Herkenrath's town center celebrates its golden jubilee
Herkenrath Celebrates 50 Years of Community Center
Subscribe to our free daily newsletter for local updates at 7:07 AM each morning. This week, we highlight the 50th anniversary of the Evangelical Community Center in Herkenrath.
The Evangelical Church Bensberg invites residents of Herkenrath and the surrounding area to celebrate this milestone on Sunday. The jubilee festivities commence at 11 AM with a service led by professionals, volunteers, and various musical groups. Following the service, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including music performances, children's and adult workshops, sporting events, and culinary experiences.
Under the motto "Herkenrath, let's celebrate!", everyone is welcome, regardless of religious affiliation.
The community center in Herkenrath has been a cornerstone of the town since its inauguration in 1975. Upon its opening, it rapidly became a multi-purpose hub for district helpers, working groups, kindergarten classes, social aid, the district council, and other community groups, in addition to a strong congregation.
One former attendee, Silke Hofmann, remember her confirmation lessons in the cozy youth basement of the community center in the late 70s, where they would spend hours discussing God and the world over tea and incense-making.
The Evangelical community in Herkenrath has always maintained ecumenical connections, both locally and globally. The growth of the community post-WWII allowed for shared use of Catholic facilities like churches, schoolrooms, and former rectories. These shared spaces enabled the development of social and charitable activities, creating a true testament to interfaith harmony.
Today, this ecumenical spirit continues, as evident in the ongoing partnership with the Kirchenkreis Kalungu in the Congo. The Protestant Church of Bensberg has launched a special collection to aid refugees in the rebel-occupied city of Goma, with €2,384.60 already collected in the past few weeks. Those interested in supporting this cause can donate at www.vemission.org/spenden/nothilfe.
An anniversary commemorative booklet offers more insights into the 50-year history of the Herkenrath community center. It provides a captivating exploration of the committed community life in Herkenrade and is available for purchase in all Protestant community centers and parish offices with a small donation.
Evangelical community centers, such as the one in Herkenrath, play vital roles in fostering spiritual, social, cultural, and educational opportunities. Their longstanding influence is reflected in the enduring contributions made to their local communities over the past 50 years.
At the jubilee festivities of the Evangelical Community Center in Herkenrath, attendees can anticipate workshops and activities that showcase a blend of home-and-garden lifestyles, a testament to their commitment to community engagement. This longstanding community center, a cornerstone of Herkenrath since 1975, has provided a platform for various groups, including those interested in home-and-garden activities, to foster and nurture their shared interests.