Czech Republic

Joel Ruml, moderator of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, writes, “Christ’s presence in anyone who is directed toward fellowship with others strengthens and gives a deep and true sense of his place within the community of others. Such a community that Jesus Christ is in can then deliver a lot to the other; it is able to continue operating in unity and is a visible witness to the fact that it is the living Christ who unites and holds us together.”

Poland

Indeed, “wherever two or more are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” The bell choirs of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Zelow, Poland, express the joy of Christ in their midst! Youth and young adults gather to ring praises to the Lord in their community, their region, and other European countries.

This music ministry was made possible a few years ago by the gift of bells from Southminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The bell choir’s vibrant music ministry has gained national attention in Poland. The congregation in Zelow is one of nine congregations of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland, the PC(USA)’s partner. With a Reformed heritage dating to 1551, the members of the Zelow bell choir continue to find new ways to spread the joy of Christ’s presence in twenty-first-century Poland.

PC(USA) People in Mission
Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) [Czech Republic]: Rev. John Michael, Jr., ecumenical relations, Rev. Dr. Joyce Michael, team ministry

Partners/Ministries
ECCB: Rev. Joel Ruml, synodal senior, Mahulena Cejkova, M.D., synodal curator, Mrs. Regina Pe¹sková, senior secretary, Gerhard Frey-Reininghaus, ecumenical officer, Rev. Jan Dus, chairperson of the American Working Group • Ecumenical Council of Churches in Czech Republic: Jitka Krausová, general secretary • Foundation Diakonie [Czech Republic]: Pavel Vychopeñ, director • Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University: ThDr. Martin Prudk´y, dean • Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland: Rev. Marek Izdebski, bishop

PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Steven Hutter, BOP
Elder Evelyn Hwang, OGA
Todd Ingves, BOP

Holy God, we give thanks for those who have chosen to come together in the name and presence of Christ. May Christ’s transforming power extend to our neighbors, societies, governments, and the world. Strengthen us in the ways of peace, we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Lord, we thank you for the joy of music that unites us as your people across languages and cultures. May we continue to use the gifts you have given us to unite us as one people in Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.