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.

The Letohrad Church

Czech Republic - in the heart of Europe. Letohrad - on the Polish border

“The Letohrad 11” - Sept 07’ in Annapolis

Community Outreach both in Czech Republic and United States

Letohrad, CZ

Annapolis, Maryland USA

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

English

Tutors

Notes from 2008 Partnership Meeting in Letohrad ~ .pdf

~ 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)

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

Pastors of Partnership Churches

Jiřina Kačenová, Letohrad Parish ECCB

Bill Hathaway First Presbyterian PCUSA

Mgr. Jiřina Kačenová, pastor of Letohrad parish, and family, along with Bohumir Faltejsek and wife Jana Faltejsková visit First Presbyterian

Members of “American” & “Czech” Partnership Committee’s pose for picture.

Young Adults from Letohrad visit Annapolis for Summer. Become honorary Annapolitans!

(L - R) Klára Rocková and Lída Stejskalová

(L - R) Lída and Klára with members of First Presbyterian

Tomas Najbrt visits First Presbyterian