PHOTO WALL – the past in the present with a view to the future
The project “PHOTO WALL – the past in the present with a view to the future”, supported by the Brocēni Municipality co-financed initiative project competition, has been completed.
The Blīdene Evangelical Lutheran congregation implemented this project in several stages. First, we compiled information about the pastors who had served in our congregation, asked each pastor for a photograph and agreed on the purposes for which it would be used. During the annual September fellowship event, when guests from near and far neighbouring congregations gather at Blīdene’s “Green” Church, a worship service dedicated to Michaelmas was held, led by Blīdene congregation pastor Guntis Aprikis and Bishop Hanss Martins Jensons. After the service, we all went to the “Parsonage” to unveil the PHOTO WALL featuring pastors who had served in the Blīdene congregation, listened to memories and joyfully enjoyed fellowship together. As an unexpected surprise gift, we received two more photo frames, with which we will enrich the history of our church through the ages.
Next, we looked for a stable floor stand capable of holding three flagpoles—and we found one! All that remained was to wait for the shipments and place them in the chosen location. It was wonderful that the same company was also able to supply the European Union, Latvian and Norwegian flags we had ordered. Why did we choose Norway, in particular, from among all the countries of the world? This year marks 25 years since they began heralding the Advent season in our congregation. Year after year, they come to Saldus to visit their sister congregation of M. Luther, and God’s ways brought them to Blīdene; our fellowship has continued throughout this time. It is a genuine joy to welcome them each year after their long and difficult journey, as Christians of various ages and their family members come to visit. The joy of reunion is indescribable, the feelings it inspires are fantastic, and the time spent together in fellowship cannot be measured against any of the world’s riches. Blessed by God is this time of love, service, giving and togetherness!
In cooperation with SIA "Gate L", as part of the project we carried out cosmetic repairs in the room so that celebrations and the welcoming of guests could take place in clean and well-kept surroundings. On the previous occasion when Norwegian Christians visited us, they brought a specially assembled gift box for the Blīdene congregation. When we opened it, it turned out that they had prepared sets of curtains and curtain rods for the windows. That is why there were moments of surprise and delight when the Norwegian girls who had assembled the package themselves entered the room and saw that their intentions from the previous year had been fulfilled.
We are very happy with what we have accomplished ourselves! Thank you to the people who had the time and desire to be with us and who participated responsibly. Thank you to all our supporters who help the Blīdene congregation remain active and continue the restoration and maintenance work on the Blīdene congregation’s property.
Everyone is warmly welcome if they would like to see the changes that have taken place in the “Parsonage” and rejoice in them together with the Blīdene congregation—we look forward to welcoming you!
