Bethlen Almanac 1999 (Ligonier)

Tóparti Egyházmegye - Lakeside Classis

In 1999, we sponsored three major dinner-programs with the assistance of producers Mr. László Petri of New York, and Mr. András Pongrácz of Arizona. Sándor Déki Lakatos’ Gypsy Band performed twice, while singers from the Budapest Opera and Operette Theatre visited us once with their valuable program.

In 1999, at the ITT-OTT Hungarian Conference in Lake Hope, Ohio, our pastor conducted worship services and delivered a lecture entitled, “A Future Image of the American Hungarian Reformed Churches.” He was one of the keynote speakers at the Hungarian American Presbyters’, and also at the Hungarian-American Ministers’ Associations meetings in Ligonier, using the theme of his doctoral work on the bilingual church. The Annual Meeting of the congregation accepted a Pastor’s study leave, study expenses and sabbatical package; hopefully, it can be a model and an encouragement for our pastors and congregations. In addition to the regular monthly vacation time, the package allows an additional 2 weeks study leave and up to $500 for study expense yearly, subject to the approval by the Consistory. Furthermore, after 5 years of service the pastor may take an additional one month sabbatical and up to $1,000 for study expenses. Pastoral continuing education, its encouragement and supervision, needs to be an important part of each congregation’s mission concerns, if we wish to be of service in the new millennium. Our pastor presently is serving as the dean of the Lakeside Classis.

In 1998 our total income was $208,810 (contributions from individuals 45%, donations from church organizations 25.7%, from cultural & social activities 27.2%, miscellaneous 2.1%). Out total expenses amounted to $190,807 (real estate 36.7%, payroll 32.9%, church administration 9.1%, cultural & social events 9.3%, mission giving 12%). Of the 410 individual/family donors 17 gave over $1,000; 31 families gave between $500 and $1,000; 166 families gave between $100 and $500; and 196 families gave under $100. 75 families sent in a pledge for 1999; the average is $345/year.

Lay leaders of our church for 1999: Chief-Elder: József Daróczy; English President: Margaret Stolcz; Treasurer: Steven M.Tábor; Secretary: Judit Szentkirályi.

Rev. Szabolcs Soby Kálmán, Pastor

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