News from the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Marx on the Volga Nr. 3 October 2013 “Many celebrations were held in the governorate/province of Saratov from July 18-20, 2013, upon the occasions of the 250th anniversary of the manifesto proclaimed by Empress Catherine II that had the title “Concerning the Invitation of Foreign Settlers,” and the 90th anniversary of the State Historical Archive in Engels. Leading figures and members of national German ethnic and cultural organizations, societies of artists and members of Russian German clubs took part in these events. The youth in the Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Marx also participated.” We received this report from church secretary Natalia Meidt right after our return from Russia and we want to report on the important events of this summer by commenting on the following happenings. News from Marx between June and August: A series of celebrations took place in Saratov and they began with the public presentation of the brochure informing of the 250th anniversary of Catherine the Second’s manifesto, a festival concert and the bestowing of memorial medals to senior citizens who were honoured in this way, co-workers and figures active in German cultural centers. The second day in the province of Saratov began with the laying of flowers at the monument to commemorate “the Russian Germans - the victims of repressive acts in the USSR.” This took place on the grounds of the Historical State Archive for Volga Germans in Engels. It was followed by an education seminar held within the confines of the buildings that are a part of the state archive. Its theme was the 250th anniversary of the first German settlements in the Volga Region. There was also a festival concert held in Engels. The closing day of celebration was held in the city of Marx (formerly called Marx City). The morning was taken up by attendance at worship services in the Evangelical Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches. Pastor V. Rodikov held the anniversary worship service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church during which memorial plaques were placed with the names of all the pastors who served there. The day’s activities continued with a festive theatrical performance commemorating the 250th anniversary of manifesto at the Spring Square/Brunnenplatz next to the monument dedicated to Catherine II. Natalya reports: “The audience viewed the operatic and choreographic theatrical play “The Settlement of the Volga Lands.” The main heroes of this theatrical endeavour were the participants in the Interregional Linguistic Youth Academy, the “Summer University” and the play was organized by Natalya Meidt from the city of Marx. Within the space of one week and under the direction of an experienced producer an amazing theatrical presentation was produced by active members of the youth societies and the Russian German clubs. Empress Catherine II who was embodied in the person of Adelina Neiman (from the city of St. Petersburg), caused a wave of special admiration among the guests from the city. The festival program continued with an opportunity to study the exhibit prepared by the Museum of the Homeland and to learn about the work of the Russian German House in Marx. But the festival did not end in Marx as yet! In Catherine II Park there were performances of various German folk dances and folk songs to the sounds of accordion accompaniment. A common meal held in Marx for the participants of the anniversary events and the festival program in honour of the 250th Anniversary of Catherine the Second’s Manifesto closed with the bestowing of letters of gratitude and memorial medals. Shows such as these not only make it possible to celebrate pivotal events of history pertaining to our folk group along with others but above all allow participants to carry on conversations with members of the older generation who remain anchored in the language and the culture and allow all to experience the feeling of affinity to one’s own folk group. This is especially important for children and youth and it is necessary to undertake as much as possible in order to create opportunities for the same.” A camp for children from Osinovka and Lipovka led by several members of the congregation was held in the Evangelical Lutheran church in Marx. Thanks to the well-organized work of the team the program was educational and varied. Pastor Vladimir Rodikov led morning and general prayers as well as all the Bible studies. The program consisted of songs and dancing, various games played outside in the fresh air, playing sports and making handicrafts. The activities took place in an unbridled friendly atmosphere and every child felt important and needed. Riding and a trip on the Volga as well as a visit to the museum were parts of the program. Bible studies were held with the following themes: “God loves me!” “Jesus can do everything!” “Who are the Children of God?” “What does God expect of Children?” “Who is God to me personally?” and “I am important to God!” Comments by the Participants came from: Karina: “I liked absolutely everything. The most important thing for me was that I learned more about God. I thank all the leaders!” Polina: (from Osinovka): “I have been at a camp like this for the second time. The camp was awesome. I will miss it a lot. Everything was really good.” Yevgeny (from Lipovka): “My name is Yevgeny and this is my second time at a Christian camp for children. It was a really happy place there. We did a lot and talked about God and Jesus. I got to know children of various ages. Thank you very much for this camp.” Angela (from Lipovka): “It was too bad that the camp was so short and only one week long. The time passed by quickly and we are going to miss it. I like the Bible studies. After each Bible study I had a new understanding and view of various times in my life. Thanks to all the leaders! You are great!” Actual Happenings during the Last Few Months: The roof has been repaired again. Pastor V. Rodikov figures that it will be able to better withstand storms now. The colour printer has been purchased. It is a color laser printer. It is the best solution for temperatures during winter. It has been installed but the registration could not take place because the internet connection does not work. Volodya has been strongly advised to have the internet connection repaired. Please pray for these special needs: - Aid for church members in the villages, especially for the elderly and the ill. - God’s blessings for the work with children in the villages, the development of youth work in Marx - God’s blessings and aid for Pastor Volodya Rodikov and his co-workers in the work that needs to be done in the congregation. - Wisdom and the ability that lead to success in the application for government funds for the restoration of the church building. - God’s aid in the search for an architect and good ideas for continuing renovations in the church. >From the newsletter editor: Another newsletter will give a report on the Volga trip that the church members from Potsdam in Germany and Schoonhoven in the Netherlands took. Trinity Evangelical Church in Marx is a partner congregation of the Church of the Star in Potsdam. Publisher: Helga Gubatz; Tel.: 01149 30 805 11 96; E-mail: h.gubatz@t-online.de Contact: The Potsdam Evangelical Church of the Star, Mission Society for Marx on the Volga, Im Schaeferfeld 1, 14480 Potsdam, Germany, Ursula Friedrich: Tel.: 01149 331 62 34 29, E-mail: lafrie@web.de For the Support of the partner congregation in Marx donations may be transferred to the following account: Kirchliches Verwaltungsamt Potsdam, K-Nr: 779 202; BLZ: 210 602 37; Kreditinstitut: EDG Kiel, For general donations: 2110.02.2210.1; For specific donations: 2110.02.2210.2