We are not here to deal only with ourselves

From May 16 to 18, 2025, the members of the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the Czech Republic met in Prague.
 
The conference was framed by the opening worship service and the worship service on Sunday at the end of the gathering. In between, the pastors and laypeople from 14 UMC charge conferences discussed the reports from the commissions and working groups. "Even if there were reports or motions to discuss here and there, the mood was consistently good and there was a palpable atmosphere that facilitated open and honest discussions," said one participant
In many ways, it became clear again and again how the encouragingly slightly growing UMC in the Czech Republic takes seriously what Ctirad Hrubý wrote in his report of the Commission for Evangelism and Mission: "Even though we are often overwhelmed in our churches and congregations with 'operational' issues, let us not forget our mission. We are not here to deal only with ourselves, but, as part of Christ’s Church, to bring people to Christ and make disciples of Him."
The will to do more than "to deal only with ourselves" is also evident in many diaconal initiatives - for homeless people, people at risk of addiction and people suffering from addiction. Or for mothers and children. Or for the elderly. But also in ecumenical cooperation, which takes on very concrete forms, for example in a working group on the prevention of abuse in churches or in aid for people in and from Ukraine.
A special feature compared to other annual conferences are the reports written and presented by the respective lay members, in which the work in the individual congregations - successful things such as social and missionary projects, but also difficult things such as tight budgets - were described. These reports, illustrated with pictures, provided a particularly lively insight. Pictures of baptisms, church festivals, children's services or work assignments made something of the work of God and the commitment of the church members and friends visible. And a statement such as "We sing in Russian and in Ukrainian. I try to alternate the two languages so that people can see that we have peace in Christ!" showed how the war in Ukraine is still present in the everyday life of the congregation. With prayers of thanksgiving and intercession and the chorus "Laudate omnes gentes" after a group of reports, those present expressed their gratitude to the Lord of the Church, who is the hope even in all difficulties.
Another peculiarity is the Methodist Seminary in Prague. This is not a theological training center, but a place to live for 22 students - affordable living space for students is also rare in Prague. The UMC offers young people who come to Prague to study not only a place to live, but also a community. Pastor Milan Mrázek, the spiritual leader of the house, writes: "It is a unique opportunity to accompany young people at the beginning of their adult lives. Often, the step of moving from their family environment to Prague is one of the first major challenges of their lives." He describes five characteristics that are important to him: COMMUNITY - the students create an environment in which no one has to feel alone. GOD - the place offers the opportunity for prayer and other spiritual offerings. LIFE-FORMING CONDITIONS - the seminary is a conducive place for life as a student, a friendly home where it is good to live. SUSTAINABLE IMPACT - through listening, caring, mindful communication, and guidance, the lives of young people are positively influenced. RESPECT - through an environment where each person's personality, life direction and faith experiences are respected, they experience acceptance. Due to a new appointment, Milan Mrázek is handing over the spiritual leadership this summer.
In the service at the end of this gathering of the Czech Republic Annual Conference, Bishop Stefan Zürcher was able to commission Milan Mrázek as a probationary pastor and send all pastors to their assigned field of work for another year. In his sermon, however, he recalled that ALL are invited by God to respond as Isaiah did: "Here I am; send me!" and to be witnesses of the Gospel in their place.
 
Source: Bishop Stefan Zürcher, Zurich (Switzerland)