Free Evangelical Community in Weilheim, Germany, marks 30 years with celebration service

The Free Evangelical Community (FeG) Weilheim marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration service under the motto “Thank you.” According to the Mercury report, about 90 visitors attended and looked back on the congregation’s past years. The service featured numerous greetings, an interactive quiz and music.

FeG Weilheim was admitted to the German Federation of Free Protestant Churches in December 1994. The congregation has grown considerably since then and offers a range of activities for different age groups. Congregation leader Christoph Piller explained that, unlike the regular Protestant church, members of the congregation actively decide to join, “free of faith and are not born in.”

Peter Unbehend welcomed guests and led the divine service. The congregation’s children had prepared a surprise: a quiz developed under the direction of Annamaria Urban, who completed a voluntary social year. Guests laughed as they answered questions from the first municipal officer, the report said.

Much of the service consisted of greetings. Angelika Flock, the second mayor of Weilheim, praised the growing community, which she said “is contributing to building bridges and establishing a place of refuge, community and charity.” Michael Bitzer, federal secretary responsible for the FeG region of South, sent congratulations by video message, as he was not present in person.

Christoph Piller, who has been involved since the congregation was founded, reviewed the past 30 years in a PowerPoint presentation. It included a collage of D-Mark banknotes and a Kodak film strip showing images of the congregation’s move between buildings and its many community gatherings. The report noted that the congregation did not always meet at its current address on Schützenstraße 17. In 1994, the first members met in a private living room before moving to the auditorium of the Weilheim agricultural school. In 1997, the congregation moved into its present building. Looking back on those changes, as the congregation did during the service, reflects the intent to remember the past and pass on the faith (Psalm 78:4).

The service concluded with a sermon by parish officer Arnold Burklin, who called for joy and hope for the future, along with reflection and gratitude. Music was also part of the celebration. A project choir had been formed for the thanksgiving service, and the congregation sang together. The report said the service included applause and laughter, as well as prayer and quiet reflection. Afterward, guests were invited to share lunch together.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)