Calvin Synod Herald, 2014 (115. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-01-01 / 1-2. szám
6 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Third Avenue Calvin Reformed Church 105th Years Celebration ITimothy 1:14 NIV A wise old man said that the good old days were good because they had come and gone. It is very easy to reminisce about the good old days and complain about the future that is knocking at our door. The future brings about change in our lives, and that scares us. Older people cannot take the changes. The old ways are better to them. The future also holds the promise of something new, and that excites us. The Lord told the people of Judah to forget about the past and to prepare for the new things. This is what this congregation did last week when they celebrated 105 years of the church. We should be putting away the things of the past and think about the new direction that the Lord is leading us. Let us rejoice in the eternal hope that God is “about to lead this congregation in a new direction,” that will be a benefit to His Glory and the lives of this congregation. I thought this morning I would share my reflections on last week’s 105th. Church Anniversary. In 1 Timothy 1:14, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me (Paul) Abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Last week I felt and witnessed that faith and love. At this point in my life I have attended many Anniversaries and celebrations, dedications, but the 105th. Anniversary of 3rd. Avenue was By A Different Road — Continued from page 5 Jesus is here, so what are we going to do about it? After the wise men honored Jesus with worship and gifts, it was time for them to return to their homeland. But remember, their lives had been changed by this encounter with the Living Christ. They now understand completely the significance of this little boy in Bethlehem. So, it is no surprise that when they are approached in a dream and warned not to return to Herod, they act again in a way that honors the Christ-child. Their time in Jesus’ presence has assured them that this is indeed the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world. And they have no doubt that if they go back to Herod to share what they have found, the child will be killed. So they immediately begin their long journey back home, but, so as to avoid Herod, they return by a different road. So must we. Christ has come into our very midst. Emmanuel has been bom among us. God’s kingdom has broken into this world. But it is all for naught if we do not follow a different path. Because, remember, God’s kingdom is not of this world. God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus’ birth is meaningless if our lives our still ruled by selfishness, money, consumerism, violence, and hatred. We have to follow a different path, the path that Jesus prepared for us through his very own life. This is the way of selflessness, generosity, humility, peace, and love. It may indeed be the road less traveled, but it is the road that assures Christ’s continuing presence and growing kingdom in our world. The gift is of God, but the choice is ours. SMT different. Virginia said that the atmosphere was different than she had seen in the past. As I came down 3rd. Avenue what a beautiful sight to see the front doors open and Endre greeting people. I must pause here and thank Butch and Joe for the work that they have done and the beauty of those doors. My first thought was thank you Lord, we are alive and the doors are open and beautiful. Arlene as Chief Elder welcomed everyone in love. I felt that love coming from her and our guests. Kati Csornán continued this love as she led children’s moments that was priceless as she held up the picture of the first church, manse and members. As I think back about that picture, those members had to be looking down on us Sunday with a smile and were very proud of their church. This was the first visit for the Auxiliary Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai of The First Hungarian Reformed Church of Walton Hills. I can identify with his feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit when he entered the Sanctuary. Having been a member here for 13 years I still feel that Spirit when I enter the Sanctuary. We were blessed with the Clergy and members of Congregations in Pa. and Ohio, friends from the William Penn and the Community of Beaver Falls, and Pittsburgh. From the day the invitations went out until 11:45 am on Sunday, our telephone, e-mail and regular mail was overwhelming. We may have a small church but to many of these brothers and sisters we are an example and an inspiration to many. As the prayer group goes forward, my prayer will be, may the mission of 3rd. Avenue be to bringing more souls through our new doors. Mrs. Lillian Vance called to reinstate her membership and Kathy and Ed Kovács told me they miss the church and the Good Samaritan who leaves gifts in our mail box, and there are probably others. Let us all remember that the Lord will be with this Congregation as it goes forward into its second 105 years. He is leading us in the direction that He would like us to go. As we develop our relationship with the Lord, we should strive to mature our love for our Divine Creator. As we go into the second 105th. Years of 3rd. Avenue let us prepare for the coming of God’s Word as he leads us in the direction that He has chosen for us. Perhaps we may perceive the joy of something new about to burst forth in our lives. Amen. Wilburn A. Roby Jr., Lay Minister 3rd. Avenue Calvin Reformed Church, Beaver Falls, Pa.
