The Advent calendar: A modern fairy tale for adults
A contemplative afternoon to mark the start of the Advent season in the chapel in Hemden on the first Sunday of Advent.
© Privat
The Advent Calendar - by Sebastian Aperdannier
On Sunday 29 November 2026, St Helena's Chapel in Hemden will host a modern fairy tale for young people and adults (aged 14 and over).
Written and performed by
Sebastian Aperdannier (text, narration)
and Christoph Berghorn (piano)
About the story:
Heribert Wimmer has made it. All his actions and thoughts are focused on money, power and success, and through perseverance, cunning and political manoeuvring, he has risen to the very top of a major banking house.
The price he has paid for this influential position "at the very top", however, is failed relationships, emotional distance and a hardened heart. Then, at the start of Advent, a stranger suddenly appears sitting outside his bank and - much like a modern Advent calendar - presents him with a new daily message every day, thereby challenging him.
When Wimmer, accustomed to always winning, takes up the challenge, his counterpart leads him to unfamiliar places and into fascinating encounters with people he had previously overlooked. Little by little, his outlook on life begins to crumble - and then comes Christmas Eve…
A warm welcome to a contemplative afternoon to get you in the mood for the Advent season.
Hot and cold drinks will be available after the event.
Admission is free! Donations towards the upkeep of the chapel would be gratefully received.
About the venue
The chapel was built in 1920 as a timber structure adjacent to the existing hospital outpost (Walderholung) in the woods next to what is now BAHIA, and was moved to Hemden in 1939.
It belongs to the parish of St George, which, according to its property strategy, is set to dispose of the chapel. The Hemden-based initiative, the St Helena Chapel Foundation (St.-Helena Kapelle e.V.), aims to safeguard the chapel's future by raising funds for the foundation through events, amongst other means. The website contains a wealth of information about the chapel, including details of upcoming events and an audio library covering various topics.