2008 CLERK OF SESSION REPORT
I would like to begin this report by thanking my predecessor, Judith Szabo, for all the time and effort in the service of our Lord through her years as Clerk of Session to our Church. Even though we have a small Church, being Clerk of Session is by no means a small job and we still count on Judy for her help and input. Her experience is invaluable and her love of this Church is not matched.
I was elected Clerk by our Session at the October 5, 2008 meeting. At the previous Session meeting, our Commissioned Lay Pastor of eight years, Charles Olah resigned effective September 28th due to poor health. Pastor Olah and his wife Aggie gave their heart and soul to our congregation and their commitment has been missed.
Also, at that October 5th Session Meeting we interviewed a candidate for Supply Pastor that was well known and liked by our congregation, Rev Csilla Toth. Rev Csilla served the Lord at our Church from 1997 to 2000, immediately preceding Pastor Olah’s term. After a short discussion, she was warmly welcomed back and began her duties that same Sunday. In addition to Rev Csilla and her husband, Peter, we have a new addition to our congregation – their young son Oliver.
Also, during this same time period our long-time Organist, Mimi Veres-Taylor decided to retire. Gabriella Ilkei graciously volunteered for the duty and now plays at worship services.
Shortly after Rev Csilla returned to us, she had to suddenly return to
During the Spring of 2008 Pastor Olah was ill for an extended period. During his absence our pulpit was filled by Emoke Rozgonyi and Gabor Lanyi, both were seminarians at the Princeton Theological Seminary. Both have since graduated, Pastor Rozgonyi has joined her husband in a mission to Hungarians in
Next to our ministerial changes during the year, the major topic was the financial condition of our Church. Because of low prevailing bank interest rates, during 2006 and 2007 personal loans were made from Church funds at higher rates of interest to maximize the Church’s rate of return. But repayment of these loans did not occur in a timely manner.
The three debtors owed our Church repayment on $42,750.00 of loans. During 2008 the Session’s focus has been on the repayment of these loans. Our Treasurer has even garnered a court judgment against one debtor for one of the loans. As of this date, all interest and fees along with a principal payment have been made on two ($37,750.00) of the loans. It appears that total repayment of these two loans will made around year-end. The $5,000 loan that we have a court judgment in our favor is now involved in the Bankruptcy Court.
During the year, we mourned the loss of four of our long-time fellow worshippers and friends: Carolyn Szoke on January 30, 2008 at the age of 82, Susan Jacobs on February 3, 2008 at the age of 96, Aniko Vajda on February 7, 2008 at the age of 71, and Helen Kolcinsky on April 27, 2008 at the age of 95. We celebrated the baptism on April 13, 2008 of Brookelynn Desiree Cole-Dean.
Our primary mission support has remained the Vacation Bible Camp in
The Lord’s Supper was offered on 10 different dates: First Sunday of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Easter, Pentecost, New Bread, Worldwide, Reformation Sunday, First Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Our Church has survived for the past century by our worshippers’ faith that God would lead us through the valley of darkness into light of His Word.
Our Church has had more than it’s share of trials during its 104 year history. As we are in the midst of its 105th year, there is one thing that we can be assured: by faith through the grace of our Lord, our Church will continue to do His will.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen J Lance
Clerk of Session
