Swedish Church in Vienna is Looking for a Volunteer

The Swedish Church abroad exists in 24 countries around the world.

The mission is to be there for Swedes who find themselves outside Sweden's borders. Whether traveling, working, or living abroad, one sometimes needs a stable point in life where they feel at home and can speak their mother tongue. A place to meet new friends and experience community and security, but also, importantly, to share sorrow and receive support in difficult times. The foreign congregations operate in the same way as a congregation in Sweden. Worship is at the center, and caring for others is an important part of the work. Staff and volunteers also visit Swedes in hospitals, on ships, and in prisons.

Our Operations

In the Swedish Church in Vienna, most of the activities are held in our own premises in Vienna. Sunday services and weekly masses are the center of the congregation. We also meet people in our choirs, in our children and family activities, youth in Vienna, senior groups, and other events. The congregation consists of an employed pastor and many volunteers who find it incredibly fun and exciting to be a church in Vienna. We find joy in our work and want our volunteer to share that with us!

Your Responsibilities

Welcome visitors, inform about the congregation and its activities. Participate in planning and executing the congregation's various activities. Together with local staff, take care of the daily maintenance of the premises both inside and outside, and manage the congregation's linen supply with washing and ironing of tablecloths and towels, etc. Assist with deliveries and errands. Prepare and set up the premises before and after services, baptisms, and blessings, as well as for other events and meetings. When necessary, prepare any refreshments. Participate in prayer and services and assist with other tasks that may arise in a foreign congregation.

Your Qualifications

Here you write qualifications, must-haves for the position. We expect you to be a member of the Swedish Church and share our values characterized by the equal worth of every person, work for peace, reconciliation, justice, and sustainability. https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/svenskakyrkansvardegrund (https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/svenskakyrkansvardegrund)

Your Competence

Completed high school education, preferably some years of work experience or started higher education. Social, flexible, and able to work both independently and in a group. Initiative-taking, responsible, and has good knowledge of the Swedish Church and shares its faith and values. Interest in singing, knowledge of children's songs and games is a plus. Can bake buns and cook, or is willing to learn.

We Offer

The volunteer period runs from September 1 to June 30, 2025–2026. You will have your own accommodation at the church, which the congregation pays for, and you will receive food/spending money of €400/month. We also cover an insurance that covers your working hours, and access to a phone as well as an annual pass for Vienna's excellent public transport. Note: Personal insurance covering time outside of work must be arranged by the volunteer themselves.

Is This for You?

The application should consist of a personal letter explaining why you want to come here as a volunteer, a CV, references, and a photo of yourself.

Do You Want to Work with Us?

Welcome to apply gunnar.pelinka@svenskakyrkan.se (mailto:gunnar.pelinka@svenskakyrkan.se) by March 30, 2025. Interviews will be conducted continuously via Teams or by agreement.

For more information, contact Pastor Gunnar Pelinka +43 699 194 77 205

Feel free to read more about our congregation at https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/wien (https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/wien)