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ABUNDANT LIVING!
 | | Recent Visit to Czech Countryside |
At times, it is almost surreal that Gary and I are in our 2nd year of ministry at ESUMC Prague! Much has happened since our May newsletter:
- a month in the states visiting churches and of course Holston annual conference (May 25-June 26)
- a four-week English camp at our Prague 10 facility
- a newly renovated multi-purpose space (cafe included)
- the launch of a "mothering center"
- expansion of an English Language & Literacy ministry
Finally, we are pleased to report that now, with our worship space completion and the gracious shipment of some of our speciality musical equipment , we will our launch weekly worship services at the end of this month or early October.
Worshippers are ready to attend!
Peruse the remainder of the newsletter to see our story in photos. And please know, it would be impossible for us to be here and for ESUMC Prague to exist without your faithful prayers and generous support.
This will be a critical year for us.
Please join us in continued prayer for God's clear direction.
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First Annual English Camp
July 9-August 3rd, 2012
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Graduation Day Week 2 |
"Can you envision offering an English Camp at ESUMC Prague this summer, " asked Dr. Rosalind Gann, a dear friend and former church member? "How about a 4-week one?! " Within the year, the dream became a reality as we welcomed 24 students and 8 children to our first annual English Camp.
Our District Superintendent here in the Czech UMC, The Reverend Petr Prochazka and his 2 daughters, Barbara & Carla (above front row, 3rd and 4th from left)
were among those in attendance.
 | | Petr Prochazka, Czech D.S |
Additionally, 6 adults graciously volunteered
their teaching skills for 4 weeks:
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Dr. Roz Gann, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Linguistics ETSU |
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The Rev. Joe Gann
Retired United Methodist Minister |
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Gary Young
Director of Music and Cultural Arts, ESUMC Prague |
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Michael Gann,
Philadelphia Public School Teacher |
Strategic Plans are already underway for next year.
One of Summer 2013 Summer Camp plans is to add a volunteer intern from the U.S. Maybe you can be that person. Began to pray about it now if this news has piqued your curiosity. You can e-mail us for more details!
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Sean Miller
Professional Translator and Linguist |
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Jana Dobesov�, Czech national and student at ETSU, Counseling Program |
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The Rev. Michelle
McKinnon-Young
Pastor, ESUMC Prague |
FACES FROM ENGLISH CAMP
 
The English Language
New Relationships
The Love of Christ
And a good time was had by all...
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Mothering Center
During English Camp, several of our moms approached us and asked us if we would consider using our facility to house a "Mothering Center" where stay-at-home moms and their children could come to practice/learn English and enjoy a time of peer socialization.
In a world where only 12 million people speak Czech, the English language is a precious commodity for the young and those aspiring to advance in their careers or global citizenship.
The more we talked to these moms (many of them university-educated), we learned that some moms feel socially-isolated during their Government-granted 2-4 years of maternity leave. In the Czech vernacular, the "Mothering Center" helps
'scratch that itch.'
In addition to English classes. there will be coffee and conversation in our new cafe for moms while their children enjoy music, crafts and games. Both groups will have the opportunity to 'check-out' English-speaking books that have come as gifts
(new and used) to the
ESUMC Library. Listen for e-mail updates on how your church can send books in honor/memory of others.
Our English Language and Literacy Center (or Mothering Center) will officially open Wednesday, September 19th from 3:00-5:30 p.m. As interest grows, we hope to open at least
one more day a week.
 | | Ester and Aya |
While a grant will help us secure some of our needed materials, there are things that you can do to help:
 | | Mia and Jonathan |
Needed:
Children's books
(donated or new)
Parenting and Family Books
Social Justice Issues
Money for toys, arts supplies
Construction of Children's Playground on church campus
 | | Bread making with the Children |
 | | Tia and Mama |
 | | Sofie |
 | | Misha |
New friends, new adventures.
The world is our parish.... |
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English Ministry Year-Round
 | | Summer English Class |
Group and individual English classes continue now that English Camp is over. Michelle plans to enroll in the 4-week TEFL class (Teaching English as Foreign Language) to assist Gary (already certified) in our expanding teaching ministry. We plan to involve other volunteer and/or paid teachers as the needs arise.
We have found the teacher/student relationship a beautiful avenue for sharing the love of Christ and building mutual respect and trust. Since the heart of Jesus' ministry was relational,
we feel like we are on good footing.
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Multi-Purpose Center Progress!
 | | Entrance to the Cafe |
 | | Cafe looking into Worship Center |
 | | Hand Carved Pulpit and Chancel Area. Note Choir Loft to the left. |
 | | Gary and Leslie....time for choir practice?! |
 | | Lighted Coffee Bar & floor/ wall shelving units. Note 3 recesses in wall where wooden bookshelves will be built & installed this month. |
 | | Temporary Bookshelves awaiting English Children's Book Donations! |
 | | Kitchen looking into church entry way. Kitchen will be built/installed in October. Cafe on right through sliding wooden door. |
 | | Entrance Foyer, ESUMC Prague, Renovated facility to the right. |
 | | Entrance Foyer, Multi-Purpose Center to the right |
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Weekly Worship:
September/October Launch
 | | Here I am to Worship... |
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Our Common Meal |
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Handmade Banners
Gift, Texas United Methodist Churchwoman |
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Stay Informed: Get Involved
 | | Holston Annual Conference, 2012 |
Both sites are updated regularly, featuring many more photos from our
busy summer
October 5-13th, we will eagerly welcome one of our partner churches, Ooltewah UMC from Chattanooga, Tennessee Their Praise Band will lead worship music in Pilzen in a much-anticipated youth regional gathering. We will then host them at ESUMC Prague to share more music and to tackle a number of work projects.
Why not bring your own team to see first-hand how God is at work in Eastern Europe, behind the former iron curtain?
May God bless each of you in your tireless work for the Kingdom. We give
thanks for each of you and ask that you continue to pray for us.
Counting Our Many Blessings,
Michelle and Gary
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