Anglican Church Twente
St.Mary's of Weldam
Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Europe
OCTOBER
St. Francis Day
Saturday 4 October 2025 at St. Mary's Chapel
On Saturday 4 October, St Francis’ Day, we held our annual blessing of animals service. St Francis saw all of creation as a reflection of God’s goodness, preaching even to birds and other animals as fellow creatures of the Lord. This year, only dogs and their owners joined us—no cats or other pets—but despite the true autumn weather, the sun broke through just as the service began. The dogs were delighted to receive their blessing, adding warmth and joy to this cherished tradition.
SEPTEMBER
Castle Fair 2025
Saturday 13 September 2025 at Kasteel Weldam
This year’s English Castle Fair at Kasteel Weldam was once again a highlight of late summer, drawing visitors of all ages to the beautiful estate between Goor and Diepenheim.
From 10:30 to 17:00 the grounds came alive with around 40 stalls offering everything from bric-a-brac, quilts, feltwork and knitting to bookbinding, wooden toys, and jewellery, along with lively demonstrations throughout the day. Music filled the air thanks to the Highland Regiment Band, and the ever-popular Morris Dancers returned to charm the crowds.
The English Tearoom from St. Mary's Chapel congregation was a favourite stop, where guests enjoyed homemade cakes, scones, and plenty of tea and coffee. St Mary’s Chapel was also open for visitors, featuring performances by harpist Hildegard Tummers and other musicians.
With a cheerful atmosphere from start to finish, the Fair once again raised funds for the Anglican Church Twente while offering a wonderful day out for the whole community!
APRIL
EASTER EVENTS SERIES
During the season of Lent and Holy Week, our church community came together for a series of meaningful events that led us from reflection to celebration. From the moving Stations of the Cross service in Kampen to the shared Passover meal at the Chaplain’s House, and the joyful Palm Sunday procession to the Chapel, each moment deepened our connection to the Easter story and to one another.
Station of the Cross service
Friday 4 April 2025 at Open Hof in Kampen
During Lent, the congregation is encouraged to fast on Fridays and to break the fast following a Stations of the Cross service held at 18:00. These services take place either in the Chapel or at parishioners’ homes.
The final service in this year’s series was held on Friday 4 April 2025 at the Open Hof church in Kampen, which is currently offering church asylum (kerkasiel) to a refugee family facing deportation.
This family has lived in the Netherlands for over ten years, and their four children are fully integrated into Dutch society. They are among hundreds of families in similar circumstances. Under church asylum, deportation is not permitted as long as an ongoing religious service is being held.
By holding our Stations of the Cross at Open Hof, we were able to stand in solidarity and support this vital initiative.
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Palm Sunday
Sunday, 13 April 2025 at St. Mary's Chapel
On Palm Sunday, 13 April 2025, we began our service at the Hut and processed joyfully to the Chapel, carrying palm crosses and singing along the way. The procession was a meaningful way to enter Holy Week, recalling Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
While only a few photos were taken before the service, the spirit of the morning was captured in the shared sense of anticipation and community.
Passover meal
Friday 11 April 2025 at the Chaplain's house
The Passover meal was held on Friday 11 April 2025 in the barn at the Chaplain’s House in Weldam, offering a rich and reflective experience that connected us to the roots of the Eucharist.
The evening followed the traditional elements of the Seder, including symbolic foods such as greens, bitter herbs, charoset (a mixture of apple, nuts, and cinnamon), eggs, salt water, and matzahs (unleavened bread). The festival lights were kindled, and the four cups of wine were poured in turn, marking the unfolding of the story.
While deeply meaningful, the evening was also filled with warmth and fellowship—it wasn’t just a solemn occasion, but one that brought joy and community to the table.
Easter Vigil
Sunday 20 April 2025 at St. Mary's Chapel
We began our Easter Vigil with the traditional Service of Light, gathering outside the chapel to kindle the new fire. From this flame, the Paschal candle was lit and carried in procession into the darkened chapel, symbolizing the light of Christ entering the world.
The chapel was beautifully decorated with flower arrangements created by members of our church community, adding to the atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Following the service, we continued our celebration with a shared Easter breakfast in the church hut, thoughtfully prepared by our warden, Jeanet. It was a joyful time of fellowship and gratitude as we welcomed the hope and renewal of Easter together.
