Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)

Nyugati Egyházmegye - Western Classis

We have recently instituted a Hungarian language study program spearheaded by Tünde Bácsa that seems to fill a strong need. The children learn Hungarian language skills and poetry, and it is our hope that with God’s help this fledgling program will thrive.

Our church was saddened when Joe Zizda, a child of one of our founding members, passed away in October. We were also saddened by the passing of our former pastor, the Reverend Gyula Paál, who faithfully served our congregation from 1969 to 1981. We ask God to comfort the families of these individuals.

We thank our congregation, the friends of our church, and our Presbiters, for their faith, prayers and donations - and for helping our church serve. We thank Adél Tóth and Helen Stefi for the flowers which decorate the altar every Sunday. We thank our pastor, Dr. Béla Bónis, for the hard work and stability that he has given our church last year and in years past. We pray for him, God’s grace and the support of our members and friends in the coming year in fulfilling our service.

As we stand at the beginning of 2002, we at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Los Angeles face the future with challenges, but also with goals, confidence and hope. Most of all, we face the future with God’s promise of His presence, and His promise to address us and to lead us as we are faithful. In everything we do, may God’s name be praised.

Tünde Garni, Chief Elder

NORRIDGE, ILLINOIS

Norridge United Church of Christ Norridge, Illinois Pastor: Rev. Peter Toth

The most important news that we want to share with our brothers and sisters is: This year we plan to build a Sanctuary to glorify God’s name and benefit people of good will. The preservation of our special Christian heritage is very essential especially in cities where the Hungarian community is viable. In 2000 we tried to jumpstart a still existing but Sleeping Beauty like a community of Reformed Christians. Since that time we opened the Sunday School and reorganized our Church Council. After setting up a new database and bookkeeping, we started to publish regular newsletters and weekly bulletins.

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