From Albania to Estonia...

From Albania, Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands and the UK, women of the Moravian Church arrived at High Leigh Conference Centre. Why? For the European Women’s Conference (EWC). An opportunity to renew old friendships and make new friends, plus much chat and laughter filled the air.

There was a memorial photograph, and many stories shares about Sr Gudrun Ingeburg Schiewe (nee Enkelmann). Many years ago, when European sisters were divided by post-war politics, she enlisted help to start the European Women’s Conference. This meant that in those dark times sisters from across Europe could come together, allowing those living under Communism to visit other places. This was my first EWC and, like so many, I am grateful to Sr Gudrun for her vision, determination and faith to make her idea a reality that lives on beyond her earth-bound life.

Our theme was ‘Jesus the Storyteller’ and so our Bible studies were parables. On Friday Bishop Rhoinde (The Netherlands) reminded us how Jesus used ordinary images to tell extraordinary stories about the power of God. The parable of the sower was the first we looked at and our discussions gave us the opportunity to hear different views and perspectives from many countries and sisters. An uplifting conclusion from the discussion I shared, led by Sr Jill Vogt (Herrnhut), was how the sower spread the seeds EVERYWHERE in HOPE.

The second day we were invited to discuss the parable of the persistent widow. Probably less well known than the sower and yet one that stimulates some interesting questions and reflections. For example, how persistent are we in prayer?

Each day started and ended with devotions. Our singing was beautifully accompanied by Sr Christina (Sweden). ‘This is the day …’ and ‘Bind us together …’ we all knew well: singing a Swedish song in Swedish was more of a challenge. During devotions led by the three sisters from Albania we sang an Albanian hymn, in their language. Sometimes you do things you never even dreamed of doing.

The afternoons offered a range of options: crafts, walking, singing and a talk. This ensured we could indulge in something we enjoyed or go along and try something new. I always avoid crafts, only to find that the Netherland sisters used crafts as part of the Bible study session I attended. So time spent discussing the Good Samaritan and making a key ring.

Sr Janet Cooper gave a talk in the evening to the whole group about the work of the Unity Women’s Desk (UWD) and the recent Consultation, titled ‘With hearts and hands and voices’. Hence there was a focus on the support the UWD offers to women through sponsorship, plus how we can all challenge gender-based violence. The latter was also the topic of the talk where historical figures with Moravian links started the on-going work for women’s rights.

On the Saturday night the British sisters shared a few stories about being British and our rich and varied backgrounds. Of the twelve of us there we actually came from various Caribbean islands, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. Like all the sisters, many differences and yet all connected by our faith. Thanks to High Leigh this was followed by cheese and biscuits along with some local gin. An enjoyable evening filled with laughter.

Sunday morning a coach took us to Hornsey Church where Sr Christine Emanuel led the service. We were treated to plenty of music: a fine organ, a lively Steel band and a choir of ten women from the EWC. Sr Christine encouraged a group of children to think about balloons as a way of talking about Ascension Day. Her sermon referred to the importance of prayer which reminded me of our discussion about the persistent widow.

After the service the hospitality of the church members was on full display. More Steel band music while we were treated to a delicious buffet. We then went to St Albans where many of us appreciated some fine organ music at the Cathedral.

The final evening found us together once more, sharing the Unity Creed and the Cup of Covenant. Monday morning Sr Jill Vogt led morning prayers, standing around the fountain in the early morning sun. A rousing chorus of ‘Bind us together’ prepared us for our good-byes and journeys home. Apart in body, together in happy memories until next time. Plans are already afoot for the 2029 EWC to be in Albania. I must close with a huge thank you to the organising group who got us all there on the same date, to enjoy an event that ran smoothly and certainly helped to ‘bind us together’.

Sr Mary Holmes

Fulneck