How´s the growing? A midterm evaluation...

By Mariam and Oussama

In the heart of our community, our church stands as a beacon of inclusivity, love, and spiritual growth. Through a carefully crafted series of weekly events, we have woven a tapestry of fellowship that transcends age, background, and social status. These events serve as pillars, supporting our mission to create a vibrant and welcoming space for individuals seeking connection, spiritual nourishment, and shared experiences.

The Community Meal (Gemenskapsmåltiden)

Every Tuesday, our church transforms into a haven of warmth and acceptance during the Community Meals event. This weekly dinner, open to all, transcends economic and social boundaries. Supported by generous donations, including a bountiful supply of bread from a local supermarket, we extend not only physical sustenance but also a sense of community and shared humanity. The distribution of clothing further underscores our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of those who walk through our doors. During the fall term we consistently hosted every tuesday an average of 28 people. During the fall term 113 unique individuals came and 22 different countries were represented in our fellowship. The appeal of our gathering was evident, with 26 attendees returning more than five times, and an additional 41 people attending for the first time.

International Gathering place (Internationell mötesplatsen)

Thursday evenings bring a unique cultural flair to our community with the International Gathering Place. As we gather to share diverse cuisines, we celebrate the richness of our community's cultural tapestry, fostering a sense of global connectedness in our local setting. In the fall term we saw 65 unique visitors, and had an average attendance of 15 individuals. The diversity continued to shine, with guests representing 15 different nations. An exciting highlight was welcoming 11 newcomers, alongside the familiar faces of six individuals who attended more than five times.

KUL youth group

On fridays, EFS church comes alive with the laughter and energy of the Youth Group. Geared towards adolescents aged 14 to 18, this event combines spirituality with recreation. Fun games, often tied to the teachings of Jesus such as loving our neighbor as well as ourselves, forgiveness, compassion and justice. These lay the foundation for a joyful experience. Following these activities, a delightful "fika" creates an atmosphere of camaraderie, culminating in an "andakt" (devotional) that provides a moment for reflection and spiritual connection. This fall we had an average of 25 youth attend each friday. A total of 58 different people were there. Our average age of 13-15 years old is 7.78 people, the average age of 16-19 years old is 7.71 people, the average age of 20-25 years old is 5.1. people.  

Young adults (Unga vuxna)

Every other Saturday the church offers a more relaxed yet spiritually enriching space for young adults. This event mirrors the structure of the Youth Group but with a calmer atmosphere. Shared moments over "fika," engaging conversations, and uplifting worship songs create an environment conducive to personal growth and communal bonding. The average attendance for this gathering was 14.4 people, with a total of 23 young adults in attendance.

Sunday School and Scout (Söndagsskola och Scouter)

Sunday mornings bring families together for a vibrant and educational experience at Sunday School. Designed for children, this event blends playfulness with learning as interactive games become a medium for imparting teachings about God, love, kindness and compassion. The laughter of children, the joy of discovery, and the bonds formed in this nurturing environment contribute to the spiritual foundation of the younger members of our community. Our commitment to inclusivity extends even to these gatherings for children as we welcomed new families this fall from Congo, Sudan and Iran in addition to our already diverse regulars including families from Eritrea, Nigeria, Iran and Afghanistan. The average attendance for this program was 16.2 children, ensuring a diverse and welcoming environment for attendees of all ages. In addition to Sunday School we also have hosted Scout evenings at Sundet. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 have had the chance to learn how to work as a team, accomplish a challenge, discover nature and try to understand our place in the cosmos.  

Conclusion

In weaving this intricate tapestry of events, our church is actively striving to create a multifaceted community that caters to the diverse needs of individuals across age groups. The Tuesday Community Meals, International Food Place, Youth Group, Young Adults, and Sunday School events collectively form a mosaic that reflects our commitment to inclusivity, spiritual growth, and the building of enduring connections. Through these weekly gatherings, our church stands as a testament to the transformative power of community in fostering love, understanding, and shared faith.