22. Jun 2025

Video: Worship at the Pärnu-Jaagupi Lutheran Church.

Photo 1: I was glad for the day of rest today. The Lutheran minister from the church in Kivi-Virgala also serves the congregation in Pärnu-Jaagupi. So the service today took place at 2.00 pm. That meant that I could sleep a bit longer and take it easy this morning. You may notice the number 700 on the church tower. The congration dates its roots back to the 1300's when Christianty first took root in Estonia. Unfortunately that turn from paganism occurred mostly through the pain of the sword. I often wonder how church history and world history might have been had the church carried the cross instead of the sword.

Photo 2: I know it is difficult to read what is on this tablet. It is a listing of all the ministers of the Pärnu-Jaagupi church from 1567 all the way up to 2005. An update will soon be engraved. From 1567 to 1930 all of the ministers had German last names. What a heritage! I was impressed.

Photo 3: I thought I would post a few more pictures of Tallinn. This one was taken from the tower of the St. Olav Church.

Photo 4: Tallinn was a medieval fortress. It reminds of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany today.

Photo 5: The Estonian flag flying from a tower in Tallin. Blue represents the sky, sea, and lakes, symbolizing faith, loyalty, and devotion. Black symbolizes the soil, the nation's past, and the dark coats traditionally worn by Estonian peasants. White represents the striving for enlightenment and virtue, as well as the snow that covers Estonia for much of the year.