Trinity’s Missions Commission has resolved to form a deep, continuing relationship with a small (under 100 members), emerging church in Kybarti, Lithuania, a small city about two miles from the Russian border.

Reverend Remigijus Matulatis, pastor of Kybarti UMC, has created a website about his church. This is part of his outreach within Lithuania. Take a look and test your knowledge of Lithuania. While there, check out the many photo albums featuring the members and youth of KUMC. http://www.freewebs.com/kjmba (The site is written all in Lithuanian - see how well you can do in your own translation!)

The design work for the new Kybarti building is proceeding after having to undergo some modifications after the initial review of the plans.

"In 1907 Pastor Durdis founded a congregation in Kybarti near the German border, which became an Episcopal appointment not long thereafter. A beautiful brick chapel, that would seat two hundred worshippers, was built by the congregation...it was dedicated on February 7, 1909 by Bishop William Burt...This was the first Methodist house of worship to be built in Tsarist Russia." (Reference: Methodism in Russia and the Baltic States: S.T. Kimbrough, Jr. Editor 1995, Abingdon Press.)

Wouldn't it be a true blessing if the new KUMC building were consecrated on the 100th anniversary of the original KUMC church?