This month’s chaplaincy article is by Sam van Leer, Groningen Chaplain One the special, unexpected delights of ministering in Groningen, a university city whose population is therefore comparatively young, is that we of Grace Church have experienced many weddings in the last year. In fact, since the summer of 2015, we have had a total of 6 member -couples getting married (4 in greater Groningen, one in England and one in Romania), and there are more in the diary already for next year. Members of our congregation come from every continent, and even our Dutch members hail from different regions of the country. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, when it comes to the wedding sealed in the Church, before God, most prefer the trusted Anglican forms. The Anglican liturgy, rooted in the 16th century Book of Common Prayer, but now with contemporary local variants throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion, uses a time-honored, familiar language that strikes a balance between Word and Sacrament in a way that couples from a variety of church backgrounds find appealing. For many, it would not feel like an authentic wedding if they did not join hands before the altar, look into each other's eyes, and repeat these words to each other: I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow. vows are the center-piece of the wedding ceremony. Holy Matrimony is the blessing of a union between a man and woman, who openly acknowledge the presence and grace of God in their lives, and give themselves to each other, so long as they both shall live. Or, as the pastoral introduction to our liturgy puts it: 'For Christians, marriage is an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.' While weddings are celebrated by an ordained priest in liturgical vestments, they are sealed by the vows and not -- contrary to popular belief -- by the blessing, or the exchanging of rings, however customary these have become.
Though all our weddings follow the Anglican liturgy, so that the wording of declarations, vows, and blessings remains constant (though sometimes translated into Dutch or other languages), the Bible readings and hymns chosen vary widely from couple to couple. Musically, there is usually a mix between classic hymns and contemporary praise songs, played on a variety of instruments. Our most recent wedding in early October joined Freerk Lap and Judith Tensen, and the couple arrived on a sail boat and were accompanied into a Frisian chapel by a bagpipe-led, torch-lit procession! Here are some photo’s:
During years Holy Trinity has helped to give a future to the Tibetan refugee children in India, for instance with beautiful benefit concerts. having built several schools and houses and afraid that I would not be able to complete another such big project, I asked the Tibetans if they had a smaller one. Then just the Dalai Lama had asked for help for the building of a Tibetan University in India and I started with the installation of the classrooms of the two college buildings. 64 are needed and 36 are and in use. And now, a great surprise !! I received an invitation for the inauguration in December of this Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education in Bangalore and a dear friend will come with me to help, because I hardly can go to Bunnik. you again for your help and please, accomopany us please with your prayers! Maya. Sometimes it is like a journey into the unknown, studying the bible. It brings you to unfamiliar and sometimes very familiar, places, for instance your own kitchen. The is the very fundament on wich the Christian faith is build. The Bible study groups offer a chance of studying the bible with fellow Christians, sharing had added value. One participant put it like this: a ‘usual’ Wednesday morning became a special morning. Being together to study the word of God, learning from each other, pray together and like someone said: ‘putting into practice what you have heard.’ Interested? You (and your friends) are very welcome! The present theme is ‘The Lord’s prayer’. During advent the theme will be ‘expecting Christ.’ Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 20:00 in the parsonage (door open 19:45) Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 10:00 - 12:00; Kloostertuin 15, 3994 ZJ HOUTEN Every 1st Monday of the month 20:00; Waalbandijk 48, 4175 AC HAAFTEN
the stress & strains of life choices and plans. Foisted or not, our future often feels uncertain. We question ourselves: Did I make right decisions? What is the way forward? What will happen to me? What is my future? Has God heard my prayer? We all ask these life questions, no matter our culture, social standing, age or circumstances. In the stress of living and decision making, God speaks words of comfort to Jeremiah which echo down millennia to us; encouraging us to trust for “I know the plans I have for you”. Does this mean we throw up our hands and “let go and let God”? This is one approach. But studies in religious and spiritual coping indicate that this is the least satisfying method, producing the least productive results. A second method is the “do it yourself” approach, without prayer, making our decisions without spiritual considerations. This may give us a temporary sense of control, but also proves to be the less satisfying. The third method is called the collaborative approach. In this approach, we work together—in collaboration—with God. And as one surmise, this is the most satisfying approach, producing the greatest sense of well-being, the greatest satisfaction and spiritual insight**. As we plan together with God to discern His will and path for our lives, we have a wonderful promise. He knows the plans He has for us, local national, expat or exile. *Oxford English Dictionary, 1988. **NIV **Kenneth I. Pargament, The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice, 1997. Our chaplaincy reaches out to God in prayer to hold up the chaplaincy and its members in particular need. We are offer this ministry both in Utrecht and Zwolle. If you have requests for the prayer chain, or if feel called be a part in this ministry of intercession, please contact: Anne Miechielsen organizes and participates in this ministry at Holy Trinity in Utrecht: Janie McCloughin organizes and participates in this ministry at Zwolle Anglican Church: