Activities
Forssa Parish offers worship services, children’s and youth activities, choir and music groups, Bible study, mission work, volunteering opportunities, and community events.
The parish also provides pastoral care, practical support, and help during different stages of life.
Most of our activities are held in Finnish. If you are unsure about the language used in a particular group, please contact us and we will be happy to help. Current dates and locations can be found in our event calendar.
Learning and faith classes
Faith learning in Forssa Parish takes place in children’s clubs, confirmation classes and Bible and prayer groups.
• Children’s day clubs for ages 2–5 include play, crafts, music and Bible stories.
• Confirmation preparation is available for young people. Adults can also prepare for confirmation, either individually or in a small group.
• Bible and prayer groups meet regularly, including a group for students and young adults.
• Discovery Bible Study is especially intended for English-speaking participants.
If you would like to learn more about Christianity, baptism or confirmation, please contact one of our pastors.
Counselling and support
You can speak confidentially with a Forssa Parish pastor or diaconal worker. Pastors offer a listening ear and spiritual support. Diaconal workers can discuss financial difficulties and help you find out what practical assistance may be available.
Our family counselling service offers free, confidential professional support with relationship difficulties and separation. You can contact our priests in English; please ask us about the language available for other services. For anonymous online pastoral support in English, Swedish or German, you can also contact the Finnish Seamen’s Church.
Support for families
Forssa Parish offers activities for families with children.
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Open family groups
Open family groups welcome children together with a parent or another important adult. No advance registration is needed. Children can play and do crafts while adults meet and talk.
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Free day clubs
Free day clubs offer guided activities for children aged 2–5.
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Clubs for school-age children
School-age children can join the parish’s clubs. Registration details are published for each season.
Young people and students
Young people who have completed confirmation classes are welcome at our youth evenings at Forssa Parish Centre. These are relaxed gatherings where you can meet friends, play games, sing, have coffee and take part in a short devotional. You can drop in for a while or stay for the whole evening.
Students and young adults can join a Bible study group at the youth centre. The parish also offers clubs, group leader training, camps and trips for young people. Check our event calendar and youth channels for current information.
Adults
Adults can take part in Bible and prayer groups, discussion groups, weekday evening Communion services and parish events. Music groups and concerts offer opportunities to sing, play or listen.
For a relaxed meal and a chance to meet others, you can join Arkikeidas, the parish’s community lunch, or Euron aamiainen (One-Euro Breakfast) when they are in season. Please check the event calendar for current details.
Elderly people
Forssa Parish offers several opportunities for older adults to meet, stay active and spend time together.
• Jumpparit offers guided exercise for pensioners.
• Leskien klubi is a peer group open to anyone who has been widowed.
• Työtupa is a craft and coffee gathering with time for a devotional.
• Pensioners’ groups meet in Koijärvi and Matku for conversation and shared activities.
Please check the event calendar for current dates and locations.
Other ways to get involved
Volunteering
Volunteers help at services, community meals, events and seasonal activities. You can also visit someone or offer company outdoors through the parish’s Friendship Service, or help at the Mission Shop or Työtupa craft workshop.
Training and orientation are provided for roles that require them. Contact us to ask about current opportunities, including options for English speakers.
Camps, courses, and trips
Forssa Parish’s youth work arranges camps and trips during the year. The programme changes from season to season, so please check our event calendar and youth channels for current opportunities.
Music
Music is an active part of parish life in Forssa. Groups include the Church Choir, the Palava Pensas gospel choir and band, Ukuleidit and the Koijärvi kantele group. Beginners are welcome in Ukuleidit and the kantele group; a ukulele can be borrowed if needed.
The parish also organises concerts and other music events. Contact the parish cantor to ask about joining a group.
Pastoral care for the sick
The hospital chaplain offers confidential emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones in the Forssa region. You can talk, pray or receive Communion if you wish. Conversations respect your beliefs.
You can contact the hospital chaplain directly or ask hospital staff to put you in touch. The chaplain also supports healthcare staff. If you are ill at home and would like a visit, please contact the parish to ask what support is available.
