On the first day, the participants had a great time connecting with each other and having Bible studies in different age groups. After an excursion to the town of Staritsa to see its beautiful churches and the Museum of Russian Stoves, everyone enjoyed having a swim in the cooling water of the Volga on that hot day. Back at the parish church, the participants tried their hand at acting and presented skits. Aleksandr Khmelevtsev did a presentation about the history of dance, which was followed by the group learning to dance in different genres and personas. Wrapping up the day, everyone gathered around a campfire, eating grilled wurst, bonding, and singing hymns to the guitar.

 

On the second day, the participants engaged in fun, faith-based activities that helped them bond and deepened their understanding of Christian values through a Bible study facilitated by Pastor Denis Tikhomirov and a discussion of family led by Pastor Valeri and Natalia Antipov. The kids had a craft time learning to depict various Christian symbols, played with air balloons, while the young people played volleyball. The evening included getting together around a campfire and celebrating a birthday with tea and cake!

 

During the worship service on the concluding Sunday Pastor Denis preached, providing everyone an opportunity to reflect once again on God’s love and mercy for us and our spiritual growth.

 

Many thanks to the hospitable Lutheran church in Rzhev, to Pastor Valery Antipov and his wife Natalia for the family program, and to Natalia and Diana for cooking the excellent meals!

 

Information courtesy of Yelena Antipova