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Festive church service with around 70 musicians in Christ Church
The new Protestant parish of Darmstadt-Eberstadt was officially founded in a festive service at Christ Church. It was formed from the merger of the former Christ Church parish, the Trinity parish, and the Darmstadt-Eberstadt-South parish.
Three municipalities will become one
In his address, Dean Dr. Raimund Wirth looked back on their shared history. After the Second World War, the Christ Church congregation was initially separated from the Trinity congregation in 1959, followed by the Darmstadt-Eberstadt-South parish in 1987. Now the congregations are reunited.
Wirth spoke of a "new old unity in Eberstadt" and presented the founding charter to the chairman of the church council, Dr. Kay-Uwe Klabunde. The legal and organizational unity is based on shared faith and confession of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
“To radiate the joy of the children of God”
In his sermon, Pastor Jonas Bauer wished the new congregation that it might "continue to radiate the joy of the children of God as it embarks on this new path." Referring to the Old Testament text of Jacob's dream of the ladder to heaven, he painted a picture of a congregation in which full-time and volunteer staff are not overburdened, talents are recognized and nurtured, generations interact with one another, and those in need find support.
Community educator Sabine Kreitschmann emphasized the importance of the church as a place for children and young people where they can feel accepted and develop reliable friendships. The ladder to heaven symbolizes the connection between God and humankind.
Festive church service with musical accompaniment
Around 70 musicians participated in the service. Among them were the Eberstadt Gospel Choir, the choir "Musical Vision," the church band, the Eberstadt Brass Ensemble, and the YMCA Brass Ensemble. Church musician Stefan Mann, brass ensemble director Rafael Fetzer, and choir director Lydia Eberle arranged the musical program.
During the choir song "I carry my light for you", candles were lit, and the gospel choir invited everyone to clap along with the song "This Joy".
A reception followed the service. In her welcoming address, President Dr. Annette Laakmann acknowledged the early decision to merge and thanked the volunteers and staff for their dedication.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Photos: Evangelical Deanery of Darmstadt, Gospel Choir, Dean Dr. Raimund Wirth and Chairman of the Church Council Dr. Kay-Uwe Klabunde
