Czech Initiative

“Four separate First Church groups have helped design our Czech Initiative. Funds, escrowed from two previous budget surpluses (augmented by special gifts), will make it possible for us to become a "player" in the renaissance of Czech Methodism to the tune of $30,000 in the first year. Conversations with Josef (as to his most pressing need) have suggested that we put two of his pastors on wheels. Given that we can buy a pair of new Skodas (complete with insurance) for about $9,000 apiece, that is what we intend to do. The remainder will be directed to one of the churches and (perhaps) support the sending of a mission work team from Birmingham to Prague.”

- William A. Ritter; Steeple Notes May 14, 2000

With these words, our former Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Ritter launched our Czech Initiative. Since then, numerous Volunteers in Mission trips have been made to Prague. Follow the links below to learn more about these mission trips:

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2007

The 2007 VIM trip to the Czech Republic is planned for October 22--November 5. The team plans to work at the Methodist Christian Help Center in Horni Pocernice, a suburb of Prague, and at the Nevo Mesto Jecna Street UMC in Prague.

In October of 2007 Jim and Bev Miller traveled to Prague to represent FUMC, Birmingham, at the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the founding of our Partner Church, the Nevo Mesto, Jecna Street Church in Prague 2. To learn more, follow the following link:

Czech Partner Church

In addition to trips to Prague by VIM teams and others, several people from the Czech church have visited here. Most recently, Ms. Jana Krizova preached at our church. This is an excerpt from the March 17, 2002, Steeple Notes:

To look into the future we have, as our special guest preacher, Ms. Jana Krizova from Brno in the Czech Republic. Last June's Czech Mission trip participants heard Jana preach and they tell us we are in for a treat. She will be our preacher at the 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services this Sunday, March 17. Her faith journey story is inspiring. She is a double widow with one son, Michael, who is 11. Jana has studied physics and theology, and works as a computer programmer developing geophysical instruments. She is her Annual Conference Lay Leader and is part-time Mission Coordinator of In Mission Together activities in the Czech Republic. She is an ordained Deacon and a lay preacher. She will be our special guest at the Women's History Sunday luncheon today. Her message is the work of the future - bringing people together and encouraging them to live in relationships - church to church and person to person.