20's 30's

20's and 30's Group Retreat in Style

The 20's and 30's Group held our first annual retreat from Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 21st. Ten of us managed to make it, either by train or car, to the Veluwe Strandbad in Elburg, The Netherlands. When we arrived, we were delighted to discover that the cabin was in mint condition, even though the price was still affordable.

Our evenings were filled with fellowship including singing praise songs with Melissa Ytsma on guitar, prayer, and talks led by ERC's student minister, Julia Lewandowska and Harvard Divinity School graduate, Veronica Garcia-Robles.

Each morning we devoted individual quiet time with God where we read from the Bible, prayed and reflected on the passage's meaning and its possible application to our lives.

Two themes were prevalent throughout the weekend: one, making time for God to listen and reflect on Him and his teachings; two, the importance of the church and working out what our role is within Christ's family.

The meals were delicious and very "gezellig" and the only criticism the group seemed to have when all was said and done, was that the weekend was too short - which is a very good sign that we will be organizing another retreat next year!

Our Choir

Our church choir,

pictured here with organist and choir director Olja Bučo (middle of the back row) sings monthly, and during festival services, throughout the year.

Here are members of the choir before the summer break in 2009.

If you would like to find out about joining the choir please contact Olja Bučo.

 choir  -  contact 

Welcome!

Dear Friends,

I was standing in the entrance to the church last week as streams of visitors passed through to have a look inside. It was good to see the look of surprise and delight on one woman's face when she saw that we had a Slovakian version of the printed church guide for her to use. [We now have 30 language versions and the list grows slowly as more are prepared.]

I am also struck by the number of people who photograph the words over the entrance of the church - 'Within these walls let no-one be a stranger'. The sad truth is that people do not feel welcome in some churches; they are made to feel like, and remain as, outsiders.

It ought not to be that way, must not be that way, if we are faithful to Gospel message of reconciliation.

In our congregation we are people of many backgrounds, denominations, cultures and nationalities, and I want to assure you of a welcome when you come to share our worship.

Yours,

John Cowie

Further reflections on the mission, and welcome, as well as news of our congregation's life, can be found in the latest edition of our magazine The Record

Our Church

Our congregation

Our congregation was founded on 4 February 1607 to serve the English speaking population of Amsterdam. We continue to welcome worshippers from many countries, backgrounds and walks of life. Founded within the Reformed Tradition in the Netherlands, we are part of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), and our worship follows the pattern of the Church of Scotland.

The Building

The first church in the Begijnhof was built as a private chapel in about 1390; it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1490s. The church was closed by the Town Council in the Reformation and lay unused for 20 years till in 1607 it was given to English-speaking worshippers in Amsterdam.

 Open for Visitors  -  more