The Evangelical Church’s Germany-wide wedding event will also take place at three locations in Essen

What?

People can get married on the spur of the moment or receive a blessing

When?

June 26, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where?

At the NEUE INSEL with Segen45 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
At the Friedenskirche in Steele from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
At the Pauluskirche in Heisingen from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Do you want to say “I do” with God’s blessing? Spontaneously, simply, and in a special way? On a date that’s easy to remember? Together with lots of other couples all over Germany? Then #einfachheiraten on June 26, 2026, is just the thing for you!

For many people, their wedding is one of the most important days of their lives. But that doesn’t mean for everyone that this day has to be planned months in advance, cost a lot of money, or be celebrated with at least 200 guests.

For us at the Evangelical Church in Essen, the focus of a wedding is the celebration of love and God’s blessing on the relationship. And that’s exactly what we want to celebrate with the people of Essen:

Who is this for, exactly?

Whether you’re same – sex, queer, or straight, newly in love or have been together for 30 years—if you want to celebrate your union with God’s blessing, then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be blessed without any major planning or formalities. The focus is on you, your love, and God’s blessing for your relationship. The only requirement: You must be over 18 years old.

What can you expect?

A small, spontaneous wedding where pastors, musicians, and volunteers will organize a blessing ceremony for you. You don’t have to worry about a thing—just enjoy your unforgettable moment.

Come to your chosen location on June 26 and sign up. The team on site will give you a warm welcome and take time to talk with you. You’ll choose Bible verses that resonate with you as a couple and fit your situation. They’ll be part of the personalized message. Maybe you’ve already found some verses you’d like to include—feel free to bring them along.

Whether you bring guests or are alone during the approximately 30-minute ceremony is entirely up to you. You’ll receive a certificate as a memento of your day.

That’s too spontaneous for me!

If you find the format appealing but would still like to plan a bit in advance despite the spontaneity, you can register ahead of time via the website www.einfachheiraten.ruhr. Half of the time slots can be booked in advance.

I want to know more!

On our event website, www.einfachheiraten.ruhr, you’ll find more information about the various locations, a detailed FAQ, and the registration option mentioned above. If you have any further questions, feel free to send an email to: info@einfachheiraten.ruhr

Information about the organizer

#einfachheiraten is a nationwide initiative of the Evangelical Church in Germany. In Essen, Segen45—a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen—is participating in cooperation with the Evangelical Parish of Steele and the Evangelical Parish of Heisingen.

Segen45 is dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen—in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

What?

Segen45 and the congregations from Essen Mitte/West are jointly organizing a baptism celebration around the Auferstehungskirche in Huttrop

Where?

Auferstehungskirche, Manteuffelstraße 26, 42138 Essen

When?

May 30, 2026, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Would you like to be baptized — or have your child baptized—and experience your personal moment with God? Would you like to become part of the global Christian community and a member of the Evangelical Church? Would you like to celebrate baptism with a joyful outdoor celebration together with many people? Then register yourself or your child for our baptism celebration around the Auferstehungskirche in Huttrop.

Who exactly is this for?

For anyone who would like to be baptized or have their child baptized but hasn’t done so yet for a variety of reasons. The event is primarily aimed at people with children, but teenagers and adults seeking baptism are, of course, also welcome.

In addition, we invite all Essen residents to join us for worship—no registration is required, of course.

What can you expect?

The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. with a joint worship service. The baptism will take place as a personal ritual at a baptismal station, surrounded by your loved ones. Afterward, there will be food, music, and activities for all ages. We’ll celebrate God’s love and our connection in a colorful and joyful way.

Register yourself or your child, invite your loved ones, and celebrate your baptism with us. To prepare, you’ll attend a baptism information session (in person or online).

I want to know more!

On our event website, www.ruhr-taufe.de, you’ll find information and registration details for the baptism celebration. There’s also a detailed FAQ section. If you still have questions, feel free to email us at: info@segen45.de

Information About the Organizer

RUHRtaufe is organized by Segen45, a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen, in cooperation with several congregations from Essen Mitte/West (Essen-Altstadt, Erlöserkirche-Holsterhausen, Essen Rüttenscheid, and Essen Frohnhausen). For over a year now, Segen45 has made it its mission to offer a blessing to the people of Essen. Simple, unconventional, and right in the community.

When and where?

The event will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Haarzopf Cemetery. To help us prepare, please register in advance and let us know if you’ll be bringing something to eat. Of course, you’re also welcome to drop by spontaneously—even without bringing a cake.

Contact: elisabeth.mueller@segen45.de or 0157 / 715 539 86

About the Organizer

Segen45 is a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For over a year and a half, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen—in a simple, unconventional, and local way.

Jesus was born! That’s why we’re throwing a party for him!

Where?

Lutherhaus, Bandstraße 35, 45359 Essen

When?

December 24, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

For many people, Christmas is THE family celebration of the year, filled with many cherished traditions. At the same time, the traditions associated with Christmas as a family celebration can be very challenging for some people. And for some, this sparks a desire to celebrate Christmas differently. We (Segen45 in cooperation with the Essen Bedingrade-Schönebeck parish) want to build on this and celebrate Christmas for what it really is: a huge birthday party for Jesus. And that’s exactly how we want to celebrate this year: as a big “bring-your-own” party for Jesus’ birthday! We want to eat, play, and celebrate together—without any festive roasts and especially not with “Silent Night”—we want to celebrate Jesus’ birthday as if he had personally invited us to his party.

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone who wants to celebrate Christmas with others is invited. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages—singles, couples, and entire families.

What can you expect?

In short: a cozy atmosphere — spending time together — no Christmas stress.

We’ll celebrate together at the Lutherhaus in several rooms. There’s a lounge area with armchairs and a game console. In another room, there are plenty of tables where you can play (board) games. A large buffet will be set up with potato salad and sausages—and hopefully lots of food brought by guests. We’ll kick off the evening together, and throughout the night there will be various activities you can join in on.

Come join us for a laid-back birthday party where you only participate in activities that make you feel good. Just like at a big birthday party: meet new people, whether at the buffet, with good music, playing Kniffel, Uno, Super Mario, or enjoying good conversation.

When and where?

The Jesus Birthday Potluck Party will take place on December 24, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Lutherhaus in Essen Bedingrade-Schönebeck.

Information about the organizer

The event, organized 50% by the Evangelical Church Congregation of Essen Bedingrade-Schönebeck and 50% by Segen45—a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen—is part of a diverse range of offerings from local congregations. For over two years now, Segen45 has been committed to offering a blessing to the people of Essen—in a simple, unconventional, and local way.

What?

A Stations of the Cross service for people mourning the loss of a loved one

Where?

Kreuzeskirche, Kreuzeskirchstraße 16, 45127 Essen-Altstadt

When?

December 24, 2025, 11:15 a.m.

Christmas and grief are often painfully intertwined— it is precisely for this situation that we at Segen45 invite you to a special Christmas service on Christmas Eve

“Many people find Christmas to be a particularly painful time when someone who used to be a natural part of the family is missing,” says Pastor Eva Gabra of Segen45. “In this service, tears have just as much a place as anger or quiet joy—and all of this is held within God’s promise that no one has to face their grief alone.”

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone who would like to remember a deceased person together with others is invited—no matter how long ago the death occurred. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages, from singles to couples to entire families.

What can you expect?

At various stations, you can express your grief in your own unique way. If you’d like, you can vent your anger and helplessness on a punching bag, write a postcard to the deceased, decorate a Christmas tree ornament, receive a personal blessing, or simply listen to the music. Everything is allowed—tears, silence, hope. There will also be a reflection and a blessing for the holidays.

Following the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay for punch and gingerbread. In the safe and welcoming atmosphere of the Kreuzeskirche, there is space for conversation, shared memories, or simply for quiet togetherness. We want to make it clear: No one has to face their grief alone—not even at Christmas.

When and where?

The service will take place on December 24, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. at the Kreuzeskirche in downtown Essen.

Information about the organizer

The event, initiated by Segen45—a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen—is part of a diverse range of pastoral care services offered by local congregations. For over two years now, Segen45 has been committed to offering a blessing to the people of Essen—in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

Where?

Gnadenkirche Essen-Dellwig, Pfarrstraße 10, 45357 Essen, and on YouTube @segen45

When?

September 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

When a pet dies, we lose a faithful companion. It’s hard—sometimes even after many years.

What can you expect?

Candles will be lit, music will play, and the church will be illuminated. On the evening of September 14, 2025, we invite you—for the second time—to an unusual memorial service: a service in memory of deceased pets.

“As a church, it is our mission to accompany people through crises and difficult times and to offer them hope and comfort. When the bond with a pet is broken, that is a crisis for most people,” say Revs. Anne-Berit Fastenrath and Juliane Gayk, who conceived this service.

Who exactly is this for?

“Whether you’re mourning your cat, your dog, your rabbit, or your gecko—during the memorial service, we’ll remember your pet and offer you a blessing,” the invitation states.

Anyone who wishes to do so can send the planning team a photo of their deceased pet along with its name in advance. The photo and name will then be displayed during a moment of remembrance in the service.

I want to know more!

The memorial service for deceased pets will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Gnadenkirche in Essen-Dellwig. You can watch it online via YouTube on the @segen45 account.

Anyone who wishes to do so can send a photo of their deceased pet along with its name to:

info@segen45.de or via WhatsApp: 0176 180 872 86

Information about the organizer

The memorial service is organized by Segen45, a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For the past year and a half, Segen45 has made it its mission to offer blessings to the people of Essen—in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

What?

Segen45 is celebrating a Festival of the Dead this summer and invites you to a picnic at the cemetery.

Where?

Haarzopfer Cemetery, Rottmannshof 22, 45149 Essen

When?

August 23, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Grief can be a lonely experience. Perhaps you feel like there’s no room for your emotions in your social circle. That makes it all the more important to find places where there’s space for your grief—and where you can find strength and be blessed. We at Segen45 want to create such spaces.

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated on All Saints’ Day. During this festival, people go to the cemetery and have picnics on the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. Since the weather in Germany is usually rather unpleasant on All Saints’ Day, but we think the idea of sharing a meal at the cemetery is wonderful, we’ll meet instead in August at the Haarzopfer Cemetery.

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone who would like to remember a deceased person together with others is invited—no matter how long ago the death occurred.

What can you expect?

Tables and benches will be set up. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Cake will be available, but you’re also welcome to bring your own. Whether your loved one’s grave is in this cemetery or somewhere else entirely: on this day, we’ll talk about those we miss and remember them. We’ll share the cake and our grief with others—whether through conversation or in silence.

When and where?

The event will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Haarzopf Cemetery. To help us prepare, please register in advance and let us know if you’ll be bringing something to eat. Of course, you’re also welcome to drop by spontaneously—even without bringing a cake.

Contact: elisabeth.mueller@segen45.de or 0157 / 715 539 86

About the Organizer

Segen45 is a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For over a year and a half, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen—in a simple, unconventional, and local way.

What?
Segen45 is moving into a space on the NEUE INSEL and is throwing an opening party there

Where?
NEUE INSEL, Westfalenstraße 98, right on the Ruhr Valley Bike Path

When?
August 17, 2025, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Just under a year ago, the FLUSSWERK opened its doors as a nonprofit and inclusive event venue on the NEUE INSEL. The surrounding area has been — and continues to be — redeveloped, renovated, and remodeled. And so, in July, the space at the entrance to the FLUSSWERK was finally completed and Segen45 moved in. On August 17, we’ll celebrate the grand opening.

Who exactly is this for?

We’re throwing a joyful celebration together with supporters, friends, people who’ve already shared experiences with us, and anyone else who wants to join us. At 3:30 p.m., there will be a small but lovely blessing ceremony to mark the opening, followed by more celebrations with refreshing drinks, activities, and waffles.

What can you expect?

Segen45 is a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For about a year and a half, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen. We celebrate baptisms and weddings with you, bless you during times of transition or on special anniversaries, and are also there for you at funerals. Uncomplicated, unconventional, and right here in the community.

And so we’re thrilled that we finally have a place where people can visit us and where we can hold special blessing ceremonies. The event venue FLUSSWERK and Segen45 complement each other perfectly with what they have to offer, and so

And so we’re absolutely thrilled that we finally have a place where people can visit us and where we can hold special blessing ceremonies. The event venues FLUSSWERK and Segen45 complement each other perfectly with what they have to offer, and this will make us even more visible in the urban landscape.

At the opening celebration, we’ll officially open our office. Our guests will have the chance to explore FLUSSWERK, raise a glass with us, listen to music, enjoy waffles, and experience blessings.

Segen45 on the NEUE INSEL

In the period leading up to the fall break, we’ll be staffing the office on a selective basis, following the opening hours of the pop-up beer garden (Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), and of course, we’ll also be available there at other times by appointment.

We also post information about Segen45 events at NEUEN INSEL or other locations in Essen on our website: www.segen45.de

About the Organizer

Segen45 is a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For about a year and a half, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

I carry you — God.

What?
Segen45 is organizing a big baptism celebration on the grounds of the Steeler Freibad

Where?
Steeler Freibad, Westfalenstraße 210a

When?
September 21, 2025, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Would you like to be baptized — or have your child baptized — and experience your personal moment with God? Would you like to become part of the global Christian community and a member of the Evangelical Church? Would you like to celebrate your baptism with a joyful festival, in an unusual location, and with lots of people? Then sign up yourself or your child for our big baptism celebration on the grounds of the Steeler Outdoor Pool.

Who exactly is this for?

For anyone who would like to be baptized or have their child baptized but hasn’t done so yet for a variety of reasons. The event is primarily aimed at people with children, but teenagers and adults seeking baptism are, of course, also welcome.

In addition, we invite all residents of Essen to join us in celebrating worship—no registration is required, of course.

What can you expect?

With the help of many pastors, musicians, and volunteers, Segen45 is organizing a joyful and family-friendly open-air worship service featuring a band and a project choir. The baptism will take place as a personal ritual at a baptismal station, surrounded by your loved ones. It’s even possible to be baptized in the Ruhr River or with water from the Ruhr. Afterward, you can relax in a laid-back atmosphere on picnic blankets and at beer stands.

Sign up — either for yourself or your child—invite your favorite people, and celebrate your baptism with us at the Steeler Freibad. If the weather’s nice enough, you can even take a dip in the pool afterward.

Join in!

To make the service especially festive, we’re forming a project choir. Friends, grandparents, godparents, or simply anyone who enjoys singing — anyone who wants to can join in! Choir experience is helpful but not required. There are no age restrictions or prerequisites. Pop cantor Lina Wittemeier will rehearse polyphonic pop and gospel songs with you on three Tuesday evenings in September (September 2–16, 2025). To help us plan better, please register for the project choir via our website.

I want to know more!

On our event website, www.ruhr-taufe.de, you’ll find information and registration details for our big baptism celebration and for joining the project choir. There’s also a detailed FAQ section. If you still have questions, feel free to send an email to: info@segen45.de

Information about the organizer

RUHRtaufe is organized by Segen45, a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For about a year and a half, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to people in Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

Segen45 Wins Third Place in the Bergmoser + Höller Foundation’s Evangelism Award

Award Ceremony Held During the Protestant Church Congress in Hanover – 2,000 euros in prize money for the “Glitter Tattoo Blessing” project

Great joy at Segen45: The team was awarded third place in the Bergmoser + Höller Foundation’s Proclamation Award for its efforts at Essen Original, where they distributed glitter tattoos with blessings. The prize is endowed with 2,000 euros and was ceremoniously presented during the Protestant Church Congress.

At the Segen45 booth at Essen Original, visitors could have a glittery tattoo applied to their skin, featuring various designs—from unicorns to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex—as well as the phrase “I am an original.” As the tattoo was being applied, people were blessed. With this form of blessing, Segen45 offers an unconventional way to bestow blessings on people in the midst of their everyday lives — colorful, visible, and unconventional. The jury particularly commended the creative and courageous form of proclamation, which appeals to new target groups and brings faith to life.

During the awards ceremony, all three winners presented their projects to an interested audience. Segen45 took the opportunity to share their experiences with the glitter tattoo blessing and their diverse range of other projects.

The project will continue this year as well: At the Essen Original City Festival, Segen45 will once again be there with glitter tattoo blessings to make people shine.

About the Organizer

Segen45 is a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. Since 2024, Segen45 has made it its mission to offer blessings to the people of Essen — in a simple, unconventional, and local way.

A Pop-Up Baptism Event Hosted by the Evangelical Church of Essen

What?
Segen45 organizes impromptu baptisms

Where?
Evangelical Church of Essen Werden, Heckstraße 54–56, 45239 Essen-Kettwig

When?
May 18, 2025, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Would you like to be baptized and experience your own personal moment with God? Would you like to become part of the global Christian community and a member of the Evangelical Church? Then come by and experience a baptism that’s uncomplicated and spontaneous, yet still personal.

Who exactly is this for?

For anyone who would like to be baptized but hasn’t done so yet for a variety of reasons. The event is primarily aimed at people aged 14 and older who are of religious age, but it’s also possible to have a younger child baptized.

What can you expect?

A small, spontaneous baptism where the Segen45 team, with the help of many pastors, musicians, and volunteers, will organize a baptismal celebration for you. You don’t have to worry about a thing — just enjoy your special baptismal moment.

Come on May 18 starting at 3:00 p.m. to register next to the main entrance of the Protestant church in Werden. There, you’ll meet with a pastor to talk and choose the setting that’s right for you. Whether you come alone or with people who are especially important to you — we look forward to celebrating your baptism with you. If you’d like, you can make your own baptismal candle as a keepsake while you’re there.

I want to know more!

On our event website, www.ruhr-taufe.de, you’ll find information about the PopUp Baptism and our big baptism celebration in September at the Steeler outdoor pool. There’s also a detailed FAQ section. If you still have questions, feel free to send an email to: info@segen45.de

Information about the organizer

RUHRtaufe is organized by Segen45, a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For over a year now, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

A Blessing for Retirement – A Worship Service

What?
A station-style worship service with a rite of passage for people who are about to retire or who have recently begun receiving their pension

Where?
Kirche am Markt, Martin-Luther-Platz, 45219 Essen-Kettwig

When?
March 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

The prospect of retirement can trigger a wide range of emotions. Perhaps you’re looking forward to having more time to do as you please and to sleeping in in the mornings. Perhaps you’re worried about whether your money will last once your monthly paycheck is replaced by a significantly smaller pension payment. Perhaps you have no idea yet how you’ll fill your time in the future and would prefer to keep working and not change a thing. Or perhaps your situation is entirely different.

We’d like to walk alongside you during this special time. Between saying goodbye and setting out anew, between uncertainty and new prospects, between wistfulness and joy, we want to pause together, look back and look ahead, consciously cross the threshold, and receive a blessing for what is to grow and emerge anew.

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone who is currently grappling with the topic of retirement is invited — whether it’s because retirement is just around the corner, has just begun, or because your partner is taking this step. Whether you’re looking forward to this new phase of life with joy, uncertainty, fear, or anger — we’d like to help you shape this transition mindfully.

What can you expect?

At various stations, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on what this transition into a new phase of life means for you. Where are you in this transition? What questions are on your mind—ones you may not even have realized you had yet? You can plant something new and receive a blessing. There will also be a brief reflection and music featuring a grand piano and saxophone. Afterward, we invite you to enjoy light refreshments.

When and where?
The service will take place on March 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kirche am Markt in Essen-Kettwig.
To help us plan, please register—preferably by March 7, 2025—at: gemeindebuero@ev-kirche-kettwig.de

Information about the organizer

The event is a joint project of Segen45, a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen, and the Evangelical Parish of Essen-Kettwig.

A Christmas Eve service by Segen45 for people mourning the loss of a loved one

What?
A station service for people mourning the loss of a loved one

Where?
Kreuzeskirche, Kreuzeskirchstraße 16, 45127 Essen-Altstadt

When?
December 24, 2024, 11:15 a.m.

On December 24, 2024, we invite you for the second time to a Christmas Eve service that is different from other Christmas services. We are holding a service for everyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
Time and again, in conversations about grief, we hear the phrase: “I’m skipping Christmas this year!” The feeling that there’s no room for grief during this glittering, sparkling, and joyful family celebration is widespread. The people we invite to this service are united by the fact that at Christmas, they are once again painfully reminded that someone important is no longer with them.

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone who would like to remember a deceased loved one together with others is invited — no matter how long ago the death occurred. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages, from singles and couples to entire families.

What can you expect?

The Stations of the Cross service provides a space for your feelings and a place for memories, grief, and anger. You can create a memorial candle for your loved one who has passed away, take out your anger on a punching bag, or listen to the music with your eyes closed. There will also be a reflection and a blessing for the holidays. Afterward, we invite you to enjoy fruit punch and gingerbread.

When and where?
The service will take place on December 24, 2024, at 11:15 a.m. at the Kreuzeskirche in downtown Essen.

About the Organizer

The event, initiated by Segen45—a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen — is part of the diverse pastoral care offerings provided by local congregations. For over a year now, Segen45 has been committed to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a simple, unconventional, and local way.

The churches in Essen are offering a special blessing service

What?
Blessing service for pregnant women and expectant parents
Where?
Church at Elisabeth Hospital, Essen
When?
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

What?
Blessing service for families with newborns
Where?
Fulerum Community Center, Humboldtstr. 167, Essen
When?
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m.

Christmas is just around the corner — the holiday when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. During this season, the Protestant and Catholic churches in Essen are once again jointly offering blessings for expectant mothers and newborns. “For me, Christmas is a celebration of miracles: The birth of Jesus reminds us that life is a gift and a miracle. And who feels this more keenly at this time of year than people who are expecting a child or have a newborn?” says Pastor Juliane Gayk of the Protestant blessing agency Segen45. New and expectant parents experience a whole range of emotions — from great joy to uncertainty and even fear — because everything is new and the responsibility is immense. “That’s why we want to reassure parents: God is with you and sustains you and your child,” says Gayk, who, together with a team of people from the Protestant and Catholic churches, is offering the two different blessing ceremonies.

Who exactly is this for?

People who are currently expecting a child or have recently welcomed a new addition to their family are warmly invited to have themselves and their child blessed. You’re also welcome to bring along your favorite people — those who are supporting you during this time or are especially close to you. Of course, we also look forward to welcoming blended families, single parents, and foster families. Everyone is welcome at the blessing ceremonies, regardless of their religious affiliation.

What can you expect?

A blessing ceremony is a small service that includes music, prayer, and readings, as well as a personal blessing for the parents and child.

When and where?
The blessing ceremony for families with newborns will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Fulerum Community Center (near the Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum), Humboldtstr. 167. Parking is available.

We invite you to the blessing ceremony for pregnant women and expectant parents on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the church at Elisabeth Hospital, following the information evening for expectant parents (access through the hospital or directly from Ruhrallee).

Information about the organizer

The event is jointly hosted by the Protestant and Catholic churches. On the part of the Essen church district, it is part of the Segen45 program.
For over a year now, Segen45 has been committed to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

Festival of the Dead at the Evangelical Church in Essen

What?
An evening of comfort for people who are mourning the loss of a loved one

Where?
At four different locations in Essen

When?
November 17–23, 2024

A long table. Candles. Food that tells a story. Sharing joy and grief. Savoring and remembering together. This year, we want to try something new around Remembrance Sunday—and we warmly invite you to join us!
Grief can be lonely. Perhaps you feel like there’s no room for your feelings in your circle of friends and family. That makes it all the more important to find places where there’s space for your grief — and where you’ll be strengthened and blessed.
We at Segen45 want to create such spaces, and we’re excited to try out a new format this November in collaboration with four congregations in Essen. We warmly invite you to the Festival of the Dead.

Who exactly is this for?

Everyone is invited who would like to remember a deceased person together with others—no matter how long ago the death occurred.

What can you expect?

We remember our loved ones who have passed away by sharing meals that connect us to them. This could be a marble cake, pizza from your favorite Italian restaurant, or potato salad made from an old family recipe—whatever your favorite comfort foods are that are easy to bring along. We’ll share stories from their lives and bring our memories of them to life. If you’d like, you can bring a photo and/or an item that you associate with the person who has passed away. Music, readings, and a blessing ritual are part of the celebration.

When and where?

The event will take place at four different locations at four different times. To help us plan, it would be helpful if you could register in advance, but you’re also welcome to drop by spontaneously.

November 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial Hall at Matthäus Cemetery (heated!)
Marreweg 1, 45355 Essen (Borbeck-Vogelheim)
Registration:
info@borbeck-vogelheim.de
T 0201 87651212

November 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Fulerum Community Center
Humboldtstraße 167, 45149 Essen (Haarzopf/Emmaus)
Registration:
elisabeth.mueller@ekir.de
T 0157 71553986

November 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Christuskirche
Dixbäume 87, 45257 Essen (Kupferdreh)
Registration:
carina.hermann@ekir.de
T 0201 2205-305

November 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Evangelical Community Center
Stemmering 20, 45259 Essen (Essen-Heisingen)
Registration:
buero@paulus-kirche.de
T 0201 466471

Information about the organizer

The event, initiated by Segen45, a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen, is part of a diverse range of pastoral care services offered by local congregations. For over a year now, Segen45 has been committed to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

The Protestant Church of Essen’s Pop-Up Wedding Festival

What?
Segen45 organizes impromptu wedding celebrations

Where?
Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at five locations

When?
September 21, 2024, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Do you want to say “I do” with God’s blessing? Spontaneous, uncomplicated, and special? Then our Pop-Up Wedding Festival #einfachheiraten on September 21, 2024, is just the thing for you!
For many people, their wedding is one of the most important days of their lives. But that doesn’t mean for everyone that this day has to be planned months in advance, cost a lot of money, or be celebrated with at least 200 guests.
For us at Segen45, a startup of the Evangelical Church in Essen, a wedding is all about celebrating love and God’s blessing on the relationship. And that’s exactly what we want to celebrate with the people of Essen:

Who exactly is this for?
Whether you’re same-sex, queer, or straight, newly in love or have been together for 30 years—if you want to celebrate your bond with God’s blessing, then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be blessed without a lot of planning or a formal ceremony. The focus is on you, your love, and God’s blessing for your relationship. The only requirement: You must be over 18 years old.

What can you expect?
A small, spontaneous wedding where the Segen45 team — with the help of many pastors, musicians, and volunteers—will organize a blessing ceremony for you. You don’t have to worry about a thing — just enjoy your unforgettable moment.
Come to the main entrance of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex on September 21 starting at 12:00 p.m. to register. You can bring guests or have the approximately 30-minute ceremony just for yourselves. Once there, you’ll choose a location, a time, and a song. Small booths offering flower wreaths and wedding attire, food trucks, and artistic performances will make your day a truly special experience. As a memento of your day, you’ll receive a certificate and, of course, a wedding photo.

That’s too spontaneous for me!
If you like the format but still prefer to plan a little in advance despite all the spontaneity, you can register ahead of time on the website www.einfachheiraten.ruhr. Half of the time slots can be booked in advance.

I want to know more!
On our event website, www.einfachheiraten.ruhr, you’ll find more information about the various locations, a detailed FAQ, and the registration option mentioned above. If you have any further questions, feel free to send an email to: info@einfachheiraten.ruhr

Information about the organizer
#einfachheiraten is organized by Segen45, a startup of the Protestant Church in Essen. For over a year now, Segen45 has been dedicated to offering blessings to the people of Essen — in a straightforward, unconventional, and local way.

Outside, it’s stormy and unpleasant, but inside the Kreuzeskirche, candles are burning, music fills the room, and it’s warm.

The church fills up; 80 people of all ages find a seat and listen to the band BE-Sound-Trio. The singer begins “For Those Who Can’t Be Here” by Tom Walker, and a special Christmas Eve service begins.

“Christmas is a time of love and laughter, yet deep down, my heart isn’t laughing today. It’s the time of year that comes around again, but this year it comes without you. For the world is still the same — but you’re missing.” With this quote from spoken-word artist Sarah Marie, Jule Gayk welcomes the visitors. She and Eva Gabra from Segen45, a new initiative in the Essen church district, prepared this service because, in conversations with people in mourning, they repeatedly heard the phrase: “I’m skipping Christmas this year!” The feeling that there’s no room for grief during this glittering, sparkling, and joyful family celebration is widespread. The people who have gathered here are united by the fact that at Christmas, they are once again painfully reminded that someone important is no longer here.

And so this service is different from other Christmas services. At the beginning, everyone can light a candle for the person who has passed away. There are boxes of tissues everywhere, and no one looks at you funny if a few tears fall. There’s plenty of music, and anyone who wants to can sing along. And then everyone can get involved in their own way. There are blessing stations and the opportunity to write a card to the deceased. You can stay seated and listen to the music or create a commemorative Christmas ornament for the tree at home. There’s also a cozy reading corner with books about Christmas and grief for all ages. For anyone who wants to let out some anger or feel their own strength, there’s a punching bag set up in the foyer.

Following this, Eva Gabra reminds us why Christmas is especially for those who are grieving: “This birth, which we celebrate today, invites us to a new beginning with a deep connection to eternity. Today, the prospect of a deep connection to God opens up — a God who knows me, my pain, my doubts, my longing… And a deep connection to all who have passed away: For this is the profound message of this child’s entire life — that nothing can separate us, not even death, from the love that dwells in God.”

After the service, some attendees stay for fruit punch and gingerbread. The atmosphere is cheerful; you can sense the confidence that they’ll be able to get through the upcoming holidays. “We’ll be back next year. And I’ll bring a friend with me,” says one attendee as she takes her leave, and many others also express their gratitude for this intense yet uplifting hour on Christmas Eve.

The Segen45 team is also grateful and fulfilled after their service, which was also an experiment — a successful one. That’s why the Kreuzeskirche has already been booked again. On December 24, 2024, at 11:15 a.m., there will be another service under the theme “Christmas — We Miss You!”