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May 1, 2024
We are now on Facebook and Instagram. Please follow us there.
Christmas Sundays
December 24, 2023
Since October, we have been organizing regular gatherings of our community every other Sunday. On the second Sunday of December, Jan (our missionary from America) prepared a wonderful Advent program. It profoundly helped me realize what Christmas is truly about.
Our community’s seventh historical Sunday meeting coincidentally fell on Christmas Eve. Zuzka reminded us whose birthday we are actually celebrating. The Bible says, ‚For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.‘ (Isaiah 9:6).
Perhaps in such challenging times, as Prague and almost the entire Czech Republic experienced before Christmas, we should remember that Christmas isn’t always a time of peace and quiet. Primarily, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, the birth of hope itself in hopelessness – a hope that came into this world in Jesus.
Tomáš
Children’s Ministry: Kite Day
November 17, 2023
Together with the Christian community, we are forming a new children’s club in the Dobříš area. As a pilot event, we chose a kite day. Judge for yourself, isn’t the weather like something out of a fairy tale?
The American Party
October 15, 2023
The American Sunday Party was amazing. The turnout was remarkable. Pastor John from Long Island delivered an exceptional sermon. We enjoyed a selection of American songs from our missionary Jan, and Michael and Colleen Šust were kind enough to present their ministry and bless us with Bibles. Following the sermon, we indulged in an American-style barbecue featuring hamburgers. Check out the images to get a glimpse of the time we spent in fellowship within our new church community.
First Sunday
October 1, 2023
We’re thrilled to report that our first Sunday gathering was an incredible blessing. We were joined by approximately 40 attendees, including locals, visitors, and family members. Jitka facilitated an engaging program for the children, Tomáš had the privilege of preaching, Zuzana served as the moderator. Míša and Vítek led us in worship, Adam assisted with managing the projector and slides, while Honza was invaluable in handling practical coordination like seating. Others also contributed by bringing food to share or helping with tidying up afterward.
Sunday Gatherings Starting in October
September 7, 2023
Starting October 1st, we are initiating Sunday gatherings for everyone. We will meet every second Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the community center by the pond called Papež.
We look forward to your support through your attendance. If you would like to get more involved in the church’s launch, let us know.
Address: Pionýrů 892, Dobříš.
First Sunday: 10/1 at 10:00 a.m. (Sermon by Tomáš Kerepecký)
Second Sunday: 10/15 at 3:00 p.m. (Sermon by John Chestnut)
Third Sunday: 10/29 at 10:00 a.m. (Sermon by David Košťák)
Further dates: 11/12, 11/26, 12/10 always at 10:00 a.m.
Tomáš and Zuzana
Collaboration with the American church in St. Louis.
August, 2023
We traveled to America to invite the Central Presbyterian Church to join our vision of church planting in Dobříš. For further details about the church, visit www.centralpres.com.
We held two public presentations there and engaged in numerous personal conversations. We were heartened by the enthusiasm of both individuals and local pastors about collaborating with the Dobříš church plant and its mother church, Prague Thirteen. For instance, the choir director is contemplating a visit to the Czech Republic as part of their Christian „tour“ in Central Europe next year. Some of the younger members were thrilled at the prospect of an English camp in Dobříš. Several expressed their desire to financially support the vision. Additionally, many signed up for the email list to offer prayer support for the community. The young adults‘ pastor even considered the idea of our church becoming their primary missionary endeavor, one they would fervently pray for.
Tomáš a Zuzana
Prayer Picnic in Dobris
June 25, 2023
At the end of June, the first prayer picnic for our future church took place in the castle park in Dobris. Some came all the way from Prague, in addition to us locals – we greatly appreciate that! A crowd of children quickly scattered to explore the overgrown park, while we adults shared our excitement, fears, plans, dreams, and various inspirations for prayers for the future community. After the prayers, we enjoyed the summer relaxation for a while longer. Seeing all those people sitting on the green meadow, I was struck with the realization of how privileged we are: we are not starting from scratch, we are not alone. Thanks be to God.
New Base for AvA, our christian outdoor organization in Mníšek pod Brdy
May 27, 2023
Pondering on the „Away“ Children’s Club
May 25, 2023
We, Honza, Vítek, Adam and I, Tomáš, met again in Velká Hraštice. While grilling, we pondered and dreamed about the future of our children’s club, „Away“. Since we don’t have a photo, I’m including an unofficial logo.
Pastor from Long Island Visits Dobris
April 25, 2023
M4 Church Planting Conference
April 21, 2023
I, Tomáš, attended the M4 weekend for getting inspiration from other teams and people who are establishing Christian congregations and new church plants.
Seder Dinner
Velká Hraštice
April 7, 2023
Christmas Gathering
Mníšek pod Brdy
December 24, 2022
Visit from America
December 16, 2022
Pastor Michael Šust from the American organization, Vertical Fellowship, invited us to dinner to learn more about the vision of the community in Dobris. Who knows, perhaps one day he will visit Dobris with his orchestra.
Vision for the New Church Plant
The Thirteen CB Church has decided to establish a new Christian community in Dobris. In the free evangelical Church of the Brethren, this is referred to as „planting a new church“. Thus, we have a vision for this new Church Plant.
You can see where Dobris is and where the nearest churches and other new Church Plants of the Church of the Brethren are in the picture below.
A Decision Made in the Rocky Mountains
In 2022, after a long period of discussion and prayer, my wife Zuzana and I found ourselves in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. It was there, amidst the grandeur of nature, that we made a decision that would significantly shape our future. We decided to initiate the planting of a new church in a small town south of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
Our year-long stay in America seemed to be more than a coincidence. During this time, we found a wonderful church community in St. Louis. The people there became our new family, supporting us and guiding us through our spiritual journey.
We also made several visits to Long Island, where we were welcomed by our close friend, pastor, and his local church. These experiences further affirmed our decision and added to the enriching spiritual experiences we gathered during our time in the U.S.
One of our significant stops was at Wheaton College. There, we experienced signs pointing towards our calling for church planting, a story too long to tell here but one I’m more than happy to share – just ask.
We believe our American friends and communities will play a significant role in realizing our vision. As we take the first steps towards establishing a new church in the Czech Republic, we carry with us the lessons, experiences, and friendships we’ve formed during our time in America.
