Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Finnish Seamen´s Mission
In September 1875, the Finnish Church was founded in Helsinki, and the first pastor arrived in Grimsby, United Kingdom, in 1880. Since those times, the Church has worked with Finns who travel and live abroad. Although the forms of operation have varied over time, the core purpose has remained the same: the Finnish Church still exists to ensure that no one is left alone or in trouble. We want to be a welcoming church, a safe community, and a relaxed living room for all Finns and friends of Finland. This year, we get to celebrate the Finnish Church’s decades-long journey. We want to celebrate with you, our valued supporter of the Finnish Church – because without our community, without each and every one of its members, without you, we would not exist. Every children´s game played at the Finnish Church, every song sung, every dance step and löyly-steam thrown, every prayer and coin dropped into the donation box, every cinnamon bun and Carelian pie, every smile and hug, every helping hand extended, every sad goodbye, and every joyful reunion has been a meaningful part of the journey we have traveled together. So let’s celebrate the 150-year-old Finnish Seamen´s Mission together!
There are two special celebration events this anniversary year:
- On Shrove Sunday, March 2, 2025, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission and the 145th anniversary of the Finnish Church in London.
- Midsummer celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 5 PM to 10 PM at the Finnish Church in London – and this time, we will also be celebrating the Finnish Seamen´s Mission´s 150 years!
Celebration events will take place throughout the year, and the best way to stay updated is by following our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.
Support the work of the Finnish Church in London by Donating
Are you wondering what your donation can achieve? Here are some examples:
- Home or care home or hospital visit in the London area (travel costs) – £15
- Craft supplies for children’s and family activities for a year – £250
- Meals for the Winter Night Shelter (dinner and breakfast) for 30 people – £100
- Guided music playschool session for the toddlers club – £60
You can read about the financial situation of the Finnish Church here.
