Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)

Kálvin Egyházkerület

(Acts 4:32). To ‘reform’ (to renew) our material wealth, we should first be renewed in spirit - by Spirit! “Orando et laborando” - these are the beseeching words on the tympanum of the famous Reformed College of Debrecen - meaning: By praying and working.

In this spirit, last year we partly renewed the parsonage, the whole roof of the church, we had a new pavement made in front of our property and the renewal of the organ is making progress too. Our statistics prove that there is a need to continue our mission on television, radio and in the newspapers. One couple asked God’s blessings on their marriage; we had one christening; there was one young man who wanted to confess his faith, and we sorrowfully bid farewell to two of our beloved members.

On the other hand, I can happily report that the congregation is stabilized, able and willing to be renewed. Life is vivacious: for example, we have a choir, a library in both languages, the Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Women’s Guild, we have a good working ‘Chain of Prayers’, we provide room for the famous Fészek Club and our stage is used by the well-known Hungarian Theater. It is also among our plans to gather the scattered youth, help scouting and support Hungarian-speaking theological students. We never forget: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1), so let’s pray for each other!

Rev. György Attila Cseh, Pastor

PASSAIC, NJ

Pastor. Rev. Marianna K. Király

Chief Elder: Joseph Sonyi Hungarian Reformed Church Passaic, New Jersey

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly as Christ loved us and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

By the grace of our Lord, the congregation continued its faithful work last year, in 1996.1 am very grateful to the congregation for their support which I received last year. I honor them for their caring love and diligent work for the church. I know that it comes from their hearts and a passionate faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. As a young minister, I learned a lot from my people how to keep the church alive and to make it work. Be62