Letohrad-Annapolis Partnership

The Letohrad - Annapolis Partnership
“a success story”

The partnership between the Letohrad Parish of the Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren (“ECCB”) and First Presbyterian in Annapolis, Maryland began before the the Letohrad Parish Church was built. The decision to form the partnership was mutually decided upon in 2000 during a trip when 17 members of First Presbyterian traveled to Letohrad to help in the construction of the new Church. The idea to partner came while the groups worked, worshiped, and had fun together. The group of 17 from Annapolis were graciously hosted by members of the Letohrad parish during their visit. The Letohrad parish - ECCB church was the first protestant Church to be built in the Czech Republic since the fall of Communism. Letohrad is a small town of 6,000 on the Polish border.

Following the completion of the building, the two Church formed and ratified a partnership agreement. An agreement to “grow and encourage one another in faith and commitment to the Church through sharing of ministry and prayers.” The elements of the partnership center around worship, fellowship, witness to the body of Christ, and service to the World.

In 2001, to help support its mission to the community, the Letohrad parish asked First Presbyterian to send some its members to teach English classes. The classes have been a big success bringing in not only Church members but also people from the town (people that otherwise wouldn’t even consider stepping foot in a Church). First Presbyterians now send English tutors 2 times a year (Spring and Fall).

The partnership was extended recently for another six years. A new goal is to develop additional partnerships between churches in the Czech Republic and the United States. Its a dynamic relationship that continues to grow.

Letohrad - Annapolis
Partnership - Timeline

2008 October - Letohrad Mayor
officially recognizes 10-year
friendship between Letohrad
and Annapolis congregations.

2008 October - Annapolis
partnership team
along with ECCB co-host
Partnership Conference in
Prague & Janské Lázně

2007 The partnership was
overwhelmingly approved for
another 6 years with new
enthusiasm & expanded
new goals.

2007 11 adults from the Letohrad
parish “the Letohrad 11” visit
Annapolis - take part in the life
of the Church; including
preparing traditional Czech
meal for congregation, old
workshops on Czech language
and traditional Czech music
and art. Take part in Sunday
worship service, travel and live
with and among the Annapolis
congregation.

2007 2 youth from Letohrad
parish spend 6 weeks with
Annapolis Church. One
attends Youth Triennium at
Purdue University in
Indiana.

2006 Letohrad Parish &
Annapolis Church youth
join ranks for Youth
Mission Work camp in
mentally handicapped
institution in Zampach
Czech Republic.

2005 2 Youth from Letohrad
parish join First Presbyterian
Youth group for work in
Katrina hit state of
Alabama.

2005 Leader of entire Czech
National ECCB Church
visits United States & travels
with purpose to Annapolis to
greet members of First
Presbyterian’s Czech
Partnership tea

2005 English Tutors requested for
both Spring & Fall. Letohrad
Parish brings in many non-
members from town to
participate in classes. Head
Pastor from Letohrad and
Family visit Annapolis for 2
weeks.

2004 Youth from Letohrad spends
Summer in Annapolis taking
part in Church activities
such as Vacation Bible
School.

2003 First of Annapolis sends 2 to
Letohrad to attend official
Church dedication &
celebration.

2003 2 Adults from Letohrad visit
Annapolis Church; take part
in Church & community life.

2003 More English Tutors are
sent to Letohrad

2002 Youth from Letohrad-ECCB
Church join First
Presbyterian Youth in
Mission trip to the soup
kitchens of NYC.

2001 First English tutors from
Annapolis to Letohrad

2000 17 members from Annapolis
travel to Letohrad to
help in construction
of new Church.

1990 Since 1990 10 persons from
First Presbyterian of Annapolis,
MD traveled on four
experiences with the Presbytery
of Baltimore and Synod of the
Mid Atlantic in the former
“Czechoslovakia”

Community Outreach both in Czech Republic and United States

Letohrad, CZ

Annapolis, Maryland USA

Bill Hathaway (Left) is congratulated by Letohrad Mayor Petr Fiala

Back Row (L -R) Bill Hathaway, Petr Fiala, Steve Hays Front Row: Yoshina Betty McGinnis, and Renata Popalova

~ Fall 2001 - Group of 17 from Annapolis Church visit Letohrad parish and lend a hand in building

Recognition by town of Letohrad commemorating 10 years of friendship between ECCB Letohrad Parish and PCUSA Annapolis Church

(click here for Letohrad News Coverage)

Tomas and Honza

Petra

Fall 2001 - Letohrad newspaper picks up the story.

~ Summer 2006

Katka helping out in Baltimore at boys orphanage

~Summer 2004 Petra & Eva join Annapolis Youth in Louisiana doing Gulf Clean up work.

~ Summer 2005 - 10 youth from Annapolis join with Letohrad youth in working at mentally ill facility in Zampach, CZ.

~ Summer 2007 Honza and Kristina teach children at “Time with Children” during worship service

2008

Letohrad celebrates 700 years

Annapolis celebrates its 300th birthday

Joe; Ruml & Betty McGinnis - partnership conference 08’