Magyar Egyház, 1960 (39. évfolyam, 1-9. szám)

1960-08-01 / 8-9. szám

10

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

WOMEN IN THE CHURCH - WITNESSES

FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED CHURCH WOMEN OF THE HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA — EASTERN DIVISION.

Over 120 women were in attendance at the Women’s Conference of the Eastern and New York Classes on June 12, 1960, held in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, representing churches from Perth Amboy, Linden, Carteret, Trenton, Roebling, Cliffside Park, N. J.; Bethlehem, Pa.; and Staten Island, Bronx, Poughkeepsie and New York City, N. Y.

The theme of the conference, “Women in the Church — Silent or Witnesses”, was carried out in both the Hungarian and English languages. The Meeting began with a joint devotional service in the Church.

Dean Gabor Csordás and Mrs. W. Murdoch MacLeod, general director of the United Church Women of the National Council of Churches of Christ were the principal speakers. She called for unity of all Church women, especially at this time when our nation is in such great need for unity. She stated that we must stand up and be witnesses for the Master, be witnesses in the right direction, no matter what it takes. Now is the time for us to move forward, when we are needed the most, since the non-Christian world is growing faster than the Christian world. She brought out the words of Christ, who said “I have called you to be the leaders of the world.” She asked what are we doing about it? Nothing! We are ignoring it. We have the freedom that most other countries do not have, yet we fail to pass on the knowledge of this freedom and the love of God to the other peoples of the world. She said “guns and tanks will not change the world into Christianity — we must use love and Christianity. Everything must begin with prayer.” The women of the world are attempting to unite the world with the yearly “World Day of Prayer” observed world-wide. Next year, 1961, will be the 75th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer, inaugurated by the United Church Women.

The English speaking women divided into ten workshops and discussed various topics with their respective leaders. Highlight of the conference was when the group reconvened and the workshop leaders reported on their group discussions.

Mrs. Helen Nemish, Carteret, found quite a bit to talk about with her group in discussing Women’s Responsibilities Within the Church Itself. Such petty things as hats — to be worn or not to be worn? — were brought up. The women thought it would be good if each minister would announce that it is not necessary to have single women take their hats off before receiving communion, but rather it would be nice if each lady did wear her hat. The women would like to see families sitting together in church, as well as partaking of Holy Communion as a family, rather than men first, then women, etc. A Calendar of Colors for the Lord’s Table was mentioned, and if such a calendar does exist, the group thought it appropriate that our Churches follow it. It would be wonderful if each church had a board of Deacons and Deaconesses — composed of four or five people — who would be in charge of the general condition of the Church — making sure the covers of the Lord’s Table were in good condition; see that hymnals were in good order; they could greet people

as they come into Church, strangers and members alike; care for the arrangement of flowers in th Church; care for the silver and see it is in good order. It would also be nice if all the ministers of our denomination would conduct their services exactly alike, so as not to cause any confusion when a visiting minister is in charge of services.

The second group discussed Church Women’s Responsibilities to Youth. Mrs. Audrey Emri of Roebling led the group in such topics as proper dress. It was opinion of all that shorts are not the proper attire for girls at Church meetings, but their presence is more important than what they wear. This group also felt it was important for family harmony that the family sit together in church. The Confirmation Classes in our Churches vary greatly in that in some churches they start their education in confirmation as early as the third grade, whereas in some churches they have only two years of preparation for Confirmation. This system should be made uniform throughout our churches. It should be more than two years preparation, since it was felt that this period is not long enough. The young peoples clubs should be given a free hand and the young people should be permitted to do as they please, but under proper supervision. They shouldn’t be told what to do, rather be guided and allowed to try new projects themselves. Going to the subject of Choirs, many people are of the opinion that choirs are organized simply for children. The truth is that very small children do not fit into a choir, but rather a choir should be composed of adults and children as well, singing together.

Church Women and Christian Education, under the direction of Mrs. Helen Bordash of Roebling, also felt that a longer study time is needed for the confirmation classes. In stretching the period of study to at least five years, it will come to pass that the confirmands are no longer memorizing their lessons, but rather answering the question out of a true knowledge of the lesson. This is the turning point for the children, and they must understand the vows they are taking. In having a better understanding of their religion, they will more likely stay within their own religion when choosing a mate. The confirmation age should also not vary as it does now within our churches. A child now is confirmed any time from the age of twelve to sixteen. Could it be that they are being confirmed at too young an age, when they are too young to understand what they are promising? Of course it is not enough that they study up to their confirmation. The right background is necessary — the parents have to take over the education of their children after confirmation, that is, unless the confirmants stay in Sunday School at least until they graduate from high school. Sunday School teachers would like to see the children remain and continue their religious education after confirmation. Sunday School teachers would also like to have a conference of their own, in order to exchange ideas and if possible unite the system of educating the children in our Sunday Schools. The last week in September is Religious Education Observation Week, and at that time the teachers will go out into the homes and visit the parents of the Sunday School children and discuss problems, etc., with the parents. They hope to do something to stimulate attendance in Sunday School, as well as in Church, asking all children to attend more faithfully. Of course it can’t be expected that our children will attend if we ourselves do not practice what we preach. A good example is evening preparatory