Heidenheimer Vesperkirche: A place of community and help!

This year's Vesperkirche will take place in Heidenheim from Sunday, January 19th to Wednesday, February 12th. The opening service begins on January 19 at 10 a.m. in the Pauluskirche. During this time, the Vesperkirche will act as an inn, heat room and concert hall to create a community experience.

Compared to the previous year, the expansion of benches in the front area created more space for tables and chairs. Around 230 volunteers support the Vesperkirche during this time with around three dozen per shift. A total of 8,435 meals were spent last year, which heavily burdened the rinsing forces. In order to better master the rush, the portions are limited to a maximum of 350 a day this year, with at least 250 being output. Access to coffee and cake is always guaranteed, and homemade cakes are often accepted as a donation.

Details for implementation

The popular offer of the Vesperkirche takes place without a specified sales price for the food. The needy are expressly invited, while others are asked for a voluntary donation. The cost per serving is 8.50 euros. In addition, a supporting program with three benefit concerts on Sundays is planned:

• 19. January (5 p.m.): Music School
• 2. February (3 p.m.): "Siggi Schwarz and Friends"
• 9. February (5 p.m.): trombone choir Steinheim and district cantor Leonard Hölldampf

In several days, a podiatrist and a hairdresser will also be on site who take care of the needs of the guests. Registration lists are available in the church. The Vesperkirche is carried out under the patronage of Bernhard Ilg, the former Mayor Heidenheim. In addition to Heidenheim, a Vesperkirche from January 19 to February is also organized in Giengen, which offers lunch as well as coffee and cake for just two euros every day. According to Evangelisch-heidenheim.de , between 300 and 400 meals were spent every day in the last Vesperkirche and between 40 and 50 volunteers worked in various areas. The committed helpers took on tasks such as rinsing, serving and looking after guests, and numerous donations in cash and kind were collected for the Vesperkirche. Interestingly, there were no major health problems with guests or employees during the three and a half weeks.