ONE ARMY Speak Your Heart Friday 12 October 7pm
ONE MISSION Celebrate what God is doing Saturday 13 October 5.30pm
ONE MESSAGE Forward in Faith Sunday 14 October 10.30am
Featuring The Europe Choir Led by Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek
http://www.kcp.cz/an
http://sar.my/forwardeurope
The Salvation Army International Headquarters
101 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET LONDON EC4V 4EH Main Switchboard: +44 (0) 20-7332 0101 Europe Department: +44 (0) 20-7332 8200 Fax: +44 (0) 20-7332 8209 E-mail: [email protected] 'A Christian church and registered charity'
To all European Salvationists and friends
Thank you for requesting information about the Europe Congress in Prague. We are glad to have the leadership of the General for this unique event, at which Salvationists from the 32 countries of the zone will meet in worship, fellowship and the kind of unity that inspires and strengthens us.
There will be input from every territory and it will be particularly significant to thank God for the exciting progress made in former Communist countries over the past 20 years. The Europe zone is rich in diverse cultures, languages and expressions of the gospel – and all within a unity of purpose that truly demonstrates One Army with One Mission, centring on One Message that speaks of God’s unqualified love for everyone in every nation.
You will have many questions and we hope that the information pack will go some way in helping to answer them. Practical information about hotels and transport is included alongside details of meetings. Each of the three meetings has its own special emphasis and we have been careful also to allocate time in the weekend for you to enjoy the beautiful city of Prague.
Although English will be the main language, some translation services are being arranged and we plan to use songs that are known and used in countries through the continent. Singing in your own language will be positively encouraged as we lift our hearts in a glorious cacophony of praise to the God who calls, blesses and unites us. If you would like to take part in the Europe Choir please ensure you say so.
I very much hope you – and your friends – are able to come and share in what will be a truly unique and inspiring event. Please pray for these important days – from 12 to 14 October – and may we know the blessing of God among and upon us.
God bless Europe!
Robert Street, Commissioner International Secretary for Europe, International Headquarters, London.
January 2012
WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder LINDA BOND, General
CONGRESS INFORMATION
Venue: Prague Congress Centre, 5. května 65, 140 21 Prague 4
Congress Centre website: http://www.kcp.cz/an
Congress webpage: http://sar.my/forwardeurope Facebook: http://sar.my/fwdfb Twitter: @ForwardEurope (http://twitter.com/forwardeurope)
Meetings: Under the General's leadership the themes of the three meetings will follow the General's Vision Plan:
ONE ARMY: Speak Your Heart Friday 12 October, 7pm - Visions and hopes will be shared as to how the Army can best make its impact in an increasingly secularised society. The meeting will be in a ‘café church’ style with the opportunity for anyone to speak from their heart.
ONE MISSION: Celebrate what God is doing Saturday 13 October, 5.30pm - This Celebration event – involving as many countries as possible – will give clear and positive indication of what the Lord is doing through his people in Europe.
ONE MESSAGE: Forward in Faith Sunday 13 October, 10.30am - This will be a Holiness and Dedication Meeting. The General will send Salvationists out to play their part with renewed confidence, wherever in the continent God has placed them.
Open-Air Meeting: It is possible that there will be a march and open-air meeting in Wenceslas Square on the Saturday afternoon. This is still to be confirmed and details will be put on the webpage in due course.
Entry: When you arrive at the Congress Centre you (or your group leader) should go to the reception desk and present your booking reference number. You will be given a welcome pack which includes a Congress Programme and a wrist band. Every person will need a wrist for entry to all the meetings.
Entry to the Congress Centre will be through entrance 4 (see map, page 7)
Children: Children/youth of school age can enter free of charge. Wristbands will also be provided for them.
Europe Choir: Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek will be leading a Europe Choir for the Saturday and Sunday meetings. There will be a rehearsal n the Saturday afternoon. If you would like to be part of this please return the form at the end of this pack to your national headquarters.
Supporting others:There are some Salvationists in other parts of Europe who may not be able to afford to attend the Congress. If you feel able to sponsor another Salvationist please return the form at the end of this pack to your national headquarters. Thank you.
THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic has a population of 10.3 million and the capital is Prague. It shares a common border with four countries: Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia. The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the President of the Republic who is elected by parliament for a 5-year term. On 1st May 2004 the Czech Republic became a member of the European Union.
Climate The Czech Republic has a moderate continental climate with relatively warm summers and cold winters. The coldest month is January, followed by February and December. Autumn begins in September, which is still relatively warm and dry. In October temperatures usually drop below 15 or 10 degrees. At the end of November temperatures reach freezing point.
Currency The unit of currency is the Czech crown (1 crown = 100 hellers).
Safety Prague is one of the most visited cities in the world. Statistics show that in comparison with other large European cities (Paris, Rome, Madrid) there is a lower level of crime in Prague. A walk through Prague at night is relatively safe. Of course, as in all large cities where lots of people congregate, we recommend that you make sure your personal possessions are safe.
Time zone Central European Time (CET = GMT+1) is used in the Czech Republic. From the last Sunday in March until the end of October summer time is used.
Prague Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and also the largest city in the country. As the historic capital of Bohemia it was the royal seat of Czech princes, kings, and Holy Roman Emperors, and later the capital city of Czechoslovakia. It is a cultural crossroads and a textbook of architecture admired across the world. Prague is considered one of the most beautiful and also most visited cities in Europe. Each year it is visited by several million tourists from all over the world. The most important historic sites in Prague are connected by the Royal Way. This leads from the Municipal House up to Prague Castle. Along the route you can admire, for example, the Old Town Square with the Old Town Hall and the world-famous astronomical clock, or Charles Bridge, built in the middle of the 14th century. On the other bank of the Vltava River you can stop on Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Quarter Square) and marvel at the Baroque Church of Saint Nicholas. Prague Castle is dominated by Saint Vitus’s Cathedral where the Czech crown jewels are kept. Prague is also a place that offers a wide variety of cultural activities. For its inhabitants and visitors there are almost 300 galleries and exhibition halls, many museums, numerous theatres and concert halls. http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/home/index.html
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN PRAGUE
Passengers need a valid ticket to travel on the city public transport system. The ticket must be stamped as soon as you get on a bus or tram, or enter the transport area (in the case of a metro station).
We will have free public transport passes for all Congress delegates. Those of you who are flying to Prague can get it from our people right at the airport, making your travel around Prague easier (and free). Those of you who will travel another way will receive it at the registration desk in the Congress centre before the Friday meeting.
You can find public city transport routes, ticket prices and timetables at:
http://www.dpp.cz (Czech)
http://www.dpp.cz/de/ (German)
http://www.dpp.cz/en/ (English)
Please take good care of your belongings on the trams and metro. Prague public transport is reliable, well organised and in fact very safe, but there can be pick-pockets taking advantage of the crowd. It would be sad to have your stay spoiled because of a stolen wallet, phone or camera.
If you wish to take a taxi in Prague, we recommend agreeing a price with the driver before you get in the car. There are some taxi drivers with rigged meters who will charge you excessively more than a fair price.
If you wish to call a taxi or order one online (e.g. for your journey from or to the airport), we can recommend a reliable company http://www.top-transport-service.eu/ . Their website is also in English, German, Russian and Spanish. They will give you a price quote beforehand so you don't need to worry about them overcharging. Their drivers speak English.
Getting to the Congress Centre (Enter the address – 5. května 65, 140 21 Prague 4 – into the Google maps website)
By metro Prague Congress Centre is right next to Vyšehrad metro station (red line C). Then it is only 200 metres walk to the Congress Centre entrance. Please note that the yellow line (B) station “Národní třída” is closed for reconstruction. Trains run through without stopping.
By tram The nearest tram stop is Svatoplukova. It is in Nusle, directly underneath Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most). Trams numbers 7, 18 and 24 stop here. After getting off the tram walk under the railway line and up the steps through the park straight to the Congress Centre which you will be able to see above you.
By bus From Florenc bus station travel 4 stops by metro in the direction of Háje (line C) – metro stop Vyšehrad.
By train From the Main Railway Station travel 3 stops by metro in the direction of Háje (line C) – metro stop Vyšehrad.
By car
1) from the north along the D8 motorway If you are travelling from the north along the E55 motorway in the direction from Dresden, follow the signs to the centre. After you have crossed the Vltava river drive through the centre in the direction of Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most). After crossing the bridge turn right and follow the signs to Prague Congress Centre. At the roundabout turn right towards the ÖMV petrol station. This will take you to the underground car park.
2) from the south along the D1 motorway If you are coming by motorway in the direction from Brno, Vienna or Bratislava, follow the signs to the centre. You will come to a street named ‘ulice 5. května’. Before reaching Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most) turn right towards the Corinthia Towers hotel and then follow the signs to Prague Congress Centre. At the roundabout turn right in the direction of the ÖMV petrol station. This will take you to the underground car park.
3) from the west along the D5 motorway If you are coming by motorway in the direction from Rudná (Pilsen, Nurberg, Munchen), drive along the Prague ring road (Pražský okruh) to the centre. After crossing the river you will join the Jižní spojka. Follow the signs to the centre, then to a street named ‘ulice 5. května’. Before reaching Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most) turn right towards the Corinthia Towers hotel. You will then come to a roundabout where you should turn right in the direction of the ÖMV petrol station. This will take you to the underground car park.
4) from the east along the D11 motorway When coming from Hradec Králové and as you approach the centre of Prague follow the signs in the direction of Černý Most and then for centrum-Karlín. You will reach Těšnov Tunnel (Těšnovský tunel). After the tunnel, turn left immediately heading to the centre so that you join the arterial road (magistrála). Drive along this road through part of the centre. You will then reach Nusle Bridge (Nuselský most). After crossing the bridge turn right; at the roundabout turn right towards the ÖMV petrol station. This will take you to the underground car park.
Prague Congress Centre - entrances
HOTELS Here are many reasonably priced hotels in Prague. Good websites to check are: http://www.booking.com (all standards) and http://hostels-in-prague.com/ (cheaper alternatives)
Here are just a few ideas. Although walking times to the Congress Centre are shown, all hotels are close to tram stops and some are close to metro stations.
The Jurys Inn Hotel gave us a special offer on accommodation for the Congress delegates The prices are: EUR 99 /night - single room with breakfast, Wi-Fi connection and access to the hotel fitness facilities EUR 109 /night - double room with breakfast, Wi-Fi connection and access to the hotel fitness facilities EUR 139 /night - three-bed room with breakfast, Wi-Fi connection and access to the hotel fitness facilities
These are good prices for a 4* hotel in the centre of Prague. It is located just outside Florenc metro station, 4 stops away from the Congress Centre (on the red line). To book rooms in Jurys Inn using this special offer, please contact our Prague Congress Administrator at [email protected] – she will give you a special discount code to quote during your booking process.
HOTEL ADDRESS CONTACT DISTANCE TO CONGRESS CENTRE
Holiday Inn 4* Prague Congress Phone: +420 296 895 000 Adjacent to the Centre Fax: +420 296 895 060 Congress Centre Na Pankraci [email protected] 15/1684, www.holidayinn.cz 140 21 Prague 4
Hotel Jurys Inn Sokolovska 11, 186 00 Phone: +420 226 222 600 4 stop/approx. 10 4* Prague 8 Fax: +420 226 222 610 minutes on the red SPECIAL www.jurysinns.com (C) metro line to OFFER the Congress Centre next for Florenc metro station
Hotel Nabucco Ctiradova 16, Phone: 00420 241 744 220 1.5 kilometres 4* 140 00 Prague 4 Fax: 00420 241 744 290 17 minute walk [email protected] http://hotelnabucco.com
Hotel Otakar 3* Otakarova 3 , www.laterooms.com 1.4 kilometres 140 00 Prague 4 16 minute walk
Hotel Ostruvek Na Ostruvku 2 , Phone: +420 241 088 000 1.4 kilometres 3* 140 00 Prague 4 fax.: +420 241 088 088 16 minute walk [email protected] www.ostruvek.cz
Botel Racek 3* Podolské nábřeží Phone: +420 241 004 811 1.4 kilometres 147 00 Praha 4 or +420 241 431 628 16 minute walk mobile.: + 420 725 820 566 fax: +420 241 430 526 [email protected] [email protected] www.botelracek.eu
Hotel Orion 3* Americka 9 , Phone: +420 222 539 539 1.7 kilometres 120 00 Prague 2 http://orion.hotel.cz 22 minute walk next to Namesti Miru metro station
Czech Inn 3* Francouzska 76 , Phone: +420 267 267 600 2.3 kilometres 101 00 Prague 10 Fax: +420 267 267 601 29 minute walk [email protected] www.czech-inn.com
EATING PLACES
There are two cafés within the Congress Centre itself which serve cold and warm refreshments. There are also many restaurants, fast food and grocery stores within walking distance from the Congres Centre.
There are both a McDonalds and KFC one metro stop away from the Congress Centre (at I.P. Pavlova). These offer free wi-fi connection.
Shopping The Czech Republic has all larger shopping chains (Tesco, Interspar, Globus, Albert, etc). You will find these shops even in the centre of Prague (Národní třída, Náměstí republiky, Karlovo náměstí , etc). All these accept payments in Czech crowns, Euros (change is given in Czech money) or by credit/debit card. Shops and malls are opened Monday to Sunday until late (some of them even 24/7).
Some examples: Item Czech Crowns EUR € GBP £ Bakery (1 piece) 2-5CZK up to 0.20 up to 0.16 Milk 1L 15 CZK 0.60 0.50 Yogurt 10 CZK 0.40 0.32 Ready sandwich 25-50 CZK 1.00-2.00 0.80-1.60 Bottled water 1.5L 12 CZK 0.50 0.40 Soft drink 1.5L 25 CZK 1.00 0.80
Places to eat Czech pubs, Czech restaurants, fast foods, etc: McDonalds main meal – 120 CZK (€ 5 or £4) Cheesburger – 20 CZK (€ 0.80 or £ 0.65) Chinese Bistro main dish – about 70 CZK (€ 2.80 or £ 2.30) Pizza (whole one) – from 100 CZK (€ 4 or £3.20)
The best places to eat are the ‘traditional Czech pubs’, where you get the best value for your money. Czech traditional meals (Svíčková, Goulash) – up to 100 CZK (€ 4 or £3.20) Coffee, tea – normal price is up to 25 CZK (up to € 1 or £ 0.80). Tourist places are of course more expensive!
The best coffee is served at McDonalds!
Soft drinks (pubs, restaurants) – up to 30 CZK (up to € 1.15 or £ 1.00).
There are many different food stalls – it is safe to buy snack or meal on the street.
You will find pubs, restaurant at every corner! Czech people love to eat!!
Restaurants and pubs have ‘daily offers’, which usually provide a full menu (soup, main dish, desert) – usual prices up to 100 – 120 CZK (€ 4-5 or £3.20-3.90).
Most of the restaurants or pubs have their menu list published outside on the board or on window, check the prices!
THE EUROPE CHOIR
Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek will be leading a Europe Choir for the Saturday and Sunday meetings. A rehearsal will take place on Saturday afternoon. If you would like to be part of the choir please return this form to your national headquarters.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
To: (HQ address)
I would like to join the Europe Choir:
Name………………………………………………………………………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Phone………………………………………………………………………………………………
Email…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Male/Female………………………………………………………………………………………
Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass
Do you sing in a choir/group/songsters? YES / NO
SPONSORING OTHER SALVATIONISTS
There are some Salvationists in other parts of Europe who may not be able to afford to attend the Congress. If you feel able to sponsor another Salvationist please return this form to your national headquarters. Thank you.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
To: (HQ address)
I would like to help another Salvationist to attend the Congress in Prague.
Enclosed is a cheque for ……………………………………………………………….……..
Name………………………………………………………………………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Phone………………………………………………………………………………………………
Email…………………………………………………………………………………………………