Calvin Synod Herald, 2017 (118. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-07-01 / 7-8. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Special Banquet at the Bethlen Communities’ Linden Room On Monday, April 24, 2017 a celebration banquet was held at the beautiful Linden Room of Bethlen Communities. Rev. Imre A. Bertalan Executive Director greeted the Board of Directors, Assembly delegates, staff members, along with our special guest and distinguished leader Dr. Ferenc Kumin Consul General of Hungary in New York, NY. Dr. Kumin greeted the assembly and expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the Hungarian Government, for the work and service of the American Hungarian Reformed churches among the Hungarian people. He also emphasized how the Government appreciates the assistance of the churches in the Scholarship programs that were initiated and sponsored by the Hungarian Government. Mr. George Dózsa Director of the Board of Bethlen Communities was acknowledged, during the dinner, for his the American Hungarian Ministerial Association, and the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyters Association. It was based on scripture in the book of Joel 1:14; “Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry to the Lord.” A task force was selected to examine three topics: Our Ethnicity, Our Church, and Our Mission. Biblical and theological presentations were made on the topics by many participants, with practical suggestions on what we can do. One quote stands out: “The American Diaspora is a beautiful garden, built on a melting sheet of ice.” But as in many cases when revitalization materials were presented, congregations did little to follow up and implement suggestions and changes. Is now the time to “Sound the Trumpet? ” “Sound the Trumpet!” So what do we do? One thing is for sure: WE MUST DO SOMETHING! It is time to “Sound the Trumpet!” As in the book of Joel, it is time to “cry out to the Lord” Joel 1:14 and to “Blow the trumpet...sound the alarm...Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming.” Joel 2:1 We all need to gather and discern the path to embark on. Only the Lord knows where it will lead. But we cannot continue on the path to extinction. Now more than ever; it is time to “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Now is the time to “Sound the Trumpet!” work and dedication. At this special event two donations were presented to Bethlen Communities. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai presented the check of $5,000 from Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ as an annual pledge. Another check of $ 1,000 was presented by Mr. John K. Morey from the GBU District 3000. On the next day of the Board of Directors meeting Dr. Ferenc Kumin, Rev. Gabor Nitsch, and Dr. Csaba Krasznai visited Mrs. Theresa Kovács, widow of late Rev. Albert W. Kovács, at the Ligonier Gardens Personal Care & Retirement Center. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Bethlen Communities for their hospitality. To God be the glory for this blessed and special event. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai Bishop Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi, Dr. Ferenc Kumin, Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Rev. Imre A Bertalan. (left to right) Jim Balias Calvin Synod Presbyter Dr. Ferenc Kumin greets the Assembly.
