Posts from February 2016

Vicar of Bagdad visits Holy Trinity

Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Bagdad, was here to speak with clergy – Anglican and otherwise – to share with us something of the experience of the persecuted Iraqi Christians and his ministry to them and among them. It was a powerful witness to us. He is going around privately, to raise funds for those who have fled to the North of Iraq or to Jordan.

He does so, while struggling with MS – so his speech is a little laboured, and he has trouble with his balance – he has a personal assistant to help him in his travels. But he shared with us his joy in these labours for the flock in his care.

February / March Ecumenical Events

Refugee crisis in Utrecht The ongoing refugee crisis remains the most important news in the city. It has now become clear the temporary refugee centre in Kanaleneiland will close in May 2016. There are plans for two new refugee centres. Especially in Overvecht this news has caused some unrest and protest. Overvecht is a neighbourhood with considerable problems of its own, and there is a lot of fear in people. On one information night, the…

A Year Offering Service and Praise! Holy Trinity Choir

Our church relies on so many people who give freely of their time to bring the core message of Christian faith to as many as possible. We forget sometimes that there are actually only three who are paid to do this, so the added value of all who contribute so willingly is immeasurable. However, it is unusual for an unsolicited mail to arrive about our Choir at Holy Trinity, still less with such kindness and…

Update from our Man in Oxford

Dear friends, After my visit to the Netherlands in the days after Christmas, it is about time to send you an update on how things are going here in Oxford. Generally speaking: they are well, but these are also exciting times on many fronts. As you may know I’m currently in the discernment process for the priesthood. By the time you read this, I will have had a vocation day with the Diocese in Europe,…

Amersfoort Chaplain’s Letter (02/16)

Candlemas On February 2nd, the Christian church celebrates the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (also known as Candlemas) – as recorded in Luke 2:22-40.  It is a key festival – it completes the forty days of Christmas and Epiphany; it is a event rich in its layers of meaning; and it is a pivotal day when, having looked back one last time to Christmas (Jesus is only 40 days old), we turn towards Lent…