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General information:
The Vrijzinnige Geloofsgemeenschap NPB - Schiedam is an open organisation
concerned with the spiritual and religious developement of its members and the
community as a whole. To this end, we organise different kinds of activities,
including:
- Church services
- Lectures
- Courses
- Discussion groups
- Social meetings We do this on the basis of the two sets of principles
that also govern our national organisation, the Vrijzinnig Christelijke
philosophy (which is closely related to Unitarian Christianity) and the
Religious Humanist school of thought. In practice this means we are an
undogmatic group which considers the questions of spirituality to be more
important than answers. Although we own a lovely church built in 1909, we are
not a church in the legal sense, and therefore do not have creeds, specified
articles of faith or rules governing our membership. We are open to all.
Adress:
Vrijzinnige Geloofsgemeenschap NPB - Schiedam
Westvest 90-92
3111 BZ Schiedam
The Netherlands
info@npbschiedam.nl
For information in English call: 0031 - 10 273 43 56 Minister:
Our minister is rev. Klaas Yntema.
klsyntema@kabelfoon.net He leads approximately one service every month. On
other sundays guests are invited to lead services, who come from the
liberal wings of various churches. Church Services:
Every sunday at 10:30 am, in the summer months one service every
fortnight. After service we meet each other over a cup of coffee or tea.
Special Services:
When a month contains five sundays, the fifth sunday is generally reserved
for a special service. These services are aimed at those who do not feel
spiritually inclined towards the traditional forms and liturgy. They take some
elements from the traditional service such as congregational singing, and some
form of prayer, which are combined with elements such as theatre, music,
dance, silent meditation and symbols. Other activities:
* Every year a series of lectures, workshops and related activities is held.
These are loosely grouped around a central theme. This year we have chosen
"Tussen kracht en kwetsbaarheid", which translates as "Between
strength and vulnerabilty".
* There is a discussion group led by our minister currently discussing the book
"The Gospel according to Nicolaas Matsier".
* A group of avid readers also has a monthly book review meeting.
* A Sacred Dance class takes place every second monday, and a dance meditation
class every second tuesday.
* Twice a month a social meeting is held at which everyone is welcome to have a
chat, play a game or do some creative work.
* Our choir has incidental open workshops led by a vocal coach. Concerts:
A series of classical (chambermusic) concerts takes place every season,
they are organised by the Stichting Westvest 90. In a relatively short period
the concerts have built up quite a reputation for presenting music of the
highest quality in a great acoustic environement. For more information please
see www.westvest90.nl The Church:
After a period in which several other buildings were used to hold services
in 1908 our current building was commisioned. It was built in 1909 and
officially inaugurated on December the 26th of that year. The architect was Henri Evers,
who also designed Rotterdam city hall.
The style of the building is a typical Dutch variety of neo-renaissance, based
on the building style of the late sixteenth/early seventeenth century.
Characteristically the exterior is mainly built in brick, with a few details
accentuated in stone. The subdued appearance of the building is quite typical, as
is the large wooden barrel vault covering the interior.
The stained glass windows bear Jugendstil designs.
(For more pictures of the church please click
this link) |
