Page 9 - Moravian Messenger September 2018

European Women's Conference in the Netherlands
I have been asked to share my experience of attending my first European Women's Conference ... so here goes. I travelled from Yorkshire with three other sisters and we were met at Amsterdam airport by a Dutch sister - so far so good - then the fun started trying to get many sisters to our Conference centre while there was a bus strike. I had a lift with a lovely Dutch couple and we went on the scenic and long route. We were staying near Zeist in a large house that had once been owned by a wealthy family as a summer residence to escape the hot, smelly summers in Amsterdam.
The days took on a set pattern of prayers, breakfast, bible study, lunch, activity groups, evening meal and prayers. I loved the breakfasts. On the first morning I was a bit confused by the little pots of chocolate sprinkles on the tables, I carefully watched my Dutch sister adding them to buttered bread, once tried I was hooked and they became a staple part of my diet.
The theme for the bible studies, 'Freedom in Christ', had been carefully chosen to coincide with the 155th anniversary of the end of slavery in Suriname; many of the Dutch sisters are of Surinamese heritage. The Bible study was led by Sr Jill Vogt, the minister from Herrnhut and was based on the Bible verse John 8:36. In this verse Jesus talks about being a slave to sin. I was
interested to hear
that the original
meaning of sin
was to fall short of
the mark. Sr Vogt
also talked about
sin as a break in
the relationship
with God. We split
into smaller
discussion groups and I was blessed to have sisters from so many different counties in mine. Having sisters from the old eastern bloc counties added a different dimension to the discussions of freedom. These groups were special places where we felt safe to share stories and ideas which were at times difficult to hear about.
The most exciting activity was the Surinamese hat making workshop. Lots of laughter and super bright colours. Apparently, the slaves would communicate to one another in the way they arranged and wore their hats ... what messages were our sisters giving we wonder. Later that evening we also heard about how the traditional clothes worn in Suriname changed over time which was very interesting and was accompanied by a lot of music and dancing.
The highlight for many was the visit to the settlement of Zeist on Sunday. The
settlement is on a very grand scale and the church is plain white and beautiful. We were treated to some wonderful singing by a Surinamese soloist during the service, but my abiding memory will be of the bright vibrant clothes worn to celebrate the end of slavery. Following the service
all the benches were taken outside where a very long table had been set out for our midday meal of Surinamese chicken and corn bread.
That evening we closed the conference with a service and by sharing the cup of covenant, always a special experience. A huge thank you was given to the planning team of Srs Wendy Hopcroft, Conchita Landbrugnd and Susanne Gartner. We sadly said goodbye to our old and new friends but with the wonders of Facebook we can keep in touch. I have now added the countries of Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania to my Facebook group!
This is just a snap shot of the many things we managed to cram into a short time, I would urge anyone interested in attending a Women's Conference to do so, it was a great time of spiritual renewal and growth, times to relax and plenty of fellowship.
Sr Elisabeth Hollindrake
Horton
© Sr Elisabeth Hollindrake
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In April, the craft group were proud to post 18 stitched trees to Manchester Metropolitan University Art Department. The Stitch a Tree project aims to connect individuals and communities in the UK in support of displaced
people around the world. Our trees will be combined with hundreds of others to make a large embroidery entitled 'Forest' which will be exhibited in Manchester and Winchester, raising awareness and funds.
The organisers say “Sewing is a powerful tool which acts as a common language across generations, cultures and diverse groups. By making a simple stitch, we create a strong shared message.”
Surprisingly, many members of our craft group described ourselves as reluctant stitchers, but encouraged and supported by each other we had fun growing our trees. Some have learned new skills and others revived a hibernating pastime! As a church we have supported
individuals and families seeking asylum and this project gave us chance to reflect and remember people who have been displaced around the world and closer to us.
Trees remind us of roots, families, safety and shelter. Our trees had many inspirations: places, celebrations, memories, hope, peace, colour and seasons. Perhaps you can identify with one or more of the trees.
We know our crafts can make a difference, it is empowering to be part of another national activity, from an individual tree to a huge forest and #sharingthelove for our planet with our green hearts. We continue to make twiddlemuffs for people with dementia, and we're currently making six inch squares to make into blankets for homeless people.
We meet on the second Saturday afternoon of each month. The craft group is a relaxing space in the month where we freely share inspiration, skills, stories, friendship and more. Collectively we plant seeds, encourage each other to form strong roots, branch out and blossom!
Hall Green Ladies Craft Group: Stitch a Tree Project
Sr Alison Raybould
Hall Green United Community Church
© Sr Alison Raybould
© Sr Margit Lessing
© Sr Elisabeth Hollindrake