News

Women from the north and south, east and west of the Hanse Conference came together for an eventful Sabbath in Greifswald with retired Pastor Gabriele Stangl.
The morning church service was organized for all women, men, children, and friends of the congregation under the theme Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High. The sermon title, derived from Isaiah 30:15-17 was “Quietness and Trust is Your Strength.”
The theme of the day was explored in greater depth in the afternoon in a special session for about 40 women. Our world is in turmoil, and terrible things happen around us, but we want to put our trust in God. Gabi Stangl spoke impressively about her life. She recounted how difficult situations in her life had led her to develop trust in God's guidance. Psalm 91 has become a constant source of strength for her, according to the words of the Psalmist, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
This psalm became her link between patient and pastoral care. Gabi worked as a chaplain at the Waldfriede hospital in Berlin for many years. She recounted how patients sought her help and what God had done through these relationships. As the founder of Berlin's first baby hatch, she also helped mothers in need and children who had been born into difficult social circumstances. She told of the early loss of her parents, of 13 siblings, and of studying theology as the first female student in Austria to complete a full degree, which otherwise only men were allowed to do. She took us on a virtual visit to her home. She told us about her baptismal verse, “You are mine, I have called you by name...” and of the many memories she had collected throughout her life in a special cupboard in her house. Each individual item held a priceless memory.
It is important to remember. What was it like back then? How did God guide me? Don't forget the joy that God gives you, Gabi reminded us. My love for God as my Creator and companion, in joyful and difficult situations, will one day be weighed in God's scales. Jesus died for us and continues to care for us. That is why we can feel safe in God.
As a memento, each woman received a wooden heart, which she was allowed to inscribe individually with what had become a landmark in her life through God's guidance.
As a memento, each woman received a wooden heart, on which she was asked to write something to remind her of a significant experience of God’s guidance.
According to a report by Maritta R.