Local Photo Calendar by Evangelical Churches of Gräfrath and Ketzberg: A Symbol of Community and Gratitude
Gratitude showcased through a 12-month gift, in acknowledgment of the collective
The Evangelical Churches of Gräfrath and Ketzberg have recently published a local photo calendar, aiming to express appreciation to their over 3600 members and the wider community. This annual calendar, distributed together with the community newsletters, features photographs taken by local hobby photographers, showcasing various locations in the two districts.
A Token of Gratitude
Pastor Christof Bleckmann, based in Ketzberg, and Pastor Thomas Schorsch, based in Gräfrath, both expressed that the calendars are a way to express gratitude to members who may not regularly attend church services or community groups. They believe that the calendars serve as a reminder of the collective identity and the beauty of the two districts.
Calendar Features
The calendar features images that people in the two districts can identify with, such as the Lützowstraße Light Tower, a crocus meadow, the Easter window in Gräfrath, the church in Ketzberg, the Klingentrail, the Gräfrath market, and many more. The cover photo shows a view from a bench at the Park Cemetery, looking towards Fuhr.
Collaborative Effort
The calendar was produced with the help of the KD-Bank Foundation and the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, covering the printing costs. The jury selected the twelve motives for the calendar from many submitted employee photos. The cover photo of the calendar was taken by Annekatrin Helbing-Regiert.
Distribution and Impact
Approximately 3,600 members of the two Evangelical Churches received the calendar in their mailboxes in December, along with the community newsletter. Additional copies were given to local businesses. The calendar and the accompanying letter from the two pastors aim to send a signal of appreciation to the community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in local heritage.
The calendar serves as a testament to the strong ties between the Evangelical Churches and the wider community. It strengthens the churches' visibility and outreach beyond religious services, offering a unique opportunity for residents to engage with the churches in a meaningful way. As the Evangelical Churches of Gräfrath and Ketzberg prepare to merge into a new church in 2027, the calendar project continues to be a symbol of community, appreciation, and shared identity.
- The calendar, showcasing various locations in the districts such as the Lützowstraße Light Tower, a crocus meadow, and the Klingentrail, serves as a reminder of the collective lifestyle and the beauty of the home-and-garden settings in the two communities.
- Participating in the annual calendar project, which features the Park Cemetery and the church in Ketzberg, among other landmarks, offers residents an opportunity to engage with the Evangelical Churches in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of gratitude and shared identity.
