On Saturday 16th May, Bishop Andrew was in Amersfoort at the Saint Ansfridus church (often used at such large occasions), officiated at a service of confirmation with a large group of 32 candidates. Our chaplaincy at Holy Trinity, Utrecht, was the host chaplaincy with candidates attending from across the whole Dutch deanery - Amersfoort, Amsterdam, Groningen, Hilversum, Voorschoten and Utrecht.

 

There were around 280 people in the congregation to support the confirmands and worship together in fellowship.  Choral music was led by Utrecht's choir master Freek Elbers and the Utrecht choir, joined by a number of singers from other congregations and additional worship was led by the worship team from All Saints, Amersfoort.

 

Bishop Andrew reflected,

'It was so encouraging to be confirming 32 candidates from our Dutch chaplaincies on Saturday. Together, they were a shining example of the gloriously intercultural nature of our Diocese, drawn, as they were, from 16 different nationalities. Over lunch beforehand, teenagers, young adults and older candidates shared the unique stories of their faith journeys. During the service itself, one of the candidates also being baptised testified movingly about her newly-found faith. It was joining one of the Church of England’s online services that had prompted what would soon become a life-changing experience. For the congregation gathered at Amersfoort, supporting these candidates was a truly uplifting experience.'