Logo van de Remonstrantse Broederschap
    Weblog

Buitenraam

 

Remonstrantse Community
Church office: e-mail

adress: Geertekerkhof 23

3511 XC Utrecht

Phone  030-2340198

gironumber 280446 t.n.v. Remonstrantse Community. Utrecht

Mainnumber. also for renting the church:

tel: 030-2310554
 


Introduction

Welcome in the Community

There are 48 Remonstrant Church parishes in the Netherlands, of which the Utrecht parish is one. Together, they form the Remonstrant Brotherhood. Since their foundation in 1619 they have provided the space and opportunity to give form and substance in a personal manner to a reiligious community.
A Compass

Remonstrants do not try to lay down a creed once and for all time; they have no dogmas, no list of rules for judging the beliefs of others. The Bible serves as a Compass, and it is interpreted in the context of the world of today. Its stories are recounted as there is still much more to be learned from them.

 
Becoming involved

Those who feel attracted to this church and would like to become more involved can do so by attending Sunday Services, joining a discussion group, (bible) circle, or taking one of the courses. A list of them can be found in the programme booklet (in dutch), which can be obtained from the Church Office and has a wealth of information. Copies of the Nieuwsbrief, the Church's monthly publication, are also available.

 

    
 

 

The orientation group

   This group is for those people who would like to learn more about the Remonstrant Church community and their beliefs. To become a member you should sign the affirmation. If you prefer, you may also join as a friend.
 		    
 

 

The Geertekerk

  

Early history

The Remonstrant Church celebrates Eucharist at 10.30 hours on Sunday mornings in this church. It is one of the four parish churches in the old inner city of Utrecht. The Romanesque nave was built in 1255 as a Roman Catholic church; or rather, moved from outside the city wall to inside. The church grew with the parish so that in due course the Early Gothic style towers, transept, choir, and aisles were added.

Restoration

After 1580 the church was used by the Netherlands Reformed Church. In 1939 there was a danger that the church would be demolished, but happily that did not happen. It fell into disrepair, but it did not disappear. In 1954 the Remonstrant Church bought this ruin and rebuilt it with grants from the Monumentenzorg (Monument Preservation Society). By 1956 the church was completely restored.

   
     

Geertrui

The Geertekerk takes its name from Geertrui, who at the age of 21 was chosen to be Abbess of the Nijvel Convent, near Brussels. She was renowed for her hospitality and was called on in the fight against the plagues of rats and mice. In spite of that, she is often portrayed on her knees, so deeply absorbed in prayer that she is completely unaware of the mice climbing up her staff. She died in 659 at the age of 33.

Interior

When the church had been completely restored it was still empty. It was provided with a pulpit from Zevenhuizen, a fine Strümpler organ (1802) and a cabinet organ built by G. Onderhorst (1765). The front was made by the sculptor Pieter d"hont, the Byzantine cross in the choir by the artist Antoinette Gispen and the three stained glas windows by the painter Johan Dijkstra. They represent: the descent of the Holy Spirit on the morning of pentecost Mozes coming down from the Mount Sinai with the two Tablets of the Law in his hands Paul on the road to Damascus, struck by blinding light out of the sky  

    
 
 

[ Welkom in de Gemeente ] [ Kerkdiensten ] [ Agenda - Nieuws ] [ Predikanten ] [ Remonstranten ] [ Contacten ] [ Berichten uit de geertekerk ]

[ Omhoog ] [ Introduction ] [ Beginsel verklaring ] [ 175 jaar Remonstranten februari 2007 ]

[ Introduction ]

  

Laatst bewerkt: 18-09-2008 23:37:26