HELP US SAVE OUR CHURCH

We are an enthusiastic young couple willing to support our local Evangelical Lutheran Church in Latvia.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Medni (Krustpils region, Latvia) is seeking donations for a crucial structural renovation work. The aim is to gather money for the first phase of the refurbishment which would involve replacing the roof and restoring the walls and windows. Any financial support would be beneficial for the achievement of this aim.

The church was built in the 19^th century and served as the main religious center for the locals of, Medni, then called, Ungurmuiza. During the WWI and WWII, the church was demolished from bomb explosions, attacks and countless thefts. It was left without a roof, windows and the bell tower, its altarpieces, organs, chandeliers and other valuable objects were stolen. Since 1993, the congregation actively restores the church, while organizing a christening, baptizing, and wedding ceremonies, concerts and other events in premises belonging to the local government. They also support other religious organizations and Lutheran communities in Latvia. So far, the congregation has created a non-profit organization which is in charge of making projects for a successful church restoration. There has been restored the bell tower, water system and the church sacristy, where are held sermons (twice per month), and Bible lessons (once a week). With the establishment of the sacristy, the premises belonging to the local government are not used for church services. Although we are happy about the restoration of this part of the church, the sacristy is very small and there is not enough space for everyone attending such services as Christmas and Easter sermons. Moreover, the church is still without a roof, which makes it difficult to save the architectural heritage and already conserved and restored parts of the church, as the weather causes many damages. The congregation does not have enough resources to carry out the whole restoration of the church roof, which currently is the primary necessity.

The church is an important part of the Krustpils region’s heritage. Its construction and design has raised awareness and interest in various architects and cultural heritage lovers. However, the restoration processes are delayed by the lack of money and the local authorities’ support for this religious community and church.

The aim of this crowd funding campaign is to raise at least €1000 till the beginning of June, for the progress of the project – the restoration of the church roof. It will be used to start the first steps in the construction of the roof (project approval, minor expenses before the construction). The church roof restoration will require a lot more money, but we are enthusiastic to begin with at least the essentials.

Please support us and pray for our church congregation!

Thank you so much and may God bless you all!

Any questions regarding the fund may be forwarded to [email protected]

The church website: http://unguru.lelb.lv