Interesting Sundays

Sundays have sure become interesting since moving here to Amsterdam. We try out a different church each Sunday. Last week we worshipped at the Oude Kerk...a church that was built in the 13th century. The whole service was in Dutch but we were able to glean some things from the book of Matthew. We enjoyed it but decided it wasn't for us. The church is beautiful but under construction...there was a backhoe in the sanctuary!

Well today we went to a beautiful little chapel within the Begijnhof (which I'll explain later). The service was in English since it is an English Reformed Church Amsterdam. It was founded in 1607 to serve the English-speaking community of Amsterdam. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves & think we may have found our place of worship while living here. They have quite a few works outside their walls & even have Sunday evening worship time & Wednesday Bible classes! It is part of the Church of Scotland so the pastors are Scottish so that was really cool.

The Begijnhof (a women's island) is a sanctuary for women living as nuns but do not take the vow. They vow to lead a frugal lifestyle but are not required to give up their monetary possessions. This is a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of a hustling & bustling city. This is a place where I will return to read & be still.

I'll try to get some pictures if I can. You'll see what I mean!!

Swans on the canal

Houseboats on the Herengracht Canal

Statue of Rembrandt in Rembrandtplein (right behind our house)

Interesting intersection just off Rembrandtplein...don't you want to come see it?!?!?!