Anniversary of the Suppenkirche: 10 years of charity in Euskirchen!

Anniversary of the Suppenkirche: 10 years of charity in Euskirchen!

The Suppenkirche of the Evangelical parish of Euskirchen is celebrating an important anniversary this year: it has been offering warm meals for people in need for over ten years. Throughout the time, impressive 522 warm lunch meals were prepared, which made a total of 38,000 people. Deacon Jens Schramm notes that many guests call the team as "angels", and many of them feel Thursday as the most beautiful day of the week because they look forward to the warm soups.

The roots of the Suppenkirche go back until eleven years ago, when the idea was born to offer food for people in need. The proceeds of a community festival in 2014 served as the basis for the offer of help. Almost 60 people registered for a press call, of whom more than 40 stayed actively and have been committed weekly since then. The lunch table only failed once - after the flood when the power supply was interrupted.

an open offer for everyone

The Suppenkirche is aimed at various target groups: homeless, unemployed, families with little money, single and lonely people are cordially invited. It doesn't matter where someone comes from or what religion he has. Evidence of the financial situation is not necessary. This promotes a feeling of community and acceptance among the guests who often act in long lines.

The operation of the Suppenkirche is only dependent on donations. Every time the team is preparing for the guests, who takes care of the guests every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This committed group of over 40 volunteers is supported by monthly meetings of the team speakers to exchange and plan.

memories and views

On the occasion of the anniversary, 20 kilos of potatoes and eight different types of vegetables were processed into the soup. An old regular guest who visited the Suppenkirche right from the start expressed his enthusiasm: "I didn't miss a Thursday here," said Olli, who praises the food. Mayor Sachaelt honors the commitment of the Suppenkirche and suggests a next trip to the twin city of Charleville-Mézières after a successful excursion to Maastricht was organized last year.

The Suppenkirche is a place of cooperation and hope. More guests are often present than expected, so that Gisela Ladenin from the parish has often come across new challenges. "Then it is good that we also have so many volunteers who can help," she says. The offer is important for the community and not only offers a warm meal, but also a piece of social affiliation.