Can you hear the echoes of a community rising from postwar ashes right here? I am excited to tell you the story of Johanniskirche in Bonn. This church is more than just a building. It is a symbol of renewal and faith.
Johanniskirche was completed in 1952. It became the heart of the Protestant community in Hardtberg after the war. The church fostered growth and connection in a time of rebuilding.
Initially, the parish included areas in Alfter and parts of Bonn. Röttgen, Ückesdorf, Medinghoven, Lengsdorf and Brüser Berg were also part of the community. In 2007, Röttgen-Ückesdorf and Witterschlick-Oedekoven became the independent Evangelical Church Community at Kottenforst.
Despite this separation, strong ties remain. Regular meetings for pastors and joint Pentecost Monday services at the Witterschlick barbecue area keep the bond alive. There is also a special tradition of pulpit exchange on Christmas Day between Thomaskirche and Johanniskirche.
The Johanniskirche community evolved again in 2015. It divided once more to streamline the responsibilities of its volunteer leaders. The newly formed Evangelical Church Community of Hardtberg maintains close connections too.
You can find Johanniskirche in Duisdorf, at Bahnhofstr. 63-67. It sits near Lessenich. The church forms an ensemble with the community center, rectory, and kindergarten. Around 20 people work in these facilities. They contribute to the vibrant life of the community.
The church runs a daycare center. They still call it “Kindergarten”. It is a certified family center called Joki-Familienhaus by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Two support associations help the church financially. These are the Joki-Förderverein Kinder- und Jugendarbeit e.V. and the Kirchbauverein Evangelische Johanniskirche Bonn-Duisdorf e.V.
Johanniskirche is also committed to environmental stewardship. Since 2014, a group within the community has focused on climate and environmental protection. In 2020, they earned certification as an environmentally friendly community. This was part of the “Green Rooster” environmental management program.
They are currently working on achieving climate neutrality for the community buildings. They plan to switch from gas heating to infrared heaters and air heat pumps. This will be combined with photovoltaic systems.
Johanniskirche offers more than just religious services. It provides a community. It is a place of support and environmental responsibility. As we stand here, remember Johanniskirche’s journey. It started from postwar beginnings to a thriving center of faith and action. It embodies the spirit of Bonn-Duisdorf.