As we welcome the New Year 2018, we reflect on the events of 2017 and give thanks for the things that happened within the Reformed Church in Hungary.
Some highlights of 2017 include the joyous celebrations of the Year of Reformation, the growth of the Refugee Ministry, as well as the Roma Ministry, the inspiration given and taken from the young people during the Starpoint Youth Festival, the solidarity expressed by the RCH delegation to Syria, and so much more.
Year of Celebration
In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Debrecen has been selected as a City of the Reformation, where ecumenical guests from around the world gathered at the end of January to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, as well as the 450th anniversary of the Debrecen Synod.
Messages from the Worldwide Reformed Family
Debrecen and the Movement of Reformation
Refugee Integration in Focus
The RCH has been working with refugees since 2006, and in the beginning of 2017 the Refugee Ministry was reorganized in order to have a bigger impact on clients in need. The ministry now falls under the umbrella of the RCH Diaconal Office and partners with a local implementing partner, Kalunba Social Services Ltd, in the work to integrate recognized refugees into life in Hungary.
Following months of dedicated work, the RCH and Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) have cooperated on a Country Program (CP) for Hungary to be in effect from 2017-2020. This is the second CP between the two organizations and will focus on the RCH’s Roma Mission as well as the Refugee Integration.
Indispensable Help for Refugees
Serving among Roma people
On April 8, 2017, International Roma Day, many people gathered together in the Reformed Church in Káposztásmegyer for a day of common prayer– a mixture of 360 congregation members, pastors, experts, and volunteers. Among other Roma Mission Conferences organized by the RCH, theater performances raising awareness for human trafficking were performed in local congregations.
Roma Mission Conference in Berekfürdő
A Little Help on the Way to Damascus
The Youth of the Church
The highlight of the year was the Starpoint Youth Festival, organized in Debrecen, where the Reformed youth from the Carpathian Basin and beyond gathered. Among the Hungarian participants more than 40 ecumenical youth delegates attended the five-day-long event from various partner churches of RCH.
Youth Develop Deep Bonds of Community
A Really Fulfilling Experience
Together with our Syrian Brothers and Sisters
The partnership between RCH and the Reformed Churches in Lebanon and Syria has been intensified during this last year. As part of this renewed relationship Syrian youngsters participated the Starpoint Youth Festivalof RCH, our church joined efforts with HEKS to support Sunday Schools in Syria and a delegation from RCH has visited the Middle East in December.
RCH joins efforts with HEKS in supporting Sunday schools in Syria
Solidarity Visit to Syria and Lebanon
As Part of a Bigger Family
This year the General Council Meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches took place in Leipzig, where delegation of RCH was also present. In 2017, through various meetings, conferences and visits RCH enjoyed the fellowship of its partner churches from around the world.
WCRC Leadership Creates a Bold Vision for the Future
Academics Spark Discussion in Debrecen