Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)
Kálvin Egyházkerület - Calvin Synod - Keleti Egyházmegye - Eastern Classis
WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY Hungarian Reformed Church Woodbridge, New Jersey Pastor. Rev. Albert W. Kovács Chief Elder: John Kelemen In its 98th year, the Hungarian Reformed Church in Woodbridge stood firm upon its roots in Jesus Christ and His Gospel, its history in the Church of the centuries, its heritage from the courageous Reformers, its inheritance from those who built and sustained this congregation, and its guidance by the Holy Scriptures as led by the Spirit. Lord’s Day Services were held every Sunday and we gathered around the Lord’s table on seven occasions. The sacrament of Holy Baptism was administered twice in the Services for two infants. The rite of Confirmation was conferred upon two youths and one adult, and three new members were received. The Lord called to Himself four of our Members. The Sunday School’s classes were held, except for the Summer, and an Adult Class led by the Pastor. During the year the congregation observed several important events in the life of the Reformed churches, beginning with the 325th anniversary of the cruel martyrdom of the Hungarian Galley Slave ministers in the Counter-Reformation. They hosted the Reformation Service for the churches in the eastern states, in conjunction with the Hungarian Reformed ministerium. The church also participated in the town’s Community Lenten Services. The tragedy of the destruction of the World Trade Tower, which were visible from Woodbridge, was deeply felt by the members, who responded with a contribution of $1,100 for emergency workers at the site. The ongoing mission to the community continued as the church hosted the weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and their Alánon and Naranon family support groups. It also opened its door for the 24 hour New Year’s Eve liquor-free Alkathon, and the annual Little League pancake breakfast. The members and the Women’s Guild supported the local Crisis Pregnancy Center and donated to the work with the aged at the Bethlen Home. The capture, rape and slavery of Sudan’s Christians brought forth several hundreds of dollars for their ransom. But not to be forgotten were the children in the Reformed orphanage at Nagydobrony (Ukraine), with several hundreds of dollars. The church also helped the Partium 105
