Wednesday, October 3
Czech Republic
Ties between the PC(USA) and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) have been strong for many decades. These ties are strengthened by participants on both sides of the ocean. In September 2010, I began service as an ecumenical relations facilitator with the two partner churches. Shortly after I arrived, the secretary for ecumenical and international relations with the ECCB, Rev. Gerhard Frey-Reininghaus, made a similar but shorter trip to the United States. For three weeks, he traveled around the country and visited with individuals and churches connected to the work in the two countries.
Rev. Frey-Reininghaus is the secretary for ecumenical and international relations with the ECCB.
In addition to individuals, many groups from various parts of the U.S. visit the Czech Republic. In September 2010, a group from the First Presbyterian churches in Annapolis and Cumberland, Maryland, came to the Czech Republic for several days. Betty McGinnis, the leader, is also active in the Czech Mission Network. In January 2011, a group from Columbia Theological Seminary came for their annual "J'' term course, hosted by the Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University. This year, Rev. Jody Filipi, current moderator of the Czech Mission Network , hopes to lead a group from the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley, which has had ties to the Czech Republic for several decades.
If your church or presbytery would like to plan a trip to the Czech Republic, please contact us, and we'll even teach you a little Czech to get you started!
- Rev. Dr. Karen R. Moritz, PC(USA) mission co-worker, Prague, Czech Republic
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Rev. Dr. Karen Moritz, ecumenical relations facilitator, Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB)
Partners/Ministries
ECCB: Rev. Joel Ruml, synodal senior, Lia Valkova, synodal curator, PhDr. Lydie Gallosova, director, Rev. Jan Dus, head of human resources division, Rev. Gerhard Frey-Reininghaus, head of exterior relations and secretary for ecumenical and international relations, Ing. Frantiek Straka, head of economics and administration division, Rev. Petr Peaz, chairperson of the American working group * Ecumenical Council of Churches in Czech Republic: Sandra Zalabova, general secretary * Foundation Diakonie: David Sourek, director, Eva Grollova, deputy director, Pavel Vychopen, ecumenical officer * Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University: Jindich Halama Dr., dean
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Kelly Riley Brown, Board of Pensions
Rev. Heahwan Rim, Office of the General Assembly
Elder James Rissler, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
Let us pray
Holy God, thank you for planting roots so deep that they cross oceans. We pray for the partnership between the ECCB and the PC(USA) and all those who are parts of those bodies. Help deepen our love and commitment to one another and empower us to love and serve you more deeply. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 96; 147:1-11
First Reading Hosea 3:1-5
Second Reading Acts 21:15-26
Gospel Reading Luke 5:27-39
Evening Psalms 132; 134
