Saturday, 12 September, was a special day for the Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Kremenchuk. The congregation celebrated a festive worship service and the dedication of its guest house, a building project that had taken around two years.
Those attending the celebrations included Bishop Pavlo Shvarts of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine, Pastors Ihor Shemihon and Oleksandr Gross, and GELCU Synodal Committee members Nina Knutas, Nataliia Melkher and Lidiia Zelsdorf.
The renovation of the guest house was made possible through the support of Gustav-Adolf-Werk e.V., Martin Luther Bund and other benefactors. The house was also equipped with the necessary appliances and furniture.
The guest house will be particularly important for Deacon Yurii Rykov, who serves in the region. It creates additional opportunities for ministry with the Kremenchuk congregation and communities in other cities.
“Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this project!” These words of gratitude were heard throughout the celebration.
The Synodal Committee’s visit to Kremenchuk was about more than the festivities. Its members were able to meet the congregation, learn more about its life, challenges and plans, and discuss opportunities to develop the Church’s shared ministry.
Kremenchuk also hosted a regular meeting of the GELCU Synodal Committee. During the meeting, a decision was taken to send Deacon Yurii Rykov on a practical placement in preparation for possible future service as a pastor in the congregations of Kremenchuk, Oleksandriia and Zaporizhzhia.
This stage will give him an opportunity to gain new knowledge and practical experience in pastoral ministry.
We wish Yurii Rykov God’s blessing, wisdom and strength throughout his placement and future ministry.