EUROPE CONGRESS
FORWARD! IN CONFIDENCE, UNITY AND POWER
LED BY THE GENERAL WITH COMMISSIONERS ROBERT AND JANET STREET
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS EUROPE ZONE
Prague, Czech Republic 12-14 October 2012 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 1
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
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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
Meetings:
Under the General's leadership the themes of the three meetings will follow the General's Vision Plan: Ø 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. Ø 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. Ø 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 on 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. 3
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
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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). 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)
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 (line C). Then it is only 200 metres walk to the Congress Centre entrance.
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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.
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Prague Congress Centre - entrances
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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. HOTEL
ADDRESS
CONTACT
DISTANCE TO CONGRESS CENTRE
Holiday Inn 4*
Prague Congress Centre Na Pankraci 15/1684, 140 21 Prague 4
Phone: +420 296 895 000 Fax: +420 296 895 060
[email protected] www.holidayinn.cz
Adjacent to the Congress Centre
Hotel Nabucco 4*
Ctiradova 16, 140 00 Prague 4
Phone: 00420 241 744 220 Fax: 00420 241 744 290
[email protected] http://hotelnabucco.com
1.5 kilometres 17 minute walk
Hotel Otakar 3*
Otakarova 3 , 140 00 Prague 4
www.laterooms.com
1.4 kilometres 16 minute walk
Hotel Ostruvek 3*
Na Ostruvku 2 , 140 00 Prague 4
Phone: +420 241 088 000 fax.: +420 241 088 088
[email protected] www.ostruvek.cz
1.4 kilometres 16 minute walk
Botel Racek 3*
Podolské nábřeží 147 00 Praha 4
Phone: +420 241 004 811 or +420 241 431 628 mobile.: + 420 725 820 566 fax: +420 241 430 526
[email protected] [email protected] www.botelracek.eu
1.4 kilometres 16 minute walk
Hotel Orion 3*
Americka 9 , 120 00 Prague 2
Phone: +420 222 539 539 http://orion.hotel.cz
1.7 kilometres 22 minute walk next to Namesti Miru metro station
Czech Inn 3*
Francouzska 76 , 101 00 Prague 10
Phone: +420 267 267 600 Fax: +420 267 267 601
[email protected] www.czech-inn.com
2.3 kilometres 29 minute walk
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EATING PLACES 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 give 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 Bakery (1 piece) Milk 5L Yogurt Ready sandwich Bottled water 1.5L Soft drink 1.5L
Czech Crowns 2-5CZK 15 CZK 10 CZK 25-50 CZK 12 CZK 25 CZK
EUR € up to 0.20 0.60 0.40 1.00-2.00 0.50 1.00
GBP £ up to 0.16 0.50 0.32 0.80-1.60 0.40 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!
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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
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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……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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