Dear readerDear brothers and sisters

Fear is one of the main human emotions. Some of our fears are justified, some are irrational. I am afraid to walk alone in the dark, and I am scared of pigeons. Both fears are quite irrational. Although it is good to be attentive when walking alone at night, I know that most crimes happen in a familiar environment and not in the open streets. I also know that should a pigeon really fly into my head one day, which is an unlikely scenario, it will not kill me. People who are scared of flying know all too well that the risk of being involved in a car accident is much bigger than being in a plane crash. However, our rational mind is often powerless against the feeling of fear. It shows us how dominated we really are by our emotions. Yet there are also real fears. We fear for the health and the life of the people we love. We all have to die one day, and we never know when it is going to hit us. It is important to give space to our fears and to learn to live with them rather than to oppress them, but it is equally important not to let fear dominate our decision making and our day-to-day lives. Fear is an important emotional indicator, but it can also paralyse us. Read more about this topic on the focus page.

It was a great privilege for me to preside over three weddings at the Swiss Church in the first quarter of this year. During the wedding preparations, I got to know the couples better and it was heart-warming to see their commitment and love as they prepared for their wedding day. I always feel it is a miracle when life brings together two people who deeply care

for one another and who build this place called home. A loving relationship brings stability and warmth into our lives. For many it is an important step to make their partnership public and official through marriage. Since 13 March 2014, marriage is also open to same-sex couples in England and Wales. In churches, this has been discussed controversially. Whereas the Church of England strictly rejects same-sex marriage, other reformed churches like the Dutch Church and Bloomsbury Baptist Church in our neighbourhood have extended their wedding licence for same-sex couples. The Consistoire raised this matter in several meetings and would like to consult with the Swiss Church congregation and community on their views. You can share your opinion with us by sending an email to consistoire@swisschurchlondon.org.uk or by sending a letter to the Swiss Church office by Monday 20 June 2016. As Minister, I support the extension of the wedding licence for same-sex couples and I hope

that I will see the day when I will be able to welcome all couples at the Swiss Church for their special day. This is in line with the position of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches that supports a legal framework for all couples to protect their dignity, to grant them legal stability and to foster life in community. We would love to hear from you and would appreciate if many of you would become part of this discussion.

It is always a pleasure welcoming musicians to our church services and Director of Music Peter Yardley-Jones

Swiss Church in LondonEglise Suisse de LondresSchweizerkirche in LondonChiesa Svizzera a LondraBaselgia Svizra a LondraSummer 2016

In this edition

News from the Consistoire - - - - - - - 2News from the Community - - - - - - - 3Focus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-5People from our Community - - - - - - 6Announcements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6Events @ The Swiss Church - - - - - - 7

Editorial

Swiss Church News

Fear can lead to isolation

has spoilt us with many amazing performances in the past, adding an extra dimension to Sunday services by inviting singers and other professionals. Music is a very important part of worship, and you have asked us to invite musicians more often, a request Peter and I are more than happy to fulfil. However, we need your support for this. We have opened a fund ‘Music at Services’ that you can specifically donate for. All contributions will directly go into musical performances for Sunday services. Thank you for your contributions!

Since April we offer a room at the vicarage for refugees and asylum seekers through the charity “Housing Justice”. You can support this scheme with a donation to the Swiss Church (remark: Vicarage Housing Support).

From 2017, we will distribute the Swiss Church News online. Paper copies will only be sent out on request. Please watch out for the paper return slip that will be distributed with the autumn and winter editions where we will ask you to inform us how you would like to receive the Swiss Church News in the future, or alternatively you can let us know anytime by writing an email to info@swisschurchlondon.org.uk or calling the Swiss Church office.

I wish you all a beautiful spring and a lot of sunshine!

Many blessings,

Editorial

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ImprintPublisherThe Swiss Church in London79 Endell StreetLondon WC2H 9DYA company limited by Guarantee registered in England & Wales, no 4454591. A registered Charity no 1094992.

Editors Carla Maurer & Philip Maillardet

ContactPhone 020 7836 1418info@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

Websitewww.swisschurchlondon.org.ukYou can download the latest Swiss Church News on our website.

Deadline for the nextSwiss Church News 20 July 2016

News from the Consistoire

In the name of the Consistoire, the team and the Swiss Church congregation I would like to offer my wholehearted thanks to our departing trustees Suzanne Egloff and Geoff Fisher. Suzanne, who joined the Coinsistoire in March 2013, provided the Consistoire with indispensable advice and guidance in the ongoing process towards complete financial independence. She played a pivotal role in drafting the Business Concept Plan. Geoff Fisher has been an active member of the Church for three decades. He joined the Consistoire in November 2008. This makes him the longest-serving member amongst the Trustees. Geoff was in charge of building maintenance. He provided the Church with invaluable advice through his many years of dedicated service. We are happy that Geoff will remain an active member of our community.

Both Suzanne and Geoff will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Consistoire, we are deeply grateful for their service and wish them all the best for their future responsibilities. With some of the trustees departing, the Consistoire are looking for new trustees and advisors. Any skillsets are welcome. Specific experiences in building maintenance or accountancy are especially sought after. To be a trustee or advisor of a charitable organisation is a rewarding experience on many levels. By giving your time and knowledge you will support the charitable goals of the Swiss Church and further its spiritual, cultural and social life for the Swiss colony and the local community whilst developing new skills and gaining valuable work experience.

Applicants should be confident in collaborating on decisions as the board navigates through dynamic times of growth and change. Consistoire meetings are held five to six times a year and members must have some time to commit to projects in their area of expertise. Applicants should be willing to participate in some church activities of a cultural, community or religious nature and become a member of the Swiss Church. Swiss citizenship is not a requirement. Please contact: President Johannes Reich (jr@swisschurchlondon.org.uk) or Reverend Carla Maurer (carla.maurer@swisschurchlondon.org.uk or 020 7836 1418) should you be interested in learning more about becoming a trustee or advisor.

Johannes Reich, President

Farewell Geoff Fisher and Suzanne Egloff

News from the Community

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My first month at the Swiss Churchor how to change your life in five weeks

After one month of living in London and working at the Swiss Church, I have completely changed my plans for the future. My life has taken a new

turn and this new direction I am heading towards is equally scary and exciting.

My London experience is undoubtedly entwined with my Swiss Church experience. When I first came here at the beginning of March I did not know what to expect. I was living alone for the first time in my life, in my own flat, with my own kitchen, my own bathroom. I had to figure out how to use the washing machine (to my defence, the ones we have in Switzerland are quite different from the ones you get here and all the signs and labels are confusingly different as well), which supermarket sells the cheapest groceries and how to use public transport. And on my second day, I started working at the Swiss Church.

It is hard to believe that it is only been a month when I think of all the things I have done so far and all the people I

have met - people I never would have met were it not for this job at the Swiss Church.

One of the best things so far has been our parish trip to Bruges in Belgium. We left early on a Tuesday morning, and by Wednesday night we were a tired and giggling bunch of friends sharing a lot of good memories - memories of good food, strong beer, delicious Belgian chocolate, interesting museums and great weather (except for that one time when some people thought it was a good idea to go on a boat tour on the canal and got soaking wet because it started to hail).

On that trip to Bruges I came to a decision: I do not want to leave London just yet. I planned on staying for three months, and now I changed my plans. I want to stay for a year. Or maybe a year and a half. After living here for a month I feel like I am only just starting to grasp the vibe of the city. The not-so-touristy London. The real, big, promising London full of opportunities and full of strangers. I realised shortly after I arrived that three months just is not enough for me, and in Bruges I had some good and very reassuring chats about my plans or

the lack thereof. University will still be there next year, but this chance to just prolong my stay might not.

That is not the only major change of plan though. I also decided that I want to study theology next year, rather than history and English linguistics. Actually I think it was only a matter of time until I came to this decision. I guess theology is just in my blood. My mother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, they are all vicars. I did not want to follow the tradition, but I always thought that theology was incredibly interesting and diverse. And now that I work at the Swiss Church I gain an entirely new and different insight into the everyday life in and the work of a church, and it is fascinating and inspiring.

Thank you for this wonderful first month at the Swiss Church and thank you for welcoming me with open arms! London is an incredible city, but the Swiss Church made me feel welcome. Here is to a good year and to the next generation of theologians in my family. The succession is secured.

Lili Jost, Intern from Switzerland

Parish Outing 2016: Bruges

The group on Bruges’ marketsquare

“It gave us all time and opportunities to get to know each other on a different level and enjoy each other’s generosity, humour, wisdom and laughter as well as a tear.”

Marianne Fisher-Hertig

“Many thanks for the two wonderful days you arranged for us in Bruges! It is very much appreciated!”

Susanne Tse

“Thank you, I really enjoyed it and it was so well organised.”

Annabel Simmons

At the Kantmuseum (=Lace) Bruges’ canals

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Focus: Fear“Remove this cup from me!”Like Edelweiss or Doppelgänger, ‘Angst’ is one of the German expressions that has found its way into the English language expressing a more existential form of anguish than the English word ‘fear’. Angst is a basic emotion like grief, love or rage. Emotions can take over our whole life to the point that we are too petrified to take any rational decisions, be it a positive emotion for example when we fall in love, or a negative emotion for example when we are overwhelmed by grief. Fears can dominate our lives, whether they are real or imagined. The emotion of fear is part of our human nature regardless of our origin. We fear for our life or the lives of our loved ones, we fear political or environmental change or we fear not being good enough. Some people have a deep felt fear of spiders, pigeons or planes. Our fears are as varied as people. Some seem to be dominated by it, others seem to be immune.

Fear is a topic that spans throughout the Bible. One of the best known passages is when Angel Gabriel says to Mary, the mother of Jesus: “Do not be afraid!” This is of course more easily said than done for an intimidated teenage girl who had just learned that she was pregnant with the long expected Messiah. How could Mary not be afraid in view of the task ahead of her and the fear of being stigmatised by society as an unmarried pregnant woman? Jesus in his anguish prayed to God the night before he entered into Jerusalem where he knew he would be killed. Great drops of sweat fell down on the ground, like blood drops (Luke 22:44). Jesus was terrified: “Father, remove this cup from me!” he begged. The fate of a single person is one way to experience fear and is individual to one’s personal life. Fear however can also be experienced by a group of people or by a whole nation. The people of Israel were scared when

they escaped the Pharao under Moses’ leadership. They were hoping to escape oppression and find freedom, but when the Egyptians advanced on them, the Israelites cried to God: “What have you done to us? Why did you not leave us alone? We’d much rather serve the Pharao in Egypt than having to die in the wilderness!” (Exodus 14). Fear can hinder us of taking courageous decisions. Much rather we stay in an unsatisfactory but somehow safe situation.

Particularly revealing are the Psalm that grant us an intimate insight into the fear of a whole people who were removed from their homes, exported and who had to live in exile. “You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength. You will keep me from the grave.” (Psalm 71:20). In German this is translated slightly differently: “Du lässt mich viele und grosse Angst erfahren und machst mich wieder lebendig, holst mich

heraus aus der Tiefe.” Both are in God’s hands: our fear and the liberation from it. It is God who lets us experience fear, but it is also God who lifts us up.

We live in an increasingly fearful society. Global changes and economic decline make us aware how fragile we really are, and that we cannot take security and peace for granted. Many politicians use these changes to create fear in order to gain power and it is often difficult to judge which of our fears are justified and which fears are imposed on us. Fear, although a necessary emotion that alarms us of immediate danger, can split societies and communities if it becomes irrational. Fearfulness alienates us from God because it alienates us from embracing God’s creation in its beauty and goodness. The most powerful alternative to fear is trust. Where there is trust, there is no fear. We need courage to trust: trust in the future, in other people, in God. It is much easier to give in to fear and to withdraw from the world to protect the little we have. Jesus calls us to face the world with courage: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 10:28).

Rev. Carla Maurer

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We have an awful lot to winAccording to the US American psychiatrist Eric Berne (1910-1970), every human being is driven by six main emotions - happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust. Sometimes one emotion can prevail over the other five, resulting in a main emotion defining and controlling a person. Not only individuals are led by these emotions though - society as a whole experiences so-called collective emotions, as psychoanalysis states. And sometimes, one emotion is so predominant that the other ones fade into the background and become insignificant next to the big controlling emotion.

Western Europe’s predominant emotion seems to be fear. Its history might explain why. After two violent and traumatising world wars, Europe was reduced to ashes. Within a few decades, it rose again to become a wealthy and powerful continent. To prevent further wars within the European borders, former enemies became friends, economically as well as politically, and defined common values. Institutions like the European Union, the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe were the direct results of this unification, and in most parts of Europe decades of peace followed. We became used to wealth and security.

The generations who witnessed the war are dying out. The collective memory of past atrocities is fading and so does the understanding for the purpose of the European unification. In the face of global changes and migration flows, we sense that peace, influence and wealth can never be taken for granted. We are afraid of losing control and out of this fear turn against one another and against everyone who enters our borders. We find it hard to trust strangers and want to preserve our wealth at any cost.

In this sea of fear the Swiss Church is an island of openness, trust and support. Our doors are open, everybody is welcome. We are becoming more and more an active part of the story of Endell Street, and finding where the Swiss Church fits into that story. However, things are not always that easy. The last two years have been a time of transition for the Swiss Church especially in our interactions with life in the locality of Covent Garden. Transition always means change and change can be scary.

Becoming an increasingly open community of radical welcome has implications. There is fear of the unknown, and we do not know who will come through the

doors. When we say ‘all welcome’ this can leave us vulnerable. We had to let go of the idea that this is ‘our’ church as we began sharing it and making it a place for more people to find peace in community. This is counter cultural and the opposite reaction to fear compared to what we see in our gated society.

Why is it so difficult to overcome fear and face the unknown? Jean Vanier who is the founder of the L’arche communities writes:“Love is what we most want, yet it is what we fear the most. Love makes us vulnerable and open, but then we can be hurt through rejection and separation”.

Many people are fearful of rejection, or fearful of being let down. This is not only true for the people who offer hospitality. Also those receiving hospitality risk to be rejected and are fearful of how they will be perceived. They are changing their routines and they are building us into their lives. When you invest in something you can also lose it. The fear of losing control often stands between us and others. We all have something to lose, but more importantly we have an awful lot to win: real community, the feeling of belonging and self-worth.

Focus: Fear

How to cope with fearWhat can we do to cope with fear and anxiety? Fear can manifest itself in physical symptoms, a racing heart, sweaty hands, sleeplessness and a panicky feeling. First thing to do is to take time out to physically recover. A cup of tea, a walk or a hot bath can help. Sometimes we need longer periods of time out. Good sleep, a wholesome diet and physical exercise are crucial to recover from anxiety. To talk about our fears with a friend, a psychologist or a doctor also helps. Another method to recover from physical symptoms is to close the eyes and visualise a place where we feel safe: a lonely beach, a crowded café, a happy memory from childhood. It is important not to fight the feeling of anxiety but to get to the bottom of it.

Many fears however do not manifest themselves physically but are in our head, often influenced by collective fears rather than personal experience. Try to imagine your fear. What is it exactly that makes you fearful? Try to imagine that your worst fear becomes true. It is hard to imagine. The fear will run away the more you try to catch it.

Lili Jost, Matt Stone, Rev. Carla Maurer

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People from our communityCecile, Lotti and Silvia - the kitchen team

On Sundays after the service there is a lunch provided cooked by members of the congregation. It gives the community a chance to sit together and get to know one another and share news. Cecile Mistry, Lotti Terroni and Silvia Greenfield are the dedicated kitchen team who make this happen, occasionally supported by other members of the congregation.

Cecile Mistry, Catering Manager: “I was born in Fribourg and came to London to learn English in 1966 where I met my husband soon after. When my first child was born, I joined the Swiss Church

Mothers’ Group and became actively involved. I cook Sunday lunch since the 1980s. When I joined the Consistoire in 2008, I became the Catering Manager.”

Silvia Greenfield: “I am some sort of ‘Mädchen für alles’ assisting Cecile when she needs help. I was born in Zürich and came to London in 1961 to work as an invisible mender restoring fabrics. My main reason for being at the Swiss Church are the community and the friendship. Particularly since my husband died, the church became a tremendously important part of my life. I was never particularly religious, but slowly I discover faith for myself.”

Lotti Terroni: “I came to London in 1957 as an au-pair and soon after met my husband. We were very busy with our shop. I joined the Swiss Church in the 1980s when my daughter left home. I was very, very lonely and the Swiss Church became an extended big family to me. I never looked back. I help in the kitchen because it is important to bring people together over a meal and to build community.”

The kitchen team are looking for support. If you would like to occasionally cook a simple meal on a Sunday, please make yourself known to Cecile or the office.

ObituariesPravin Mistry, the husband of Consistoire member Cecile Mistry, passed away on 5 March after a long period of illness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pravin’s family and friends in England and India who will dearly miss him. Cecile would like to thank everyone for the tremendous support she has received during this difficult period.

On 2 May long-standing Swiss Church member Agnes Béguin passed away at the age of 97. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son Pierre-Michel, former member of the Consistoire, his siblings, family and friends.

The Swiss Church club La Causerie mourns the passing of the following members and their relatives: Hermina Gaufroid, Jacqueline Rave and John Culver. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and the members of La Causerie.

Yama Otung and Sean Cottrell, members of Christ Church London, got married on Saturday 19 March by Reverend Carla

Maurer. We wish them a happy and long life together!

We congratulate Swiss Church members Alessandra Liguori and Thomas Cenci on their wedding which took place on 23

April. May their marriage be blessed with health and happiness!

AnnouncementsWeddings

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Events @ the Swiss ChurchForthcoming events

SportWednesday 15 June, 4.30pm:UEFA Euro 2016 Romania - SwitzerlandIf you are wondering where you can watch some of the upcoming Euro 2016 Swiss football games, come to the Swiss Church. We are showing Romania - Switzerland on Wednesday 15 June, kick-off at 5pm on our huge projection screen in the Church Hall. Wienerli, potato salad and cold Swiss beer will be served. Dust off your fan shirts and flags and pop along to cheer for our team!We will be showing the game from Swiss TV, this might be the only place you can watch the game in London with Swiss German commentary.

FamilySaturday 18 June, 11am:Scavenger HuntJoin us for a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday 18 June with Community Worker Matt Stone around Westminster Abbey. The children will have the opportunity to get to know some of London’s greatest sights in a playful way. We will meet at 11am by the statue of Winston Churchill overlooking the abbey. You will then be given your first clue for the Scavenger Hunt which will involve finding facts from the surrounding area and buildings. Bring a picnic, we will meet at 1pm to eat together once everyone has finished the hunt.Nearest tube station: Westminster.For more information and to sign up: matt.stone@swisschurchlondon.org.uk or 020 7836 1418.

MusicSaturday 25 June, 5pm:Organ Recital by Tyrone WhittingTyrone Whiting is currently Director of Music at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Battersea. He has played internationally and was recently reviewed as “l’organiste virtuose anglais” (Ouest France, May 2013).Entrance is free with retiring collection.

Peter Yardley-Jones and Julian Simmons produced a CD with recordings of the Swiss Church organ. The CD can be purchased at the Swiss Church office for £8.

Summer BreakSonntag 7. August, 11 Uhr:Gottesdienst auf DeutschVom 6.-10. August wird eine Gemeindegruppe der reformierten Kirche Thun in London sein. Am Sonntag 7. August werden Pfrn. Silvia Junger, Pfr. Michael Siegrist und Pfrn. Carla Maurer gemeinsam einen Gottesdienst gestalten, zu dem alle herzlich eingeladen sind. Anschliessend gibt es Gelegenheit zum Austausch zwischen der Londoner und Thuner Gemeinde.

HSBC, 117 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 6QJSortcode: 40-03-15 Account Number: 61410512IBAN: GB58MIDL40031561410512BIC: MIDLGB2106M

Swiss Church in LondonEglise Suisse de LondresSchweizerkirche in LondonChiesa Svizzera a LondraBaselgia Svizra a Londra

Swiss Church in London, 79 Endell Street London WC2H 9DY

Tel: 020 7836 1418, info@swisschurchlondon.org.ukwww.swisschurchlondon.org.uk

Twitter: @SwissChurchLond & @SwissRevLondonCarla Maurer’s blog http://swissvicarlondon.blogspot.co.uk

Registered charity No. 1094992

We welcome donations by standing order. If you are a UK taxpayer, please fill in a gift aid declaration form.

1 Chronicles 28:20

David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.Do not be afraid or discouraged, for God is with you.

God will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple is finished.”

“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.”

(Dorothy Thompson, American journalist and broadcaster, 1893-1961)

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