As usual our visit to Colbitz began with a warm welcome from the parish over supper in the church hall. Dieter Kerntopf, the pastor, his wife, Gaby and their 3 children together with our kind hosts had all stayed up to greet us from Berlin.

The weather was sunny and warm throughout our stay and our friends had arranged a marvellous programme of visits and experiences for us. We visited Tangemunde a medieval town on the Elbe full of half timbered houses reminiscent of Ombersley or Stratford. Our visit was coinciding with a national holiday to remember the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. Over lunch in a pretty courtyard in Tangemunde our friends spoke of the events preceding the fall of the wall and how they had really not been expecting it.

The Diocese of Magdeburg was holding “a year of baptism” with an exhibition in the cathedral of many different fonts from throughout the Diocese and of “Taufengel”, “baptismal angels”, large figures carved in wood that hang from the ceiling and can be lowered down carrying a shell shaped cup of water for the baptism. It was lovely to see the cathedral so full of people visiting the exhibition. In the evening Gaby arranged a discussion on baptism for us and, with thanks to Gaby, we all managed to share our thoughts very well despite our limited German and English!

It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak German. Apart from definitely knowing what “bier” means Hugh’s German is almost non-existent. Many of our friends there have about as much English as Hugh has German. But with a good deal of laughter we get along well communicating by signs or occasionally resorting to the phrase book. It is surprising how much one can convey of love and fellowship through smiles, nods, handshakes, an arm round the shoulder -- and by enjoying together the sights and sounds of their beautiful buildings and countryside.

Hugh and Virginia Williams

Sunday October 1st ~10 am Service at Lindhorst Church.

The church is quite small but it was beautifully decorated with the Harvest produce. The service started with a ‘Bang’ literally with the drums (they were up in the balcony so we were not prepared) which were very loud and certainly woke you up. The first hymn was ‘We Plough the Fields’ so we could join in either in German or English. Afterwards we all walked a short distance to have a look at the ‘Hoffest’ in the village,this is like a small country fair. There were falcons giving a flying display, local crafts and produce and ,of course, plenty of food and drink. The locals seemed to be enjoying themselves.

We had lunch with our hosts and at 5pm we assembled in the church at Colbitz to listen to the choir who were giving a concert to celebrate their 60 years singing as a choir. Afterwards we walked to a local restaurant where the celebrations continued, plenty of food and drink and presentations. We gave our presents, framed photos for each church of the St Thomas window. and the money for Itamba High School. Rev Ron Curtis gave a little speech in German which was very well received. We then said our goodbyes to the friends who we would not see in the morning.

Monday morning

We assembled with our hosts for a short service in Colbitz church, we stood around the font and Gaby wished us well for our journey home with appropriate prayers and verses from the Bible to which Rev Ron Curtis also contributed. We then set off for our homeward journey. Arriving home at about 6pm. ~ tired but thankful for the friendship and love that we experience from our partnership. Let us hope it will continue and flourish for many years to come.

Joy Baylis

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