Bethlen Almanac 2000 (Ligonier)
Keleti Egyházmegye - Eastern Classis
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT . United Church of Christ Bridgeport, Connecticut Pastor: Rev. Betsy F. Reed Pastor Emeritus: Right Reverend Dr. John Butosi Chief Elder: Joseph C. Poruban During the year 2000, several special things happened at the United Church of Christ of Bridgeport and Vicinity. January 1 saw our parsonage occupied by the pastor for the first time in nearly three years. This was a pleasant development for both pastor and people: for the pastor because she was glad to be able to concentrate her efforts on the work of the parish rather than having divided loyalties as to her time; the congregation because they saw hope in the increased time that would be available for pastoral work. On May 7, at a special congregational meeting, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Bütösi was elected pastor emeritus of the congregation. This is in recognition of the service that he gave to the church as pastor from 1976 to 1989 and acknowledged that he is once again living and worshipping in our midst. On Ascension Sunday five young people were confirmed and on Pentecost Sunday received their first communion. During the summer our Inter-Generational Vacation Bible School drew twenty or more adults and children to the church on six Tuesday evenings for Bible study and fellowship. We studied the Bible, did crafts, played games (including Bible versions of Jeopardy, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Wheel of Fortune) and worshipped together. As a mission project we collected returnable soda cans and bottles in support of the United Nations Iodine Deficiency Disorder campaign. We collected and returned enough cans to prevent goiter and mental retardation in 2200 individuals ($110.00). Regular and special worship services, Sunday church school, adult Bible study, and the various fellowship dinners, mission projects and fundraising events continued in the usual fashion bringing people together to worship and learn and work on behalf of the church and of God’s world. During 2000, we had five weddings, five confirmations, one baptism and twenty-five funerals. We look forward with God’s grace to many challenging years in the future. Rev. Betsy F. Reed, Pastor 32
