CALVIN SYNOD AMERIKAI MAGYAR REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA ISSN VOL. CXVI JULY AUGUST 2015 NUMBER 7 8 IN THIS ISSUE:

ISSN 0161-6900

CALVIN SYNOD Official Organ of The Calvin Synod - United Church of Christ

Founded in 1900

AMERIKAI MAGYAR

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA VOL. CXVI

JULY – AUGUST 2015

NUMBER 7– 8

The 77th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference

IN THIS ISSUE: Bishop's Thoughts...– Rt. Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig............ 2 The 77th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference – by General Sec'y Rev. Stefan Torok....................................... 3 Contemplative Evangelism – Dr. Richard Peace.................... 6 Installation of Rev. John P. Cardamone – Rev. Stefan Torok. 7 Confirmation in Manville NJ ................................................... 8 Baptism at the FHRC of Walton Hills, OH.............................. 8 Confirmation Exam and First Communion at the First HRC of Walton Hills, OH – Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai........ 8 Flood Relief Fund for Oklahoma and Texas........................... 8 Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land – Tim Vamosi.............. 9 We wish for a better life – Rev. Alexander Jalso.................. 10 The Hungarian Cultural Association – Artur Bartfay..............11

Upcoming Events in Columbus, OH.......................................11 Calvin Synod Homeland and Overseas Mission................... 12 Change of address form........................................................ 12 Meet the Participant of ReConnect Hungary 2015................ 12 A Püspök visszagondol...– Ft. Ludwig Kálmán Karoly.......... 13 Kálvin Zsinat kül- és belmisszió............................................ 13 Order form – Megrendelő lap................................................ 13 Gyülekezeti hírek................................................................... 14 Az élet kenyere – Vásárhelyi Boldizsár................................. 15 Az első teljes magyar bibliafordítás – Papp György.............. 15 Az Imádság haszna............................................................... 17 Hirdetések...................................................................18-19-20

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CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Bishop's Thoughts...

CALVIN SYNOD

Dear Friends:

Official Organ of The Calvin Synod - United Church of Christ Founded in 1900

AMERIKAI MAGYAR

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Volume 116

JULY – AUGUST 2015

NO. 7 – 8

Official Organ of the Calvin Synod United Church of Christ – Founded in 1900 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD (ISSN 0161-6900) is published bi-monthly for $15.00/year for individual subscriptions; $10.00/year for groups; 50 or more copies. Please make checks payable to the Calvin Synod Herald Editor in Chief: Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop 7319 Tapper Ave • Hammond, IN 46324 Tel.: 219-931-4321 e-mail: [email protected] Co-Editor: Rev. Stefan M. Torok 68 Cherrywood Drive • Somerset, NJ 08873 Tel.: 732-917-4566 e-mail: [email protected] Co-Editor: Rev. Joseph Vasarhelyi 220 Fourth Street • Passaic, NJ 07055 Tel.: 973-778-1019 • Fax: 973-778-1026 e-mail: [email protected] Business Manager: Wilburn A. Roby Jr. 264 Old Plank Road • Butler, PA 16002 e-mail: [email protected] Newsletters prepared by: Cathy Paksi 419-733-5829 • [email protected] Newsletters printed by: Gazette Printers 724-349-3434 Periodicals postage paid at Butler, PA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 264 Old Plank Rd., Butler, PA 16002-3810 Manuscripts and photographs are not preserved or returned. Send all correspondence to the Editor. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the magazine or Calvin Synod. CALVIN SYNOD HEADQUARTERS: Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig 7319 Tapper Ave • Hammond, IN 46324 219-931-4321 • [email protected]

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Reminiscent of eleven years ago, returning from the Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod I have reflected on many of the things I saw there. I was happy to see so many delegates this year, and especially glad that the quality of our attendees was something to be proud of. Our con­gregations have a wealth of dedicated Christians in their midst. This year I was elected to serve as bishop, and being familiar with the other officers, I am sure your faith in those whom you elected is not misplaced. Our current Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai accepted a difficult assignment last year and fulfilled the task beautifully. Our Synod Treasurer Rev. Viktor Toth has undertaken the task of reorganizing the accounting in the Treasurer's office, with good results. Rev. Stefan Torok has done a good job as General Secretary. Mr. James Ballas, your Synod Presbyter, seriously fulfills every task. These colleagues have been serving for two years and I know that we will be fruitful in our work together this coming year. We are totally committed and dedicated to serve you and Calvin Synod and Jesus our Lord, and intend to do so in the Spirit of Christ and being guided by the Love which he introduced into the world. Paul says it best in I Corinthians: without love, we are a “noisy gong or a clanging cymbal”, we are “nothing”. And then he goes on to tell us what love IS: “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right”. I invite you to join us, and emphasize Christ’s message of “Love” in every decision you make and every thought you have, so that he will always be present in your lives. Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop

VACANCIES

Beaver Falls, PA Cleveland, OH – West Side Hungarian Reformed Church

Columbus, OH Dayton, OH The proper procedure is for all interested ministers to send

their completed PROFILE (as provided by the United Church of Christ) to the Bishop’s office: Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig 7319 Tapper Ave • Hammond, IN 46324 [email protected]

Bishop Ludwig and members of the C&M Commitee

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

The 77th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ was held at Ramada Inn, in Ligonier, PA from May 19-22, 2015

Opening Worship Service with Holy Communion was held at Moriah Chapel of Bethlen Communities from 9:00 am. Participating in the worship service were members of the Conference Council. The English message was delivered by General Secretary, Rev. Stefan M. Torok, Hungarian message was delivered by Synod Treasurer, Rev. Viktor Toth, and Holy Communion service was led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Acting Bishop and Mr. James Ballas Synod Presbyter. Participating in the worship service were Deans of the Classis: Rev. Peter Toth, Lakeside Classis, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Central Classis also Executive Director of Bethlen Communities, Rev. Chuck Huckaby, Western Classis and Rev. Jozsef Vasarhelyi, Eastern Classis. Following the worship service Synod picture of the delegates was taken. The picture is on the cover of this issue of the Calvin Synod Herald. Lunch was served in the Linden Room of Bethlen Communities. During the lunch, special greetings and reports were provided to the delegates by Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director who also gave a brief report on the life and service of the same. He also made introductions of the Board of Directors who serve on behalf of the Calvin Synod. The early afternoon started with registration of the delegates, after which Acting Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai called the meeting to order. Rev. Gabor Nitsch, Director of Pastoral Care at Bethlen Commu­ nities remembered 10 of our faithful pastors and elders who have been called to their eternal reward with the Lord. Opening Address was delivered by Mr. James Ballas, Synod Presbyter as follows: Good afternoon! Isten Hozta. Welcome to the 77th Annual Meeting of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ. As we gather for this meeting, there are several issues that we need to deal with. As we discovered throughout this past year, many decisions regarding personnel were left up in the air. We need to take some action. We need to put “our house in order.” In several of our congregations, the same is needed. It is time to put “our house in order.” On the Synod level, on the congregational level, and on a personal level; it is time. During this meeting, we will hear about evangelism. Some of you may know that prior to the merger forming the United Church of Christ, our Magyar Synod was part of the denomination called the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Our churches came from the Reformed Church in the United States, merging with the Evangelical Synod of North America. Many changed their names from the Hungarian Reformed Church to the Hungarian Evangelical and Reformed Church. The preamble of the constitution of the denomination included the words “in the proclamation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the advancement of the Kingdom of God in accordance with the Word of God.” There is a historic connection. One of the basic tasks of the church – “announcing the good news of the gospel” – evangelism. It includes preaching and spreading the good news of the gospel, but also converting to Christianity. How well do we do that? We have a classis committee called Evangelism and Worship. Sometimes that committee shared beneficial material. But as with many of our classis committees, they are by and large inactive. But this week, I am confident we will learn much more about evangelism.

3 I visited several churches this year facing struggles within their congregation. Seeking to help them find comfort and healing in their time of need, I quoted this passage from the Letter of Paul to the Colossians chapter 3 verses 12 through 17. “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What wonderful words to follow. So as we take care of business this week, remember who we are; one of God’s chosen. In word and deed, do everything in His name, giving thanks. Amen. Rev. Torok, General Secretary made the Roll Call: A total of 17 congregations were represented, with 39 delegates and 9 alternate delegates present, 5 guests and 2 licensed lay preachers. A quorum was established and the Synod meeting was declared open. The Agenda of the meeting was presented to the delegates and was accepted. Dr. Krasznai asked the Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi, Bishop Emeritus to act as Parliamentarian. Motion passed. Rev. Torok, was asked to present members of the Appointed Committees with their duties and responsibilities. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai made his Acting Bishop’s Report as follows: “When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled together as one in Jerusalem. Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God” (Ezra 3:1-2 NIV). Dear Pastors, Delegates, and Guests, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Something new and good has begun in the life of Israel, a longlong time ago. The story, from the Book of Ezra, is about the people of Israel coming home from the Babylonian exile, when God had mercy on His people and led them back to their ancient land of Israel after the long seventy year exile in Babylonia. The first thing they did, after their arrival, was to worship the Lord. They worshiped the Almighty God. Why would they do this? Everything around them was lying in rubbles and ruins. They should have started building their own houses and especially the house of God first, and just then worshiping God and restoring worship. Why would they devote themselves to restoring corporate worship? Why did they begin everything with worshiping the Almighty God? The reason was because everything was restored with worship. Everything was restored by exalting the Almighty God, by praising and worshiping Him, by putting the Lord into the center of their lives, community, and nation, by going back to the roots. I strongly believe that every good beginning results in more positive outcome. God is the most important. We must always begin with God in Jesus Christ. The Lord must be in the center of our personal lives, and in our churches and Synod’s life. If we offer ourselves to God then things will work out, one way or the other, everything will be all right even though things may look in rubble and ruin around us, even though we

4 don’t see the way out and how to deal with all the issues in our lives and in our churches. The only thing we can do is to go before Christ in faith and unity, and rely on Him and ask Him to lead us in this time. Many of us, in Calvin Synod, focus on and facilitate revitalization and growth in our Hungarian Reformed congregations. The members of the Church Revitalization and Growth Committee developed a Plan of Action. Our goal is to establish prayer group ministries at each church of Calvin Synod. Members of the committee agreed to visit the churches and schedule workshops at each congregation. In April of 2014 Rev. Imre A. Bertalan and I visited the Hungarian Reformed Church of Fairport Harbor, OH, and in November the Hungarian Reformed Church of Columbus, OH. During our visits these two churches started the prayer group ministry according to the Plan of Action guidelines we presented. Other congregations, like Beaver Falls, PA, Bridgeport, CT, Lorain, OH and Walton Hills, OH have also started the prayer group ministry with success. Praise be to God for the great accomplishments! May the Lord continue to bless this work! Additionally, we give thanks to God for the Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp which was also blessed. The main theme for the 2014 Youth Camp was entitled “In a World of Change” based on Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (NIV). We had five main speakers who gave great presentations. There were some positive changes in the life of the camp compared to the previous years. We invited Junior Campers ages 9-12. Rev. Judit Mayer and Beata Krasznai were appointed as leaders of the Junior Campers. Ms. Maryann Parsons was appointed as Program and Activity Coordinator. The camp staff worked hard to adjust the schedule, the programs, and activities accordingly in order to make the camp a blessing for all the campers, counselors, and participants. The attendance was the highest compared to the previous years. We are thankful for the generous donations, help, and support of individuals, churches, and American-Hungarian organizations. Youth Camp leadership had two preparatory meetings in January and in April of this year. We hope that this year’s youth camp will be another blessing for everybody. Two of our Calvin Synod churches celebrated their 110th Anniversary. The First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead, PA on October 12, 2014, and the United Church of Christ of Bridgeport, CT on October 25, 2014. The Manville Reformed Church will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Rev. John Cardamone was installed as pastor of the Calvin Reformed Church of Norwalk, CT. I asked Rev. Stefan Torok General Secretary, to conduct the Installation Service. On May 17, 2015 Rev. Tibor Kiraly was elected as pastor of the Calvin United Church of Christ, Fairfield. Rev. Jozsef Vasarhelyi presided over the Special Congregational Meeting. Additionally, in March of 2015 the congregation held a Special Worship Service as they celebrated the replacement of the furnace system in the church building and they also started the church school again. On August 1, 2014 Rev. Leila Gomulka retired honorably from the United States Navy Chaplain Corps after serving 20 years on active duty and 24 years total. In September of 2014 Rev. Viktor Toth enrolled into the PhD program at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA. Three pastors are in the process of applying for Standing in our Synod. Four pastors left our Synod: 1. Rev. Jim James resigned from the Heritage United Church of Christ of Davison, MI. 2. Rev. Judith Tobias was released from licensure from the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead, PA. 3. Rev. Csongor Kovacs and Rev. Gabriella Reibach left the First

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Hungarian Reformed Church of New York, NY. The Heritage United Church of Christ of Davison, MI requested financial assistance for fixing their church’s furnace. The Conference Council voted to support the Davison church in this project. There were several overseas and homeland mission projects that our Synod continued or initiated. Some major projects were: Help Christians in Iraq Fund ($1,158), Karpatalja Relief Fund ($418), Kolozsvar School Fund ($39,958.98), and the Christmas Gift to Retired Ministers and Ministers’ Widows ($1,700). These mission projects were either published in the Calvin Synod Herald and/or posted to Calvin Synod Yahoo group. In April of 2014 the Dedication Ceremony of the Graceful Aging Center and Bethlen Museum and Archives was held in Ligonier, PA. Rt. Rev. Ferenc Varga and I conducted the special service. A check of $10,000 was presented to Bethlen Communities from Calvin Synod, for the year of 2013 and 2014, as a pledge and support from our Synod. We are thankful to God for the fine leadership at Bethlen Communities and for their faithful and effective work. I was invited and participated at the Board of Directors Meeting, as the representative of Calvin Synod, in October of 2014 and in April of 2015. Last November I participated at the Ordination Ceremony of Rt. Rev. Ferenc Varga, the newly elected bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. This special celebration was held at the American Hungarian Reformed Church of Allen Park, MI. The Calvin Synod was represented, at this event, by Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, and myself. My family also participated at the event. In November the Hungarian Government held the 4th Diaspora Council Meeting in Budapest, Hungary. More than 80 leaders and representatives, from different Hungarian organizations, communities, and denominations, all over the world, participated at this event. I represented Calvin Synod at this important meeting which was very beneficial and a learning experience for me. A thorough report was published in the Calvin Synod Herald January-February 2015 issue. Some major changes occurred in the United Church of Christ regarding the procedure of Ministerial Profile and application for Standing. UCC has a new system and has computerized the application procedure for pastors, as of January 1, 2014, and they no longer accept the old hard copy forms anymore that Calvin Synod is still using. It means that the applicant pastor needs to be recorded in the UCC Data Hub system. The current Conference Minister has to report the UCC each pastor who applied for Standing in Calvin Synod. However, please note that as Calvin Synod we continue with our own procedure to grant Standing to our pastors. Another new change, that has an effect on Calvin Synod pastors, was that those who apply for Standing in the UCC are required to get a fingerprint criminal background check which is mandatory and the applicant pays. At the end of the year of 2014 unfortunately our Synod had to deal with a very unpleasant case. It was a sad situation in our Synod’s life. Charges were brought by several members of the congregation against the pastor of the Calvin United Church of Christ in Fairfield, CT. The congregation voted to approve the request of the Conference Council to make a change in pastor at a Special Congregational Meeting. The pastor of the Fairfield church was also the Bishop of our Synod. A further decision had to be made, regarding the status of Bishop within the Calvin Synod, according to our Synod’s Bylaws Article XI. Officers, Section 4: “Each officer except the Synod Treasurer and the Synod Presbyter shall be an ordained minister holding his/her Standing in Calvin Synod, and be either: a. The ‘Called’ and installed pastor of a local congregation of this Conference, or b. A retired pastor…” I am serving as Acting Bishop till May of 2015. Even though we experience and go through trials and difficulties, we may see the Lord’s graceful and helping hand on our lives and on our

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD churches, and Synod. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless our congregations and may His presence bring love, peace, joy, and unity into our churches’ life. Conference Council Minutes: Rev. Torok, General Secretary presented the Combined Conference Council Minutes from 2014-2015, which was distributed to the delegates. Proposed By-Law Changes: Mr. James Ballas, presented the Proposed By-Law Changes which was also made available to the delegates. After some discussions the changes were approved. Treasurer’s Report: Rev. Viktor Toth, Synod Treasurer distributed his report to the delegates and made a media presentation, giving an accounting of the treasury. The report was well received and was placed into the hands of the proper committee for further evaluation. For the remainder of the afternoon the following reports were made to the delegates: Church and Ministry Committee, by Rt. Rev. Louis Medgyesi, Chair, Faithful and Welcoming Churches Report, by Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson and the Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Youth Camp Report, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai. Committee meetings were announced by the chairperson of each committee. Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Opening devotions were offered by Rev. David Ackerman, Penn West Conference Minister. Roll Call: was taken by Rev. Torok, General Secretary showing 17 congregations represented by 29 delegates, 9 alternates 5 guests and two licensed lay preachers. After the approval of the previous day’s minutes, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai gave a report on the Church Revitalization and Growth, expressing thanks to Rev. Bertalan and others who through the last years visited member congregations and accepted to follow the plan of action. Bethlen Museum and Archives Report: was presented by Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Rev. Albert W. Kovacs and Rev. Imre A. Bertalan. Workshop No. 1 On Evangelism was made by our special guest The Rev. Dr. Richard Peace from Fuller Theological Seminary in California, introduced by Rev. Viktor Toth one of his students. His presentation was well received. In the afternoon the Eastern Classis Dean’s Report was made by newly elected Dean. Rev. Jozsef Vasarhelyi, which was followed by congregational sharing. The Western Classis Dean’s Report was made by Rev. Chuck Huckaby, which was also followed by congregational sharing. The remainder of the afternoon was set aside to discuss the difficulties concerning the Bishop’s Office. Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, who has been removed from office as Pastor of the Calvin United Church of Christ and was extended the opportunity to respond to the actions taken by the congregation, Judicial Committee, Church and Ministry Committee and the Conference Council. Bishop Poznan questioned why he was not allowed to make his usual yearly report to the Synod. The response offered was that he is no longer the pastor of a congregation and since he was removed from office, in his place an Acting Bishop was appointed. Dr. Krasznai, Chair of the Synod Meeting and acting Bishop stated that this was perhaps the most difficult decision we had to make as a Synod Body. Rev. Poznan started to read his prepared report in response to the difficulties that arose from his removal. After a long period of time Acting Bishop, Dr. Krasznai asked Rev. Torok, General Secretary to read the letter addressed to Leadership of the United Church of Christ and the recommendations made by the Judicial Committee, Church and Ministry Committee and the Conference Council in this matter. Recommendation No. 1: The Conference Council, Judicial Committee,

5 Church and Ministry Committee recommends to the Synod to terminate Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan from the office as Bishop of the Calvin Synod. Secret ballot was requested and ordered by the chair. The delegates voted with 31 Yes vote, and 6 No vote. Dr. Krasznai declared that the motion passed. It is therefore noted, that the Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan be removed from office as Bishop of the Calvin Synod. Recommendation No. 2: The Conference Council further recommends that Rev. Bela Poznan’s standing be terminated by the Calvin Synod together with every elected and appointed positions. Secret ballot was requested and ordered by the chair. The delegates voted with 26 yes, 10 No and 4 abstained. Dr. Krasznai declared that the motion passed. It is therefore noted, that the Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan be removed from standing in the Calvin Synod together with elected and appointed position. Thursday, May 21, 2015 Opening Devotions were offered by Rev. Albert W. Kovacs. Roll Call was taken by Rev. Torok, General Secretary. Present were delegates from 19 congregations, 15 ministers, 16 delegates, 9 alternate delegates 6 guests and 2 licensed lay preachers. Minutes from the previous day were approved with corrections. Workshop No. 2 with Rev. Dr. Richard Peace. Committee Reports filled the rest of morning session and extended into the afternoon session. Bishop’s Office: The Nominating Committee placed the name of Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig before the delegates to fill the unexpired term of Bishop, as Interim Bishop. Motion passed. Dr. Krasznai invited the Rt. Rev. Koloman Ludwig and elected members of the Church and Ministry to take their Oath of Office. All delegates were asked to stand as the Oath of Office was administered to the Interim Bishop and Members of the Church and Ministry Committee Members. Dr. Krasznai extended a right hand of fellowship to all. Dr. Krasznai further reported to the delegates that the Synod Banquet will be held this evening at the Old Building of the Bethlen Home and special Award Presentation will be made to Mrs. Barbara Poruban, wife of the Chief Elder at United Church of Christ of Bridgeport, CT. Friday, May22, 2015 Opening Devotions were led by Rev. Peter Toth, Dean of the Lakeside Classis, pastor of the Lorain, OH congregation. Roll Call was made by Rev. Torok, General Secretary, indicating 15 congregations represented by 13 ministers, 19 delegates, 5 alternate delegates, 2 licensed lay preachers and 4 guests. Approval of the Minutes: motion was made to accept the minutes from the previous day with some corrections. The Conference Council asked authorization for the approval of the minutes from this day. – Authorization was given. Among the unfinished business it was reported again that Group Pictures from the Synod meeting are still available. Rev. Nitsch further stated that the Bethlen Almanac is also available. Rev. Viktor Toth further emphasized the process for paying the hotel rooms. Dr. Krasznai expressed his thanks and appreciation to all ministers, delegates. alternate delegates and guests for their interest and participation at the meeting. Closing Prayer and Benediction was offered by the Rt. Rev. Koloman K.Ludwig, Interim Bishop. In His closing prayer he asked God to keep watch over our delegates in their travel, extended greetings to our faithful people in the congregations and said “God be With You, ‘till We Meet Again” in 2016. By Rev. Stefan M. Torok General Secretary

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Contemplative Evangelism: A Proposal for Outreach in the 21st Century



Communion Worship Service at the Moriah Chapel, Ligonier, PA

Members of the Conference Council

Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Dr. Richard Peace and Rev. Viktor Toth

The ministry of evangelism is all about inviting newcomers into the church, into faith, and into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus. Indeed evangelism is the very lifeblood of the church. Without the ministry of evangelism the church dies slowly. And the mainline church, which includes the UCC, has been in decline now for over 50 years. But the problem is that we scarcely engage in evangelism any more. In fact, we are embarrassed by word evangelism. The whole idea of evangelism has become toxic for us in the church, and I might add, it is also toxic for those outside the church who view evangelism as coercive, manipulative and exclusionary. So the question is: how are we to engage in evangelism in the 21st century? Here is my proposal: that to engage in evangelism in this postmodern world in ways that are productive, authentic and have integrity what we need to do is create options for postmodern people to explore spirituality so as to encounter God in life-changing ways. (One of the characteristics of postmodern people is their interest in the spiritual). I call this Contemplative Evangelism Contemplative Evangelism is all about creating safe spaces and creative places where the spiritually curious can explore their own spiritual pilgrimages in the context of a hospitable, loving, interpretative community of living faith. Let me unpack this definition. • A Safe Space: Post moderns are often not interested in the church. In fact the church is seen (wrongly I think) as a spooky place inhabited by judgmental people with manipulative leaders. So we often have to use more neutral spaces such as conference centers, schools, retreats, homes, etc. to do contemplative outreach. • A Creative Place: These spaces need to be filled with inputs of all sorts that spark spiritual inquiry such as books, art, music, and information from various sources such as lectures, seminars, and conversation. • The Spiritually Curious: The focus needs to on the many individuals who claim to be spiritual but not religious. They are engaged in a culture-wide conversation about spirituality which is often seen in contemporary films, TV, music, and art. • Spiritual Pilgrimage: The goal of contemplative evangelism is to explore our spiritual pilgrimages together. This is possible because we are all on a spiritual pilgrimage whether we know it or not since this is how God has made us. In sharing stories of pilgrimage we learn about God from one another. • A hospitable community: We are good at hospitality in the church but we need to be intentional about inviting those outside our walls to share our hospitality • A loving community: No mystery here. The Great Commandments calls upon us to love God and love others. This is what following the Way of Jesus is all about. • An interpretive community: Our Christian world view enables us to help others to understand how to reach out to God, who God is, what it means to notice God, and what their experiences of Transcendence are all about.

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD • A community of living faith: Faith is not just taught; it is caught as it is modeled by others. Contemplative Evangelism takes many forms. My favorite way of such outreach is via half-day retreats. Gather together a group of interested people from both inside and outside the church to meet from 9:00-1:00 on a Saturday morning and explore together a topic of spirituality. I recently did such a retreat on the theme of Noticing God in which we looked at various ways in which God has met men and women down through history. This included not just lecture but personal spiritual exercises and small group conversation. Other themes I have explored include Bible study of a powerful passage in which the text is examined first with our minds (inductive Bible study) and then with our hearts (lectio divina). In another retreat I explored the writings of the mystic Julian of Norwich and how she could assert that “all shall be well” even though she lived in a world of plague and endless war. Seminars are useful too. I did a 5-week Lenten series on spiritual pioneers and their practices that was preceded by a dinner. It is in this seminar format at key times in the liturgical year (Advent, Lent, Pentecost) that you can teach on those topics of spirituality on which you are expert. The key will be to include spiritual practices. Small groups meeting weekly in homes allow for a comfortable, conversational approach to spirituality. I find that sharing spiritual autobiographies is a powerful experience as long as these are carefully prepared, presented, and debriefed. (See my book Spiritual Autobiography: Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual Story. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1998.) The intensive experience of travel together to religious sites is another powerful form of contemplative outreach. In the end, contemplative evangelism is not difficult. We simply have to offer programs on spiritual formation and invite the spiritually curious to participate. This is not something new or extra since engaging in spiritual formation is a key part of ministry (as we seek to create disciples). What makes our formational activities outreach is our willingness to invite outsiders to join us. By Dr. Richard Peace

Rev. Stefan M.Torok, Rev. John P. Cardamone and Chief Elder Jack Zackar

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Installation of Rev. John P. Cardamone The Calvin Reformed Church of Norwalk (U.C.C.) celebrated the installation of their new pastor, Rev. John P. Cardamone, on Sunday, April 26, 2015. Rev. Stefan M. Torok, General Secretary of the Synod, officiated in place of Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai of Ohio, acting Bishop, who was unable to attend. Rev. Dr. Mark Horton of the neighboring Bridgeport CT., church also participated. It was a glorious day in which the faithful gathered to witness this occasion. Guest Organist Brother Matthew “Mackey” Clark played an uplifting solo. Rev.Torok’s sermon spoke of the Great Commission. Re­­m­ember the “3 M's of Ministry,” model, mentor and motivate. Model as in Peter 1:15 – The best sermons are one’s actions. Real ministry must reach beyond the reach of human hands. Paul, the Apostle, cautions that one’s sermon must be modeled before the people one leads. Mentor as in Galatians 5:13, Hebrews 13:17, 1Peter 5:5 – One must give much of his time and talent to instruct others, even if that mentoring never returns to the person directly. It is to be done for the kingdom’s sake. Good mentoring reaches out, and is not just to use at home. Be the sower in order that seeds may scatter and be gathered at harvest. Motivate as in John 4:35 – It is up to believers, church members and pastors to light a fire under ourselves, to motivate those whom God has called to the fellowship of the faithful. Zeal and commitment are needed to set things in motion. Rev. Torok offered his prayer and desire that the new pastor, Rev. Cardamone and the congregation to follow these 3Ms. The service continued with Rev. Torok posing questions to both Rev. Cardamom and the congregation to which both parties replied affirmatively to follow the Word of God. At this time Rev. Torok congratulated both the newly installed pastor and congregation saying, “This truly the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Rev. Cardamone, 55, addressed the congregation and spoke of his Scilian heritage. He admitted his knowledge of Hungarian consists of “Jo reggelt” and “paprikas.” He was born and raised in Norwalk. In fact, his mother was born (in 1931) on Lexington Avenue, down the street from the church. Family and home are very important to him. He and his wife, Jill, have 4 sons. John Philip, Luke, Micah and Isaiah. A potted plant of basil was evident upon the altar. One only needs to ask and he will tell you, it reminds him of the “aroma of home,” a tribute of love for his mother and grandmother. Following this, the Chief Elder, Mr. Jack Zackar, presented Rev. Cardamone with the 3 symbols of leadership: The By-Laws of the church, keys to the church and the official seal of the church. The service concluded and was followed by a fellowship dinner in the church hall. Rev. Stefan M. Torok

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CONFIRMATION

STEVEN PALAGYI was confirmed on May 31st 2015 at the Manville Reformed church in Manville, New Jersey, by Rev. Peter Maurer. Steven is the son of Otto and Dori Palagyi of Hillsborough, NJ and grandson of Otto and Carol Palagyi also of Hillsborough. All are member of our church and we welcome Steven as our newest member.

Baptism at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Walton Hills, OH of CHARLES JAMES DRENNAN, the son of Robert and Debbie Drennan

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Confirmation Exam and First Communion at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Walton Hills, Ohio “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). On Sunday, May 17, 2015 our church celebrated the Confir­ mation of our five candidates at a special Worship Service. After the service everyone was invited for a luncheon at our church’s Bethlen Hall. The Candidates received their first Holy Communion on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th. The Candidates were: Caroline Dewees, Allison Dewees, Rahel Krasznai, Adam Mayo, and Robert Fulop. To God be all glory and praise!

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

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Flood Relief Fund, Oklahoma and Texas Dear Calvin Synod Congregations, Severe storms, in late May, hit Oklahoma and central and southeast Texas. The widespread flooding and storms killed at least 21 people in the two states and displaced thousands of residents. 70 homes were destroyed and about 1,400 homes are under water in the storm area and have some type of damage. The Conference Council of the Calvin Synod asks for your support to help the victims. Please, pray for the victims and make generous contributions to help them at the time of this great tragedy. Donations may be sent to the Calvin Synod Treasurer: Rev. Viktor Toth 6310 Green Valley Cir. #217 Culver City, CA 90230 When sending your donation, please write in the Memo section of your check: Flood Relief Fund, Oklahoma and Texas. We are thankful for your prayers and generous support!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Csaba Krasznai Auxiliary Bishop Homeland and Overseas Mission Coordinator

A man walks past a cabin that was torn from its foundation in a flood on the Blanco River days earlier, Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in Wimberly, Texas

Deadly floods hit Texas & Oklahoma

Members of the Houston Fire department help residents evacuate through the floodwaters surrounding their homes in Houston, Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land Scripture: Psalms 33:12 This coming 4th of July we are going to celebrate our nation's 239th birthday. 239 years ago the United States was born. A nation based on the ideals of liberty, responsibility, godliness, and the freedom to become what God intended us to become was a new and revolutionary idea. The celebration of our nation's birthday is really a celebration of freedom. We celebrate the precious gift of freedom we have, because of the price others paid. You see, we must remember that freedom isn't free. Freedom is very expensive. It has cost some people everything, including their lives. Freedom isn't free, but it is infinitely valuable. On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, our Founding Fathers signed a document declaring our independence from the tyranny of those who would enslave the minds, the souls, the lives of men. But what many Americans don't realize is that with the same document, we not only declared our independence from Great Britain, we just as strongly declared our dependence upon Almighty God. The Declaration of Independence begins by proclaiming that this nation is dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. The signers of the Declaration were staking everything on God watching over them and seeing them through in their struggle for freedom. This is a nation that was founded upon the notion that we must be free from tyranny and we must be dependent upon our God. After our Founding Fathers unanimously approved the Declaration of Independence on July 2, and it was signed on July 4, the first public reading of the Declaration took place on July 8, and it was celebrated by a band and the ringing of bells. And the very first bell they rang was in the belfry of the very hall where they approved the Declaration of Independence to summon the people to hear the reading of America's founding document. They rang that bell – we know it as the "Liberty Bell." Where did it get its name? The name comes from the Scripture that imprinted on the bell – Lev. 25:10 – which says: "Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof!" Proclaim liberty throughout the land. Let Freedom Ring! 8

10 8 America was founded by men and women who acknowledged God's supreme rule over our lives. Despite what modern politicians, the contemporary media or the history revisionists say – America was founded not on the concept of freedom to worship any God (Buddha, Allah...etc) but on the freedom to worship Jesus Christ. Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." As much as we'd like to go back to the "good old days" when there was a national acceptance of the Judeo-Christian morality, we aren't living in those days. There was a time when majority of Americans were Christians and those who weren't had a healthy respect for God and the Bible. Those days are gone. We need to wake up to what's happening right here in America. We need to wake up and then lift up prayers for America. Most Christians are ignorant about the culture in which we are now living. We have used the church as a fortress where we hide from the world. We want to escape from the big bad world and its influences. But that's a defeatist approach. Jesus never told us to retreat, He told us to CHARGE into the world and to carry the good news. Jesus said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." We must WAKE up; LIFT up prayers; WISE up, and we must be willing to stand up for righteousness and truth in a culture that is becoming more wicked by the day. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." Our world is struggling in moral darkness and Jesus has called us to be the light of the world. Our culture is rotten and getting more corrupt and Jesus has called us to be the salt of the earth. For too long Christians have been guilty of the sin of silence. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." As Christians, we need to ask ourselves the same question. Is this the kind of nation we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in? If you think some changes need to be made, then it's time for us to be silent no longer. We must stand up for truth and righteousness because if we don't, nobody else will. We must stand up and let our voices be heard in the same way and persuade our government of the eternal and infallible truths of God's word and how these principles apply to the policies and laws of our nation. Sometimes we must stand up to our government and say: Enough is enough! America, wake up! Wake up and rediscover this simple truth, that as long as our motto is: IN GOD IS OUR TRUST, then we will remain a great nation. America needs some modern Paul Reveres. We need to rouse our culture about the dangerous threats we face. The Liberty bell was not meant to be hidden under the floorboards of a church. A bell is meant to be rung for all to hear. We are called to "Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD the inhabitants thereof!" Jesus said in his first sermon following his temptation in the wilderness: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." A bell does no good if it is not rung. A gospel does no good if it is not proclaimed. Tim Vamosi meditation

Yes, we wish to have a better life, but how can we achieve it?

Text: "Jesus said to them (that is to the people), "’I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall never hunger . . .'" and ". . . ‘I came (said Jesus) that hey may have life and have it abundantly.’" John 6:35/a and 10:10/b. It is obvious that the first Bible quotation of our text, when Jesus had said that He was the bread of life, should be taken FIGURATIVELY; and the second one when our Lord promised that His followers will have an abundant life through Him, should be interpreted LITERALLY within the context of the Bible. Why did Jesus say that He was the BREAD OF LIFE? Because the bread was one of the best choices to become the SYMBOL OF LIFE. Jesus had chosen the bread, trying to express that "I am the ESSENCE (VITAMIN) of life". Already in Jesus' time everybody knew that first the grain had to be sown to become a LIVE plant, when it was ripe it had to be harvested, from the harvested wheat flour was made, from the flour bread had to be baked, and the consumed bread provided nourishment for LIFE again! WITH THE POPULATION STEADILY GROWING AND THE ARABLE LAND BASICALLY REMAINING THE SAME THE PROBLEMS ARE GIVEN. You do not have to be told that we have serious economic problems (unemployment, poverty, deficit, bankruptcy, closed coal mines, steel mills, factories, foreign trade) and in contrast to this Jesus wants us to have an abundant life that is we should have a BETTER life. What does BETTER mean in terms of secular interpretation? • Better is whatever is MORE and SUFFICIENT of any kind of necessity. • Better is whatever is LESS EXPENSIVE and needed thus AVAILABLE for more people (like bread). • Better is whatever SATISFIES the people more, it is simpler, is available in more varieties, and makes our work easier. • Better is whatever is NICER, more attractive, pretty, what the ladies like. • Better is whatever is SAFER, like cars, or streets in the big cities. • BETTER is whatever is BIGGER, more COMFORTABLE, ENJOYABLE, and makes people happy. To these you may add your own preferences, for instance; better is whatever makes us live longer, reduces stress, protects

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

The Hungarian Cultural Association Columbus, Ohio HCA is a non-denominational group that organizes Hungarian events at the Columbus Hungarian Reformed Church. Some HCA members belong to the church; most do not. THE HUNGARIAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (HCA) traces its history to February, 1852 when Louis Kossuth – the leader of the 1848 Hungarian revolution for independence & democracy – paid a visit to Columbus & addressed the Ohio legislature. At the time, a meeting of the Friends of Hungary was or restores our health, provides sufficient income, keeps harmony among people, etc. WHAT KIND OF "BETTER" LIFE COULD HAVE JESUS HAD IN MIND WHEN HE HAD PROMISED HIS FOLLOWERS A LIFE WITH ABUNDANCE? Obviously He did not think primarily what are mentioned above, but rather He oriented the people's attention toward the spiritual world. We should make it clear, however, that our Lord would not have objected if people would have strived for anything BETTER as listed before. I am sure I am close to the truth, and you would agree with me also, when I try to be specific about the abundant life promised by Christ. One can have a life and have it abundantly through Jesus when; - he or she has a BETTER or closer CONNECTION with God, - he or she has a BETTER UNDERSTANDING of the message of our Savior - he or she EXPANDS the realm of his/hers thinking, world view, knowledge, - he or she COUPLES his/her knowledge (mind) with faith (heart) - he or she HAS not only a deep-rooted FAITH but also a fruitful one, - he or she SEES HIMSELF/HERSELF not only as an individual but also as an active and useful member of the family, church, community, society, - he or she is not only WORKING diligently for the daily bread but also PRAYING fervently for being born again and saved. - he or she sees the GOAL OF HIS/HER LIFE not only as a successful, happy, and popular person but also becoming an instrument in serving God and mankind. Do you wish to have an abundant that is BETTER LIFE for yourselves, beloved ones, friends and neighbors? Take that spiritual nourishment, energizing food, life transforming idea what Jesus had offered when He had said: "I am the bread of life, he/she who comes to me shall not hunger." John 6:35/a. Rev. Alexander Jalso

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held in Columbus City Hall. Ohio Governor Reuben Wood was elected the first president of the Friends of Hungary. Today, you can go to City Hall & see just to the left of the visitor’s desk, a large bronze plaque containing the image of Kossuth with words spoken by Kossuth that were later paraphrased by President Abraham Lincoln in his 1863 Gettysburg Address. Enter the City Hall on Front Street.. In the 1950s, the Ohio Friends of Hungary was reconstituted as the Hungarian Cultural Association. It was created soon after the arrival of a number of Hungarian 56ers who came to Columbus following the October 23,1956 anti-communist Hungarian revolt. Since then the HCA has benefitted the church by contributing dollars to it & holding cultural events at the church. In 2014, $2,976 was contributed. The 2010 US Census tells us that about 6,000 persons in Franklin County identify themselves as having a Hungarian background. And, there are even more in surrounding counties. The Cultural Association introduces these Hungarians to the church & seeks to build their understanding of their Hungarian heritage. The HCA has card-carrying, dues paying members in about 40 zip codes, over a dozen Ohio counties, & three states (Ohio, Florida, & California). Dues are $18 a year. Students & seniors age 60 & over pay $12. HCA members plan Columbus Hungarian events at its meetings, held at the church – most months – on the third Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 PM.

Upcoming 2015 Events in Columbus at the Hungarian Reformed Church Saturday, July 18 from Noon to 6 PM will be the Taste of Hungary festival. Enjoy Hungarian food, musicians from Cleve­ land, and the Dayton Dancers at 3 PM. August 19 Hungarian college students visit Columbus. Ask them questions about their experiences in Hungary and the US. Sunday, September 13 at 11:40 AM, Life Stories of two local Hungarians. Sandor Kocsis came to Columbus from Hungary as a child in the 1940s. A lawyer, he served as a translator for the Hungarian army when they came to Columbus in the1980s to train for NATO expansion. Lynn Hanihalmi is a native of Lorain, but a long time Columbus state employee. Sunday, October 25 attend the program remembering the 1956 anti communist Hungarian revolution followed by a Hungarian dinner. November 7 & 8 stop by the Hungarian Cultural Association booth at the International festival in the Celeste Building at the Ohio State Fairgrounds on 17th Street in Columbus. Artur Bartfay, Columbus, Ohio [email protected]

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CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Calvin Synod Homeland and Overseas Mission

USA 1. We encourage our congregations' youngsters to attend the annual Calvin Synod Summer Youth Camp. 2. Support the Bethlen Communities Heritage Center Museum and Archives. TRANSYLVANIA 1. The Szekely Miko Reformed High School in Sepsiszent­gyorgy is asking financial support for their school. 2.The Backamadarasi Kiss Gergely Reformed High School in Székelyudvarhely, Transylvania is asking financial support for their school. 3. Support the widow of Rev. Jeno Katona and his family. 4. Fund Reformed schools and help poor people in Transylvania via Transylvania Reformed Assistance Committee (TRAC). 5. Ms. Gabriella Nádas – Donate to School Fund in Kolozsvár. 6. Fund charitable and mission work as requested by Rt. Rev. István Csűri in Nagyvárad. 7. Fund request by principal Zsolt Tőkés to support the school's roof in Székely­­udvarhely. 8. The Hungarian Reformed Church of Nagykároly-Kertváros (Carei) in Transylvania is asking for donations for their construction project of a new church building and parsonage. Further info available at the following website: http://kertvaros.freewb.hu/ UKRAINE 1. Support the Good Samaritan Orphanage and School in Nagydobrony in their mission work. 2. Support the food pantry named Crumbs for Lazarus to feed the hungry in Csap as requested by Rev. János Balogh.



Please send donations to the Calvin Synod Treasurer: Rev. Viktor Toth • 6310 Green Valley Cir. #217 Culver City, CA 90230 Tel.: 714-333-5300 When sending your donation, please write the name of the Mission in the Memo section of your check. For more information please contact: Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai Homeland and Overseas Mission Coordinator, 14530 Alexander Road, Walton Hills, OH 44146. email: [email protected] –Tel.: 440-221-5334.

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Meet the Participants of ReConnect Hungary 2015 Learn about their goals and dreams as they begin the journey! The good news is that thanks to the generosity of the Hungarian government, this year we were able to accept 30 qualified applicants for our highly competitive program. Due to the nature of the program, we keep the group size at an optimum 12-15, so we will have two groups this summer – June 29-July 16 and July 6-23 – with a one-week overlap. Each group of 15 is carefully balanced for gender, age, geog­ raphic location, and commonality of interests, where applicable. As in the past, this year there are three sibling pairs who have chosen to be in the same group. Since our 2012 launch, participants have come from all over the United States and Canada, including those off the beaten path, such as smaller towns in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada. We’re very happy to have another participant from Hawaii in 2015, as well as our first-ever from Texas and North Carolina. Two participants have served in the US Air Force, and one just returned from a tour in Afghanistan. The majority of the youth are second or third generation Hungarians, but we also have four fourth generation participants and even one fifth generation. A few of them speak some Hungarian. Participants come from all walks of life – some are studying medicine, others have done military service; some have just graduated high school. We have business-, politically- and artistically-minded individuals.Together, the diversity in location, personal interests, experience of being a hyphenated American, and community involvement make for a dynamic unison and ensure meaningful connections. The common theme is that all ReConnect Hungary parti­ cipants feel disconnected at some level from their heritage and yearn for shared experiences with other like-minded peers. They want to fill this gap in their identity. This is the program they have been waiting for! Participants: Julian Kerekes James Fogel Peter Fogel Michelle Geosits Cassie Chesley Alexandra Petrulis Lauren Kis Zachari Cramp Alexandra Poka Alexandria Nieznay Jonathan Seidman Kati Eszes Lauren McCarter Owen Pataki Eva Santon Andrea Simonits Erika Kovacs Breana Donelly Karen Horovitz Andras Boros Rose Seidman Kathleen Muckenhirn Anton Seiger Csenge Santa Meghan Ince Natalia Slattery Laura Haines Ava Cramp Clauber Santos Joshua Sturgess ReConnect Hungary P.O. Box 389, Gracie Station, New York, NY 10028 [email protected] (Info forwarded by Artur Bartfay, Columbus, OH)

AMERIKAI MAGYAR

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA A Kálvin Egyházkerület hivatalos lapja

CALVIN SYNOD

116. évfolyam

Alapítva 1900–ban

2015. JÚLIUS – AUGUSZTUS

A Püspök visszagondol... Kedves Barátaim, Kegyelem és béke Atyánktól Istenünktől és Urunktól, Jézus Krisztustól! Mint tizenegy évvel ezelőtt, haza­érve a Kálvin Egyházkerület évi köz­gyű­léséről, ismét elgondolkodtam ar­ról, amit láttam és hallottam. A szép számban megjelent résztve­vők tanúskodnak arról, hogy gyüleke­ zeteink igen gazdagok hűsé­ges és áldozatra kész keresztyén hívőkben. Az idén a Kálvin Egyházkerület megválasztott engem, mint püspök, és ismerve a többi tisztviselőt, biztos vagyok abban, hogy a belénk vetett hitük nem alaptalan. Jelenlegi püspök helyettes, főtiszteletű Dr. Csaba Krasznai Csaba elfogadta tavaly a rábízott nehéz feladatot és sikeresen elvégezte azt. Úgyszintén egyházkerületi pénztárosunk főtisz­ teletű Tóth Viktor rendbe hozta a pénztári jelentéseket jó ered­ ménnyel. Nagytiszteletű Török Stefán szépen végzi a munkát, mint egyházkerületi jegyző. Ezen munkatársaim most már két éve szolgálnak, és én biztos vagyok abban, hogy a következő év­ ben eredményesen fogunk együtt dolgozni. Teljesen elköteleztük magunkat, és fölajánljuk szolgála­ tainkat nektek, a Kálvin Egyházkerületnek, Urunknak, Jézus Krisz­tus­nak. Igaz óhajunk az, hogy szolgálatunk idején minden­ ben és mindig Krisztus szeretet indítson, vezessen minket és ez által az Ő szeretete éljen a világban. Pál apostol találóan mondja a Korinthusiakhoz intézett első levelében, hogy szeretet nélkül csak csengő érc vagyunk, valamint csengő cimbalom, valójában azonban semmi. Majd leírja, hogy a szeretet béketűrő, tapintatos, nem féltékeny, nem hencegő, nem dölyfös, sem nem durva. Igaz szeretet nem követeli az övét, nem örvend mások baján, inkább örömét leli mind abban, ami jó. Szeretettel hívlak benneteket, hogy tartsatok velünk mikor Krisztus tanítását léptetitek életetek előterébe: minden gondolat, minden döntés legyen az Ő jelenlétének tanúsága lelketekben. Ludwig Kálmán Károly, püspök

7 – 8 szám

Kálvin Zsinat bel- és külmisszió 1. Az „Irgalmas Szamaritánus” árvaháznak és iskolának Nagy­ dob­ronyban, Kárpátalján – folyamatos segítség. 2. Csap (Kárpátalja) a „Morzsákat Lázárnak” ingyenkonyha támogatására segítséget kér Balogh János lelkipásztor. 3. Nagyvárad – Ft. Csűri István segély kérése az egészségház számára. 4. Nádas Gabriella – Iskola alap. 5. Tőkés Zsolt igazgató kérése a székelyudvarhelyi kollégium tető fedésére. 6. A Ligonier-i Bethlen Közösség megsegítésére. 7. A Nagykároly-Kertvárosi (Erdély) Református Egyházközség új templom és parókia építéséhez kér segítséget. Bővebb infor­ máció elérhető: http://kertvaros.freewb.hu/ 8. A Székelyudvarhelyi (Erdély) Református High School kér segítséget az iskola épület tető javítására. Kérjük ezekre a célokra szíves anyagi támogatásukat! További támogatás kérésükkel forduljanak: Ft. Dr. Krasznai Csaba, helyettes püspökhöz 14530 Alexander Road, Walton Hills, OH 44146. E-mail: [email protected] • Tel.: 440-221-5334 Adományaikat kérjük, szíveskedjenek elküldeni: Rev. Viktor Toth, Treasurer 6310 Green Valley Cir. #217 • Culver City, CA 90230 Tel.: 714-333-5300 ORDER BLANK – MEGRENDELŐLAP

Please send all subscription orders and address changes to: Wilburn A. Roby Jr. • 264 Old Plank Rd.• Butler, PA 16002 e-mail: [email protected] Please enter my subscription for the Calvin Synod Herald.

Megrendelem a Reformátusok lapját. ( ) for one year or ____ years ($15.00 per year) ( ) egy évre vagy ____ évre ($15.00 évente) Payment enclosed / Előfizetés mellékelve $ ___________ ( ) Renewal ( ) New Subscription ( ) Change of address only - (please attach old label)

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CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Gyülekezeti hírek LELKIPÁSZTOR NÉLKÜLI GYÜLEKEZETEK:

• Beaver Falls, PA • Cleveland, OH – West Side • Columbus, OH • Dayton, OH

Érdeklődő lelkipásztorok vegyék fel a kapcsolatot a püspöki irodával: Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig 7319 Tapper Ave Hammond, IN 46324 219-931-4321 • [email protected]

Passaic, NJ – úrvacsora osztás

Isten áldását kérjük Ft. Ludwig Kálmán Károly püspök életére és munkásságára, szeretett családjával és a Kálvin Egyház­ kerülettel együtt. Nt. Vásárhelyi József, minister MANVILLE, NJ – 2015. június 25 – A gyülekezet 100 éves évfordulója NEW YORK, NY – A gyülekezet 120 éves évfordulója PASSAIC, NJ – 2015 október 31, – A gyülekezet 120 éves évfordulója, szombat délután 4 órakor. 2015. november 14 – Protestáns bál.

MEGHÍVÓ

A New Brunswick-i magyar napon Ft. Vásárhelyi és a segítséget nyújtó hölgyek a Passaic-i sátorban ~~

szeretettel hívjuk kedves testvéreinket a PASSAIC-i MAGYAR REFORMÁTUS EGYHÁZ 120 ÉVES ÉVFORDULÓJÁNAK MEGÜNNEPLÉSÉRE 2015. OKTÓBER 31-én és a PROTESTÁNS BÁLRA 2015. NOVEMBER 14-én

~~~

INVITATION You are cordially invited to the 120TH ANNIVERSARY of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Passaic, NJ on OCTOBER 31, 2015 and to the PROTESTANS BALL on NOVEMBER 14TH to be held in the CALVIN HALL

Rev. J. Vasarhelyi, minister Dean of the Eastern Classis

Toronto, Canada – Nt. ifj. Vásárhelyi József átveszi a teológiai tudományok mesteri fokozatának diplomáját

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CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

AZ ÉLET KENYERE Alapige: Ján. 6. r.48 és 63. v. 48. ,,Én vagyok az életnek kenyere.” 63. ,,Lélek az, ami megelevenít, a test nem használ semmit: a beszédek, melyeket én szólok néktek lélek és élet.” A múlt alkalommal igyekeztem megvilágítani Isten igéje fényével azt az igazságot, hogy a teméntelen gondot okozó kenyérkérdést is csak az Isten dolgának a cselekvése, mely nem más, mint a hit abban, akit Ő küldött, oldja meg, ez a hit hozza létre az emberek között az igaz testvéri közösséget s indít arra, hogy másoknak a gondját szívesen felvegyük. Ám, ezzel a kérdés még nincs egészen tisztázva, nekünk azt is tudnunk kell, hogy Jézus miért mondja magáról, hogy Ő ama mennyei kenyér, melyből, aki eszik semmiképpen meg nem éhezik? Mikor Jézust, a kenyérgondok miatt, a sokaság felkereste, Jézus azt mondotta: ,,Én vagyok az a kenyér, mely a mennyből szállott alá.” A sokaságot megdöbbentette ez az állítás s zúgolódni kezdett ellene: tudjuk, mondják, hogy ez Jézus a József fia ,,ismerjük atyját és anyját, mi módon mondja hát ez, hogy: mennyből szállottam alá?” Jézus szánja a sokaságot, hozzá akarja hát őket segíteni, hogy felülemelkedve a múló dolgokon, megértsék Őt, vegyék észre, a lelki életnek fenséges voltát, örökre megmaradó, megtartó erejét s ezért ismét hangoztatja az ő életének jelentőségét s még nyomatékosabban szól: ,,Én vagyok az életnek kenyere,” s mert a tőle jelt kívánó sokaság előbb az atyákra hivatkozva azt mondotta, hogy azok, t.i. az atyák a pusztában mannával éltek, mint az írás mondja: ,,mennyei kenyeret adott vala nékiek.” Jézus figyelmeztetőleg szól, hogy ti tévedtek, mert igaz ugyan, hogy a ,,ti atyáitok a mannát ették a pusztában és meghaltak,” – de éppen ezért az nem volt mennyei kenyér, mert a mennyei kenyér örök életre tápláló eledel, ha tehát meghaltak, nem mennyei kenyeret ettek, hanem mannát: ,,Én vagyok amaz élő kenyér, amely a mennyből szállott alá, ha valaki eszik e kenyérből, él örökké. Ez a kenyér pedig, amelyet én adok, az én testem, melyet én adok a világ életéért.” S mikor Jézus látja, hogy a zsidók tusakodnak egymás között, mondván: ,,Mi módon adhatja az nekünk az ő testét, hogy azt együk,” – még nagyobb erővel szól: ,,Bizony-bizony mondom néktek: ha nem eszitek az ember fiának testét és nem isszátok az ő vérét, nincs élet bennetek. Aki eszi az én testemet és issza az én véremet, örök élete van annak és én feltámasztom azt az utolsó napon.” Ám e beszéd után, észreveszi a mester, hogy az ő tanítványai közül is sokan megdöbbenve mondogatják: ,,Kemény beszéd ez: ki hallgatja őt,” épen ezért szükségesnek tartja, hogy most már kép nélkül, félreérthetetlenül szóljon: ,,A lélek az, ami megelevenít, a test nem használ semmit: a beszédek, melyeket én szólok nektek lélek és élet.” Isten igéje azt az igazságot állítja tehát előnkbe, hogy: Jézus az életnek kenyere és pedig azért, mert a test nem használ semmit, lélek az, ami megelevenít, az Ő beszéde pedig lélek, tehát maga az élet.

I. Azt mondottuk, hogy Jézus az életnek kenyere és pedig első sorban azért, mert a test nem használ semmit, lélek az, ami megelevenít. Lássuk, hogyan értsük ezt. A test tulajdonképpen az anyag, az érzékelhető valóság, az, amit látunk, tapintunk, érzékeink által észrevesszük. Úgy tetszik nekünk, hogy minden érdekünk ezer meg ezer szálakkal ehhez a valósághoz, az érzéki léthez fűz, kapcsol bennünket, és szinte el sem tudjuk képzelni, hogy e nélkül is lehet élet. Épen azért merésznek, lehetetlennek látszik előttünk Üdvözítőnk kijelentése: lélek az, ami megelevenít, a test nem használ semmit.” Ám, Krisztus Urunknak, minden kijelentése igazság s így ez a kijelentése sem lehet valótlanság. Lássuk csak, miről van itt szó? Arról, hogy Ő az életnek kenyere, más szóval az ember valódi létének a tápláléka. Hogyan indul meg az élet? A mi észrevételünk szerint a test, az anyag mindaddig tehetetlen, elevennélküli valóság, míg valamely láthatatlan, érzelmeink alá nem eső s bátran mondhatjuk úgy, ismeretlen erő tehetetlenségéből ki nem mozdítja, elevenné nem változtatja. Az ásvány ott ül egy helyben, porlad, málik s élni csak akkor kezd, mikor megérinti az a láthatatlan, csodás erő s akkor tán egy növényi vagy állati létbe felszívódva, áthasonulva annak életműködését táplálja, elősegíti. Erre, nyilvánvaló, az ásványt nem a maga minősége, tehetetlen volta, hanem az az ismeretlen életerő segítette, mely porlasztotta, vegyítette, más részekkel kapcsolatba hozta, mihelyt azonban ez az erő megszűnik reá hatni, ha növényi vagy állati létbe ment is át, elevenségének vége: a növény, az állat nem él, hanem korhad, rothad, nincs benne többé elevenség s visszaesik, visszahull az élettelenségbe, a tehetetlenségbe. Így van ez az emberrel is. Egy csodálatosan elrejtetten működő erő hatása alatt alakká formálódnak az anyag részecskéi s lassankint kiformálódik az ember s míg ez anyag az életerő hatása alatt áll: az ember, mint a növény vagy az állat él, fejlődik, növekedik, de ha ez az erő megszűnik működni, az ember élete is véget ér, mint az írás mondja, porból vétetett és porrá lesz. És itt már pontot is kellene tennünk fejtegetésünkre, ha az élet csak érzéki lét volna, úgy, de maga az élet meg nem szűnő, örökké munkálkodó valóság s mi úgy érezzük, hogy ennek a valóságnak vagyunk a részesei. el sem tudjuk gondolni, hogy nálunk nélkül is volna élet. Ez a tudat eleitől fogva ott van az emberben. Ez nyer kifejezést az írás szavaiban: ,,Isten a maga képére és hasonlatosságára formálta az embert.” Ez a kép és hasonlóság az embernél az öntudatosságban jelentkezik, az egyéniségben mutatkozik. Ám, hogy ez az öntudatosság az ember magasabb rendeltetésének, tehát az igaz emberi voltának, isteni hasonlatosságának megfelelő lehessen: fenntartó táplálékra, más szóval kenyérre van szüksége. Ez a táplálék, kenyér pedig, természetesen, nem lehet a közönséges értelemben vett érzékelhető anyag, mert hiszen ez csak addig tartja az életet, míg a reá ható, elrejtett erő működik s mihelyt ez, a vegyi hatásokat előidéző erő megvonja a maga közreműködését, az anyag élete szükségszerűleg megszűnik, – nyilvánvaló hát, hogy a lelki élet fenntartására lelki táplálékra, lelki kenyérre van szükségünk, ez a kenyér pedig nem lehet más, mint, ami a mennyből szállott alá, más szóval, mint amit Isten rendelt a lelki élet számára. Ennek megtestesülését pedig Isten az ő szent fiában, az Úr Jézus Krisztusban adta e világnak, és pedig azért ő

16 benne, mert az ő beszéde lélek, tehát maga az élet. Lássuk ezt is. II. Krisztus Urunknak az élete története eléggé ismert mindenikünk előtt. Felesleges azt mutogatni, hogy a testi életre milyen kevés súlyt helyezett, nem azért, mintha azt megvetette vagy feleslegesnek tartotta volna, hanem azért, mert jelezni kívánta a csak anyagiakhoz ragaszkodók előtt, hogy a test nem használ semmit, lélek az, ami megelevenít. Igaz, hogy ahol szükségesnek találta, gyógyította, szüntette a testi szenvedéseket is, de soha sem azért, mintha a testi lét fenntartását tekintette volna célnak. A kezünk alatti történetben is, mikor a sokaságot öt árpa kenyérrel és két hallal megvendégelte s ebben az anyag felett is rendelkező isteni hatalmát kimutatta, nem azért tette, hogy a sokaságot ezzel nyerje meg magának, az isteni életnek, mert mihelyt látta, hogy a sokaság csak az anyagi ellátásra fektet súlyt, s benne őket a nélkülözéstől megmentő királyt akarnak, elvonult előlük s mikor mégis felkeresték, első dolga figyelmeztetni őket, hogy munkálkodjanak ne az eledelért, mely elvész, hanem az eledelért, mely megmarad az örök életre. Vagy amikor még egy nagyobb dolgot cselekedett: feltámasztotta Lázárt, visszaadta őt a testvéreknek, Márthának és Máriának s így mutatta meg hatalmát a halál felett is, nem azért tette, hogy Lázár itt e földön örökké éljen, hanem, hogy a nővérek hitét az örök élet valósága felől meggyőzze, azt a hitet rendületlenné tegye. Az ő szenvedése, kínos kereszthalála pedig mindennél meggyőzőbb bizonyítéka, hogy a testi életet csak eszköznek tekintette az örökéletre való elhivatottságban. s hogy az örökélet valóság, az Isten örök szeretete aztán az ő feltámadásában és megdicsőülésében állította az emberek tekintete elé. S mi tette Jézus életét mennyből alászállott kenyérré? Isten dolgának a cselekvése. Az ő mindennapi eledele, a földi lét utolsó pillanatáig az volt, hogy Isten akaratát cselekedje. Ez által lett szemmel láthatólag az igaz életnek megtestesítője, s mikor a nagy sokaságnak azt mondja: ,,Bizony bizony mondom néktek: Ha nem eszitek az ember fiának testék és nem isszátok vérét, nincs élet bennetek” – tulajdonkép a benne megtestesült lelki élettel való közösségre, táplálkozásra figyelmeztet. Mi kedves afiai, az örökkévalóságnak vagyunk gyermekei, de csak úgy, ha örökéletre megtartó kenyérrel élünk s mert ez a kenyér Jézus Krisztusban testesült meg, nyilvánvaló, hogy vele kell állandó kapcsolatban lennünk, mert a beszédek, melyeket ő szólott, lélek, maga az igazi élet. Ámen. Vásárhelyi Boldizsár Dsida Jenő: EMLÉKÜL Sokszor imádkozom: Áldja meg az Isten, akiket még eddig soha jobban nem vert –

Áldjon meg az Isten minden szenvedő, jövő-magot vető, béke-szerető, vendég-szerető, igaz magyar embert

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

,,...szabad mindenkinek az Isten házába ajándékot vinni. Egyebek vigyenek ara­­­nyat, ezüstöt, drágaköveket, én azt viszem, amit vihetek, tudniillik magyar nyelven az egész Bibliát." Károli Gáspár ,,...az örök Isten beszél magyarul"

425 éve jelent meg az első teljes magyar bibliafordítás A magyar reformáció nem az egyházszervezéssel, nem is a megszervezett reformátori egyházak állami elismertetésével, hanem a Biblia magyar nyelvre való lefordításával lett teljessé.” A legkorábbi bibliafordítás-töredékek az istentiszteleten használt szövegek fordításai voltak. Ezekről azonban nem sokat tudunk elmondani, hiszen csak töredékekben maradtak reánk. A legrégibb magyar nyelvű bibliafordítás, amelyből nemcsak töredékek, de hosszabb részletek maradtak fenn, feltehetően Pécsi Tamás és Újlaki Bálint munkája, amelyet Huszita Biblia néven ismerünk. Ugyancsak fontos állomást jelentenek a magyar bibliafordítás történetében az úgynevezett humanista bibliafordítások. Azokról az Újszövetség-fordításokról van szó, amelyeknek fordítói a Rotterdami Erasmus által 1516-ban kiadott görög nyelvű szöveget vették alapul. A kutatók Komjáthy Benedek, Pesti Gábor és Sylvester János fordítását szokták ebbe a csoportba sorolni. A humanista fordításokat követik a reformátori bibliafordítások: Benczédi Székely István, Kolozsvárott Heltai Gáspár és társai (Gyulai István, Ozorai István, Vizaknai Gergely), Debrecenben, illetve Nagyváradon Méliusz Juhász Péter, Félegyházi Tamás. Láthattuk, már a reformációt megelőző időszakban is készültek szemelvényes bibliafordítások, az anyanyelven olvasható és hallható Szentírás iránti általános igényt igazából a reformátorok ébresztették fel az emberekben. Heltainak és Méliusznak az is volt a szándéka, hogy elké­ szít­sék a teljes Szentírás magyar nyelvű fordítását, ez azonban nem valósult meg. Ezt az emberfeletti erőt és fegyel­mezettséget igénylő, de mégis csodálatos munkát Károli Gáspár gönci lelkipásztor készítette el munkatársaival 1586-89 között. A fordítás nyomtatott példányai 1590 nyarára (július-augusztus) jelentek meg Vizsolyban, Mantskovit Bálint lengyel származású nyomdászmester műhelyében. Megjelenési helyére emlékezve nevezik Vizsolyi Bibliának. Terjedelme 2412 oldal, tömege közel 6 kg, és hozzávetőlegesen 800 példányban másfél évig tartott a nyomtatása. Napjainkban 52 fennmaradt példányról tudunk, közülük 24 Magyarország határain kívül van. Nyomda- és irodalomtörténeti jelentőségét jelzi, hogy az Európa Kiadó 1981ben hasonmás kiadásban is megjelentette. Az általánosan elfogadott álláspont szerint a munkát vala­ mikor 1586 folyamán kezdték el Rákóczi Zsigmond erdélyi feje­delem és Dobó István erdélyi vajda támogatásával. Igaz ugyan, hogy a Visolyi Biblia előszavában Károli arról ír, hogy a Biblia ,,megfordításán” (értsd: lefordításán) közel három évig munkálkodott, nagy fáradtsággal, testi töredelemmel. Szabó András Károli-kutató irodalomtörténész feltételezése szerint viszont szinte biztosan állíthatjuk, hogy a tényleges fordítási

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD folyamat nem csupán az 1586-1589 közötti három év alatt történt meg, hanem ennél jóval hosszabb idővel kell számolnunk. A fordítási munka elkezdését akár az 1570-es évek közepére is tehetjük. Így az 1586-89 közötti időre inkább a fordítás egységesítését, a nyomdai előkészítést tehetjük. A Károli által írt előszóból tudjuk: a munkát nem egyedül végezte. Így ír ugyanis: ,,Istennek nevét segítségül híván, mi­ nek utána hozzá kezdettem volna egynéhány jámbor tudós atyafiakkal, kik nékem a fordításban segítségül voltak, meg nem szűntem addig, amíg nem véghöz vittem a Bibliának egészben való megfordítását…” Legjelentősebb munkatársai, akikre képzettségük és szolgá­ lati helyük, illetve idejük alapján következtethetünk: Huszti Imre gönci, Thuri Mátyás szántói, Czeglédi János vizsolyi lelki­ pásztorok, Czeglédi Ferenc és Hevesi Mihály esperes társak, Paksi Cormaeus Mihály sárospataki tanár, majd egri és szepsi lelkész, Pelei János, a gönci iskola rektora, továbbá a fordító öccse, Károli Radics Miklós, illetve más munkatársak, akik nevét egyelőre nem ismerjük. A munkában segítségére volt a gönci iskola tehetséges árva diákja, Szenczi Molnár Albert, aki az elkészült fordítás kéziratlapjait vitte Vizsolyba, majd Vizsolyból Göncre a próbanyomatokat, és ismét Vizsolyba a kijavított példányokat. Mivel azonban az egész csoportmunkát ő fogta össze és véglegesítette, méltán nevezhetjük ma is Károli Bibliának az elkészült (és azóta nem egy revíziót átélt) fordítást. Az eredeti szövegek mellett áttanulmányozott minden rendelkezésre álló bibliafordítást. Figyelembe vette a különböző latin nyelvű fordításokat, különösképpen Tremellius Ószövetségfordítását. Ez a fordítás azért volt jelentős a korabeli latin fordítások között, mert szerzője zsidó volt, és kiválóan ismerte az Ószövetség eredeti nyelvét, a héber nyelvet. Fölhasználta továbbá az addig megjelent magyar nyelvű fordítás-kísérleteket, viszont minden egyes vers esetében az eredeti nyelveken írt szöveg volt a mérvadó. Csupán érdekességként jegyezzük meg, hogy a Debreceni Református Kollégium Nagykönyvtárában megtalálható az olasz származású református teológus, Petrus Martyr Vermigli (1500-1562) Sámuel két könyvéhez írt latin nyelvű magyarázata, amelyben egy kéziratos bejegyzés tartalmazza magyar tulajdonosának a monagramját is (L.L.), illetve az 1565-ös évszámot (minden valószínűség szerint ekkor került magyar gazdája birtokába.) Ez a példány azért érdekes témánk szempontjából, mert széljegyzeteiben magyar nyelvű kéziratos bibliafordítások olvashatóak, amelyek kis eltérésekkel a Vizsolyi Biblia szövegével azonosak. Ez a könyv nem csupán arról tudósít, hogy a Vizsolyi Bibliának volt egy L.L. monogramot használó, egyelőre ismeretlen fordítója, hanem betekintést enged a fordítás folyamatába is. A fordítás nyelve egységes és átütő erejű volt. Károli vallomása szerint ,,az fordításban éltünk, amennyire lehetett, tiszta igaz magyar szóval, idegen szólásnak módját nem követtük.” Kifejezései, fordulatai kitörölhetetlenül benne vannak a magyar népnyelvben és köznyelvben. Szabó András így ír Károli fordításának a hatásáról: ,,nem túlzás tehát, ha kimondjuk: azt, hogy a magyarság, a magyar nyelv minden viszontagság és ellenkező jóslat ellenére megmaradt, többek között a Vizsolyi Biblia ismert és névtelen alkotóinak, világra segítőinek köszönhetjük.”

17 A fordítás előszavában Károli így ír a Biblia szövegének esetleges hibáiról: ,,Minden keresztyén olvasókat kérek, ha valahol az fordításban tévelgettem és az célt nem találtam, azt ne tulajdonítsák vakmerőségemnek, hanem az én gyarlóságomnak. Az olyan helyeket az olvasók úgy Regestum szerint jegyezzék meg, hogy míg az Isten ez testben tart, jobbíthassam meg az mi fordításunkat, mindaddig, míg nem igen szép és jó leszen.” Károli Gáspár bibliafordítása kisebb-nagyobb javításokkal több mint száz kiadást ért meg, és magyar nyelvterületen mindmáig a legnépszerűbb fordítás. Papp György

Az imádság haszna Lekció: Luk 10, 38-42 Alapige: Zsolt 4 Bizonyára ismeritek a szellemes francia filozófus,Voltaire nevét. A 18. század egyik legszabadabb szelleme és legelmésebb írója volt. Korának megfelelően Istenben hitt ugyan, de a keresz­ tyénségnek minden történeti és egyházi alakját ádázul támadta. Ő mondta egyszer ezt a cinikus, de jellemző nyilatkozatot: Ha Isten nem volna, fel kellene találni. Azt akarta ezzel kifejezésre juttatni, hogy a vallás rendkívül szükséges dolog. Mondjuk így: egyenesen életszükséglet. Illő tehát feltenni a kérdést ma egy budapesti gyülekezetben: van-e a hitnek valami gyakorlati értéke? Azt a régi kérdést, amit a 16. században a Református Káté tett fel így: ha mindezeket tudod, mi hasznát veszed? Abban megegyezünk, hogy szüksé­ günk van élelemre, lakásra, ruházatra, kibontakozásra. De van-e szükségünk hívő imádságra? Szentleckénkből láttuk, hogy az Úr Jézus egyszer azt mondotta, csak ,,egy a szükséges dolog.” Semmi sem olyan szükséges, mint éppen a hit, az imádság, az Úr Jézus Krisztussal való társalkodás. Alapigénk az imádság hasznát mutatja fel előttünk. Megmutatja, milyen döntően hasznos négyféle egzisztenciális vonatkozásban, mégpedig: a) Istennel; b) emberekkel; c) magunkkal; és d) a holnappal való vitánkban. Az Istennel való vitában ,,Az éneklőmesternek a neginóthra, Dávid zsoltára. Mikor kiáltok; hallgass meg engem, igazságomnak Istene, szorultsá­ gom­ban tág tért adtál nekem; könyörülj rajtam és halld meg az én imádságomat!” Először is azt kell tudnunk, hogy ez a szó neginóth, azt jelenti: hárfakíséret. Voltak zsoltárok, amelyeket nagy fúvózenekarokkal kísértek, s megint olyanok, amelyek mellett csak a hárfák halk, meleg zenéje zengett. Rendesen estefelé, az elcsendesedett és magányos templomban, mikor az áldozati oltáron hunyó lángok lobbantak fel, zendültek meg ezek a halk, finom, bensőséges dicséretek és vallomások -, a szent líra legszebb darabjai. A hárfák tisztán, szinte vidáman zengenek, mert a zsoltáros a maga boldog hittapasztalásáról beszél. Isten eddig is meghallgatta

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CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Family comes first at

For inf or ma tion a bout our infor orma mation about

Life Insurance or Annuities CONT ACT CONTA

GB U DISTRICT 3000 GBU Rev. Leslie E. Martin Fraternal Secretary (732) 597-5980 John K. Morey Treasurer (330) 758-2971

Hungarian Reformed Federation of America • A Division of GBU s ezután is meg fogja hallgatni. Itt azonban roppant nagy kérdések ágaskodnak fel. Istennel nagy vitája van az embernek s azt hiszem, közületek is soknak, éppen az imádság kérdésében. Alig van ember, aki ne vetette volna fel magának a kérdést: miért is imádkozom? Vagy fel nem jajdult volna: Hiába imádkozom! Ez a meg nem hallgatott imádság örök problémája. Tulajdonképpen ez az egyetlen imádságprobléma, mert azt, hogy Isten meghallgassa minden kérésünket, nagyon természetesnek vesszük. Éppen úgy mint azt, hogy kérés nélkül is jósága és kegyelme ezer jelével halmozzon el. De mikor valami nagyon hiányzik, valami nélkül nem tudunk meglenni, mikor létkérdéssé vált az imádság meghallgatása – egy drága haldokló elvesztése, egy elveszett gyermek hazatérése -, akkor a meg nem hallgatott imádság keserűségbe, hitetlenségbe visz. A hárfák komoran szólnak, beszédük elnyomott jajgatás. Miért nem hallgat meg Isten? Először hadd utaljak arra, hogy Isten szabados Úr mivélünk és a világgal. Ő nem kötelezte magát arra, hogy meghallgat és nekünk semmiféle jogigényünk nincsen annak a megkövetelésére, hogy Isten meghallgasson. A mi emberi voltunk lényege az, hogy teremtmények vagyunk s már maga a lét is ingyen ajándék, amit tetszés szerint ad és visszavehet. Hogy gondoljuk mi ebből, hogy Isten köteles minket meghallgatni? Az, hogy Isten egyáltalában meghallgat, és sokszor, hihetetlen sokszor, újra meg újra meghallgat, az a saját szuverenitásának korlátozásából, mégpedig kegyelmének és irgalmának szabad jótetszéséből származik. Mégis Isten az imádság meg nem hallgatásával atyai nevelésben részesít.

Először arra figyelmeztet, hogy imádságainkban ne le­ gyünk kegyetlenül önzők. Az önző ember képes olyant kérni magának, ami felebarátjának ártalom, és ami Isten szeretetével és gondviselésével összeférhetetlen. Nem volna szép, ha egy örökös azért imádkoznék, hogy minél előbb meghaljon, akitől örökséget vár. Ez az éles példa csak típus, amelyik sok hasonló imádságnak adja a jellemzését. Ó, az ember hamar rászokik arra, hogy egy külön Istent képzeljen el magának, aki mindenhatóságát és legfőbb bölcsességét az ő kiszolgálására fordítja. Vizsgáld meg, a meg nem hallgatott imádság nem szelíd feddés-e a mindenek Atyjától? Sokszor nem hallgat meg Isten azért, mert keveset kértünk és Ő többet akar adni. Kérünk tőle kényelmes életet. Ő nehéz életet juttat nekünk, de benne az Ő segedelmének csodáit. Kérünk tőle csupa édességet, Ő keserű itallal táplál, de a hitünket, erkölcsi erőnket, belső emberünket táplálja. Lehet, hogy testi romlás árán életszentséget akar juttatni, lehet, hogy az élet eltékozlása által a legfőbb jót, önmagát. – Hány vérig megpróbált ember mondotta nekem: kibeszélhetetlen jótétemény volt, hogy Isten így bánt velem, mert sohasem tudtam volna, hogy ilyen nagy és szent és jó Istenem van. S az élet célja és értelme mégiscsak az, hogy ezt a nagy és szent és jó Istent ismerjük és az Ő ismeretében és szolgálatában boldogan éljünk. A hárfák vidám zenéje ünnepi himnusszá magasztosul. Isten megígérte, hogy meghallgat, de csak azt az imádságot, amit Jézus nevében mondunk. Folytatás/befejezés következő (szept-okt.) számunkban.

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

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BETHLEN COMMUNITIES SHORT TERM REHABILITATION • LONG TERM CARE PERSONAL CARE • HOME HEALTH: HOSPICE AND COMPANION CARE SERVICES AND INDEPENDENT LIVING We’ve been caring for our brothers and sisters since 1921 in a beautiful, rural environment. We provide loving nursing care, cultural programs, Hungarian Church Services and on-site Ministry. Medicaid/Medicare approved facilities.

NYUGDÍJAS FALU • ÖREGEK OTTHONA IDEIGLENES ÁPOLÁS – HOSSZÚTÁVÚ ÁPOLÁS 1921 óta gondozzuk magyar testvéreinket szép, dombos, vidéki környezetben. Gondos ápolás, rendszeres programok, magyar nyelvű Istentisztelet és lelkész szolgálat áll rendelkezésükre Medicaid/Medicare igazolt.

Bethlen Communities 125 Kalassay Drive • Ligonier, PA 15658 e-mail: [email protected] phone: 724-238-2235

ISSN 0161-6900 PERIODICAL U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUTLER, PA

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to:

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

264 Old Plank Road • Butler, PA16002-3810

Amerikai Név....Amerikai Szellem....De Magyar Szív

Serving families, our heritage & our communities Since our founding by 13 Hungarian coal miners in 1886, William Penn Association has continually fulfilled its mission of providing financial security to our members and their families, preserving our founders’ ethnic heritage and performing charitable and benevolent work in our communities. We offer permanent and term life insurance plans for people of all ages as well as tax-deferred annuities and IRA’s. Each year, we sponsor a trip to Hungary, conduct a week-long Hungarian language camp and welcome more than 1,200 visitors to our Hungarian picnic. We provide college scholarship grants and other free, fraternal benefits not offered by commercial insurance companies. Through our network of local

branches, we also conduct social events for the whole family and charitable programs to assist our neighbors in need. We invite you and your family to help us continue our mission by becoming members of our Association.

WILLIAM PENN ASSOCIATION

Fraternal Life Insurance and Annuities Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The only Hungarian fraternal benefit society in the U.S.A.

To learn more, call us toll-free at 1-800-848-7366 or visit us online at www.williampennassociation.org