Friedensau was on the road again

Sabbath morning, January 24th: The air is fresh, and an air of expectation and anticipation hangs over the Adventist Church in Stuttgart-Mitte. A group from Friedensau had traveled south – with the Friedensau film in their luggage – and experienced the church service in Stuttgart. Naturally, the guests took part in organizing the service. Theology student Theresa took the youth class. The sermon was given by Dr. Johannes Hartlapp. He gave it under the title "Everything new". His words conveyed hope for renewal, showed God's work in our history and looked to the promised tomorrow when Jesus returns. A service full of silence and strength that will resonate for a long time to come.

A movie night that brings people together

Later that afternoon, the congregation hall of the Adventist Church was once again filled with voices and anticipation. Brothers and sisters from many congregations – including Böblingen, Esslingen, Ostfildern, Backnang, Pforzheim, Zeutern, Mühlacker and even Lahr – had come to the movie night. Despite the tight parking situation in Stuttgart-Mitte, the guests did not miss the opportunity to experience the film screening. The film "Echo of faith: Friedensau – a place of education and mission" showed episodes from the past and present: from the pioneering years to the challenges of the war and GDR era to the state recognition of the university in 1990 and right up to the present day. Past and present merge on the screen, telling of courage, faith and hope.

Questions that linger

Five perspectives came together in the subsequent panel discussion: through the screenwriter and church historian Dr. Johannes Hartlapp, the actors Yevgeniy Solovyov – who played the Russian soldier – and Holger Menzel as government councillor Dr. Paschasius. In addition, Theresa Peters, the assistant director, and my role as an extra and the person responsible for press and marketing. The questions from the audience were varied, even unexpected. One child's question about the title, why "Echo of Faith", is particularly memorable! Other questions opened up new horizons: What do we want from the film? How does the university position itself and how should our church position itself in view of current world events – both here in Germany and worldwide?

Between the smell of waffles and conversations

While the congregation attentively and lovingly took care of the physical well-being with fragrant waffles, fresh pretzels and drinks, conversations developed that went far beyond the official program. For almost an hour afterwards, people asked questions, listened and reflected – a movie night turned into a warm, cordial exchange that made the positive togetherness visible.

Happy homecoming

The trip itself was also a blessed experience for the guests from Friedensau. The weather forecasts were sometimes dramatic. However, the roads on the journey home proved to be completely unproblematic, with no snow and no icy conditions. It was only after the return to Friedensau that the expected winter capers occurred. The memories of the day remain sunny and bright.

The Friedensau film "Echo of Faith" can still be shown throughout Germany. Just send an email request to"> . In spring 2026, the film will be released on USB stick (here with bonus material) and can be purchased in this way – or via online video streaming platforms. Further information can be found at film.friedensau.de.

Dr. Inna Mayer, Head of the Marketing and PR Department