The power and pitfalls of blessings in modern society – supporting materialism or experiencing God’s presence?

German summary: Diese ELM-Seminarreihe beschäftigt sich mit der Zukunftsfähigkeit von Kirchen international. Gemeinsam mit Christ*innen aus der internationalen Ökumene suchen wir nach kreativen und hoffnungsbewegten Lösungen für typische Probleme unserer Kirchengemeinden. Die Konferenzsprache ist Englisch.

Our speakers are:

Rev. Ntuthuko Nkosi serves as Parish Pastor of the Durban South Parish, of the ELM partner church ELCSA in South Africa. Next to serving a large parish with over 10 congregations and being especially involved in Youth Work, he is also a founding member of Siyafunda, an NGO assisting scholars from marginalized backgrounds with practical and psycho-social support. In his role as a pastor he encounters requests by people of very different walks in life to receive a blessing in diverse settings.

Pastor Ulrich Noetzel is currently working at the St.Peter & Paul-parish in Hermannsburg/ Germany. Previously, he worked as a hospital chaplain at Soltau, as parish priest in Bergen and helped out at the British garrison church of St George's at Hohne-Camp (Bergen-Belsen)/ Germany. Furthermore he is passionate about ecumenism - celebrating the different expressions of protestant faith worldwide. The mayoress of Hermannsburg regularly asks him to bless new fire engines...

Please register before 12 noon on 22nd June 2026. The participation link will be sent by email in advance.