The Rev. Alexander von Wascinski describes his church in Munich, Germany, as colorful, multicultural and welcoming. Peace Church United Methodist formed in the 1980s as a traditional United Methodist congregation. As migrants have come to Germany in increasing numbers, Peace Church has embraced these newcomers and become their church home.
Jennifer Rodia of United Methodist Communications talked to von Wascinski while in Germany about Peach Church and its message of welcome.
For more information on Peace Church, visit its Facebook page.
(video transcript below)
The Rev. Alexander von Wascinski: “The Peace Church is a very special church. It started off in the ’80s in in Munich in a very traditional Methodist congregation, but then became its own charge. And finally, it grew to up to 160 members, and they are members from all over the place; people who came to Germany about 40 years ago, and then you have some who came as refugees not too long ago. So, people from so many different places feel that Peace Church is a home to them, a real spiritual home to them.”
(video of worship on a Sunday morning) “Created in your image, but tempted by sin…”
The Rev. Alexander von Wascinski: “We don’t own a church building. We are, we’re guests with a host church. [Music] A lot of our liturgical texts are actually projected, because for most people English is not the first language. And we want to make sure that people understand, that they can see, read, that they can really fully participate in what is actually said and preached in the service.
So, they come from very diverse Christian backgrounds, from Roman Catholic to absolute independent churches, some Methodists, some Baptist, really all the different backgrounds. But we can gather in a quite dedicated Methodist liturgy, and we do it in a way that all can feel comfortable and always feel welcome.
After the service, we have the same time we have for the worship service we spend with church coffee, very open church coffee. They have a wonderful place where you can … where on a sunny day you can go out, and in a churchyard have church coffee all together. And people coming to Peace Church for the first time, they always say, “I feel so welcome, and this is really special.” If you are looking for a place that is colorful, that is truly multicultural, that is not dominated by a certain skin color ... come to Peace Church and join us. Because it can be a home for everyone.” [Music]
Read more about Peace Church's origins in a reflection by former Global Missionary and pastor James Dwyer.
Rodia is Head of Partnerships, News & Production for United Methodist Communications. Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
