Magyar Egyház, 1973 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1973-01-01 / 1. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9 out the exercise of church discipline there is no real life in the church, for we have either not understood or have completely misunderstood the divine calling and mission of the church in the world and in the lives of men. It is my personal experience, that whenever I dared to employ the divine gift of church discipline — without regard for the human effects and consequences — God has always blessed by work, increased by faith and strengthened by congregation. In this chaotic world forever in pursuit of liberality the church can remain only if it remains the church of God, congregations can only survive if they faithfully follow all of the teachings of Christ at all times. Let us remember John Calvin’s classic statement: “If someone thinks that the church can stay alive without church discipline, then he has committed a fatal error.” Rev. Tibor Dömötör * * * The above was presented at the Hungarian Reformed Presbiters Association’s meeting in Ligonier, Pa. on Sept. 3, 1972. NEWS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS AKRON, OHIO Our Christmas services were well attended. 195 persons participated in the Holy Communion service, 18 persons received the holy elements in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Our Christmas income — first time in the history of our church — went over $2,000. During the last year we baptized 10 children, blessed the marriage of 8 couples, and buried 9 church members. Wedding: On January 5th, married in our church Joseph Carl Kovách and Dianne Oubre. Witnesses were Ronald J. Karam and Julianna R. Karam. May God bless richly the newlyweds. The newly elected officers of our Dorcas Guild are: President: Mrs. Frank Race, vice president: Mrs. Helen Farkas, secretary: Ann Druga, treasurer: Mrs. Anna Sala, sunshine fund: Mrs. Blodge Bukovey, chaplain: Mrs. Joseph E. Druga. May God bless richly the newly elected leaders and the members of the Guild. During the past year our ladies sold more than 2,000 copies of our famous Cook Book, the Kitchen Queen. ALLEN PARK, MICH. The Christmas holiday services were well attended. Seventeen persons were administered Holy Communion by the Pastor in hospitals, nursing homes or their own residences. In 1972 there were 24 infant and 2 adult baptisms; 12 marriages performed and 16 members buried. A total of 30 new members were received, 14 through the annual confirmation class and 16 adults. Church organizations were active. Mrs. George Kovács, longtime president of the Ladies’ Aid Society, chose not to continue in this office. We are deeply grateful to her for the many years of devoted and faithful service that she gave our congregation. The Ladies’ Aid elected Mrs. Elmer Erdig to be her successor. Our church was organized on January 5, 1941. The founding minister, the Rev. Dean Tibor Toth, now in retirement, is Pastor Emeritus. Only one of the original Elders, Mr. Charles Köteles, is presently active on the Church Council, which he serves as a Vice President. The Annual Congregational and Corporation Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 11. A new vice president and a few new elders are to be elected at that time. In 1972 the congregation’s indebtedness was lowered to $129,385.46. The original 15 year loan from the Hungarian Reformed Federation was for $300,000. Payments have been made to cover monthly amounts due on March 10, 1975! All organizational secretaries and treasurers are requested to present their reports for the past year. The Annual Report will include material information about the work of our organizations. We are encouraged by the large number of our congregatants who follow the teachings of Christ in their everyday lives. Our work as a fellowship of believers is only truly effective when the members make every effort to be witnesses to Christ in their homes and places of work. The Church exists to better equip the believers for their unique ministries. Deaths: Mr. Louis Bokros died on December 16, 1972. Mrs. Joseph Deffert died on January 2, 1973. We pray that God will grant His comfort to the bereaved families. HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH COOK BOOK (7,700 copies sold) order from: The Dorcas Guild 9901 Allen Road Allen Park, Mich. 48101 $2.50 — Postage and Handling .30 BETHLEHEM, PA. Our Christmas service was well attended, over 95% of our members received the Holy Communion. The Holy Elements were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Erdie. Funerals: Borbála Kovács dec. 8; Mrs. Andrew Turoczy dec. 15; Julia Szolosi dec. 29. CARTERET, N. J. Services during Christmastide were very well attended, the largest congregation assembled, of course, for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. On Christmas Day about 70% of the membership gathered around the Lord’s Table. Those who celebrated New Year’s Day in church came to the manse afterwards to wish “Happy New Year.” Last year’s vital statistics, traditionally read at the New Year’s Eve service, showed 4 infant baptisms, 10 confirmations, 4 couples married, 15 members (including 4 former members) buried. Preliminary figures for the past year indicate a rise in net receipts (gross receipts over $34,000, expenses $32,000) ; with the previous carryover added, the new balance for 1973 will exceed $20,000. The diligent and successful officers of the Lorantffy Society were reelected:
