Saint Margaret’s Anglican Episcopal Church Budapest

Saint Peter, Holy Crown of Hungary, XI Century Festival Day of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29

JUNE 2013 SAINT MARGARET’S MARGINALIA

SVÁBHEGY WORSHIP ON SUNDAY JUNE 2...

Where exactly...? Magyar Protestáns Szakkollégium 1121 Budapest Eötvös út 35

When exactly...? Each first Sunday of the month At 10:30am.

June 2 August 4 July 7 September 1

NO Service these days at the Almássy utca Chapel... See article in this issue for travel directions... IMPORTANT UPDATE ON SVÁBHEGY...

As you may remember, Chaplaincy Council in late 2012 agreed once- monthly services at the Protestáns Szakkollégium in Svábhegy through the middle of 2013 as an innovative approach to worship at a new venue in an area where many English-speaking professionals and diplomats have their homes.

At its May 2013 meeting, Council agreed to extend the period of our Svábhegy worship until at least September when it hopes to review this mission and ministry in-depth.

Meanwhile Council of course welcomes the feedback and comments of parishioners and worshippers. The churchwardens and Father Frank will also be developing a written survey over the coming weeks for this purpose. But also please feel free to communicate your views to Council and Father Frank in any manner you like: email, telephone conversation, personal meeting, and so on.

The Szakkollégium Chapel at Svábhegy

DIRECTIONS

The Szakkollégium at Eötvös út 35 is approximately one kilometre north of the Svábhegy Cogwheel (also known as the Fogaskerekű) stop. The location is clearly marked, and ample parking is available just outside the entrance gate.

The location is also easily accessible by BKV bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán tér or Déli pályaudvar. Buses run every six minutes on Sunday morning and reach the worship site at the Ordas út stop in approximately 12-14 minutes. The Ordas út stop is the first one past the Cogwheel -- or Fogaskerekű -- stop. The Szakkollégium gate is just ahead on the right.

You may wish to consult the BKV website for more detailed information: www.bkv.hu.

UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS...

June 2. The Second Sunday after Pentecost, commonly called Corpus Christi Sunday. Worship at the Szakkollégium in Svábhegy. See articles in this issue of the Marginalia. Prayer for the Queen’s Sixtieth Anniversary.

June 9. The Third Sunday after Pentecost. The Rev. Dr. Norman Gamble, of Malahide in the Anglican Diocese of Dublin, will be our guest preacher this day. Dr. Gamble has been with us on occasion in years past, and we welcome his return. Council will not meet today after the service.

June 15. Our annual summer picnic, 12:00-15:00. See article in this issue.

June 16. The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. Worship at the Chapel in Almássy utca. Healing anointing during the service. Council meets today after the service and fellowship.

June 18. Monthly Midweek Programme, 6:00-8:00pm. See article in this issue of the Marginalia.

June 23. The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Worship at the Chapel in Almássy utca. Prayer Team available after the service.

June 30. The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Worship at the Chapel in Almássy utca.

AND PLANNING AHEAD...

July 3-7. General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches CEC in Budapest. See article in this issue of the Marginalia.

July 7. Suffragan David Hamid will be our guest celebrant and preacher. Service this day will be at the Szakkollégium in Svábhegy.

July 21. The Rev. Alex Faludy of the Diocese of Newcastle will be our guest preacher today. Father Alex, a friend of Saint Margaret’s for many years, will be in the area attending meetings and conferences.

Mark your diaries and calendars now... Details will be provided as the events draw near.

FATHER FRANKLY SPEAKING...

Dear Friends,

Who are the most important people at church...?

Good question...

Some might argue that the most important people at church – at Saint Margaret’s, say – are those who do the most work on behalf of the community day in and day out. Others might cite those who – bless them – are able to support the mission of the church with their giving and generosity.

A few poor souls might somehow think the clergy are the most important people – hard to believe, I know. Still others, of a more egalitarian bent perhaps, might object to posing such a question at all and stress that everyone is important in the eyes of God.

A church wit – yes, there really is such a thing – once suggested that in her opinion the most important people at any church are actually those who have not yet found it – or been found by it -- and joined. And, she was not kidding.

In other words, the whole point of being church in the first place, she was trying to say, is to bring others to Christ. If we are not doing that, well then, what exactly are we doing? What is the point of all our activity...? I think I agree with her point....

But do not get me wrong.

I cherish everyone at Saint Margaret’s as I have cherished members of all the churches I have served over the decades. Our hard-working and dedicated Chaplaincy Council, for instance, put in an enormous amount of work on behalf of all of us. I am grateful to our financial supporters too – some of whom I have yet to even meet. And, I especially love those who pray constantly for our community – and me. I really need it. But if we are not welcoming others – if we are not making Christ in the person of our community accessible to others – we are simply not doing our job. Dare I say it?

We are not church.

In one version of Jesus’ last earthly encounter with his disciples – that of the Evangelist Matthew – Jesus appears to his followers and in his final words commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” And, well, that is pretty much where Matthew’s Gospel ends.

It is almost as if Matthew – or Jesus – leaves the continuation of the Gospel story to us. This command of our Lord is known in theological circles as the Great Commission, a somewhat officious sounding term for what is at heart a simple message.

Books have even been written about it. None of the scholars or researchers however suggest that there are any loopholes, footnotes, or exclusionary clauses attached to the Great Commission which indicate that we only need “go” if we feel like it, or have the time after work, or if it is not too inconvenient.

The Great Commission can pose a Great Challenge to mild-mannered Anglicans like us. How do we go about bringing others to Christ with Anglican grace and aplomb? After all, no one is suggesting door-to-door solicitation or street-corner button-holing – neither of which is particularly effective anyway.

The answer for us may be as simple as being where others are who are likely to find Christ among us – being “present,” or accessible, in other words, to English-speaking ex-pats and their friends and family members here in the greater Budapest area. Of course, inviting others to worship and other Saint Margaret’s events cannot hurt either.

Who are the most important people at church...?

I suppose ultimately you will have to answer that one for yourself. The challenge for all of us is to remember always the blessings we share in our Christian community and to make those blessings – and that community – abundantly available to others in Christ.

If nothing else, that is the most important thing we can do...

Father Frank The Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedűs Chaplain

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC...

Our annual parish picnic is always a wonderful opportunity to spend time with fellow parishioners and their friends in a relaxed setting. This year will be no different. So, mark your calendars and diaries now for this year’s picnic:

Saturday, June 15 11:00-15:00 1022 Budapest Csopaki utca 8

We will be meeting on the grounds of the Superkids Nursery School http://superkids.hu/ near Széll Kálmán tér and the Residence of the British Ambassador in the II District of Budapest.

By the way, this will be a great occasion at which to introduce your friends and neighbours to our Community. Please feel free to invite them along.

There is plenty of parking available nearby on- and off-street.

BKV Directions: Take Bus 149 from Széll Kálmán tér (near Fény utca) to the third stop at Rókushegyi lépcső.

Our thanks to the Management Team at the School for making their property available to us. And, thanks as well to Council Member, Arthur Reynolds, who has agreed to coordinate preparations.

Arthur needs our help with  Table and chair delivery and set-up  Paper- and plastic-ware for food  Food and Beverage Coordination  Among much else

This is not a fund-raiser, and there is no charge, although donations and help with the purchase of food items and other needs will be most welcome. You may contact Arthur at [email protected].

THE CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN BUDAPEST JULY 3-8...

The Conference of European Churches, or CEC for short, will be holding its Fourteenth General Assembly in Budapest, 3-8 July.

Just what exactly is the Conference of European Churches...?

Well, it is as the name implies a meeting-point for the various Christian denominations and churches of Europe to come together, pray, and share insights into the life of faith on this ancient continent.

Here is how CEC itself describes its background and mission...

“The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches in Europe which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

In its commitment to Europe as a whole the Conference seeks to help the European churches to renew their spiritual life, to strengthen their common witness and service and to promote the unity of the Church and peace in the world.

“And now, what are you waiting for...?” This is the intriguing theme of this year’s Assembly... And, you could be part of it. CEC will be looking for local people like ourselves to befriend and guide the hundreds of delegates who will be arriving from across the Continent. There is a special need for individuals willing to take minutes and notes during Assembly sessions.

Interested...? Well then, what are you waiting for...?

Please go to http://assembly2013.ceceurope.org/ for further information about the Assembly. Or, contact Father Frank for information about volunteering. MONTHLY MIDWEEK PROGRAMME...

Join in our monthly midweek programme of supper, discussion, and prayer on Tuesday, June 18, 6:00 – 8:00pm, as we welcome local Yoga teacher and long-time Anglican, Tom Hoppel, to speak to us about his work and mission.

Tom is the founder of Yogasanas Budapest which opened in 2004. It remains today one of the premier Yoga centres in the City. Tom has completed over five thousand hours of yoga teaching and is a devout Christian.

A regular traveler to India, Tom is American by birth and a genuine spiritual adventurer whose path has led him to Christianity. He recently spent over a month volunteering in the slums of Calcutta with the Sisters of Charity (the organization started by Mother Theresa).

He has seen Christianity in action – and has been part of it.

This promises to be a very interesting and worthwhile evening, and there will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions. All are welcome, but it will be helpful in planning if we sign up ahead of time.

And, you may do so by responding to [email protected], or at church Sunday mornings.

The programme will be held at the home of Saint Margaret members by the way. Location and details will be available later to those who will be attending.

THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL NEEDS ANGLICANS...

Anglican Communion News Service Posted: March 14, 2013 By ACNS staff

The new Pope has reportedly said the Church universal needs Anglicans and that the Ordinariate is "quite unnecessary."

In a note released after the election of the first ever pontiff from Latin America, the Anglican Bishop of Argentina and former Primate of the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone, the Rt. Revd. Greg Venables said Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was "an inspired choice."

"Many are asking me what is really like. He is much more of a Christian, Christ centered and Spirit filled, than a mere churchman. He believes the Bible as it is written.

"I have been with him on many occasions and he always makes me sit next to him and invariably makes me take part and often do what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently humble and wise, outstandingly gifted yet a common man. He is no fool and speaks out very quietly yet clearly when necessary."

Bishop Venables added that in a conversation with Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, the latter made it clear that he values the place of Anglicans in the Church universal. "He called me to have breakfast with him one morning and told me very clearly that the Ordinariate was quite unnecessary and that the Church needs us as Anglicans.

Bishop Venables concluded, "I consider this to be an inspired appointment not because he is a close and personal friend, but because of who he is in Christ. Pray for him." AND RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH...

Bishop David Hamid, our Suffragan, or Assistant, Bishop, will be visiting with us on Sunday, July 7.

He will be Celebrant and Preacher at our 10.30 service at Svábhegy on that day.

Bishop David is a true “world citizen” of our international .

He was born in Scotland of Burmese and Scottish parents. He lived and studied in Canada and later worked with Christians in Latin America and the Caribbean. And, he has been our Suffragan, or “assistant,” Bishop since 2002.

In addition to spending time with us at Saint Margaret’s, Bishop David will be one of the Anglican delegates to the General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches, or CEC, meeting in Budapest. See separate article in this issue of the Marginalia for details.

If you have never been confirmed in your faith in the sacramental Rite of Confirmation – or if you would like to be received officially into the – the Bishop’s visit will be a perfect opportunity to do so.

For more information, please consult with Father Frank as soon as possible.

THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION...

The origins of the Rite, or Sacrament, of Confirmation are a bit obscure.

It was the practice of the early Church for those being baptised – infant or adult -- to also be “sealed” or confirmed in their faith with the near- simultaneous laying-on of hands and anointing with the Sacred Chrism, or Holy Oil.

Over the centuries and for various reasons, the “Confirmation” part of the Rite became separated in time from the Baptism – at least in Western Christianity -- including among Roman Catholics and Anglicans. Today, Confirmation is often seen as a kind of faith-filled or spiritual Rite of Passage for those baptised earlier in life or at infancy.

In this sense, it has two important aspects.

The mature, baptised Christian steps forward in the midst of the congregation and thus proclaims his or her abiding faith in Christ and the Gospel. And at the same time, the Bishop in his prayer, laying-on of hands, and anointing confirms that personal act of faith and calls down the Holy Spirit to strengthen and fortify those being confirmed – the Confirmands -- on their spiritual journey.

Interestingly, while often confirm members in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, only may do so in our . The presence and participation of the Bishop emphasises to everyone witnessing the Rite just how important it is – and how important is the commitment it represents.

By the way, those Christians who have been confirmed in another of the ancient Churches of Christianity – and who wish to be recognised now as Anglicans – are generally “received” into the Church, not “re-confirmed.” Indeed, like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once in life.

If you would like to learn more about the sacramental Rite of Confirmation, please contact Father Frank.

SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II...

Our Suffragan Bishop David Hamid writes...

“This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty the Queen, who was crowned in the ancient ceremony which was held in Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, 2 June 1953.

“Churches in the Diocese in Europe may want to mark the anniversary at services on Sunday, 2 June. [Editor’s Note: We will remember Queen Elizabeth in our prayers on this day.] There will be a service from Westminster Abbey televised on BBC on Tuesday, 4 June, at 11.00 am British Summer Time.

“The following prayer, which has the Queen’s approval, will be incorporated in the Service of Thanksgiving in the Abbey on 4 June. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have commended it for use throughout the Church of England....”

Almighty God, at the hands of priests and prophets you anoint your chosen servants with the oil of gladness and strengthen them with the gifts of your Holy Spirit: accept our joyful praise as with united voice we give thanks for the long and glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth. Renewing your blessings, pour on her your choicest gifts, and on all your people the spirit of humility and mutual service shown in the life and death of him who is the anointed King of all, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

FEEDING THE HUNGRY...

You may bring to church on any Sunday canned or tinned goods and pre-packaged dry foods for distribution to the poor of Budapest. If you travel, also consider collecting hotel soap bars and shampoo and lotion mini-bottles.

We have set up a basket in a window shelf of the Commons Room for our collections of various food and other items.

Any Sunday during this holy Easter season would be an appropriate time to bring your items.

Important: Please first check the expiration date on donated food items for freshness.

SERMON ON THE AMOUNT...

Saint Margaret’s Treasurer Rupert Foster reports to Chaplaincy Council – and You:

“Our costs exceeded our revenues for three out of four months [so far in 2013] and without the 1% refund from the government’s church tax scheme, we would have broken even only in March.

“The primary reason for this is that revenues have been weak, as costs were broadly unchanged.”

“Our planned-giving has been especially poor this year,” adds Father Frank. “We need the involvement and support of all participants in the life and mission of our parish community.”

Please be generous....

UK SUPPORTERS OF SAINT MARGARET’S

You may support the ministry of Saint Margaret’s with a simple bank transfer to:

Barclays Bank plc Account name: Diocese in Europe Fund Swiftbic: BARCGB22 IBAN: GB43 BARC 200605 40317039

Please note in the transfer that it is a "Transfer for Budapest." Alternatively, a cheque can be made payable to "Diocese of Europe (Budapest)”.

This can then be sent to:

Mr. Nick Wraight Finance Officer Diocese of Europe 14 Tufton Street London SW1P 3QZ

By the way, the UK Gift Aid scheme is also available when making donations to Saint Margaret’s. It automatically increases the value of your gift to Saint Margaret’s – at no additional cost to you.

Mr. Wraight has all the information you may need and is always willing to assist potential donors to our parish.

Email him at [email protected].

Thank you!

AMERICAN DONORS...

If you live in the United States and would like to make a donation to the work of Saint Margaret’s, Budapest, it is now possible to do so through the good auspices of the Episcopal Church USA, known in legalese as the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

Here’s how it works...

Make out a check to “The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society” in the desired amount of the donation which you intend to go to Saint Margaret’s. You might want to designate “Saint Margaret’s Budapest” in the Note section of your check.

Very Important... You must write out and sign the following on a separate sheet and enclose it with your check...

Dear Sir or Madam:

I hereby give to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America a gift in the amount of $______(for example: One-hundred dollars and twenty-five cents or $100.25).

As a preference, though not as a condition of my gift, I suggest that it be used for the program or purpose designated as follows:

To support the work of Saint Margaret’s Anglican Episcopal Church in Budapest, Hungary.

Signed:

Date:

Your letter and check may then be sent to: Treasurer Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society 815 Second Avenue New York NY 10017

Further information is available at www.episcopalchurch.org. Hungarian Contributions...

The ministry of Saint Margaret’s depends upon the generosity of dedicated supporters like you.

Bank transfers are easy and always welcome. Here is the information you may need:

Szent Margit Anglikán Episzkopális Egyház

Unicredit Bank Számlatulajdonos: Szent Margit Anglikán Egyház Számlaszám:10918001-00000006-35610003 Iban:HU73 1091 80010000 0006 3561 0003 Swift: BACXHUHB

Note that this is new Bank information. We have changed accounts...

Use the pledge form on the next page to indicate to our treasurer your financial commitment to Saint Margaret’s. All information is kept in strictest confidence. You may of course submit your pledge anonymously if you prefer.

Simply complete the form without identifying information. The form may then be deposited in the Sunday collection purse or mailed in.

The important thing is that our Chaplaincy Council know of your commitment to who we are as a community.

PLEDGE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Pledging your support helps our parish to plan its programmes and the use of its resources wisely and effectively. Print this page out, or complete it online, and return it to the Treasurer, a Churchwarden, or Father Frank.

I/We wish to pledge financial support to Saint Margaret’s in the amount of

______HUF £ $ €

During the Calendar Period: ______

I/We will donate this amount:

Weekly Monthly Quarterly In One Gift

Signed: ______

Printed Name and Contact Information

Comments

Saint Margaret and King Malcolm, 16th Century

Saint Margaret’s Anglican Episcopal Church Budapest 1077 Almássy utca 6 www.anglicanbudapest.com

The Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedűs, Chaplain Mobile: 0620 269 5161 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Simon Ingram Hill, Churchwarden Mobile: 0620 333 8429

Ms. Julia Lengyel, Churchwarden Home: 061 203 9867