The Herald. Newsletter of the Scots International Church, Rotterdam July and August 2013

Transcription

1 The Herald Newsletter of the Scots International Church, Rotterdam July and August 2013 IN THIS EDITION: Letter from the pastor 2 Congregational notes 4 Congregational diary 6 Ascension Day General Assembly Church of Scotland 9 Tribute to Robert Clinton Essien 12 Send us a friend 15 Kerkennacht 16 Birthdays 19

2 Page 2 LETTER from the Pastor My dear friends Sometimes dates just creep up on you. If you have ever forgotten a birthday or a wedding anniversary, you know exactly what I mean! Last week our elder Kees Knol was setting up for the Nacht der Kerken and said to me Minister, you realize that this September is our 370th anniversary of the Scots Church? I had not! So, remembering our celebrations of five years ago previously for 365 years, I hurried to find my copy Scots on the Dijk. On page two it tells the story of how within five days the States General of Holland agreed to the creation of a Scots Church and how it started up in a warehouse of a wine merchant. In July 1643 the first minister of the church, the Reverend Alexander Petrie from Rhynd in Perthshire, began his work. A consistory, or Kirk Session, was formed by the election as elders and deacons of men who had previously been attached to the Dutch church or to some other expatriate congregation and on 13 September Ds. Rein Berkel, a Dutch minister, was able to declare officially in the name of his church, Now this Scottish kirk is established and these elders and deacons being received, this is a free congregation in itself as any other and the Consistorie therof is absolute as the Consistorie of the Dutche Kirke is. This is more than sacred history but relates to a new and present reality where most followers of Jesus in Europe originally come from other continents! I have just returned from the first meeting of the Netherlands Christian Forum. A main reason for the forum was that old and new churches experience barriers in communication and cooperation. This church has spoken up for new churches in the Netherlands and

3 Page 3 so I was pleased to see a number of their leaders present. Traditions, values and languages can be different but the reason for new migrant churches is just the same as for the Scots Church in 1643 people want to worship God in their own tradition and language. It is a very reasonable request. I celebrate the fact today that Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions are now willing to work with new migrant churches as well as Dutch Pentecostal ones. Celebrating our birthday is important. For it is about recalling how the church has always grown through Christians migrating from one place to another. Scots migrants and modern migrants today reflect one of two kinds of migration that you can find in the first book of the bible: the Adamic and the Abrahamic. Remember how Adam was expelled from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 4-19)? Like Adam, many people still migrate because they forced to leave home. The other kind is faith and hope rather then pain and punishment. Remember how Abraham heard a promise and left home with the hope of a better life (Genesis 12: 1-4)? The Scots theologian Andrew Walls put it like this: Adam leaves home from compulsion; migration means for him means exile and deprivation. Abraham leaves in hope, with the expectation of a better life, if not for himself, then for his children. Migration is as old as the human race and is something to celebrate. I wish you all a blessed summer and leave you a couple of challenges to consider As we share our birthday with the Witte de With Arts Festival on September, what are your ideas on how to celebrate the weekend? If you migrate out of the Netherlands on holiday this summer, be sure to visit other churches and bring them our greetings and good wishes! Your friend and minister Robert Calvert

4 Page 4 CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Rev. Dr. Alastair Bull On the second weekend of July we welcome the Church of Scotland s new secretary of the Council of Mission and Discipleship. Alastair Bull is teaching Leuven Seminary in Belgium and will join us in Rotterdam on Sunday morning and preach! Alastair has exp erience of new emerging churches and has himself specialised in youth and children s work. He gained his Ph.D. in Children s Spirituality and Health from the University of Glasgow. He led and supported a spiritual care team in Yorkhill and Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he sought to provide religious, spiritual and pastoral care to the healthcare community. Rev. John Cowie After twenty-four years of faithful ministry of the English Reformed Church in Amsterdam, Rev. John Cowie is re-locating to Edinburgh with his wife Gill who recently retired from teaching in Amsterdam. In Scotland s capital city John will become the minister of Stockbridge Parish Church. In recent years he has served as the clerk to the Presbytery of Europe and says in his farewell letter to the congregation I think I must be one of the most widely travelled ministers around. Some will remember that John was interim minister when Rotterdam was without a full-time ordained minister between 1993 and We wish John and Gill our sincere thanks and much fulfillment in their new parish. Friday prayer meetings From this August and on the third Friday of every month, there will be a prayer service where you can bring prayers for health and healing as well as prayers for loved ones across the world. There will be a strong intercessory (praying for others) aspect together with teaching and worship on these evenings. The consistory is still in discussion about how it will be organized but we wanted to give you early notice so that you can plan to actively participate.

5 Page 5 Dialogue sermons On Sundays in the second half of July and beginning of August the minister hopes to converse with the congregation in dialogue sermons. He will prepare some information about the theme a week ahead so that can be thinking about it! On these Sundays we will relate to the New Testament book of Colossians and then in August and September we will read from the global Gospel of Luke. Thomas prayers In honour of the apostle of doubt, Thomas prayer services are planned for the third Sundays of July and August. On these occasions you are invited to a kind of consumer choice in the way you pray and meditate during the service. Farewell In June we said fond farewells to many beloved and regular supporters of the congregation Nick and Lena Bayrakdarian who return to California with their two girls, Christine Houser who moves to Edinburgh with her husband Patrick, Skyler and the twin boys, and Thomas Besong who is in the process of moving to London. We continue to miss George but we are glad to welcome Stanley, who is originally from Kenya, as our new caretaking person at the church. Pastoral We mourn the sudden passing of Robert Essien who was a mainstay on the rear pew of the church for many years. As the minister was on a visit to Lausanne for the Presbytery, we are very grateful to George Airomwanbor for conducting the funeral service. Our sincere sympathies go to Robert s wife Marje, his daughter Yasmin and other family members, including our elder Ato Cromwell. On Sunday 28 April we dedicated Lief-Jan Gabriel, son of Harmen and Sophie Rebel, and on Sunday 16 June we dedicated Russell Aikai-Besong Tajocha Nteleah, son of Karin Baiye and Valeri, to God. The two dedication ceremonies involved the laying on of hands instead of water which is used for baptism.

6 Page 6 CONGREGATIONAL DIARY July 06 Saturday Cultural evening: Dinner, Scots dancing, Artvark 07 Sunday Worship, Communion, Choir, Gal. 6: Spirituality 13 Saturday Consistory meeting (church garden) 14 Sunday Worship, Guest preacher: Rev. Dr. Alastair Bull Soup-Lunch 16 Tuesday Council meeting (Lower Hall) 18 Thursday Wedding of Ning & Yu 21 Sunday Worship, Colossians 1: Christ rules, Thomas prayers 27 Saturday Barbecue at the Church 28 Sunday Worship, Colossians 2: Christ reconciles August 04 Sunday Worship, Communion, Col. 3: Christ in us 11 Sunday Worship, Rev. Irene Bom 16 Friday Prayer service 18 Sunday Worship, Luke 12: 32-40, Thomas prayers 25 Sunday Worship, Luke 13: September 01 Sunday Worship, Communion, Choir, Rev. Joost Pot

7 Page 7 08 Sunday Worship, Sonrise, Luke 14: Friday/Sat Witte de With Arts Festival: music, mosaic workshop, tea-garden, St. Diwa, cricket and. 15 Sunday Worship, Choir, Confirmation, Luke 14: Friday Prayer service 22 Sunday Worship, Joyful Singers, Luke Sunday Worship, Harvest Festival, Luke 16: 1-15 Ascension Day, 9 May 2013 Launch of the Garden Wall Mosaic and Fun Activities On Thursday morning the sun shine broke into a cloudy, rainy week and we were treated to a lovely sunny day - much to the relief of many who had worked for weeks to organise activities for this festive event. The day started with putting up the final decorations in the Lower Hall and taking tables outside to the Tea Garden. At 10am we met the volunteers from Serve the City. People from all over the city and country could sign up for an activity to serve through a project in the city. The black and bright-pink t-shirts provided for volunteers, added extra colour and festive mood to the day. We started the day by dedicating it to God and by thanking him for his gifts, especially the gift of Jesus and the sunshine. While a big crew proceeded to work inside, clipping away tiles and learning the skill of mosaic, activities outside were quickly getting into full

8 Page 8 swing. Much to the amazement of the neighbourhood children, cricket players invaded the football pitch. Some joined in and were surprised and inspired by the fact that they actually enjoyed the strange game of cricket. Back in the Lower Hall, there was a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere. Live music by Allen Foster and Jan Hendrik filled the space while volunteers were eagerly clipping and placing down tiles. Mums could enjoy working on the mosaic, while children were working on their own beautiful creations under the inspiring guidance of Nicole and her team on the stage. Andre and Liz s dog Joris was blissfully enjoying all the attention. Irene quietly inspired the writing of haikus. Mavis and her team cooked up a storm and produced an absolutely delicious lunch, which disappeared in no time. During the afternoon we saw more neighbours from the community coming through the gates to see the mosaic project. Towards the middle of the afternoon there was a slow migration of volunteers from the Lower Hall to the playground where by the end of the day most were enjoying the lovely sunshine - sipping tea or staying active. The chess table and the table tennis tables were occupied non-stop. Sofie s aerial silk was a huge hit and many stood in awe as she hoisted herself up and down, moving gracefully along the silk. Children enjoyed blowing bubbles, spinning hula-hoops and drawing flowers on the sidewalks with chalk.the perfect ending to another opportunity of opening our gates.

9 Page 9 General Assembly Church of Scotland 18th 24th May 2013 The Presbytery of Europe was represented at the General Assembly by commissioners of four churches, among which the Scots International Church Rotterdam. Rev. Robert Calvert and Presbytery Elder Ruud Witte attended, the latter reports. A bow and another bow formed the morning exercises during the General assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. When the Moderator comes in, all about 700 commissioners rise from their chairs. Once she reached her chair the Moderator, the Right reverend Lorna Hood, bows to the centre of the magnificent Assembly hall and the commissioners in that section answer with a bow, followed by the same ritual for the left and right side of the hall. When everyone is seated again, the Lord High Commissioner, the representative of H.M. the Queen comes in and again the ritual of standing up and bowing is repeated. When you are seated for some time and want to go and stretch your legs or go and ease yourself, you bow just by the exit of the hall and when you come back as well. So a lot of bowing during that week of the General Assembly. Together with other paraphernalia like the wig if the church solicitor, the staff with crown of the Lord High Commissioner and the bag of the Purse Bearer, it is a world that I

10 Page 10 didn t know, typically British and a bit exaggerated for a matter-offact Dutchman. However you get quickly used to it: not even once I forgot to bow when leaving the hall! New for me, no I wasn t the only one being for the first time of his life in the stately General Assembly Hall, as almost 130 persons attended the get-to-know-each-other meeting. Everything possible was being done to make the novices used to the procedures and put them at ease as well as encourage them to participate and ask questions. The General Assembly in the first place organized to take important decisions about a great deal of matters. Apart from dealing with business matters like Pensions, General Trusts, Housing, Loan Fund, but also ethical and policy issues like the Same sex Relationship in the Ministry, for which the whole Monday was made available, the General Assembly is also the place to meet many people. During the introductory meeting we were encouraged to go and sit in the different places in the hall. A good advice, as I met ministers and elders from many congregations in Scotland, from Glasgow to Aberdeen and from Berwick upon Tweed to Inverness. So many encounters that I don t remember names and pass them by if I would meet them again.. You cannot fail to remember that that the General Assembly is a church meeting, as there is room for a short service every morning, with community singing, a capella and with the beautiful organ, prayer and a reflection. The Rt. Rev. Lorna Hood chose Hope as the leading theme: Audacity of Hope, Cup of Hope, Hope for the future, Hope of a Waiting Father, Defiant Hope and Agents of Hope. Prayer is also part of the deliberations as after the report of the Chaplains to her Majesty s Forces. It was not my intention to report extensively on the issued being discussed, but let me give you one:

11 Page 11 The General Assembly speaks about a coronation of a King or Queen of Scotland when the country becomes independent (again). That is remarkable, an Elder from Rotterdam, a Dutchman, votes concerning the coronation in Scotland. It is only one vote of the 700, but still, Dutch influence Just as special was the presence during one particular session of the four grandchildren of the famous Dr. David Livingstone (yes Dr. Livingstone, I presume.). The beautiful sound of the steel band of the Church of Trinidad: COSTOS, the Church of Scotland in Trinidad on Steel was also heard a few times during the congregational singing at the daily opening of the General Assembly. It was, according to the Moderator, the first time in the history of the General Assembly that an encore was requested. The Heart & Soul event in Princes Street Gardens was also very nice. This included presentations of churches and organizations, music (e.g. singer Karen Matheson with the

12 Page 12 Heart and Soul Swing Band) and activities for the youth, attended by an estimated 5,000 people. Then the General Assembly building itself, very impressive to see when you walk from Princes Street via the Mound to the oldest part of Edinburgh. Nice wooden upholstery, many staircases, the nice stature of John Knox. I did not have any idea what to expect, but I once attended the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches as a member of the Youth Synod. I still had the image of the simple square meeting hall in the woods of Lunteren, men in dark suits, no togas, rather informal. Now it was an overwhelming array of atmosphere and rituals, which I would not have missed for the world. In three or four years it will be again the turn of the Scots International Church Rotterdam to represent the Presbytery of Europe with a minister and elder. Whether I will still be Presbytery Elder, I don t know, but this remembrance of the General Assembly will always remain with me. By Ruud Witte In Memoriam Robert Clinton Essien Rob was born on Oct 28th, which was Wednesday in Sekondi, Ghana. Late parents Mr Samuel Frazer Benish Essien en Mrs Adriana Frances Coleman- Essien had 10 children. My mother Edna was their first daughter and Rob, or Robert Clinton Essien/ Paa Kwamena/ Israel was their last son. His father was a member of CPP Party. A political movement which became the first ruling party from Gold Coast to Ghana. (Led us to Independence Ghana).

13 Page 13 He was once a Chairman of Ghana Railway workers union. He established a small company. He obtained legal license of importing and exporting goods, such as cheese from Holland, and raining coats from China. This influenced his children. From the 10 children five died before Robert was born which means Robert became the fifth living son! When Robert was 10 he lost his mother and when he was 11 he lost his father. A mystery we all couldn t comprehend. We both grew up living in the same house from European Town we later moved out to stay in a new family house build by his father at No1 Maxwell road a suburb of Sekondi. Rob attended Sekondi Experimental School and continued his Secondary school education in Ghana Empire Secondary School in Accra. As teenagers we attended Church, Sunday-School together. We had a strict but loving upbringing which very much shaped who we are today. Some memorable times we had include organizing parties during our long vacations. Rob would always be in his trade mark naval officers wear (Khaki tops and downs) with the pegs of a captain on the shoulders. When he takes to the dance floor we all stopped dancing to see his funny moves. He was infectiously funny and you would hear all shout his name Robby La. Simply he was funny and adventurous. He has this very smooth side of him which enabled him to convince all or any person or persons when he wanted something. As teenagers we capitalized on this smooth operating side of him when we many a time went shopping in Sekondi Central Market in the 70 s. We usually go to the grocers with very little in terms of money or cash we end up cooking big meals because good old Robby-

14 Page 14 La had smooth talked the grocers and mostly the ladies who could not help his charm and cracking of jokes give more than what we had to be given. He was very mischievous. We both grew up in the Methodist Church, I recall the Church as being the centre of our Social life and that is what we knew and Sunday s never passed without being in or Sunday-School. He was also a member of the boys brigade in Sekondi Methodist Church and was very much known by many. He was a fun loving person. First thing we always did returning from secondary school for vacation was getting everything ready for our usual vacation party and guess what? He will be at the forefront of getting things sorted out. He was quick to go to the market and get the shopping started and will invite as many friends as he could to the party. He simply loved to have fun and he was the heart and soul of the party s we had. After secondary school Robert joined the apprenticeship scheme in Ghana Railways Authority and worked as trainee in the Milling department. He later passed out as an artisan. Adventurous as he has always been, he was in Hungary and Israel. In 1991 he came to the Netherlands and build the rest of his life here. He later joint the Scots International Church, where he always likes to sit at the back seat by the main entrance. He was ill for long period but his death was not expected. May the peace that breaks all understanding be with the family Rook and all the loving ones. Ato Cromwell

15 Page 15 CD Send us a friend performed by friends & neighbours On 15 June 2013 the release concert for the album, Send us a friend, was held at the Scots International Church Rotterdam. This project is an initiative of singersongwriter Irene Bom (an Ordained Local Minister in the Church of Scotland). The aim is to raise much-needed funds for the Ethio-Berhan Foundation ( so more underprivileged children from the slums of Addis Abeba can get an education. With the help of friends & neighbours from the Scots International Church Rotterdam, Irene managed to put together a children s choir, an adult choir and a team of musicians and technicians to record twelve original songs on relevant themes loving your neighbour, endurance and hope. For good measure, there is also a Christmas song in the mix ( I m not a shepherd ) Chorus of Send us a friend : and a song with a verse in Dutch ( My soul waits for Give us a break lives are at stake the Lord ). Give us a break from this heartache The title track is inspired Send us a Saviour, Lord, send us by the story of the widow support of Zarephath, who found a friend in the prophet, Send us a friend Elijah (1 Kings 17). A number of songs are inspired by the psalms, including the lament,

16 Page 16 My eyes are so swollen from crying, sung by the children s choir and featuring Margriet van Overbeeke on melodica. Happily, besides the two choirs and solo voices, Irene had a range of instruments to choose from to give each song its own sound: guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, clarinet, violin, glockenspiel, soprano recorder, melodica and percussion. Hank Meldrum, one of the men in the adult choir, writes, Irene's songs are very uplifting and a joy to sing. Listen to the songs and let your soul dance. In no time you might be singing along too! CD s (in a jewel case, with a 12-page booklet) are EUR 10 a piece (plus postage). To order, sendusafriend@xs4all.nl. For more information about the project (including photographs), see To listen to the songs, and/or purchase them as a digital download, see Note: EUR 5 of each CD sold goes directly to support the charity. By Irene Bom Impression Kerkennacht Nacht der Kerken 2013 Saturday 22nd June the Kerkennacht or Night of the Churches took place for the fourth year in Rotterdam with 40 churches participating. Throughout the Netherlands the Kerkennacht was held in 50 places throughout the country, attracting a 150,000 visitors.

17 Page 17 This event, which is meant to open and present churches to the general public, takes place every other year, with more churches in more localities joining with every new occasion. In Rotterdam visitors went from church to church to see, hear, feel and even taste what was on offer. At times it meant not only feeding their body, but mind and soul as well. The Scots International Church in Rotterdam had prepared an attractive mix of activities around the theme Garden in the City. It featured presenting the Garden Wall Mosaic project, the Tea Garden, Song and Music with Haiku, with the CD & concert Send us a Friend, a Historical Display of our church, Tour of the Church and finally refreshment.

18 Page 18 This was implemented with the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers. Unfortunately the weather was not encouraging, which negatively affected the number of visitors. By Ato Bob. Bookstall. New items: Badge Church of Scotland (Burning bush) 15 mm. 1,50 Plastic cover note pad with ballpoint (80 x 105 mm) 1,50

19 Page 19 CONTACT DETAILS Scots International Church Rotterdam Schiedamsevest BH Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel Giro/ING Fax SKG Birthdays in July 06 Samuel Osei 12 Charles Ashu 15 Petra Takem 17 Vincent Gwanmesia 18 Maureen Vollema 19 Olivia Poku-Polley 20 Andrew Sondengam 20 Hendrick Etienne 23 Stacey Bouwman 23 Efrain Cuvulay 23 Sheretta Polley 26 Elmos Abunam 28 Simeon Calvert 30 Tjakko Bouwman 30 Myron Etienne 30 Evelyn Koomson 30 Isabel Smart Birthdays in August 01 Mary Tataw 02 Wisteria Cairo 05 Lesley-Ann Calvert 05 Eli Griesdoorn 05 Virginia Hendriks 06 Jan Ruigendijk 12 Nicole Chai 14 Joost Pot (Snr) 14 Joyce Mensah 17 Sharon Cromwell 18 Jean Galloway 19 Beverley Bouwman 21 David Dziworshie 22 Evert Dorn 25 Henriette Lane 27 Jolanda Griesdoorn 27 Daniel Oppong-Sarfo 28 Max Ferdinandus 29 Thomas Ewing Birthdays in September 01 Dirk Bouwman 02 Johan Wagenaar 04 Hank Meldrum 04 Jim van Putten 08 Liz van der Velden 08 Michelle Essel 13 Joost Pot (jnr) 15 Ingrid Evovo-Belksma 15 Stephanie Wenfua 16 Chanté Fleming 18 Fanny Mensah 19 Jaco Jacobs 20 Brendan van der Velden 21 William Chapman 22 Robert Calvert 24 Kelly Bouwman 27 Thomas Besong 30 Shanon Fleming

20 Page 20 WHO S WHO IN THE CHURCH Mininster Rev. Robert Calvert scotsintchurch@cs.com tel: Church Administrator Ruth Kraaij (Thursday morning) scotsintchurch@cs.com tel: Rentals Co-ordinator Mavis Fleming hartenbeer@hotmailcom Organists Jan Hendrik v.d. Kamp J.kamp15@chello.nl tel: Nettie Dijkstra Nettydijkstra@live.nl Choir Anneke Pot Joyful Singers Thomas Tanyi Besong ttbesong@yahoo.com tel: Welcome Team Steve and Pam Russell srussell@tiscali.nl tel: Recording Brendan v.d. Velden, Church Beamer André van der Velden aavandervelden@casema.nl tel: Youth group Saskia Dorsman sdorsman@hotmail.com Sunday School Nyomi Cairo lovelync@hotmail.com Creche Sylvia Airomwanbor tel: Maaike van der Eerden Secretary to the Consistory Bob Hensen atobobhensen@hotmail.com Convenor of the Council Ruud Witte tel ruudwitte@planet.nl Secretary to the Council George Ariomwanbor georgeairos@yahoo.com Treasurer Jim Taylor tel: Offering Envelopes Jim Taylor tel: Property Convener: André van der Velden aavandervelden@casema.nl tel.: Children s Message Rev. Irene Bom ibsalem@xs4all.nl Financial Team Fred Booman financial_sicr@hotmail.com Social Team Mavis Fleming hartenbeer@hotmailcom Esther Abang esabang2011@yahoo.com Publicity Team & The Herald Bob Hensen atobobhensen@hotmail.com Tel: Hank Meldrum meldrum@xs4all.nl Tel: Joy Okojie okojiejj@yahoo.com Bookstall George and Wil Ross georgeross@home.nl tel: Church Website George Ross georgeross@home.nl tel: Child Protection Officer Veronica Leerdam veronicaleerdam@hotmail.com