|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 15:41 |
|
 Some special worship services are prepared and aimed at certain groups of parish members.
There may be services for young people, confirmation masses, end of school year services, or outreach services for people in a certain area. International services in different languages are organized in many of the biggest cities.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland also serves Finnish expatriates by organizing church services and ceremonies for those who work abroad. Services may also be arranged in tourist areas popular among Finns.
Many Christian organizations also arrange special church services. For instance, St. Thomas Mass, which was first celebrated at Agricola Church in Helsinki, gathers together nearly a thousand people every week.
At St. Thomas Mass parish members are more active and energetic. There is also a wider variety of music. Christian counselling is also available there. St. Thomas Masses are held regularly in the largest urban parishes.
In recent years different kinds of masses have grown up alongside the traditional church service. The St. Thomas Mass is one of the most interesting new types of service. Typical features of St. Thomas Mass are lively, invigorating music and side-altars with candles and icons. One can walk around and pray at them during the service. The St.Thomas Mass contains elements of the Catholic and Orthodox traditions and of the spirituality of the Taizé community.
(From www.evl.fi international service) |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:53 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 15:38 |
|
 Various kinds of camps and trips are well established among activities found in local parishes. In the year 2004 Lutheran congregations in Finland arranged a total of over 27,000 camps and trips with a total of 627,000 participants.
Many camps and trips have a certain theme. Many parishes have camp centers of their own, but often they hold camps elsewhere in Finland. Some parishes arrange trips several times a year to interesting places in Finland and abroad.
Making new friends at camps and courses For details about camps and trips arranged by your local parish call the parish office or find the parish’s homepage in the Internet. If you can’t find a suitable course or camp in the local parish, ask another one that is nearby or contact some Christian organization or college. Many kinds of short courses are open to all, and camps and trips are an excellent way to learn the language and become acquainted with local people.
Parishes and Christian organizations and educational institutions arrange many kinds of courses where you can learn new skills and discover new opportunities. Here are some examples: |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:10 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Students and Young People |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 15:22 |
|
 Events, courses, camps and trips that Lutheran parish arrange for young people are open to all young people, also those who are not members or Christians.
“God’s Gas” youth facilities maintained by the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral Parish are located in Kaisaniemi in Helsinki. Training for confirmation school assistants, for example, is arranged there.
Many kinds of small groups meet in the facilities, but they are also open for spending free time and meeting friends. God’s Gas facilities can also be found in Turku and Tampere.
Many student organizations in Finland (see links) cooperate with the church. Many parishes in cities and towns where universities and other educational establishments are located arrange activities for students in Finnish and also in English.
College chaplains can tell you about youth activities in your area College chaplains (oppilaitospapit) are pastors employed by parishes to serve students and staff in vocational schools, polytechnics and universities.
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:17 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 14:38 |
|
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland's Congregations in Finland welcome you to study in Finland. We wish to provide a place for meeting and sharing to all people regardless of their backgrounds. You do not have to be a Christian or a registered member to take part in our activities or to contact our pastors or other employees. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is for everyone. Welcome to our church! Happily, in order to help non-speaking immigrants and friends in adapting life in Finland, we set up to have International and English activities in all major cities. If you seek friends, support or spiritual community your local church is the right place to find. In each city, there is Contact information you will find from these websites. We do not ask your spiritual background, everyone is warmly welcomed.
Contact information of congregational immigrant workers across the country The local immigrant worker is an English-speaking parish worker, who can help you for eg. - find your nearest parish
- provide information about Church activities and worship services in English
- arrange bilingual church ceremonies
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:13 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 14:36 |
|
Monesa-Project or Finnstudy, Information website for Foreign students in Finland, is initially projected by Lahden seurakuntayhtymä. 
Theresa Doan 
Vu Nguyen 
Quang Pham |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:01 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
