Debrecen church has new home

United Methodists have been in Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary, for nearly 50 years, but the church council only recently bought a house for the emerging congregation.

Some United Methodists lived in Debrecen during communism, but they were not organized as a congregation. For decades, pastors from Nyíregyháza or Szolnok ensured Debrecen United Methodists had a connection to the whole church, visiting members and friends there.

In 2008, Superintendent László Khaled, then a theology student, attempted to found a small house group.

The group grew steadily and after a little more than a decade — in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown — the church council was able to buy a house for the congregation in Debrecen. The building needs renovation, but has a good location that is close to the big city bus station and easy to find and reach.

Zoltánné Gulyás, a United Methodist there, said the building will soon become a place for baptisms, weddings, confirmations, meetings and possibly a children’s camp this summer.

“What does this building mean for us? A place for meeting with God, for teaching and prayer. A multitude of positive experiences. Peace, rest, love, joy and happiness. All because I feel at home at the house of God,” Gulyás said.

The first service in the new building was held at Pentecost 2020, after the first COVID-19 wave had died down and worship services were allowed again. The church also organized the first vacation Bible school in summer 2020, with almost 30 children.

"It is a fundamental priority for us as the United Methodist Church in Hungary to be in a discipleship process rooted in the mission of Jesus Christ," Khaled said.

He said this discipleship process is not limited to existing areas of work, but also includes the establishment of new faith groups and churches, including the one in Debrecen.

Schweizer is assistant to Bishop Patrick Streiff, who leads the Central and Southern Europe Episcopal Area. News media contact: Vicki Brown at 615-742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Local Church
The banner in front of Woori Naperville United Methodist Church (formerly Naperville Korean United Methodist Church) in Naperville, Ill., reads, “Grace of God does everything.” On Oct. 4, the Northern Illinois Conference announced that it had signed a settlement with a breakaway faction of Naperville Korean United Methodist Church over the rightful ownership of the church building and other assets. Photo by the Rev. Nadan Jo, Woori Naperville United Methodist Church.

Dispute over church property resolved

United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference are celebrating a settlement reached between the conference and a breakaway faction of the former Naperville Korean United Methodist Church.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who need them. Immanuel United Methodist Church in Camillus, New York, along with community volunteers, built 62 beds. Photo courtesy of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Church assembles dozens of beds for children

The Immanuel United Methodist Church parking lot transformed into a hive of energy and purpose as volunteers came together with one mission: to give children the comfort and security of their own beds. The church partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who need them. The goal was 40, but church and community volunteers surpassed that, building 62 beds. The Upper New York Conference produced a video from the event.
Global Health
Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, coordinator of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo, talks to a woman about the importance of breastfeeding during a visit to Lokole Methodist Hospital Center in Kindu, Congo. The church’s awareness campaign highlighted the health benefits for mothers and children and also featured testimonials from experienced mothers who shared the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Church works to promote breastfeeding in Congo

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, United Methodists organized information and awareness-raising sessions to support the health of mothers and children.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2024 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved