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Ezekiel 34, 11-16 - the first Scripture reading of the service:
“I, the Sovereign Lord, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them in the same way as a shepherd takes care of his sheep that were scattered and are brought together again.”
This was the first scripture reading in what is believed to be the first Hungarian worship service in Charlotte. Those that attended seemed to feel the Lord had brought them together again with Him in their common faith and history. They felt the blessing of being able to worship in their first language.
Approximately 90 people attended the service held in the Chapel which was led by Rev. András (Andrew) Debreczeni, an ordained Hungarian Reformed Minister, currently living in Columbia, S.C. His wife, A’Gota, also took part in the service. She is in her first year of her Ph.D. studies in bio-chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Mary Lou Lindsey, a MPPC Elder, added scripture readings in English. Approximately 15 MPPC members were part of the 90 attending.
Prior to the service, Rev. András Debreczeni and Rev. Bob Breed made brief comments acknowledging the historic occasion and welcoming the group. The service consisted of scripture readings, hymns, prayers (pastoral prayers, The Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed), a sermon and Benediction. Gabor Hetyei played Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude in C and the hymns were accompanied by the piano played by Emilie Williams.
Coming from Elkin, Fort Mill, Charlotte and many places in between, the group included children and their parents, young people and grandparents alike. They enjoyed fellowship, a lunch reception after the service, a folk song performance by Zita Foster, a photo session and some planning for future events. Tentative plans call for another worship service at MPPC in April and a retreat in Spruce Pine this summer. Many smiles, phone numbers and email addresses were shared. One woman, with tears in her eyes, told said that she “had been waiting 38 years for a day such as today.” Rev. Bob Breed, Rev. Deborah Conner, MPPC’s Twinning Committee and MPPC choir members are also responsible for helping with the arrangements.
The following thank you letter was received in the days following this first service: “We have to say thanks for the place, for the financial help, for the warm welcome, for the food and for the open hearts. We can nourish our souls, spirits and bodies, plus we can plan the future. May God help us to plan together, build this community and make this relationship stronger. May this New Year bring forth us a closer relationship with our heavenly Father. Once more, thank you MPPC and God bless you!”
Rev. András Debreczeni
Rev. András Debreczeni and his wife, A’Gota, at the first Hungarian worship
service in Charlotte.
- Carillon - Myers Park Presbyterian Church / 2008.Feb
