Calvin Synod Herald, 2017 (118. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2017-11-01 / 11-12. szám

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in 1888 wrote, “Lead On, O King Eternal.” The second stanza concludes:

For not with swords loud clashing,

Nor stirring beat of drums;

With deeds of love and mercy,

The heavenly kingdom comes.

When WWI came all the optimism was blown to smithereens. Now in various quarters that optimism again appears. Martin Luther King put it this say: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but bends toward justice.” But in terms of the biblical record, such optimism is not warranted. The 20th century was morally lamentable and the 21 st is not off to a great start.

The other major response to the criticism about the delay of the reign of God is more prevalent in Western Christian expressions today. It was expressed in fiction by two California authors, Jenkens and Lahay, called, The Left Behind Series, which sold millions of copies. In this scenario God will suddenly say, “That’s enough!” Then Christ will descend on the eastern skies and those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb will cast off the pull of gravity and join the Lord in the air. And thus will begin the reign of God. This is the most common teaching in today’s church.

This also is not good biblical teaching. A key verse in St. John’s gospel reads, “ For God so loved the

world—the cosmos—that he gave the only Son__” (John

3:16) It makes no spiritual sense that God would say, “I’m done with all civilized history. I’m just saving this remnant from the burning.”

So what are we meaning when we pray every Sunday as Jesus taught, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done”? We’re living by faith! We’re taking the risk of hope! We’re believing the poet, Stephen Phillips, had it right when he wrote:

And Christ shall charm and soothe, and breathe and bless,

The roaring of war shall cease upon the air,

Falling of tears and all the voices of sorrow,

And he shall take the terror from the grave.

And he shall still that old sob of the sea,

And heal the unhappy fancies of the wind,

And turn the moon from all that hopeless

quest,

Trees without care shall blossom, and all the

fields

Shall without labor into harvest come.

We’re looking for signs of the reign of God, as when Anwar Sadat of Egypt went to Jerusalem in search of peace, as

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD_____________________________

when the Apartheid policy in South Africa fell with very little bloodshed, as when Angela Merkel, daughter of a Lutheran pastor, opens the door of Germany to thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing for their lives.

We do not understand the mystery of the reign of God. But surely when Jesus of Nazareth entered those towns with his disciples, the reign of God was coming to pass. And when we, his disciples today, in word and deed, say, “Jesus is Lord,” the reign of God approaches. When we take the loaf and cup in hand and partake, we celebrate the hope of the reign of God.

And so we pray again. And we hear the seventh angel of Revelation blow his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven, speak words of hope, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

David B. Bowman (Rev.)

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Congregational Appreciation Luncheon

The United Church of Christ in Bridgeport, CT held its Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, October 15,2017. This event takes place every October when the congregation honors one of its own members for their faithful and dedicated service. The individual chosen is a devoted church member, leading an exemplary Christian way of life.

This year two members, Sal and Helen Maniscalco were honored. They are longtime faithful and dedicated church members. The couple was married in the basement church located at State Street and Hancock Avenue 72 years ago. One year later, our present church building was built on the corner of North and Laurel Avenues. Helen has been part of our church family from birth, confirmed by Rt. Reverend Stephen Bessemer. She was part of the Ladies Aid Society for many years, helping to bake Hungarian delights and lending a hand to make stuffed cabbage. Sal is always ready to lend his helping hand when needed. He is part of the property committee, and has great business knowledge, His assistance is invaluable when it comes to creating church contracts, solving real estate issues, and knowing whom to contact for property repairs.

In June 2017, Sal and his twin brother Tom celebrated their 95th birthday. A wonderful article was written in our local newspaper, the Connecticut Post on their journeys in life. God has truly blessed them not only with longevity but a youthful attitude and the energy to live productive lives.

Sal and Helen are the epitome of having a Christ-centered marriage. Their love and respect for each other speak volumes. It is a joy to know and love this couple, and we ask the Lord to continue to shower His abundance upon them.

The announcement of their selection began our luncheon and a certificate of appreciation, flowers and a gift were presented from the congregation. It was followed by a chicken paprikás lunch. Thanks to Bill Bero and Sandra Stasko who prepared and served the lunch. It was a wonderful day!

Submitted by James Balias