175 years of Michaelistift Gefell: celebration of life and hope!

175 years of Michaelistift Gefell: celebration of life and hope!

The special day in the heart of Gefell was found on Sunday when the Michaelistift celebrated its 175th anniversary with a festive event. The foundation goes back to 1849 when Pastor Christian Bauerfeind started the pen in a time great need and with his psalm words "O Herr Hilf! O Lord, let it succeed!" Conveyed hope and trust.

hundreds of guests from near and far gathered to celebrate this important anniversary with festive services and actions. Rector Ramón Seliger led the festival service, while regional bishop Tobias Schüfer held the sermon. Pupils of the Montessori Community School in Bad Lobenstein performed the eventful history of the Michaelistif and gave up the founding history. The service was musically framed by choirs from various educational institutions that impressed both local and national guests.

The importance of the Michaelistifts

dr. Klaus Scholtissek, who has been the chairman of the Michaelißift since 2008, emphasized the power of human action in his speech: "It is always people who move a little, people who have a message in their hearts." This contributed to the ceremonial atmosphere and illustrated the steadfast efforts of many that shaped the history of the abbey.

The honor of Andreas Berger, the residential association manager, with the golden crown cross of Diakonie Germany for his services, underlined the outstanding work of the team in the pen. The festive train from the city church to the residential association, led by the abbey flag and accompanied by samba and capoeira group, presented another highlight of the day and attracted the eyes of those present.

The focus of the celebrations was not only the review of the past 175 years, but also a look into the future. The Michaelstift has developed beyond the years and is no longer only active in Gefell. The foundation of the Michaelis School in Bad Lobenstein in 1999 and the sponsorship of the Johannes-Landenberger funding center in Weimar in 2009 showed the far-reaching effect and the positive influence of the abbey on the region. In 2023 the Evangelical Community School Weimar was also launched, which continues the good spirit by Pastor Bauerfeind.

In the chronicle of the Michaelistift, which was updated on the occasion of the 175th anniversary, interested parties can read the eventful history of the abbey. This not only includes the foundation, but also many new developments and projects in recent years. The rainbow, which has been established as a symbol of the abbey since 1999, stands for diversity and helpfulness and is a sign of commitment that went beyond the borders.

Currently, 67 people with impairments live in the living network of the Michaelistift in Gefell, who are accommodated there in a supportive and nourishing environment. In addition, there have been day care since 2015 that absorbs old people from the region and strengthens the community.

For more information about the history, the development and the current offers of the Michaelistif, residential association leader Andreas Berger is available for information. The jubilee chronicle can also be ordered from him.

While the celebrations contributed to a significant chapter in the history of the Michaelistift, it remains to be seen which new ways and opportunities will open up in the coming years. The story that began with the deep roots of Pastor Bauerfeind continues and is continued by the committed people who make the pen a place of hope and charity. target = "_ blank" rel = "nofollow noopener noreferer"> The background and further details can be read at www.meine-kirchenzeitung.de.