Vesper Church: A place of warmth and encounter for lonely souls!

Vesper Church: A place of warmth and encounter for lonely souls!

From Sunday, January 19, 2026, the 31st Vesper Church in Stuttgart will open its doors. This facility offers warm food as well as a space for meetings and conversations for people from different social classes for seven weeks until March 8, 2026. Pastor Gabriele Ehrmann plays a central role in the organization and places particular emphasis on the exchange between old and new guests. In previous years, at least 600 meals were served every day - last year it was an estimated 36,000. This is against the background that around 60,000 people in Stuttgart live on the poverty line and around 4,000 are homeless or homeless SWR reported.

The Vesperkirche is aimed at people with low incomes, recipients of community benefit, seniors and homeless people. In addition to warm meals, various social activities are provided, including the “Stuttgart Street University”, which imparts knowledge regardless of budget. Hairdressing appointments and medical care from a team of doctors are also available. It is interesting to introduce a veterinarian to also offer support to guests' pets. Volunteers provide a cultural highlight with concerts every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A diverse program

The Vesperkirche program is planned by a steering group consisting of Carola Benker, Nathalie Koch, Pastor Dennis Müller and managing director Martin Rumpf. This group reacts quickly to the interests of the guests and adapts the cultural offerings accordingly. New elements such as cinema evenings and special performances are also part of the offer, which aims to offer guests a varied and appealing time. This year, foot care will not be offered, but employees have the opportunity to come forward at short notice and offer their help, like this Bietigheim newspaper highlights.

However, the basic concept of the Vesperkirche remains unchanged: it opens church rooms during the cold season and offers warm meals at a symbolic price. This happens regardless of the religion or need of the visitors. The Vesperkirche not only promotes community and spirituality, but also offers opportunities for people who want to get involved. Many guests become employees and can thus actively participate in the events. The social approach of the Vesperkirche sends a strong message against material and social hardship.

A space for social issues

In the Vesperkirche people not only talk about personal matters, but also social issues. For example, three weeks before the federal election on February 23rd there will be political discourse. The “Democracy Bike” offers free political education and information on election programs to promote political participation. This initiative shows the Vesperkirche's intention to not only offer material support, but also to enable social, cultural and political participation, such as Diakonia Bavaria emphasized.

Overall, the Vesperkirche in Stuttgart becomes an important place for encounters and exchanges that reflects the diversity of people in society and offers them support in their often challenging life situations.