In Stockholm
On the campus of Stockholm University with Credo Bible study group. Simone, far right, is a student leader who plans and hosts the Bible study each week. Pray for her as she manages her studies and also shares her leadership gifts to build others up in Christ.
Hugo is a staff member of Credo, a Christian student union that has a presence across Sweden. For the past year and half I have partnered with Credo in supporting student leaders as they lead ministries on their campus. On this evening we visited the Credo small group that meets every week on the campus of Stockholm University. For this study Hugo was invited by the group to lead the Bible study and discussion. It was such a blessing to see him teach and interact with the students. We could feel that there is authentic community happening here where students are welcomed and nurtured in their faith. There are some exciting things happening in each of the small groups as they encourage each other in faith and also intentionally reach out beyond their small groups.
The Credo leaders at the Royal Technical University have offered an Alpha Course this spring term and are excited about the response on campus. A steady group of seekers are gathering to share in a meal, bring their questions, and learn about the foundations of the Christian faith.
Pray for the student leaders of Credo as they step out in faith to use their gifts. Pray for their growing trust and dependence on Christ as they lead and encourage others.
In Stockholm Central Station with St. Peter’s outreach to our homeless neighbors
Each Saturday evening a small group heads out from St. Peter’s church with a wagon full of coffee thermoses and two hundred sandwiches in pull carts and walks down to the central station. Once there the group walks throughout the station visiting the various places where our homeless neighbors are sheltering. After three years of weekly visits to the station many people are expecting St. Peter’s to be there and greet us with warm hellos and a graciousness that is humbling. Some of these neighbors are immigrants and have no legal rights to receive shelter from social services. Others are pensioners who don’t have enough monthly income to pay their rent and have no relatives to take them in. Still others struggle with mental illness and addiction. As the situation grew more acute the churches and other Christian based organizations have stepped in to provide places to gather for a meal and a safe place to rest. St. Peter’s made the decision to go to where the people are, to see them, and share a simple gift of food and a smile. It is a simple act of love and yet I am blessed to see the dedication of so many volunteers each week that make the food and go out of the comfort of the church to care for the most vulnerable neighbors in our city.
Pray for St. Peter’s church and many other churches and organizations in Stockholm who welcome, love and care for our homeless neighbors in Stockholm.
For people who are seeking to change their lives and be free from addiction, who are lonely and feel forgotten. For God’s love to surround them and lead them to a better place.
The Uniting Church organizes day for colleagues from other countries serving in Sweden.
A group photo taken at the end of a wonderful day together with fellow colleagues who come from other countries and are serving in the Uniting Church of Sweden. (Equmeniakyrkan)
The national leadership of the Uniting Church organized a special day at the national offices in Stockholm for colleagues who have come from outside Sweden and now serve with the denomination. It was an intentional effort to recognize the growing diversity in the denomination and to offer a venue to share and be encouraged. We worshipped together, were encouraged by reflecting on God’s Word and sharing in the Lord’s Supper and all who gathered felt a sense of being listened to and valued for the unique gifts they bring to the church.
In small groups participants were invited to share around questions relating to how we are experiencing life and ministry in Sweden. A national leader sat in each small group to listen and learn. One question I found that opened up meaningful discussion and reflection was this: What gifts do you bring from your home culture and experience that you feel can help our churches? One woman who immigrated from Iran, and serves as a deacon, shared how her experiences of seeking asylum, struggling for a permission to stay, learning a new culture help her to serve her neighbors with understanding and compassion. She also feels that with her experience she can help Swedish members learn to better welcome and care for new comers to Sweden.
I felt this was a wonderful and Spirit inspired initiative and gathering. Those who attended felt listened to and were able to bring thoughtful insight to the church leaders who organized this.
Pray for the Uniting Church as they seek to welcome, celebrate and nurture diversity within the movement. May our unity in Christ and his mission be a witness to the world of God’s reconciling work!
Our Serve Globally team in Sweden. Eric and Bonnie Sparrman and Steve and Barbara Swanson.