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A Gratitude Token Given after a Year of camaraderie within the community

Local Photo Calendar Released by Protestant Church Congregations of Graefrath and Ketzberg for Their over 3600 Members, Expressing Gratitude; Photographs Taken by Annekatrin Helbing-Regiert Depicting a Sunny Moment at the Park Cemetery Overlooking Fuhr.

Community appreciation reward for a year's friendship
Community appreciation reward for a year's friendship

Local Photo Calendar of Evangelical Churches in Gräfrath and Ketzberg: A Community Celebration

A Gratitude Token Given after a Year of camaraderie within the community

The Evangelical Churches of Gräfrath and Ketzberg have published a unique photo calendar, offering their over 3,600 members and the wider community a glimpse into the beauty and rich history of their districts.

The Calendar's Origins

The calendar's creation likely stemmed from a community initiative to celebrate local heritage, showcasing churches, landmarks, and seasonal changes through photographs. The tradition may have begun in the late 20th or early 21st century, coinciding with other local cultural or parish events.

A Multifaceted Purpose

  1. Cultural Preservation The calendars serve as a valuable tool to document and preserve the history of local Evangelical churches, which play a significant role in the community's identity.
  2. Community Engagement They foster a sense of connection among community members by providing shared visual and historical experiences.
  3. Fundraising Proceeds from the sale of the calendars support church maintenance, community projects, and charitable causes.
  4. Education The calendars educate younger generations about the churches' history, architecture, and role in the community's development.
  5. Tourism Promotion Highlighting the beauty and significance of these churches draws visitors and supports the local economy.

Impact on Community Members

  1. Strengthening Identity The calendars reinforce a common identity focused on the region's Evangelical traditions and heritage.
  2. Awareness and Appreciation Members learn more about their local history and architecture, deepening their respect and interest.
  3. Community Involvement The calendar may inspire community members to participate in church activities or local events.
  4. Intergenerational Link They serve as a bridge between older generations who know the stories behind the churches and younger members seeking to understand their roots.
  5. Emotional Connection Visual depictions evoke memories during different seasons or church festivals, contributing to emotional bonds.

A Collaborative Effort

The calendar features images from local hobby photographers, with printing costs covered by the KD-Bank and the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland. Extra copies were given to local business owners, further promoting the calendar and the community it represents.

Positive Feedback

The feedback for the calendar has been overwhelmingly positive, according to the two pastors, Pastor Thomas Schorsch from Gräfrath and Pastor Christof Bleckmann from Ketzberg. The calendars are not expected to find a specific place in the homes of recipients, but rather to be appreciated as a celebration of the community's shared history and heritage.

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