To Help One Another — to Learn from One Another

To help one another — To learn from one another

Fund for Mission in Europe Project list 2006

Dear Contributor,

“You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Did you know that in Serbia almost one half of young adults are unemployed? That in recent years about 400,000 Polish people left their homes in order to find a better life in the West? That in Hungary the cost of housing and heat often devours over 60% of a monthly salary?

Yes, you are very correct. You already read similar bad news about these countries in the past. This makes it especially clear that the living conditions in much of Europe are not improving as quickly as we would like. And, of course, this situation also applies to the United Methodist Church. For instance, in some countries of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, our churches cannot even pay 20% of needed salaries.

Under these circumstances, it is inevitable that a certain financial dependency on the (United) Methodist Churches in the West has occurred and care is required to assure that this dependency will not affect the quality of the resulting work (i.e. “We cannot afford what is necessary; we must do only that for which money is available.”). But those in charge of the United Methodist Church in the various countries of (South) Eastern Europe are all united in agreement that today’s situation must not be the same in the future. Rather they aim to step onto the right path towards self-sufficiency – in spite of difficult overall conditions. On the horizon, the mutual hope remains, of enabling one another to create a community in which there is no fear, no poverty, no hunger, no oppression and no overstrain, so that life itself can unfold.

It is exactly for this reason the Fund for Mission in Europe was created. The point is not to collect money to help local churches somewhere in (South)Eastern Europe to survive for the sake of themselves. Rather we need to really pay attention to one another. And we need to support one another in our efforts to spread the Gospel of God’s love in words which the people of today can understand, and in deeds which make the witness of the Church believable. The Fund for Mission in Europe is really about people and our responsibility for the lives of all people, because God loves life.

I thank you for your interest in this project list and, in advance, for your financial contributions and for your prayers. Your most appreciated support will put faith into action.

Bishop Heinrich Bolleter Chairperson of the Commission on the Fund for Mission in Europe

Mission in Europe I Equipping for a new alignment

The Fund for Mission in Europe was established in 1990. The political landscape in East- ern Europe and in the Balkans had fundamentally changed. Thus, the United Methodist Church stood suddenly facing this historical opening, which created many possibilities for new evangelism and service to people of different countries. However, lacking were sufficient numbers of trained church workers, a functioning infrastructure (including suitable church space) and money. In the course of the following years the Fund for Mission in Europe developed into a valuable instrument of solidarity between people in the West and Eastern Europe. Countless large and small donations have, since that time, resulted in much good.

Now the Fund for Mission in Europe aims to develop further. This instrument of solidarity should act as a working tool both to build new Methodist Churches and to reinvigo rate existing ones, as well as to support new mission initiatives on the road to a Europe of the 21st century. Our vision is not that of mutual independence, but rather the recog nition that in our very doing and being we are dependent upon one another. In the contemporary preaching of the Gospel and in the development of social programs for the less fortunate, we need mutual exchange in order to learn from one another.

The Fund for Mission in Europe will, for that reason, make possible exchange – for instance, within the context of congregational partnerships or volunteers in mission teams. Furthermore, it will facilitate the exchange of mission ideas, as well as the exchange of mission workers. Finally, it provides a forum so that important topics regarding the Church’s existence can be discussed both in the present and in the future. For 2006, theological education in the former communist countries is such a subject.

Naturally, funding always play an important role. So, in this brochure, you will find descriptions of 33 different projects in about 20 countries, for which we hope to obtain contributions in the amount of € 339,500.00. There are three possibilities for selecting “your” project: a) On the next pages you will find the projects arranged according to the 4 priority themes of the Fund for Mission in Europe. b) If you are more interested in a certain country, then you can find a subsequent listing of the same projects organized by country. c) You can donate without indicating a specific project, contributing to a general pool of money, and thereby making it possible for the committee, on behalf of “Mission in Europe”, to fill in funding gaps or to support urgent new requests.

A heart-felt thanks for your support. And, if you have any questions, then please contact us. Above all, that is why we are here.

Urs Schweizer

I Mission in Europe 1. Working towards Sustainability

In many European countries, the Methodist churches cannot serve without financial assistance. In planting the seed for further development of these churches, however, it is important that this assistance does not create dependency – either financial and certainly not in terms of content. Hence, it is an important concern of the Fund for Mission in Europe to promote the self-sufficiency of the receiving churches. This means that the churches can increasingly stand on their own feet in terms of personnel, content, as well as financially. Additionally, it means that they bring themselves, as giving communities, complete with their own identities and the wealth of their belief experiences, into the worldwide Methodist family. Your donations will allow the pastors to earn at least a minimum living wage; they will support the development of new models of pastoral service, and they will enable the building of a functioning church infrastructure (this implies also providing suitable church space).

AL-101 Community Building in Bishnica and Surrounding Areas Albania € 20,000.00 BG-101 Salary Support for Leaders of the Turkish, Armenian and Roma (“Gypsy”) congregations Bulgaria € 10,000.00 HR-101 Church Development on the Adriatic Croatia € 20,000.00 LV-101 Salary Support for Pastors of New Congregations Latvia € 7,500.00 LT-101 Salary Support for Two New Pastors Lithuania € 3,500.00 MK-101 Salary Support for Pastors Macedonia € 10,000.00 MK-102 New Hymnals Macedonia € 15,000.00 PL-101 Support for Pastors’ Salaries / Surviving Spouse Pension Fund Poland € 15,000.00 PL-104 Radio and Television Ministry Poland € 7,000.00 PT-101 Salary Support for Pastors Portugal € 20,000.00 YU-101 Salary Support for Pastors Serbia € 8,000.00 SK-101 Food Vouchers for Pastors (Salary Support) Slovak Republic € 8,000.00

Mission in Europe I SK-103 Improvement of the Insulation of the Church Building in Jenkovce Slovak Republic € 6,500.00 HU-101 Salary Support for Pastors Hungary € 15,000.00 HU-103 Improvement of Pastor’s Housing in Nyiregyhaza Hungary € 20,000.00

2. Theological Education

With the political changes of about 15 years ago, a “time of grace” began in the former- ly communist countries and dozens of churches have come into being. For the “old” churches, as well as for a healthy further development of the new ones, the guidance of leaders well-trained in theology is necessary. In the area of theological education, there exists a critical need to “catch up”, due to the years of suppression under Commu- nist rule. The goal of theological education is not simply to ensure that all churches can each have their own pastor. This is neither from a financial nor from a personnel perspective feasible. Rather, then, the objective of theological and continuing education for pastors, as well as specialized training for lay people, will have been reached when both the “new” and the “old” United Methodist churches engage in their mission tasks in creative, believable ways and are, in the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “the Church for Others”. The Fund for Mission in Europe wishes to offer support in reaching these goals, especially in the form of collaboration across (linguistic and other) boundaries.

EE-102 Theological Continuing Education Estonia € 4,500.00 EA-102 Theological Education for Lay Leaders Eurasia € 30,000.00 AT-101 Theological Training Program of Graz/Waiern Austria € 15,000.00 PL-102 Theological Education for Lay Leaders Poland € 10,000.00 SK-104 United Methodist Library in Banska Bystrica Slovak Republic € 3,000.00 HU-102 Theological Continuing Education Hungary € 3,000.00

I Mission in Europe 3. Being a Learning Church

God’s message is timeless. The life conditions of people, on the other hand, are subject to large and small variations. Therefore, it is always a great challenge for Churches – including the United Methodist Church – to find suitable words and deeds for commu- nicating this message. But “he who has only a hammer as a tool, sees a nail in each problem” (Paul Watzlawick). And, in order to respond to this large challenge, the United Methodist Church must therefore be a “learning” Church. Mission in Europe is not called to do today that which has always been done, while using those instruments which have always been used. Rather, the point is creating a connection to new ideas and experiences, including reciprocal exchange of individual competencies to the profit of the entire Church. Together, we can find new mission activities which will bring the timeless message of God’s love to the people of today and tomorrow. This is exactly the purpose the Fund for Mission in Europe is serving.

DE-103 “Tent Mission” / Gospel Bus “UMC-Mobile” Germany/Europe € 12,000.00 EE-101 Generation 2 Youth Center in Tallinn Estonia € 6,000.00 EA-103 Homepage of the United Methodist Church in Eurasia Eurasia € 1,500.00 SK-102 “Contemporary” Evangelism Slovak Republic € 5,500.00

Mission in Europe I 4. Diaconal Work/Servant Ministries

It is God’s will that all people should receive needed help. That’s why United Methodist churches in Eastern Europe and in the Balkans lead both young and older persons into a relationship with the one who says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. And that’s why they try to hear the voices of those who scream out because of their needs – without ignoring those who already grew silent in their misery. They try to lend a voice to the poor and weak and to awaken a new hope for a better future. A large service is not required to achieve this result. With steadfast persistence, a Church community may grow out of small social service ministries, since they give the message of God’s love a believable form. These are reasons why the Fund for Mission in Europe supports community ministries. They are especially important for those people who are socially excluded because they are members of a minority group.

DE-101 Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Ministry in Crottendorf Germany € 6,500.00 DE-102 Playground Ministry (“Sternschanzenpark”) and International Youth Exchange Program in Hamburg Germany € 2,000.00 EE-103 Ministry at the School for Young Offenders in Tapa Estonia € 3,000.00 EA-101 International Church at Voronezh Eurasia € 7,000.00 FR-101 Center for Contemplation and Renewal in Strasbourg France € 8,500.00 PL-103 “A Glass of Water” Ministry for Alcohol Dependent Persons and their Families Poland € 10,000.00 SK-105 Relief Work for the Roma People (“Gypsies”) Slovak Republic € 18,500.00 HU-104 Church-building and Social Ministries among the Roma People (“Gypsies”) Hungary € 8,000.00

I Mission in Europe Albania

About 100 years ago lively Methodist work began in Albania. Besides preaching the Gospel and practical everyday help, the focal point and primary work was that of a primary school. Then, Meth- odist work was silent for several decades until Christians from Germany began an engagement in 1992, by bringing spiri tual and material help to Albania. Since 1997 there has been a permanent team of Albanian and German Christians in Bishnica, a poor mountain village with 800 residents in the southeast of the country. This team has been leading the rebuilding of Methodist work, and extending it, so that in July 1998, with the baptism of the first Christians, the United Methodist Church in Bishnica could be established. Since that time, the UMC in Albania has continued its growth. Today it consists of about 100 believers in Bishnica, as well as in nearby locations. Meanwhile, it spreads ever further into surrounding areas. Fortunately, in 2004, two young Albanians entered the United Methodist study program in Graz/Waiern (Austria) and are training to be licensed as pastors, allowing them afterwards to serve their churches.

AL-101 Community Building in Bishnica and Vicinity. The work of the UMC, in the difficult to access villages of southeastern Albania, is quiet traditional: church services, mission work in the surrounding areas or study groups (e.g for children and youth or for men.) At the same time, the Church would like to realize various social service and cooperative agricultural development projects (e.g. a school- house in Bishnica, a medical care project or a reforestation program.) The small local UMC cannot fund these projects nor the associated costs of salaries, rents, transportation and telephone, alone. It needs your assistance.

Target amount for 2006: € 20,000.00

Mission in Europe I Bulgaria

The UMC in Bulgaria has about 150 years of history behind it. As a minority deno mination, it often was necessary for it to struggle for its survival. During World War II the Church had almost no possibility of continuing its work. After a short rebound in the post war period, there followed a forty-year period when all church activity was forbidden. By 1989, only three of the original sixteen local churches had survived. Since then, the Church has been growing continuously. At the center of this, yet to be finished, growth process, the founding of new churches exists side by side with the consolidation and stabilization of the existing ones. About thirty full and part-time pastors and lay preachers, as well as lay workers, seek to further spread the Gospel in word and deed. They serve about thirty-seven churches and preaching locations, as well as 2,700 members and friends. At the same time, those belonging to minorities and people on the margins of society need special attention. Projects connected to Church growth, such as theological education; church construction or renovation; a broader field of activity in the area of community social projects; expansion of work with children and young people; production and distribu- tion of Christian literature and programs for prisoners and refugees, cannot be supported in their entirety by the UMC in Bulgaria, due to the severe economic problems of the country. That is why, in conjunction with the direct aid provided by church partnerships, extra support is needed.

BG-101 Salary Support for Leaders of the Turkish, Armenian and Roma (“Gypsy”) Congregations. The work of the UMC in Bulgaria is inseparably connected with the evangelization of and social engagement for members of ethnic minorities – in many cases the poorest of the poor. As a result of this work, there recently have emerged a handful of churches, which are led by a total of thirteen individuals who speak appropriate languages. Among them, one is an ordained Elder, and all others are lay workers. Their minimal salary, and with it a variety of services for the poor, will be assisted by this project.

Target amount for 2006: € 10,000.00

10 I Mission in Europe Estonia

In 1907 two Methodist lay preachers began to preach in Estonia. This work bore fruit and four years later the first Methodist Church in Estonia was built. Over the next fourteen years Methodism spread throughout Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Before long, forty-six churches, twenty-nine pastors, and about 16,000 members were counted. Then the Baltic States were occupied by Soviet troops. A long period of suffering began for Methodism in Estonia. Many pastors and lay preachers were killed. Yet, Methodism in Estonia, in contrast to Latvia and Lithuania, survived this time. Today there are approximately 2,000 members and friends within twenty-six churches (including some Russian-speaking ones, as well), which are served by over thirty pastors and lay speakers. Priorities include child and youth work, as well as social projects. Singing, theater, and cultural activities are equally typical activities for the UMC in Estonia. The growing church would like to realize several projects in support of this activity. To achieve this, they need your assistance.

EE-101 Generation 2 Youth Center in Tallinn. In order to reach members of the Russian- speaking community with the Gospel, the youth of the Tallinn United Method- ist Church opened a youth center in the autumn of 2004. So far, it is only open on weekends. However, because of existing need, they would like to have the appropriate staff to extend the hours of operation to include the entire week. Besides Bible study and small group discussions, language and cooking courses, an internet access, a multimedia library, and counseling are offered.

Target amount for 2006: € 6,000.00

Mission in Europe I 11 EE-102 Theological Continuing Education. The UMC in Estonia intends to conduct a pilot course of study for the first time in 2006. This will include two-day seminars, as well as a five-day summer course of study for all pastors, and for about ten lay persons (potential multipliers). This continuing education will focus on Mis- sion and Discipleship and should enable the participants to find new paths of ser vice. In addition it will be an opportunity for mentoring, counseling and vision-casting.

Target amount for 2006: € 4,500.00

EE-103 Ministry at the School for Young Offenders in Tapa. Approximately seventy Russian speaking youth, who have come into conflict with the law, attend a special state school in Tapa. In 1999, members of the UMC in Tallin began to visit these young people on a monthly basis, and to play with them and do other activities, and in this way – along with telling Bible stories – to spread God’s love. The initially extremely skeptical school management changed their attitude because of the positive results. They now have requested that this service be intensified to weekly visits. This is only possible with more personnel and the corresponding financial support.

Target amount for 2006: € 3,000.00

12 I Mission in Europe Eurasia

Over one hundred years ago the first Methodists came to Russia. St. Petersburg was the center of Methodist work in the Baltic States and in Finland. In eastern Russia, Korean Methodists gathered in Vladivostok and other cities. There they took care of the Russian people, as well. After the communist revolution, the Church was forbidden by the regime and all of its property was nationalized. Methodism survived the Soviet regime only in Esto- nia, and in an underground congregation in western Ukraine. Spontaneous beginnings led to a reopening of the work in Moscow in 1992. Today the UMC has more than one hundred congregations and other working branches in Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. The UMC was registered by the Russian Ministry of Justice in 1999. The mission situation is characterized by an extremely high level of secularization of the population, in conjunction with a superficial restoration of the traditional Orthodox Faith. The collapse of the social system after the fall of the Soviet Union charges the UMC to be active in social service, along with evangelism missions.

EA-101 International Church at Voronezh For many foreign students who come to Russia to study, Voronezh is the first stop. There they learn to speak Russian. They stay in this town, generally for a year, before moving elsewhere. In this time, they are often, especially when they come from Africa, verbally and bodily targets of racially motivated violence. The local UMC congregation offers them a safe haven, where they meet and can jointly celebrate the richness of their culture. In the bi-monthly English and the weekly Russian Church services the students find not only God’s Word, but also, they find unconditional acceptance and are valued regardless of denominational affiliation. At the same time, they can avail themselves of necessary transitional help; crisis counseling, and help in contact with universities, officials and authorities.

Target amount for 2006: € 7,000.00

Mission in Europe I 13 EA-102 Theological Education for Lay Leaders. The UMC in Eurasia has reached the adolescent stage. Just as many gifted and experienced pastoral leaders are helping in the building of the Church, many gifted lay leaders would like to assume responsibility for the organiza- tion of mission work. Although they are extremely motivated, they have scarcely the necessary education to qualify them for these leadership functions. Now, in 2006, two educational opportunities for respon- sible lay leaders should take place in all twelve districts. These are individually designed according to existing planned needs. In this gigantic territory, travel costs, in particular, are a burden which the Church in that area cannot assume alone.

Target amount for 2006: € 30,000.00

EA-103 Homepage for the UMC in Eurasia For joint work of the five Annual UMC Conferences in Eurasia it is almost impossible to meet regularly, for financial reasons. However, most churches have computer and internet access. A homepage for the UMC of Eurasia would close an important con nectional and communications gap. Additionally, it would offer a means for many young people, interested in the internet and computers, to learn about the Church. The homepage construction will be done by a professional web designer, but internal maintenance of the site will be possible.

Target amount for 2006: € 1,500.00

14 I Mission in Europe Croatia

Starting in 1923, missionary work created a Methodist presence in Croatia (in Zagreb and later in Maribor). However, these con gregations were not successful and there fore work was called off. Alongside of this mission work, the Methodist Church in Italy maintained several churches in Istria (for instance in the town of Pula). But when Istria became part of the former Yugoslavia in 1947, this work was discontinued. Then, in 1995, Peter and Heidi Zunic were drawn by a vision of Church-building work in Split. Through evangelism and social services, a relationship network was created. From these beginnings an often difficult and yet hopeful Church work grew. The latest intensive efforts to establish a presence in other locations in the Adriatic coastal region – in Sibenik and again in Pula – have not yet met with noteworthy success. On a positive note, with considerable potential, a formally nationalized property in Pula was reinstated to the Church in the beginning of 2006.

The Church development efforts in Croatia fall under the direction of the UMC Bishop for Central and Southern Europe, located in Zurich, Switzerland.

HR-101 Church Development on the Adriatic The past years have shown that church building work in Croatia entailed much effort and many setbacks. Hence, the congregation in Split is still small despite various evangelization efforts. However, beyond members and friends, many people benefit from this work, both within the country, as well as in foreign lands (e.g migrants). This is especially true in the area of the production of Christian literature in the Croatian language. Because the work in Croatia is not yet self-sustaining, assistance for salary and program costs (literature, evangelization, social projects and work with children) is needed.

Target amount for 2006: € 20,000.00

Mission in Europe I 15 Latvia

The missionary service of two Methodist lay preachers in Estonia led, in the wake of its expansion, to the foundation of the Methodist Church in Latvia in 1921. Shortly before the occupation of the country by Soviet troops, there were thirty congregations with 3,000 members. Then, however, the Church buildings were nationalized and Church work systemati- cally destroyed. By 1947, the Methodist Church no longer existed in Latvia. The break- up of the Soviet Union gave way to a new beginning for Methodism in Latvia. It was re-established in 1991. Shortly thereafter, it recovered some of its buildings from the state. Today there are thirteen congregations. About 2 000 members and friends are served by a total of eight pastors and local preachers. In all churches there are Sunday Schools and well-functioning youth groups.

LV-101 Salary Support for Women Pastors of New Churches. The UMC congregations in Sarkani, Liepa, Riga (Russian speaking) and Jelgava all developed within the last few years. Work has fallen behind due to lack of pastoral leadership. Overall, there is a large potential for reaching many people, especially students in Jelgava and Riga. Three women pastors, graduates of the Methodist Theological Seminary in Tallinn, are now well-prepared to continue the work which was begun and to further build the Church. This is possible only with financial assistance.

Target amount for 2006: € 7,500.00

16 I Mission in Europe Lithuania

In 1907, two Methodist Lay preachers began to preach in Estonia. This work bore fruit and four years later the first Methodist Church in Estonia was built. During the next fourteen years Metho dism spread its light over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In 1940, the Baltic states were occupied by Soviet troops. Metho dism in Lithuania did not survive this period. In August of 1995, the first Methodist church re-opened in Kaunas. Several months later it was followed by the church in Siauliai. And so, the United Methodist Church grew continuously, through its credible witness in word and deed. Today, in Lithuania, there are twelve churches with over 1, 000 members and friends. The United Methodist Church in Lithuania is still small, but finds itself in the middle of growth and development. It needs assistance in this work.

LT-101 Salary Support for Two New Pastors. In the past year, two new Lithuanian pastors (there are now five) have been appointed to serve congregations. Since the Lithuanian economy is only slowly developing, many members and friends of the UMC in Lithuania are unemployed. Thus, the local congregations can only pay a small portion of the salary and expenses for their pastors. Nevertheless, these pastors need to receive a salary which is appropriate to their service and which provides a livelihood for them and their families.

Target amount for 2006: € 3,500.00

Mission in Europe I 17 Poland

The UMC in Poland developed over the course of a good eighty years, as a result of a series of missionaries and humanitarian activities from Methodist Churches in the USA. During the years “behind the iron curtain”, the attitude of the regime towards the United Methodist Church was comparatively toler- ant, which allowed its continued existence. Even so, the UMC was hit hard with the nationalization of church buildings. Today the UMC has about twenty-five preachers and lay workers, who serve thirty-seven churches throughout Poland. There are 4 000 members and friends. Recently, in the UMC of Poland, there is a new interest in social services, such as “A Glass of Water” ministry for alcohol dependent persons and their families. Moreover, through international youth camps, it is investing in reestablishing a close relationship with the neighboring countries to the east. Sever- al English language schools, a theological seminary, as well as a remarkable radio and television ministry are additional areas of operation for the UMC. Additionally, great importance is placed upon work with children, youth, and women.

PL-101 Assistance for Pastors’ Salaries and for the Surviving Spouse Pension Fund. The UMC in Poland is not yet financially self-sustaining. Receipts from its English language schools and voluntary contributions by members and friends cover about 40% of the costs for pastors’ salaries, as well as for the surviving spouse pension fund. Although these amounts are individually comparatively small, there still remains a large funding gap, due, in part, to the tendency for prices to continually rise. Whoever supports pastoral salary support enables a family to have sufficient means upon which to live. Further, they assure that there are people entrusted not only to lead congregations, but also to perform radio and television work, produce literature, lead young people and so forth.

Target amount for 2006: € 15,000.00

18 I Mission in Europe PL-102 Theological Education for Lay Leaders. The UMC’s Theological seminary in Warsaw does not only educate pastors. It also offers courses for lay preachers, religion and Sunday School teachers. In these times of change, it is of great importance, that those who engage in the proclamation of the Gospel and in the transmission of the Faith to children and young people are well educated. To support this theological education means to create the basic local framework for the spiri tual and statistical growth of the Church.

Target amount for 2006: € 10,000.00

PL-103 “A Glass of Water” Ministry for Alcohol Dependent Persons and their Families For quite a few years the UMC in Poland has helped alcohol-dependent individuals and their families. The activities in- cluded in the framework of the “A Glass of Water” ministry are extremely varied. They include, for instance, “days of sobri- ety”, as well as organizing meetings for alcohol dependent people and their families. Additionally, a quarterly newslet- ter is produced with things such as personal witness, practical advice and other helpful articles. Special attention is given to children of affected families. The project coordina- tors organize leisure activities for children and youth so that they can find care, guidance, companionship, and a supportive community.

Target amount for 2006: € 10,000.00

PL-104 Radio and Television Ministry. The UMC in Poland annually produces various high quality radio and television broadcasts. Through this ministry many strangers to the Church learn important information about the Church and its people. The broadcasts are also a good tool for reaching those homebound, for whatever reasons, with the Gos- pel. It is not the aim to replace face-to-face Church work by this ministry but to offer a helpful complementary service of the UMC in Poland. And it is a successful one as new people find their way to the local churches again and again.

Target amount for 2006: € 7,000.00

Mission in Europe I 19 Serbia / Republic of Macedonia

More than 100 years ago, former Mace- donian independence leaders, released from prison in Thessaloniki, and German missionaries in Serbia established the first Methodist congregations in these countries. The work grew, had large social effects, but went through times of war, expulsion, repression, and isolation. To- day the UMC is comprised of seventeen churches and “mission stations” in Serbia, as well as thirteen churches in Macedonia with a combined total of 6,100 members and friends. Despite political separation, the congregations in these countries still belong to the same United Methodist Annual Conference. The sorrow of the past war years has further deepened their relationship. Extensive outreach ministries, on the local and national level, serving women, children, young people, the elderly and physically disabled, and minorities are important parts of the Church’s work. Today in these countries there are many poor and needy people. The UMC has repeatedly realized social projects, providing healing and nourishment for both the body and the soul. The Church is led by a meager twenty-five men and women serving as pastors or lay preachers. Quite a few are at retirement age. Hence, one can remain grateful and optimistic because, quite recently, a new generation has let themselves be called into Church service.

YU-101 Salary Support for Pastors. About ten years ago the UMC in Serbia was able to provide about half of its budget on its own. Today, due to the economic breakdown of the country, it is only able to provide about ten percent. This is despite the fact that the salaries are right at the edge of the official minimum wage. The pastoral leaders of the churches and the mission stations, which serve the Roma people (“Gypsies”), Slovakians, Serbians and Hungarians, are in need of assistance. They would like to commit themselves to train and to encourage members and friends to serve their neighbors. And they would like to do this without thoughts preoccupied by an urgent need to earn extra income.

Target amount for 2006: € 8,000.00

20 I Mission in Europe MK-101 Salary Support for Pastors. The UM congregations in Macedonia are looked after by eight full-time workers, three of whom are fully ordained Elders. Many Church members are unemployed and receive small amounts of social welfare aid. Or, they are retired and receive a pension insufficient upon which to live. Alternatively, they work day jobs and for ten hours labor earn only three euros (less than $ 4.00 US). Financial independence lies in the more distant future, especially since added to the cost of salaries is a forty percent contribution to a national health and pension insurance. So, on the long path towards independence your assistance is needed – in order to be certain that at least some pastors can actually be paid.

Target amount for 2006: € 10,000.00

MK-102 New Hymnals. The hymnals currently used in the UMC in Macedonia are already more than forty years old and almost completely worn out. Many churches must use copied pages or sing from memory, as there are no longer enough useable books available. The new hymnal exists and is only awaiting printing. Many gifted individuals worked together on it as volunteers for two years, selecting songs, correcting texts and making the layout, etc. Now, a large part of the funds is lacking for the printing of the 3,000 planned copies.

Target amount for 2006: € 15,000.00

Mission in Europe I 21 Czech Republic / Slovak Republic

In 1920, US Methodist missionaries began their work in, the then combined state of, Czechoslovakia. In the early years, the Church grew rapidly. But difficult times were not long in coming. However, the rays of hope never ceased to shine through. The current United Methodist Church in the Czech and the Slovak Republics – organized in a cross-border Annual Conference – is composed of 26 and 11 congregations, respectively. To these belong approximately 3,300 members and friends, served by about 40 pastors and lay workers. While the Church is very evangelism-oriented, it also meets social challenges with a strong engagement. Although in recent years there were political efforts, especially in the Czech Republic, to impede the Church’s charitable activities, the UMC has continued the work among prisoners and those on parole; the work with the homeless, drug or alcohol dependent persons; the social services for the Roma people (“Gypsies”), and so forth. Through this work, people find a new outlook on their lives, and get ready to share the love, which they themselves received. It is really worthwhile to support this work which could not be done without your assistance.

SK-101 Food Voucher Salary Support for Pastors. The UMC in Slovakia is a growing Church with many mission activites. It profits from the fact that the State pays for a considerable portion of the pastors’ salaries. This enables the Church to give funds to church planting ministries in certain new locations. However, an em- ployer in Slovakia is legally obligated to provide food vouchers in the amount of two euros per day. This enables the pastors and their families to subsist despite a comparatively low salary.

Target amount for 2006: € 8,000.00

22 I Mission in Europe SK-102 Contemporary Evangelism. The UMC in Banska Bystrica mostly consists of Theology Students. These are convinced that contemporary worship services are an important tool for reaching the hearts of those not close to the Church. And, they believe that music and audiovisual equipment play an important role in making services understandable. Suitable space and committed workers are already there. What is lacking is the money for technical equipment (beamer, laptop computer, amplifier, etc.), for production of advertising materials (flyers, posters) and for the staging of special events.

Target amount for 2006: € 5,500.00

SK-103 Improvement of the Insulation of the Church Building in Jenkovce. The United Methodist Church building in the little village of Jenkovce, in eastern Slovakia, is over 75 years old. The congregation is not in the position to support its church services itself and certainly, not at all, the dream of ministering to elderly, for- gotten people. Installation of more energy efficient windows, as well as the repair and insulation of the roof and façade should decrease the high heating costs. Thus, money will be saved which can be used to serve isolated persons.

Target amount for 2006: € 6,500.00

Mission in Europe I 23 SK-104 United Methodist Library in Banska Bystrica. Slovakian society has high expectations for the theological education of its pastors, and of its lay workers. Therefore, it is important, that they all have access to theological – and especially to United Methodist – literature. Already, the UMC in Banska Bystricahas set up a United Methodist library with approximately 1,200 titles. The library needs assistance in order to buy new books, and for study seminars for different churches throughout the entire country.

Target amount for 2006: € 3,000.00

SK-105 Relief Work for the Roma People (“Gypsies”). About ten to fifteen volunteers from different United Methodist congregations are engaged in relief work among Roma people. They not only bring nee ded clothing and household goods, which are gathered for this purpose, but also share the good news about the One who can heal the ill, the injured and those with broken relationships; the One who can open up a new future for the poor, the homeless or alcohol/drug dependent persons. To better provide this service and to do more for the needs of the Roma people, a small bus is to be obtained in 2006.

Target amount for 2006: € 18,500.00

24 I Mission in Europe Hungary

Over a hundred years ago, Methodist missionaries established the first Method- ist churches in Hungary. These grew quickly. However, after the First World War, and again after the Second World War, sixty percent of all its members were lost due to political changes. Today, there are fifteen pastors and mission workers serving eleven circuits with thirty-five churches and preaching locations, some only open since 2004. They care for 2,100 members and friends. Focal points of church activities include family, children and youth work (summer camp, work in schools, radio and television ministries), as well as various social services, e.g. for the elderly, the Roma people (“Gypsies”), and prisoners. The Church is also strongly engaged in ecumenical work. The local congregations are growing slowly but continuously. However, they struggle with funding difficulties. Popular leisure and educational activities (e.g. the Family Summer Camp with several hundred participants) can only be carried out with help from outside of the country. Pastors are financially dependent upon their spouses’ employment. For building projects at various locations, in reality, the needed means are lacking. Your solidarity can help here, as well.

HU-101 Salary Support for pastors. In the past, the UMC in Hungary has made great efforts to pay appropriate salaries. Nevertheless, they are still so low that a family cannot subsist on them. They are much lower, in fact, than the salaries of other denominations, as well. And, because in a new pastoral appoint- ment, the pastor’s spouse often has difficulty finding a new employment, the low salaries become an even greater burden. In contrast, the average salary for the general population is constantly increasing in Hungary. Salary support helps the pastors not to be completely left out of mainstream society.

Target amount for 2006: € 15,000.00

Mission in Europe I 25 HU-102 Theological Continuing Education. Hungary’s pastors have been unable to obtain any high level Methodist theological training. In the course of daily service the need for further education recurrently appears. The three most important needed areas are a graduate course of study in theology; in Methodism, as well as language classes. First, pastors will be able to graduate from the Reform (Presbyterian) or Lutheran Universities, and later the UMC will offer them three or four day courses with guest lecturers.

Target amount for 2006: € 3,000.00

HU-103 Improvement of the Church Building/Pastor’s housing in Nyiregyhaza. The United Methodist congregation in Nyiregyhaza, comprised of 100 members, was established 85 years ago. Today, many programs are run there (e.g. activities for young families, visitation, radio, and also prison work). Because of space limitations, however, service is difficult. The life of the pastor is especially complicated because the bedroom of his residence is on one side of church space, and the kitchen and the bathroom on the other side. An expansion of the church building should enable the new pastor’s family, with three small children, to have more updated living conditions, while making it possible for the church to have more space for its very important work.

Target amount for 2006: € 20,000.00

HU-104 Church-Building and Social Service Ministries among the Roma People (“Gypsies”). For more than 50 years, the United Methodist Church in Hungary has tried to reach the socially excluded Roma people (“Gypsies”) with the Gospel and to help them with daily life. Seven “house groups”/congregations have grown out of these efforts, and out of extensive social service engagement. To be able to continue this service requires global UMC connec- tional support – for building maintenance, travel expenses for pastors, and work in the community (e.g. agricultural self-help projects; school support, clothing, groceries, and medicines.)

Target amount for 2006: € 8,000.00

26 I Mission in Europe Western Europe

The cost of evangelism, education, and social service activities cannot always be “pulled out of the hat” of the some- times only supposedly richer churches of Western Europe. Thus, the Fund for Mission in Europe also takes seriously its support of specific projects in Germany, France, Austria and Portugal for 2006. Additionally, some of these programs are of critical importance for the UMC work in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Such is the case of the “Tent Mission” and the Theological Training Program in Graz/Waiern, Austria, which are critical for United Methodist Church work in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

DE-101 Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Ministry in Crottendorf (Germany). In space provided by several German United Methodist congregations (Crottendorf, Walthersdorf, Königswalde, Mildenau and Annaberg), members of the Crottendorf UMC manage a ministry for those suffering from alcohol or drug dependency (through the Association “Come…”). Several dozen persons concerned receive guidance and companionship both individually and in groups – in close collaboration with clinics, medical doctors and the social welfare office. The goal is both the healing of the illness and of their relationship with humankind. Additionally, through this program, the affected are given the necessary help on their difficult path of rehabilitation. The Association cannot provide the costs of salaries, transportation, specialized literature and so forth on its own.

Target amount for 2006: € 6,500.00

Mission in Europe I 27 DE-102 Playground Ministry (“Sternschanzenpark”) in Hamburg (Germany) and International Youth Exchange Program. The “Sternschanzen” playground in Hamburg (Germany) is a green oasis in a neighborhood (St. Pauli), which confronts enormous social challenges (poverty, immigration, drug trafficking, prostitution etc.). This playground provides a place where children from ages two to twelve can play for several hours per day within a protected environment, almost exclusively cared for by volunteers. The playground is an initiative of the parents in the neighborhood and is supported by the UMC congregations in Hamburg. Addi- tionally, since 1988, volunteers, in the framework of an international youth exchange, have involved themselves in diverse activities at the playground. Through this program, a person can come from another European country to volunteer for 12 months and in so doing, bring enriching elements from their own culture (Faith, traditions, music, stories, etc).

Target amount for 2006: € 2,000.00

DE-103 “Tent Mission” / Gospel Bus “UMC-Mobile”. For many congregations who are active in mission work throughout Europe, the Gospel Bus “UMC-Mobile” and the tents of the “Tent Mission” are a helpful tool, since they are both useable where no church space is available and attractive, as well. The request for a mission deploy- ment always comes from a local community, which also bears the responsi bility for planning the services and the preaching. The “Evangelisationswerk” of the UMC in Germany not only provides the infrastructure (i.e. tents or the bus) but also runs seminars for pastors and lay people in which they can obtain a basic knowledge of evangelism, church planting and church growth. However, the local churches in Eastern Europe and the Balkans are not able to fully cover the costs related to this mission work.

Target amount for 2006: € 12,000.00

28 I Mission in Europe FR-101 Center for Contemplation and Renewal in Strasbourg (France). In a highly secularized country like France, it is very difficult today for the Church to reach people with the Gospel, although many need spiritual and other guidance. The Bethesda Charitable Center (including clinic and nursing home) in Strasbourg recently moved into a new building. It still has empty rooms, which the Bethesda Sisters would like to make available for this new ministry People who are in need of a period of contemplation and renewal, of counseling, discussion and pastoral care can find hospitality and help there. For the part-time position of director of this Center (a UMC Minister from Strasbourg), financial assistance is still needed.

Target amount for 2006: € 8,500.00

AT-101 Theological Training Program Graz/Waiern (Austria). The growing UMC in Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia needs a new generation of pastors. Their theological education is, overall, one of the most important tasks for the future of the Church and, at the same time, a huge financial burden. Due to the current small size of the UMC in these countries, it makes little sense to develop academic courses in each of these languages. Thus, a joint educational program has been developed. After learning the German language in Graz, the students transfer to the Martin Luther College in Waiern/Feldkirch. There they receive not only a theological education, but also carry out extensive social service practi- cum courses, for instance in the areas of care for the elderly, or work with refugees. Also, a substantial part of their accommodation costs are funded, in this way. Most important- ly, however, they are sensitized regarding the importance of not separating the proclamation of the Gospel from social engagement – a policy which has already born much fruit, as the graduates of this program have returned to their home countries.

Target amount for 2006: € 15,000.00

PT-101 Salary Support for Pastors. Approximately 20 churches with 5,000 members and friends form the Methodist Church in Portugal. About 450 children and youth, altogether, regularly attend Sunday School and youth groups. Until 1996, the Church was an “Overseas District” of the British Conference and since then it is structurally autonomous. It is very strong in the area of social service projects – work with refugees, care for the elderly, medical care and day care are some examples. Moreover, it increasingly engages itself in ecumenical work. It is making great efforts to pay the salary and pension subsidy costs for a total of 15 people. Therefore, on the path to financial independence, it still needs help.

Target amount for 2006: € 20,000.00

Mission in Europe I 29 Addresses

More detailed information about the individual projects, as well as photos may be obtained from the following:

United Methodist Church in Germany Thomas Kemper, Mission Secretary Holländische Heide 13 D-42113 Wuppertal (Germany) Phone: +49-202-767 01 90 / Fax: +49-202-767 01 93 E-Mail: [email protected]

United Methodist Church in Central and Southern Europe Urs Schweizer, Assistant to the Bishop P.O. Box 2239 CH-8026 Zürich (Switzerland) Phone: +41-44-299 30 60 / Fax: +41-44-299 30 69 E-Mail: [email protected]

United Methodist Church in Northern Europe and the Baltic Bishop Øystein Olsen Postboks 2689 – St. Hanshaugen N-0131 Oslo (Norway) Phone: +47-23-20 10 60 / Fax: +47-23-20 14 10 E-Mail: [email protected]

United Methodist Church in Eurasia Bishop Hans Växby #257, c/o IPS Suite 2, Global House Poyle Road Bershire Colnbrook SL3 0AY / England Phone: +7495-242-1774 E-mail: [email protected]

Please make your contributions through the Central Church Office of the (United) Methodist Church in your country. You may also transfer money to one of the Bank accounts listed on the back page of this brochure (under Bank Information).

A heartfelt thanks for your help!

30 I Mission in Europe Fund for Mission in Europe

European Methodist Council

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION Chairperson Bishop Heinrich Bolleter c/o Bishop Dr. Patrick Streiff P.O. Box 2239 / Badenerstrasse 69 CH-8026 Zürich (Switzerland) Phone: +41-44-299 30 60 / Fax: +41-44-299 30 69 E-mail: [email protected]

Additional Members Thomas Kemper, Wuppertal/Germany Bishop Hans Växby, Moscow/Russia Tove Odland, Oslo/Norway Bishop Øystein Olsen, Oslo/Norway Superintendent Lothar Pöll, Vienna/Austria Colin Ride, London/Great Britain Bishop José Sifredo Teixeira, Porto/Portugal Andreas Stämpfli, Zürich/Switzerland Üllas Tankler, New York/USA

Mission in Europe I 31 Bank Information EmK-Weltmission Konto-Nr. 401 773 Evangelische Kreditgenossenschaft Stuttgart (Germany) BLZ 600 606 06 or

Verein Hilfe im Sprengel Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche Badenerstrases 69 CH-8026 Zurich/Switzerland

Bank UBS AG Albisriederplatz 8 CH-8004 Zurich/Switzerland BIC/Swift Code: UBSWCHZH80K Account: 849633.60F (IBAN: CH570026726784963360F) -> for € 849633.61T (IBAN: CH830026726784963361T) -> for US $