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With tears and laughter: Farewell to Thomas Kern in Marktleuthen!
Thomas Kern, community representative in the Fichtelgebirge, was ceremoniously farewelled. After 10 years he returns to his homeland.
With tears and laughter: Farewell to Thomas Kern in Marktleuthen!
A farewell with mixed feelings took place last Saturday afternoon in the parish community of Marktleuthen, Kirchenlamitz, Weißenstadt and Röslau. Thomas Kern, also known as “Tom”, is leaving his position as a community representative after ten years and returning to his home region near Nabburg in the Upper Palatinate. The members of the community said goodbye to a person who always had an open ear for people's concerns and was passionately committed to the community. […]
Kern was honored at a festive service led by Pastors Gromadzki, Fischer and Wandtke. Participants from the entire parish community, including Protestant communities, came together to properly celebrate Kern's achievements. Ingo Schlötzer, spokesman for the parish community, recalled Kern's start of training in 2015 and its completion in 2017, which highlighted Kern's long but fulfilling journey in the parish.
A beloved companion
During the celebrations, the diversity of Kern's commitment was discussed. He was not only active in children's services and communion lessons, but also in confirmations, school lessons and visiting old people's homes and the sick. He also accompanied pilgrimages and helped the altar boys with their tasks. Anika Reichel presented him with a collage of souvenir photos that captured many beautiful moments.
Kern's commitment to the children was particularly highlighted, which was emphasized by Bianca Reinel from the Montessori Children's Home. Pastors Samuel Fischer and Markus Wandtke, as well as the former pastor Lisa Keck, thanked him for promoting a lively ecumenism. Mayor Heiko Tröger praised Kern's role as a "bridge builder" between generations and traditions, which made him a central figure in the community. The commander of the volunteer fire department, Andreas Renner, shared a personal experience that underlines the community bond.
A warm farewell
At the end of the ceremony, Ottmar Zötzl, church caretaker, presented Kern with a paperweight made of Epprechtstein minerals as a souvenir. Thomas Kern himself didn't miss the opportunity to talk about his last ten years in the region. Overwhelmed by the many positive memories, he warmly thanked everyone present for their support and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of networks and working together for a vibrant community.
Afterwards there was a reception where the guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas over food and personal discussions. So ended a moving chapter for Thomas Kern, who will work as a community representative in Nabburg in the future. His farewell was marked by gratitude and a last look at the community that he had a lasting impact on. […]