Today’s service was just a little bit special, as we focused on the day of Pentecost. Our chaplain Sam came up with a very unusual way to share our first reading (Acts 2:1-21) amongst the congregation, choosing 19 different speakers. In itself this would have been quite remarkable, but what made it really special was that each passage was read in a different language – giving a real feeling of what Pentecost must have been like.

We shared communion with the Old Catholic Church congregation, led by their priest Victor and along with Sam, we had a joint Dutch and English spoken service. How nice it was to enjoy this celebration together, especially as a newcomer to the church and the whole service just felt absolutely perfect, from the readings, the sermon, to the music and songs, which included one of my all time favorites – “How Great is our God.”

I was left reflecting on how when you need it most, your spirits can be lifted. Today my church did just that!