2009. augusztus 20., csütörtök

Yearbooks - Évkönyvek

PASTOR'S REPORT - 2009

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praise?” Psalms 106:2.

The year that is behind us, was the 106th of our congregational history. Our ancestors and we ourselves praised the Lord throughout the decades, but was it enough? Did we fulfill our Christian duties toward the Almighty and our fellowman? There is no one among us who could proclaim the wholeness of the Lord. He did it in Christ! This is the reason why we have to keep Him in the focus of our faith. So, praise Him in the year 2010 too!

At the beginning of the year 2009 we did not expect any big events or celebrations. We believed, this will be a silent and calm year, the 106th year of the congregation. As the first months passed, it became clear that we will host a lot of friends and visitors, and we will have to complete several maintenance works.

The biggest task was to repave the cemetery road. The next one came – changing the roof of the parsonage. August brought on another costly surprise– a lightning hit the ground very near the church. The consequences were: burned out alarm and sound system and other electric malfunctions. Thanks to God, that our buildings did not have any damages.
It is always good to experience our heavenly Father’s grace in the midst of the turmoil. We received a completely new and high-tech sound system as a donation from one of our church families!

We were happy to host friends and visitors from overseas. The delegation of the Debrecen Classis led by Rev. Zsigmond Vad spent more than ten days in New Jersey and in Ligonier, PA. They participated in the Presbyter’s and Minister’s Annual Meetings and also visited several congregations. This exchange program is an ongoing program between our Eastern and their Debrecen Classis. Hopefully in 2010 our delegation will return their visit to strengthen the links between our churches.
We were pleased to welcome Revs. Marta and Gabor Gacsalyi (Hajdunanas) who spent two weeks with us.

The biggest event of our congregation was to celebrate a remarkable and memorable anniversary. Lillian Banyacski has been serving as the organist of our congregation for 60 years! We tried to make that September Sunday unforgettable for her. It was really a surprise celebration inviting all those former church choir members who were members of our congregational choir. After 60 years of service she did not stop! She continues her dedicated service the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord for keeping her active among us.

There was an other interesting event in our congregation when we had the premiere of the documentary film “Christ’s Wonderers”. The Debrecen TV made this 4 hour film about those Hungarian Reformed congregations that served here in the USA throughout the decades and the ones that do not exist anymore. We welcomed Tamas Szeles, President of the Debrecen TV and Ferenc Vojtko, the Editor of the film.This DVD is available and those who are interested about the history of the Hungarian Reformed churches please contact me.
On that Sunday together with the area churches, we celebrated the Reformation Day and that was also the occasion to close the Calvin Year. Rev. Bela Poznan (Fairfield, CT) was our guest Minister at that occasion.

The life of the congregation successfully went on throughout the months. We had our regular English and Hungarian worship services, Sunday Schools, and communions. By grace of God we had 59 worship services – there was a big snow storm on December 20th we had to cancel the services.
We had 9 funerals, 3 baptisms, 1 wedding and unfortunately we had no confirmants. The average church attendance is around 62 on Sundays. (See the charts!) We have 210 names on our voting list.

Thanks to everyone, but especially to the chairpersons of the different organizations who worked hard throughout the year. All the members of the leadership of the Council made their contributions and were involved from the start to finish all of our plans. Ernest Marczi, Andrew Lovasz, Lillian Banyacski, and Priscilla Hunyady, Laura Latkovich please receives our appreciation for your faithful service and deeds. Laura Dinicola and Pat Bacho our Sunday School teachers, please receive our thanks too, together with the Choir.

It was true again – man plans, God finishes. We wanted to sit on our laurels, but He made the year busy for us. Glory to Him for the year 2009!



Lelkészi jelentés - 2OO9

Ki tudná elmondani milyen hatalmas az Úr, ki beszélhetné el minden dicső tettét?
Zsoltárok 1O6:2

A mögöttünk lévő év a 1O6. volt gyülekezetünk történetében. Elődeink és mi magunk is dicsértük az Urat az elmúlt évtizedekben, de vajon elegendő volt-e ez? Betöltöttük-e keresztyéni küldetésünket és hirdettük-e az Örökkévaló dicsőségét embertársainknak? Nincs közöttünk senki aki Isten teljességét tökéletesen tudná hirdetni. Ő maga azonban megtette ezt Krisztusban. Ez az amiért mi Őt tekinthetjük hitünk középpontjának. Dicsérjük Őt a 2O1O esztendőben is!

A 2OO9. évet úgy kezdtük, hogy nem nagyon terveztünk semmi nagyobb esemenyt. Azt gondoltuk, ez egy csendes és nyugodt esztendő lesz. Ahogyan azonban teltek a hónapok, úgy derült ki, hogy sok vendégre számithatunk és jó néhány felújitási munkát el kell végeznünk.
A legnagyobb feladat a temetői út újra aszfaltozása volt. A következőt sem halaszthattuk, a lelkészlakás tetejének cseréjét. Augusztusban egy nem várt esemény következtében, a templomhoz közel becsapott egy villám, tönkrementek az elektromos berendezéseink. Hála Istennek épületeinkben nem estek károk. Ismét megtapasztalhattuk Urunk kegyelmét a nehéz időkben. Egy gyülekezeti tagunk és családja a teljesen megújitott templomi hangositó rendszert adományként ajándékozta.

Örülünk annak is, hogy vendégeket fogadhatunk. A Debreceni Egyházmegye delegációja Nt. Vad Zsigmond esperes vezetésével több, mint tiz napot töltött New Jerseyben és Ligonierben. Részt vettek a Presbiteri és a Lelkészi Konferenciákon, számos gyülekezetet is meglátogattak. Ez a mostani látogatás folytatása annak a programnak ami a mi Keleti és az ők Debreceni Egyházmegyéjuk között alakult ki. Örültünk,hogy ismét köszönthettük Nt. Gacsályi Gábor lelkpásztort és feleségét Nt. Gacsályiné Balla Márta lelkésznőt Hajdúnánásról.

Gyülekezetünk évi legnagyobb eseménye Lillian Banyacski évfordulója volt, aki 6O éve megszakitás nélkül orgonistánk. Reméljük, hogy szeptember második vasárnapja számára is emlékezetes volt. Meglepetésként hivtuk meg kórusának korábbi tagjait és mind azokat akik az elmúlt időszakban vele együttműködtek. Köszönjük Lillian, hogy 6O év után sem áll le, hanem tovább folytatja elkötelezett szolgálatát közöttünk. Legyen áldott Urunk neve hogy megtartja őt közöttünk.

Volt egy másik érdekes esemény is, erre November első vasárnapján került sor. „Krisztus vándorai” cimmel a Debreceni TV egy 4 órás filmet készitett azokról a magyar református gyülekezetekről, amelyek az elmúlt évtizedekben itt az Államokban szolgálták a közösségeket, de ma már nem léteznek. A film bemutatójára közénk érkezett Széles Tamás a DTV elnöke és Vojtkó Ferenc a film szerkesztő-riportere. A DVD megvásárolható, akit érdekel, kérem keressen engem.
Ezen a vasárnapon a környékbeli lelkészekkel és gyülekezetekkel közösen ünnepeltük a Refomáció Napját és a Kálvin Év bezárását. Nt. Poznán Béla (Fairfield, CT) lelkipásztor hirdette az Igét közöttünk.

A gyülekezet élete konfliktusok nélkül zajlott. Megtartottuk angol és magyar istentiszteleteinket, a Vasárnapi Iskolai foglalkozásokat és élhettünk az úri szent vacsora jegyeivel. Isten kegyelméből 59 alkalommal tartottunk istentiszteletet – December 2O-án a hóvihar miatt sajnos elmaradt. Összesen 9 temetésünk, 3 keresztelésünk, 1 esketésünk volt, konfirmandusaink nem voltak. Az átlagos vasárnapi istentiszteleti létszám 62. (Nézzék meg a pontos kimutatást!) A Választói Névjegyzéken 21O név szerepel.

Köszönetemet fejezem ki mindenkinek, de különösen a különböző csoportok vezetőinek akik egész évben hűséggel dolgoztak. A Presbitérium minden tagjának, akik felelősséggel vezették a közösséget. Ernest Marczi, Andrew Lovasz, Lillan Banyacski, Priscilla Hunyady, Laura Latkovich hűséges munkáját szintén illesse köszönet.
Laura Dinicola és Pat Bacho Vasárnapi Iskolai tanitóként szorgalmasan dolgozott, köszönjük az ő helytállásukat is. Természetesen a Kórus tagjainak is köszönjük, hogy alkalomról-alkalomra szép énekekkel örvendeztetnek meg bennünket.

Erre az évre is igaz a mondás – „Ember tervez, Isten végez!” Mi szerettünk volna a babérjainkon ülni, de Istenünk számos feladatot adott nekünk. Dicsőség az Ő nevének az elmúlt 2OO9. esztendőért!

Kocsis Attila
lelkipásztor

Worship Services and programs - Istentiszteletek, egyéb alkalmak

Sunday:
9:00 AM - English Worship - angol nyelvű istentisztelet
9:00 AM - Sunday School - vasarnapi iskola (csak angolul)
10:30 AM - Hungarian Worship - magyar istentisztelet
10:30 AM - Sunday School in Hungarian/Magyar nyelvű vasárnapi iskola


Sunday: 11:30 AM - Women's Guild (1st Sun. of the month)
Tuesday - 7:30 PM -  Church Council (2nd of the month)- Presbiteri gyűlés
Tuesday:  7:00 PM - Bible Study (1st of the month)
                  



Women\'s Guild/Nőszövetség

History of the 64 years old organization

WOMEN’S GUILD
*Our 64th Year of Service to our Church*
Magyar Reformed Church, Perth Amboy, NJ
NEWS…............................. March 22, 2010
Thought for today: I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I’m here than a whole truckload when I’m gone.
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Our meeting was held March 21st in Nanassy Hall. We had 9 members in attendance – Julie Kopko, Rev. Aniko Kocsis, Helen Bercik, Priscilla Jenkins, Vilma Innamorati, Elizabeth Orosz, Judith Quinn, Evelyn Gagliano and Maria Szaniszlo. Priscilla Hunyady was “under the weather” with a cold, and was excused.

Coffee Hour was sponsored by the Guild on March 7th. Julie Kopko and Priscilla Jenkins handled it with the help of Ethel Niemiera and Rev. Aniko. Julie baked her famous crumb cake, and also brought a carrot cake that she received from Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. It was great. It is requested that volunteers offer to bake or help serve or clean up at these monthly events. If you will donate cake, call Julie at 732-261-8726 by Friday, so she knows not to buy cake! If you would like to donate the rolls, just give Priscilla Jenkins $10.00 (the cost of the rolls) prior to the coffee hour. Or else just show up to help! Please do your share. You can donate cake, cash for rolls, or your time – help set up or clean up, but please help. There is no coffee hour scheduled for April 4th – it’s Easter – so our next coffee hour is May 3rd. Please participate.

Cook Books are always available at $8.00 each in the Church office or from Priscilla Hunyady.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse March 6th – We had a nice day. There were 13 of us. It was a great musical, with songs ranging from pre-depression days to the present. The meal was very good, too. Special thanks go to Julie Kopko for not only arranging the trip, but for arranging for carpools, with her brother Walter Uveges, her son Darren and herself as the drivers. She made it possible for ladies who would not otherwise have been able to make the trip to have an enjoyable day. Thanks, Madame President!

Fundraisers – Our new President has come up with some new ideas for raising money:
Next month, on April 25, 2010, we will have a Jewelry Party, sponsored jointly by the Guild, Missions and Fellowship, at 11:30 a.m. in Nanassy Hall. All proceeds from this event will go to the organ restoration fund. We are excited that all the women of the church will be working together to have this fundraiser. Along with the sale of jewelry, we will give out refreshments, including light lunch items, all of which will be donated by the ladies. Please make plans to be there, and bring your friends – make this a real party! Call Julie Kopko if you have any questions or need more information.
We voted to bring back the Spring Auction. It will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
Holiday Auction December 5th – We are now making plans for this year’s auction. Some special prizes have already been donated, and we anticipate another successful auction. This is our big event for the year.

Sunshine – We were happy to see Ethel back in church on March 7th – she even helped at coffee hour! Her husband, Henry, is in Roosevelt Hospital – the new section. If you are in the area, pay him a visit. Ethel has been missing church these last few weeks because of her medical issues. She has difficulty getting around, because of a bad back. We wish her continued renewal of her strength and hope to see her back with us on a regular basis soon.
We have been advised that Sarah Ambrozy had heart surgery in Texas, and is still there, recuperating. We send our prayers and best wishes to her, and hope she will be back with us soon.

Easter Donation – we voted to give our $1,000.00 Easter donation to the organ restoration fund. In the past few years we have been designating our donations to specific projects in the Church, such as the renovation of the preparation room in Nanassy Hall, the repair of the cemetery road, a new roof for the parsonage, and of course the renovation of the Center kitchen. We like everyone to know what their efforts at our auction and other fundraisers have accomplished. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation, and are pleased that we can contribute to these specific projects around the Church.

Church Women United Conference – to be held on May 2nd in Trenton. Please make plans to attend this yearly event. At our next meeting we will be making plans to go. The van will be taking anyone who is interested.

Church News – I hope most of you had the chance to attend the special combined worship service on March 14th when we had a history of some of our best-loved hymns. It was nice to see so many people participate, explaining how so many of our favorite hymns came into being.
Zsofia handling the slide show was also a nice touch. The covered dish luncheon surely capped off a lovely day. All the donations in Church and for the luncheon went to the fund for the renovation of the Church Organ. Lillian Banyacski, Church Organist, and Pam Lovasz and Pat Bacho of Missions did a great job on the presentation. People have said they would like to see this type of service more often. Maybe a special combined service once a month, followed by a luncheon? If you think so, let the church officers know. The next combined service will be for Mother’s Day, May 9th, at nine a.m. followed by a breakfast to be held in Nanassy Hall.

Announcements
• Future meetings are April 18, May 16 and June 13 at 11 a.m. in Nanassy Hall.
• April 4th – HAPPY EASTER!

Priscilla Jenkins, Guild Secretary

This Be Our Creed
Each day let’s do a golden deed,
Some kindness show to one in need;
Let’s try to lend a helping hand,
A listening ear to understand.
Let’s try to spread some sunshine where
We see a brother bent with care.
With loving thought and friendly smile
Let’s strive to make each day worthwhile.
Let’s try to cheer some lonely heart
With hope and gladness we impart.
Just little things can mean so much –
A card, a call to keep in touch.
May every kindness that we do
Reflect our Lord’s love shining through.
If you and I will life this creed,
Each day to do a golden deed,
We can change sunny skies from gray,
Make flowers bloom along the way.
Let’s try … let’s pray so we might say:
“This be our Creed” each passing day.
Beverly J. Anderson

Sermons - Igehirdetesek

Perth Amboy, Febr 28, 2010 Reading: James 1:1-17
Text: James 1:14

The Evidence of Temptation

The late English writer, Oscar Wilde, once said, "I can resist anything except temptation!" Wilde is also credited with the insight: "The best way to deal with temptation is to yield to it!"

Temptation comes to us all, whether we are in the pew or the pulpit! It can be pride in our Christian service in whatever form it takes, even, or perhaps especially, in preaching! A well-known evangelist descended a pulpit and responded to the admiring comment ‘Great sermon’, by saying, ‘Yes, I know, Satan has already told me!’

There are three fundamental reasons why a careful study of the Biblical evidence of temptation is vital to a Christian’s very existence.

I. Temptation is common to everyone; saved and unsaved.
Scripture tells us that God cannot be tempted. However, it does not stop man and Satan from trying (Matt. 4:6-7) – “’…If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you; and, in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, you shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”

Temptation shows no partiality; it attacks the rich and the poor; the learned as well as the illiterate.

We have prevalent today a doctrine that tells us that, once a person starts out living for the Lord, that all shall be “rosy;” or, we shall live free from demonic harassment; that if we are living the true life of faith, we shall have no problems: no aches or pains, no relationship problems, no financial struggles.

To accept this spiritual position is a mistake! Every inch of ground between the moment we set out to become a true Christian and our triumphant entrance into eternal glory will be contested by the enemy of our souls! The devil shall use every possible resource at his disposal to ruin, sidetrack and ultimately destroy the Christian and his/her influence in the world.

II. Temptation is frequent in every life of every true believer. Especially in the lives of those who are really doing something for the Lord. Eph. 6:13-16 says – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

You should not be surprised if the evil brings up the same temptation over and over again. It has been testified for years by some of the greatest soldiers of our Lord that they had to contend with the same temptation throughout their whole life. Please remember, that Satan does have great power and influence in this world. He carries with him centuries of experience of wrecking true Christian lives.

You will often be attacked by the evil’s temptation when you least expect it; when you are at your most vulnerable. Quoting James 1:12-14 we can hear – “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But, each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” In us all it is a Biblical and spiritual fact that there are weaker places than others.

III. Temptation is the battleground from which every true believer must emerge from.
Reading the Heb. 4:15 there is an eye-opening teaching – “…we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

We will either come forth from this battlefield victorious, or we will be carried off the field of spiritual battle defeated. If/when we come from temptation’s battleground victorious; we emerge from the battle(s) even stronger in our faith and love for God.

One thing I believe, we must mention at this point that not everyone who is defeated through temptation go into the battle intentionally or willfully. Many find themselves in the battle for their spiritual lives all the while they are deceived; and thus, they become defeated.


Please remember this: Being deceived does not excuse one from their spiritual responsibility. 2 Cor. 11:3 – “…I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

There are people in our world today that started out spiritually well. Then as they allowed themselves to be deceived, temptation came in a horrible way and overtook them. You can talk with them today and they will say that they miss those days of peace and victory. Yet when asked if they would repent and return unto God, they just cannot bring themselves to start down that path. They are more fearful of failure than they are of God.

There is a doctrine that teaches “once saved, always saved” flies in the very face of Scripture. Yet, let’s look at this in a more practical way. Why does the Bible warn us of the pitfalls of temptation if it is impossible to walk away from our relationship with Christ and be lost once again?
Temptation is a battlefield from which we all shall emerge. We will either come from the smoke of battle victoriously, or we shall be a part of the death and slaughter that is left on the field; defeated by the devil; a slave to sin!

Chasing temptation for too long, too far, and too low into enemy territory has caused the downfall of many good people. Sin takes us:
- further than we ever wanted to go,
- costs more than we were ever willing to pay, and
- hurts more than we ever dreamed it would.

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Perth Amboy, March 21, 2010 Reading: John 1:29-42
Text: John 1:29

The Lamb of God

The gospel of John differs from the Synoptics in several ways. It was written later, about AD 85, and is more of an interpretation of Christ and his great spiritual truths. John’s gospel is not merely historical but also interpretive. There are no pictures of sowing, reaping, and so on. There is no development in the recognition of Jesus. He is the divine Messiah from the first verse.

In John there is no mention of Jesus’ birth, baptism, temptations, transfiguration, or last supper. The agony of Gethsemane is not described. There is no parable in the gospel, unless the miracles, as some say, are acted parables. Each miracle is given for a definite purpose. They are key signs, and each gives a great spiritual truth that reveals the wonderful attributes of Jesus. These spiritual truths that stand behind the miracles take place on the plane of history.

While John omits some things contained in the Synoptics, he introduces us to some things not contained in the Synoptics. The miracles at Cana, Nicodemus, the woman of Samaria, the paralytic at Bethesda, the raising of Lazarus, and the washing of the disciples’ feet are all found in John only.
The discourses in John are long. It seems that John knew what the Synoptics contained and did not care to repeat. He says that he selected his materials and wrote “that people may keep on believing that Jesus is the Christ and that they might have eternal life.”


The humanity of Jesus is emphasized as well as his divinity. In John, Jesus becomes “hungry,” and at one time he even “weeps” at the tomb of a friend. The writer was an eyewitness of the events recorded in the book.
John plunges immediately into the purpose of the gospel — to tell about Christ so that people might have everlasting life. He says that the “Word,” which is Christ, was the very beginning. He was the source of life and of all things. He was the Light of humankind whom no darkness could overcome.
John the Baptist came as a witness to this Light. John testified that Jesus gives us all the grace we need. The ministry of John the Baptist is given prominence in the first chapter. People flocked to hear John, and many were puzzled as to who this flaming preacher was. He told them that he was merely the voice that was sent to announce the coming of the Messiah. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” This picture of the Lamb comes from Isaiah and is also found in Revelation.
I. The Lamb of God.
One is reminded of the words of Abraham when he was about to sacrifice Isaac: “God will provide himself a lamb” (Gen. 22:8).
One characteristic associated with the lamb in the Old Testament sacrifices was its innocence. We speak of the innocence of children not in the sense that they are free from sin but in that they do not understand sin. As children emerge into adulthood, this innocence passes. Christ, however, never lost his innocence. He walked among the sins and temptations of life but remained pure and unsoiled.

The second thing we can mention about a lamb is its gentleness. It is the perfect type of meek, uncomplaining suffering. People are sometimes gentle because they must be. They say, “Well, we cannot help ourselves.” Not so with Christ — he need only speak and legions of angels would be at his side.
But the idea that our author would impress upon our minds is not so much the character of the lamb or its innocence and gentleness, but its death. He connected Christ with the sacrifices of the old dispensation. Christ is the fulfillment of all the sacrifices. The remarkable thing about the Lamb of God was that he went to his death voluntarily.
II. This Lamb takes away the sin of the world.
Some say that Jesus came to earth to heal, and they emphasize his healing ministry. He healed the blind, the crippled, the diseased, and even the dead. But Jesus’ main purpose was to save people from their sins, which is greater than any bodily healing.

Sin, the choice of evil instead of good, the perversion of the desires, the slavery of the will, the darkening of the mind, the deadly sickness of the heart — this is the fountain of all trouble, the cause of all disorder and wretchedness. This is the curse that destroys life’s harmony and beauty. This is the obstacle that separates the soul in darkness and sorrow from God. Thus John evidently declares that Jesus “takes away the sin of the world.”

The simplest meaning of the words “takes away” is “to lift.” People unable to free themselves from the burden of sin feel it lifted from heart and conscience by the redeeming hand of God. The beginning of a person’s salvation is to feel the need to cast one’s infirmity and sin on the strength of God.
People must realize that they cannot within themselves overcome sin and lift that burden but that they can safely leave it all with the boundless love and mercy of God.
The second phase of the meaning of the word is “to bear.” The divine Savior who lifts the sin from our aching hearts bears it of his own.
The last phrase of the meaning of the word is “to bear away.” The Savior lifts the sin of the world, he bears the sin of the world, he bears away the sin of the world. It can never return to condemn us. He has removed it across the measureless abysses of death and Hades and has hid it in the glory of his resurrection. This is the salvation of our God. It is completed in him. Won’t you accept his death as a sacrifice for your sins? The Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world.
III. The invitation of the Lamb.
When Jesus turned around and saw two of John’s disciples following him, he asked them what they were looking for. Supposes Jesus were to ask you that today. What would be your answer? What are you looking for in life? They answered, “Master, where do you live?” Jesus’ answer is most significant: “Come and see.” In our scientific age, it is customary in some circles to hear the statement that one cannot be scientific and spiritual at the same time. Such, of course, have overlooked the first invitation, “Come and see,” explore, investigate, and draw your own conclusions. Jesus issues an invitation to follow him.
The two disciples promptly accepted the invitation and spent two hours with Jesus. They became his followers. You can do the same today.



Perth Amboy May 16, 2010 Reading: Matthew 22:34-46
Text: Matthew 22:39

I and My Neighbor

An old song says: “You’re nobody till somebody loves you.” And if that is true then everybody is somebody because God loves everybody!

Jesus opened our eyes to the true nature of love in Matthew ch. 22: “Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Jesus plainly taught that God, in His love, created human beings. Life does not precede love, love precedes life!
In this passage the Lord Jesus tells us about three directions for love...they are: love toward God; love toward others and love toward ourselves.
Our love for God is an upward love that must take priority over everything else.

God deserves all of our love not only part of our love.
We should love nobody more than we love God.
As the Bible says: “God is love.” The love of God is what gave us life in creation. The love of God is what sought us out and offers us salvation through faith in Christ.
Jesus taught that if love is to be fully manifested we must love God first; others second, and ourselves Last.

How so many of us have got this completely backwards!
But God has it right! If we love God, then our love for others will grow even greater because this upward love supernaturally produces a love for others and then for ourselves.

In fact, if we love God the most, we will love others the best. C.S. Lewis once said, “When I have learned to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my
earthly dearest better than I do now.”

Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. And, our love for God obviously motivates us to love others. But, of course it’s hard to love everybody.
Somebody once wrote: “To love the whole world for me is no chore. My only real problem is my neighbor next door.”

There is a story about neighbors across the street.
One is always greeted his neighbor cheerfully saying: “Hi!” every time when he was in his yard.
One day the son asked his parents, “Why do you all bother to say “hi” to that guy? He never even looks your way.
He never says “hi” back!”
The parents answered, without explanations or complaints but with a indication of surprise at his question: “Because we are Christians.”

We are loved, God loves us and Jesus overcame hate, evil and death through His sacrificial act of Ultimate love on the cross!!! And just think of how much more acceptable this life would be if all of us practiced love!

Most businesses would benefit greatly if the boss truly loved his or her employees and they knew it!
Most marriages would be happier if spouses heard and saw constant reminders that they were loved.
Most families would be happier if the parents constantly and lovingly affirmed their children.

Think about two very simple but extremely powerful principles that can transform any relationship almost overnight.

Here’s the first: When it comes to love, say it.
We need to say it -we need to hear ourselves, say it;
others need to hear us, say it; and we need to hear it from others.

The second relationship-transforming principle is: When it comes to love, show it!
Love must not only be articulated but demonstrated.
In the great “love chapter” of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul constantly says, “Love is, love does,
Love is not, Love does not.”

A simple touch can convey an incredible sense of love, affirmation, and acceptance.
A study several years ago found that to maintain physical and emotional health, men and women need eight to ten meaningful touches each day.
But the point is, there is a place and a real need for real expressions of love.

Good coaches high-five their players, good husbands hug their wives, good bosses give employees encouraging pats on the back and good Christians hug each other, smile at each other, and laugh with each other.

Love sets off a divine chain reaction:
- Love is the spark that kindles the fire of compassion;
- compassion is the fire that lights the candle of service;
- service is the candle that ignites the torch of hope;
- hope is the torch that lights the beacon of faith;
- Faith is the beacon that reflects the power of God;
- and God is the One Who creates the miracle of love!

Many of us forget that Jesus said that we should love our neighbors as ourselves.
On the surface, some might see this as a mandate for self-love. But when we consider His words in context--we can see that the principle that Jesus gave us is both
radically new and refreshing!

Essentially, Jesus has declared that when we love God the way we ought to love God:
- we will love others the way we ought to love others;
- and when we love God and others the way we should;
- we will love ourselves in a proper and healthy way.

God’s love gives us a healthy mental picture of ourselves,
it enhances our self-esteem without getting into self-worship and self-idolization.
God is love and God loves us more than we can imagine. Therefore we ought to love others and love ourselves.

God’s love is unconditional and self-less....
Evangeline Booth, the daughter of the founder of the Salvation Army, sat in a nasty slum one day, cleaning the sores of a drunken woman. “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars,” said a friend. “Neither would I,” replied Ms. Booth.

As Christians, we should all continue to allow God to enable us to become better at loving. Let’s tell every member of our families that we love them and give them several loving touches, pats, hugs and kisses every day.
If we have been at odds with someone, let’s go to that person and affirm our love for him or her--regardless of
our differences!

Seasonal greetings - Ünnepi köszöntések

Easter Letter - 2010

For many centuries the people of Europe looked out upon the Atlantic Ocean, and they wondered if there was anything beyond. Scholars said that you could sail off the edge of the world--there was nothing out there at all. It was written on a big board at the seashore, “Non Plus Ultra”, meaning, "There is nothing beyond."

One day Columbus went westbound on the wide waters. He sailed off into the sunset as people waited expectantly, and finally after a long time the sails reappeared and the crowds were exultant. They shouted with joy, and Columbus announced that there was a land beyond the sea that was rich beyond their dreams.
The king of Spain changed the writing, “Plus Ultra”, meaning, "There is more beyond."

For many centuries innumerable people stood beside a grave and watched the remains of their loved ones lowered into the earth, and they wondered: Beyond the dark waters of death, is there anything beyond?

Then one day, a young explorer descended into the blackness of the pit. He sailed off the edge of the world and crashed into hell. People waited expectantly...
Finally on this Resurrection morning, as the sun arose in the east, the Son of God stepped out from a grave and declared, "There is something beyond. There is a paradise beyond your greatest expectations. And there awaits a heavenly Father, waiting with open arms to wipe away every tear from your face."

Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!


Századokon keresztül az európai emberek vágyakozva néztek az Atlanti óceán felé és kiváncsiak voltak van-e valami a nagy vizen túl. Tudósok azt tanitották, hogy el lehet hajózni a világ széléig, aztán onnan nincs tovább. A tengerparton volt egy hatalmas tábla a következő felirattal: „Non Plus Ultra!”, aminek a jelentése: „Ezen túl nincs semmi!”

Egy napon Kolombusz elindult nyugat felé. Az emberek tele voltak várakozással, vajon mi lehet a napnyugaton túl. Amikor pedig hosszú idő után visszaérkezett, a tömeg üdvözölve fogadta. Elmesélte, hogy van egy másik kontinens a tengeren túl, aminek gazdagsága felülmúlja minden várakozásukat. Spanyolország királya megváltoztatta a feliratot:
„Plus Ultra”, - „Van tovább!”

Századokon keresztül emberek megállva a sirok mellett, nézték hogyan eresztik le szeretteiket és sóhajtottak: Vajon a halál sötét vizein túl van valami?

Aztán egy napon egy 33 éves fiatalember alámerült a sötétségbe. Eljutott a világ végéig, el egészen a poklok mélységéig. Az emberek pedig reménységgel vártak...
Végül, a Feltámadás reggelén, amint a nap keleten felkelt, az Isten Fia kilépett a sirból és kihirdette: „VAN TOVÁBB! Minden elképzeléseteket felülmúlva ott az Éden. Ott vár rátok a Mennyei Atya, kitárt karral vár és minden könnyet letöröl az arcotokról.”

Krisztus Feltámadott, bizonnyal feltámadott!

Pictures/képek

V.World Conference of the Hungarian Reformed Churches - Debrecen closing worship August 22, 2006

Rev. A. Kocsis is the 2nd on the left.

Newsletter - Hirlevel

A gyülekezet életéről, eseményeiről tudósitó időszakosan megjelenő kiadvány.


From the Pastor’s desk… Reading: Philippians 3:13-14

What is the new year a time of, is it a time to make resolutions, is it a time to reduce weight, or is the new year a time to review the past year. What is the new year a time of? It’s a:
Time of forgiving. The new year is a time of forgiving family, friends, and yourself. In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul tells us, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with any form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgive and forget, even if the other person won’t, move on, let it be between God and them, the new year is a time of forgiving.

Time of pressing forward. The new year is a time of pressing forward in Christ, and going through the storms, sorrows, and adverse situations of life. January the first doesn’t erase the past, as we start the new year we bring the storms, sorrows, and adverse situations of the past year, but remember, the new year reminds us to keep pressing forward in Christ. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." Maybe you are wondering how you are going to make it through the new year. I DON’T KNOW, but Christ does. You feel weak, but remember, in Christ, you are strong. As we begin the new year, in Christ, we will make it through every storm, every sorrow, and every adverse situation in life, the new year is a time of pressing forward in Christ.

Time to focus on Christ. The new year is not only a time to forgive and press forward, it is a new year to focus on Christ and let the Holy Spirit continue to make, mold, and mature us into a person of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" - the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Keep your focus this year, focus on Christ, and let the Holy Spirit make, mold and mature your faith - let this be a year of spiritual growth.

****************************************************************************

KRISZTUS VÁNDORAI – film bemutató

A Debreceni Televizió (DTV) operatőrei és szerkesztői 2OO8 őszén egy hónapon keresztül forgattak a keleti parton valamint PA, OH, IL, MI és VA államokban. Céljuk az volt, hogy felkeressék és megörökitsék elsőrenden azokat a magyar református gyülekezeteket, amelyek már különböző okokból megszüntek. Ezzel a hét részes filmmel kivánunk emléket állitani azoknak a lelkészeknek és gyülekezeti tagoknak akik hűséggel szolgáltak az adott helyen.
A több, mint 3OO órás felvételből 7x35 perces film készült, aminek egyik amerikai bemutatója Perth Amboyban, november 1-én volt. Még két másik helyen, Clevelandban október 3O-án és Ligonierben november 2-án láthatták a szépszámú érdeklődők a film egyes részleteit. Sajnos nem volt idő arra, hogy bármelyik helyen az egész filmet bemutassuk, de a kész filmet mindenki megvásárolhatja a lenti cimen.


Valaki igy ajánlotta ezt a filmet: „Ha valaki szokványos útifilmet szeretne nézni, akkor nem ezt kell választania. Ha valaki kalandot vagy harcot keres, azt itt nem találja meg. Aki szeretné egy távoli, de mégis ezer szállal az „óhazához” fűzött „vándorló” közösség sorsát megismerni, jól választott. Aki szereti a történelem lassú folyását szemlélni, személyes életeken átszűrődni az nem fog csalódni. A szénporos bányászarcok szürkesége és az őszi erdők ezerszínű pompája békében megfér a filmen a csigatésztát csinálók hímzett kötényével és az elfogyó hívek miatt ritkán kinyitott énekeskönyvvel.
Ez a film a múltról beszél, de nem akar „siratóének” lenni hanem egy olyan hit- és nyelvi közösség mementója, amelyik száznál több éve él az idegen földön. Komolyan veszi földi vándorútját, hogy igazzá lehessen az is ami az ígéret: „Légy hű mindhalálig és neked adom az élet koronáját” (Jelenések könyve 2:1O)”



Christ's Hungarian Wanderers - Film Premiere

Last fall the directors and film crew from the Debrecen Television (DTV) spent a month filming on the East Coast, as well as in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Virginia. The purpose of their visit was to find and record for posterity those Hungarian Reformed churches, which, for whatever reason, have ceased to exist.
From the more than 300 hours of filming, seven 35-minute segments have been prepared. With this 7-part series, it is hoped that those pastors and congregations who faithfully served in each location will be remembered and not forgotten.
Perth Amboy was one of the places where premiere parts of this series were shown on November 1st after the Community Reformation Service. There were not sufficient time to view the entire series, but it will be available for sale. The series werel also shown in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 30 and in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on November 2. The DVD is avaiable on the address below.


Information: Rev. Attila Kocsis 732/442-7799 or attlkcss@hotmail.com
Address: 331 Kirkland Place Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Price: $25.00 (+$3.00 s/h)





Monthly events/Havi események

May 16 - 6th Sunday after Easter/Húsvét utáni hatodik vasárnap

9:00 Worship in English
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul/Worship in Hungarian
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian
11:00 Women's Guild Meeting
1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő


May 23 - Pentecost/Pünkösd

9:00 Worship in English and communion
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul és úrvacsora/Worship in Hungarian and communion
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian

1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő


May 24 - Salvation Army
6:OO - Dinner will be served by the Missions at the Salvation Army shelter

May 3O - 1st Sunday after Pentecost/Pünkösd utáni első vasárnap

9:00 Worship in English
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul/Worship in Hungarian
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian

1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő

2:OO Tombstone dedication in Calvary cemetery


June 5 - Hungarian Festival/Magyar Nap New Brunswick
11:OO Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick - cultural events, food and lot more


June 6 - 2nd Sunday after Pentecost/Pünkösd utáni második vasárnap

9:00 Worship in English
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul/Worship in Hungarian
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian

1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő


June 13 - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost/Pünkösd utáni harmadik vasárnap

9:00 Worship in English
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul/Worship in Hungarian
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian

1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő


June 2O - 4th Sunday after Pentecost/Pünkösd utáni negyedik vasárnap

9:00 Worship in English
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Istentisztelet magyarul/Worship in Hungarian
10:30 Vasárnapi Iskola magyarul/Sunday School in Hungarian

1:OO Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő


June 27 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost/Pünkösd utáni ötödik vasárnap

11:OO Church Picnic - Guest Minister: Rev. Zsigmond Vad, Dean Debrecen, Hungary


Kapcsolat

Kapcsolat:Dr. Kocsis Attila
Cím:331 Kirkland Place Perth Amboy NJ. 08861
Telefon:1-732-442-7799
Fax:1-732-442-7799
E-mail:attlkcss@hotmail.com

Church Council/Presbiterium

Chief Elder/Főgondnok: Mr. Ernest Marczi 732-324-0180
Vice-President/Gondnokhelyettes: Mr. Mark Banyacski 732-225-3724
Vice-President/Gondnokhelyettes: Mr. Thomas Rhodes 732-738-5999
Secretary/Jegyző: Mrs. Priscilla Jenkins 732-636-3322
Treasurer/Pénztáros: Mr. Andrew Lovasz 732-257-7182
Asst.Treas./Helyettes pénztáros:Mss.Hunyady Priscilla

Elders/Presbiterek:


Mrs.Banyacski, Lillian 732-225-3724
Ms. Veronica Rakos
Mrs. Nancy Brancati
Mss.Eldredge, Bonita
Mrs.Jenkins, Priscilla 732-636-3322
Mr.Kovács, László
Mr.Katko, Steve 732-636-0228
 Mr.Uveges, Walter 732/634-4053
Mr.Zambo,Robert 732-634-0295

The Council meetings are on the second Tuesday of the Months at 7:30 PM
A Presbitérium minden hónap második keddjén, 7:30-kor tartja gyűlését.

Alkalmaink

Address:
331 Kirkland Place
Perth Amboy NJ. 08861
Phone: 1-732-442-7799
Email: szaszandras888@yahoo.com

Worships/Istentiszteletek:
9:00 - English
9:00 - Sunday School in English
10:30 - Hungarian/Magyar
10:30 - Vasárnapi Iskola/Sunday School in Hungarian
1:00  - Confirmation Class/Konfirmációi előkészitő

Pastor/Lelkész:
Rev. Szász András

Chief Elder/Főgondnok:
Mr. Ernest Marczi

Bemutatkozás



The Magyar Reformed Church Perth Amboy is one of the oldest Hungarian Reformed Congregation in the United States. On August 30, 1903 the first Church Service was held by the Rev. Geza Kacianyi, visiting Pastor from Hungary.
In 1925 the first wooden Church was demolished after serving its purpose and the expending membership needing a great sactuary our present Church was built and dedicated.
The congregation is the one of the few Hungarian congregations in the USA which has her own cemetery since 1910.
On our mailing list there are more than 300 names, on the voting list we have 200 members.
The Congregation had 6 elected Ministers whose list could be found below.

A Perth Amboy-i Magyar Református Egyházközség egyike a legrégebbi magyar gyülekezeteknek az Egyesült Államokban.
Dr. Kaciány Géza, a szervező lelkipásztor 1903. augusztus 30-án tartotta az első istentiszteletet.
1925-ben bontották le az első, fából emelt templomot, mivel a gyülekezet létszáma jelentősen megnövekedett, és épitették meg a jelenlegit.
Gyülekezetünk az egyike azon magyar egyházközségeknek az USA-ban amelynek saját temetője is van.
A levelező listánkon több, mint 300 név szerepel, a választói névjegyzékben pedig 200.
A gyülekezetnek eddig 6 beiktatott lelkipásztora volt, akiknek névsora alább megtalálható.