walks. I like to have one or two books to read between the times of prayer, walking, eating, being still. There are plenty of monasteries and convents close by in the Netherlands and Belgium or you can go further afield for worship in other languages – you normally need to call ahead of time to reserve a place. In the stillness and silence we have greater opportunity to turn inward, to be recollected. God shows us our inner motivations, sometimes we discover the need for repentance from some of these and we can seek his grace and resolve to follow him more closely. We can bring before God a question that is on our heart, seeking to discern his will, and then rest content while we await an answer from him, should he desire to make something clearer. The retreat from the world prepares us to return to the world and to God’s service with heart, mind and body renewed. Here are some Bible verses on the call to be still, to move within to know oneself and God, to enter into God’s rest, if you want further reflection: Psalms 4:4, 46:10; Proverbs 8:34, 9:1; John 10:9; Luke 11:52; Acts 1:8-14; 1 Cor 6:19; Eph 4:22-24; Heb 4:1-11. In the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield in the North of England, they have quotations on some of the walls of the halls of the guest house. Here’s a quotation from a Quaker, William Penn, that describes something we might find easier to do in our daily lives, if we have taken more extensive time to experience God’s presence within us on a spiritual retreat from the world. In the rush and noise of life, as you have intervals, step within yourselves and be still. Wait upon God and feel his good presence; this will carry you through your day’s business. In the love of Christ, David
13 This contribution was written by Hans Baars Utrecht has a large number of historic churches dating from its rich medieval past to the early 20th century. Since the early 80’s of last century a number of these historic churches in cooperation with museum Catharijne Convent will be open to the public. The rich history of Utrecht is reflected in its many historical churches, including the central Cathedral – de Dom - with its tall tower, near the place where St Willibrord built St Martin's and St Saviour's in 695 AD. In the 11th century, Bishop Bernold designed a cross of churches around the Romanesque Cathedral, of which only St John's and St Peter's have survived. Most of St Paul's and St Mary's have nearly complete disappeared. The not clergy and monastic people had their parish churches. All four of which are still in their medieval form: the Buurkerk- now the museum ‘Speeldoos’, St Nicholas' (Klaas), St James' (Jacobi) and St Gertrude's (Geerte). St Catherine's is the only large convent church left; it is now the Roman Catholic cathedral. The chapels of the St Agnes (now part of the Central museum) and St Ursula convents (now the Lutheran Church) have stood the test of time. After the Reformation (1580), the Utrecht churches were used for the Protestant service or for non-religious purposes. Other denominations gathered in hidden churches such as the chapel of St Gertrude's or the Mennonite Church. English persons had during these ages services in som of these churches, see Arnold Rietveld’s book. Roman Catholic churches were not built until the 19th century: St Augustine's – not open in 2017, due to maintenance -, St Willibrord's and St Martin's (now containing appartments). The Old Catholic Cathedral St Gertrude's was finished in 1914.
Zomer In zomerlichte luchten zag ik plots een vlinder gaan van links naar rechts van rechts naar links zwenkend op de vleugelvlucht van mijn gedachten verdween hij naar de horizon welk een vreugde schonk hij mij in zijn zo kort bestaan Summer In the air of a summer evening I saw a butterfly going from left to right from right to left Swerving in the flight of my thoughts he disappeared over the horizon what joy he gave to me during his so short a life