Here the churches of Schifferstadt cool down: variety at 30 degrees!

Here the churches of Schifferstadt cool down: variety at 30 degrees!

The heat wave in Germany is also making itself felt in Schifferstadt. Temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius have become the norm and many citizens are looking for ways to cool down during these extreme summer conditions. The city's churches have created a very special offering, serving as cooling retreats. The churches of St. Jakobus on Kirchenstrasse and St. Laurentius on Jägerstrasse are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Gustav Adolf Church on Lillengasse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This reports the Rhine Palatinate.

The mayor of Schifferstadt, Ilona Volk, is grateful and emphasizes how important the churches are for the community in these heated times. “The opening of places of worship is a welcome relief, especially for pedestrians suffering from the heat,” she said. At the same time, it emphasizes the deep respect for religion and the need to maintain peace in the churches. Pastor Stefan Mühl and Pastor Maik Weidemann support this request for appropriate behavior in places of worship in order to offer people stressed by the heat a place to relax.

Further cooling options in Schifferstadt

In addition to the churches, there are other points of contact in Schifferstadt that promise a pleasant way to cool off. Drinking water fountains in the city park and at the forest cemetery as well as refill stations throughout the city guarantee that everyone has a sufficient supply of fresh water. These measures are in line with the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Health, which encourages the population to drink a lot and avoid physical exertion in extreme temperatures.

But the heat also has its downsides, and it is not only in Schifferstadt that people point out that cool rooms are essential in difficult times. The German Weather Service is already warning that temperatures that feel like 32 degrees can be perceived as stressful. In some cities, such as Berlin, heat protection plans are being discussed, but do not go as far as the offer in Schifferstadt. Here the decision to open the churches is regulated locally and the communities take responsibility.

Cultural life in the heat wave

But it's not just the temperatures that make headlines. A planned Carl Loewe song evening, which was supposed to take place on November 5th, was canceled due to the singer couple's corona illness. In conversation with the Mayor Ilona Volk said hopefully about a new date next year. Supporting cultural offerings remains an important task for the community, even in times of heat.

The focus also remains on remembering the deceased. On November 13th, a memorial service for Remembrance Day will take place at the war memorial in the Schifferstadt forest cemetery. With a commemorative speech by Pastor Michael Erlenwein and musical accompaniment by the Schifferstadt Men's Choir and the Music Association 1974, citizens are cordially invited to take part in this important event.

In Schifferstadt, where the summer heat meets the solidarity of the community, it is once again shown that a good knack for community and cohesion pays off!