highest Heaven; and on Earth Peace

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude ofthe heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

Luke 2:13-14

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Let us focus upon the message of the angel on the first Christmas Eve. The appearance of God's eternal Son on earth came under very humble circumstances, lying in a manger in a stable because there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. But there was tremendous rejoicing in heaven which came to earth in the message of an angel. "And in that region there were shepherds out in thefield, keeping watch over theirflock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."Luke 2:8-11

God's glory sounded on earth and the birth of Jesus brings us tremendous joy from heaven. Glory is a unique characteristic of the Almighty God and according to the Scriptures He will not share this glory with others, only with His eternal Son who is worthy and deserves such honor and high esteem. There are many ways to glorify God on earth. Our Worship Services are designed to provide opportunities to express our praise and thanksgiving and to glorify God for the love and mercy He manifests in His Son, Jesus Christ among the people who trust and believe in Him. As we unite our voices in songs and hymns of praise it also lifts our spirits to experience the greatness and holiness of our God. Personal prayer is another opportunity to glorify Him and, when we search, to discover and obey His will. The Bible reveals the truth about God and the Spirit of God empowers us to believe and do His will.

In Jesus Christ, we Christians recognize and accept the visitation of God Himself in human form. The Messiah, the Savior, is true man and at the same time the true and eternal God. "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. "John 3:16 The peace which was proclaimed at the first Christmas is a gift of God which Christ's birth brought to earth. He is the foretold Prince of Peace. Peace is the most desirable condition on earth in families, in communities, and among nations. Peace is offered by Christ as a mission work for us. He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 Peace is given to us when are freed from our sins. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"; then You forgave the guilt of my sin. "Psalm 32:1,5 Peace on earth is offered to the

world when Christ reigns. The church is the community where Christ's reign is revealed and proclaimed and where Christians follow Him. Christ's reign is needed in our world in the midst of chaotic conditions, hatred, and war. Christmas provides renewed opportunities to follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us rejoice with the song of the multitude of the heavenly hosts, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:14.

A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Bishop Béla Poznan

DÍCSŐSÉG A MENNYEKBEN, BÉKESSÉG A FÖLDÖN Lukács evangéliuma 2:13-14

The American Hungarian Reformed Presbyters' Association 66th Annual Meeting August 25th and 26th, 2012

The meeting was opened by Frank Király, President at 10 a.m. Bible Study was led by Rev. Walter Goss, Youth Minister of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Trenton, NJ. The theme for Bible Study was Discipleship, taken from John 13:1-9. Rev. Goss began by telling us, that you can only take people as far as you have gone. He used John 13:1-9 washing of feet to show you should not be looking at yourself but the needs of others. Other verses were taken from Matthew 28:19-20. Ephesians 1:17-23 and 4:11-13.

After Bible Study the meeting was called to order by President Frank Király with opening devotions. Roll Call, the 2011 Minutes and Treasurer's report were given. The President's Report was followed by the District Vice-President's report and the Congregations' reports were received.

Elections of Officers were held in the afternoon. The new officers elected are:

Frank Király, President Margaret Budo, Vice-President Eastern Wilburn Roby, Vice-President Central Michael Varga, Vice-President Western Jim Murrell, Vice-President Lakeside Sharon A. Johnson, Secretary Priscilla Hunyady, Treasurer Andrew Lovász, Controller Norm Matthews, Controller

Rev. Imre A. Bertalan installed the Officers.

The Sunday morning session was opened with meditation by Rev. Walter Gross. Committee reports were given. The Youth Group from Trenton, NJ spoke on the 2012 Youth Camp and provided our music on Saturday and Sunday. We were blessed to have the Youth with us.

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