What happens when women truly listen to one another, share personal experiences of faith, and become aware of each other’s needs? At the Women’s Sabbath held in Greifswald on September 12, the theme “From Being Alone to Being United” became a lived experience of community.
More than 20 women gathered at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greifswald for a Sabbath filled with music, fellowship, and spiritual inspiration. In her sermon, Dörthe Meisel focused on the story of Martha and showed how personally and lovingly Jesus encounters people. No one has to face worries and struggles alone. At the same time, she encouraged everyone to notice the needs of the people around us.
God desires to meet every person and to make Himself tangible in our lives. This thought ran throughout the entire day. The offering also looked beyond the local congregation to the wider community. Once again, donations went to the Morgenroth School Project in Kenya. A recent report gave the participants an insight into how this support is making a difference there.
In the afternoon, the theme of the day became especially personal. Under the heading “Women Among Women,” 22 women gathered for an open discussion. In a trusting atmosphere, they shared their own experiences and talked about where and how they had experienced God’s work in their lives.
For participant Brigitta Tornow, this exchange was one of the most valuable moments of the day: “It opened our eyes to one another in a new way and strengthened us in our faith.” She especially appreciated the personal conversations and the opportunity to remain connected with fellow believers and friends beyond their own local congregation.
Meanwhile, a small group of men also met with a facilitator. Afterwards, everyone came together again over coffee and cake and brought the Sabbath to a close in fellowship.
In this way, the day brought the meaning of its title to life: From Being Alone to Being United – seeing one another, listening, sharing our faith, and experiencing community.