Magyar Egyház, 1993 (72. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)

1993-07-01 / 3. szám

12. oldal

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

UNION OF ALL HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCHES IN AMERICA

We recall here the report in regard to the eventual union with all Hungarian Reformed Churches in America as declared by the Bishop’s Council on January 30, 1993, and printed in the January/February, 1993 issue, page 9, Magyar Egyház. The resolution was as follows: “The Bishop’s Council of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America desires to seek exploratory discussions that could lead toward an eventual union with all Hungarian Reformed Churches in America. To expedite the above decision, the Bishop appoints the following individuals to initiate discussions in the above matter with interested congregations or denominations. The appointed committee will report periodically on their progress to the members of the Bishop’s Council. Committee members are Rev. Sándor Forro, Mr. Anthony C. Beke and Rev. Stefan Torok. Also, Bishop Harsanyi, Chief Elder Stephen Szabó, ex-officio members.”

Bishop Harsanyi has learned that the Conference Council of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ, at their meeting on June 21, passed the following resolution: “IX. 1. The Revs. Kaiser, Poznan and Such are elected representatives to the unity conversations; 2. Conference Council, as authorized by the Annual Meeting, appointed Bishop Vitéz and Mrs. Irma Carnevale, Synod Presbyter, to the committee of Calvin Synod; 3. If other representatives are added by the HRCA, Bishop Vitéz shall then add to an equal number in this order: Rev. A. Kovács, Rt. Rev. L. Medgyesi and Rev. Dr. I. Bertalan.”

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

President Helen K. Dodge of the Eastern Division of the Church Women United held a Hungarian Night Seminary Ministerial Fund-raising Dinner schedule for Saturday, March 13. This ministerial fund was formed on May 3, 1992, at the Thirty-third Annual Conference, held in Roebling, New Jersey, to encourage Hungarian-born ministers to enter into the Ministerial profession as it is declining at a fast pace. We decided to invest in scholarships to keep the American- Hungarian churches alive and well.

Saturday, March 13, will go down in history as a painful and stressful time because we were hit with the biggest blizzardlike snow storm we have ever seen in a long, long time. It created a paralyzing effect on everyone.

Everything was in place for this Hungarian Night. It took a great deal of spirit and courage along with the agonizing pain to deliver the message to all invited guests, the postponement of this affair. It took many phone calls to deliver great anxiety because it was feared that Sunday, March 14, will be as bad as the previous day. We were all faced with a difficult situation. In spite of the blizzard we came out successfully. Most of the invited guests came trudging through the ice and snow with the danger of slipping on the ice. The spirit of man is remarkable. We are aware of God’s presence and tried to remain calm.

No matter what the circumstances, we know that God is guiding us every inch of the way. God is the source of our strength. No matter how difficult the situation, we know God is with us. His presence is everywhere.

It is our great expectation that our other churches could consider some form of fund-raising event to enhance the growth of the Ministerial Fund. The Carteret church has shown the undying spirit of man. They were faced with nature’s wrath and had the courage and determination to come through. “God is at work, to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

On Sunday, May 2, 1993, the Thirty-fourth Annual Conference of the Church Women United, Eastern Division, Hungarian Reformed Church in America, will be held in Carteret, New Jersey. Registration will begin at 2:00 PM., with opening devotions starting promptly at 3:00 PM. Registration fee is $6.00 per person which includes dinner. Dinner is at 6:00 PM. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Ollie Hall of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Please attend!

Good be with you till we meet again!

Pearl Hatten, Secretary

REFORMED CHRISTIAN TV BROADCASTS IN HUNGARY

It is not new for today’s American public when we speak of the importance of mass media in church mission. It is evident that we evaluate different Christian programs in our communities. They bring the Gospel of God’s love into the homes of modern people who have been alienated into loneliness.

What is self explanatory for us was not so in Hungary, where the communist ruled media did not give a chance for a Christian TV. However, there was a radio worship service, heavily censored, two times a month, but that was less than the minimum for the nearly 3 million Hungarian Reformed Christians. The television was privileged for atheism.

At the late 80s when the collapse of communism became obvious, worship services were broadcasted at some major Christian celebrations as Christmas and Easter but only one church at a time had the celebrations.

The real change came in 1990 after the first democratic elections when the religious department #10 of the Hungarian TV was established which produced programs for eight denominations. One of those was the Reformed Church of Hungary. This is not a little private studio. They made, for example, circa 150 Reformed Church programs during the last three years. All that gave an earlier unimaginable opportunity for mission to the churches.

If we realize how these broadcasts may help the spiritual health of all Hungarians, the evangelization of Hungarian speaking Christians, we may see the importance of this project. In such a way the Good News of Divine Salvation can be delivered into all the