The Christian churches lack young people.

Each year, more members leave the congregation through death or resignation than new members join.

If this trend continues unabated, community life as we know it is threatened with extinction.

There are two main reasons for this.

The first is the church tax.

Especially in these days of inflation and rapidly rising energy prices, many people are forced to save.

The church tax is currently at the top of the cross-off list.

On the other hand, in times of fast-moving information and short, superficial messages, the church with its rituals no longer seems up to date to many.

There is a lack of interest.

In financially difficult times, the Hanau church district of the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen Waldeck in Hanau affords a project position for church life support with the addition "Celebrate life".

In particular, it is about finding new ways to inspire people for the church or at least to keep them in the congregations through interesting, individually tailored offers.

The position is occupied by Margit Zahn, a clergyman who has experience with it.

As pastor of the St. John's Church in the municipal parish, she organized art events and exhibitions of works by renowned artists in the church for several years, embedded in thematically appropriate services.

This interested many and brought them back to the church, for a short or long term.

For some time now, the pastor and a team of colleagues have been inviting people to baptisms.

The donation of the sacrament takes place on a market place or at a camping lake, according to Zahn there was always a lot of interest.

Most recently, the christening event in the Johanneskirche was a complete success.

After all, 13 people of different ages were baptized in four hours on a Saturday afternoon, nine adults had a personal blessing given as a reminder of their baptism.

Another person, already baptized, solemnly rejoined the Church.

The flexible baptism also meets the needs of the people, especially in times of a pandemic, so baptisms are also popular in the private living room or at other desired locations outside of the church.

Zahn and her comrades-in-arms strike the right note.

“In baptism you feel the blessing that is meant for you and your life.

One could say that baptism is a declaration of God's love to you personally," says the detailed announcement of the event.

These are simple words that go to the heart.