SRK Suviseurat, Summer Services in Pori, June 30 – July 3, 2017
God willing, the 2017 summer services will be held in Pori, situated close to the city center, on an island in the Kokemäki River. The river forks off at the center of the city of Pori into four branches forming what the locals call islets. The broad river delta is the largest of its kind in all of the Nordics and continues to expand in many directions due to the still-rising earth’s crust and sediments settling in the seabed.
The summer service site is located on the isles of Kirjuri, Hanhi, and Raatimies. The distance from the city’s market square to the service site is just over one kilometer. The whole 200 hectare contingent service area is owned by the city of Pori. A little over 100 hectares of this area is cultivated fields. The remaining area is specifically developed and constructed to host large festive events, which facilities include, among others, the Kirjurinluoto Arena and Raatimiehenluoto service park.
I am the Resurrection, and the Life
Pori Summer service motto is, “I am the Resurrection, and the Life” (St. John 11:25). The motto is from Jesus’ discussion with Martha, a member of a close and friendly family, taking place just before Jesus resurrected Martha and Mary’s brother Lazarus from death. Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (St. John 11:25–26). This motto pauses each of us to think about the foundation of my faith and ultimate goal of faith and life.
This year’s summer service organizers are the member congregations from the provinces of Satakunta, Pirkanmaa, Kanta-Häme and Varsinais-Suomi, altogether twelve Associations of Peace. Last time Pori hosted summer services was in 1946, just after the war, so it was a time of shortages. The Siionin Lähetyslehti (the SRK’s monthly mission paper) invitation included the message; “Service guests are asked to pack their own food and possible food ration coupons plus a plate, spoon, glass and cup for individual servings.”
We hope such wording will not be necessary in this year’s invitation. We strive to see there will be plenty of servings of food for all the summer service guests and that all the overall conditions will enable everyone in attendance to quieten comfortably and securely to listen and believe the Word of God.
You are wholeheartedly welcome to these Summer Services in Pori!
The Main Service Committee