Read travellers' stories in the new annual report

‘The pleasure of welcoming friends from afar knows no bounds’. These words mark the cover of the Airport Chaplaincy’s annual report of 2022. It was the year the world gradually started to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, but not for everybody. At Schiphol a group of passengers still got stuck at the airport, during weeks or months they had to live on the piers and in the lounge. The Airport Chaplaincy felt compassionate about these travellers and worked together with the airport to mitigate their situation. How do you survive a long stay in a terminal? Read the story of Mr. Hui and his children, one ten-year-old and a toddler of three.

Harp music on Pentecost Sunday

This Sunday, 28th of May, the chaplaincy happily welcomes harpist Aimée van Delden in the Meditation Centre of Schiphol. In the beginning of 2023, one of the chaplains met her at a regional meeting and the plan for a combined church service was born. Harp music will attribute warmth and purity to the serenity of the Meditation Centre and will be enjoyable even more on a festive day like Pentecost. The service starts at 11.00 hours, but you are most welcome to walk in earlier.

Church services during the Holy Week in the Meditation Centre

The airport chaplains offer several church services during the Holy Week for checked-in passengers and airport staff in the Meditation Centre in Lounge 2, 2nd floor. On April 6th (Maundy Thursday) a celebration of the Holy Eucharist will take place at 11.00 hours. On Good Friday, April 7th, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed in a special service, also at 11.00. On Easter Sunday, April 9th, a church service will be held with Easter hymns and music. Every service starts at 11.00 and will be announced at the airport. Everybody is welcome.

The Airport Chaplaincy organised a New Year’s Concert in the airport

On January 11th, the Airport Chaplaincy welcomed the year 2023 with a short church service, a speech by the president of the chaplaincy foundation Flip Poort and a special miniconcert. The concert was given by professional musicians in Lounge 2. It was a true highlight of the New Year’s reception.

The ensemble of the foundation ‘Apple pie concerts’ (Appeltaartconcerten) was represented by string trio Ruña ’t Hart, Michiel Holtrop, Douw Fonda and Gerben Klein Willink on trumpet. Their wonderful, energetic performance of light classical music was a big surprise to passengers, guests and airport staff. Seated on the edge of the internet square, the musicians nearly touched the audience. Dancing children, a father with a sleeping son on his shoulder and the volunteers handing out apple pie to listeners. The constant flow of hurries and logistics, so present at airports, was mitigated and softened by the peace and pleasure the music evoked in all. Just a moment to stand still, before rushing again to fly. Foundation ‘Apple pie concerts’ breathes the same humanitarian approach as the Airport Chaplaincy of Schiphol. The musicians play in homes for elderly and sick, in neighborhood theaters and hospices. For more information visit the website of the foundation.

Christmas Eve near the Meditation Centre, behind security

For the ones who are travelling through Schiphol Airport on Christmas Eve, do not miss the opportunity to get a touch of Christmas in a short celebration in Lounge 2. This service can only be attended by checked-in passengers, passengers in transit or staff who are on duty on Christmas Eve. A selection of Christmas carols will be played on audio, we will read the Nativity story and a short Christmas message will be given by one of the chaplains. Due to the overwhelming attendance of last year, the celebration will be held on the internet court in front of the Meditation Centre. Afterwards a hot drink and Christmas stollen will be served. The event starts at 6.30 pm on the second floor in Lounge 2. Chaplains Joop Albers and Mark Hafkenscheid offer you a warm welcome! On Christmas Day (25th of December), the Airport Chaplaincy offers a Christmas service. You are welcome to join us in the Meditation Centre at 11 am, even if your time is short and you would need to leave early.

Pastors Marieke Meiring (left) and Joop Albers (right).
The Airport Chaplaincy wishes you happy holidays! 

Interview Local Radio Station Volendam – Edam

Mid-October volunteer Ria Tol and airport chaplain Marieke Meiring were invited by L.O.V.E. (Local Radio Volendam-Edam) for an interview. In the basement of the stadium of FC Volendam the radio team gave them a warm welcome and asked many questions about the work of the chaplaincy in the Meditation Centre of Schiphol Airport. The programme ‘Zukke Zorge’ (lit. ‘Great Concern’) usually focuses on people whose mindset it is to help others. Ria, a well-known inhabitant of the region, shared her stories about the Meditation Centre. Due to the corona-years the process of application and the beginning of the volunteer work was a long one. Finally, last April, Ria was the first volunteer to join the team of volunteers after the pandemic. Besides describing the chores, questions were answered like: ‘Does a piano fit in the concept of the centre?’ ‘Do couples marry in this designated place at the airport?’ ‘Can people of different beliefs pray together in one room?’ ‘Is it allowed to do yoga?’ 

Airport chaplains and volunteers visit liberal Jewish Congregation of Amsterdam

Every year, the Airport Chaplaincy offers a training program to its volunteers. In October, usually a whole day is organized to equip the 25 voluntary staff and the chaplains to increase their knowledge, train them, and inspire them for their task. On October 13th the chaplains, volunteers, and many board members were hosted by the liberal Jewish Congregation of Amsterdam. In this house of prayer, learning and encounter they were received with touching hospitality.

Tapestry The Seven Days of Creation by Claudy Jongstra.

Rabbi Menno ten Brink kicked off the day with a guided tour in the synagogue. Because of the festival of Sukkoth in the very week, a sukkah was built on its patio. Karima Bajioui and Barnet Kansil facilitated the rest of the day on the topic of interreligious awareness. The training stimulated an attitude of modesty and openness in the encounters in the Meditation Centre of Schiphol.

The door to the synagogue refers to the expectation of the time of Shalom.
Rabbi Menno ten Brink shows the holy scrolls of Tenach.
The sukkah visit.

The Chaplaincy needs new volunteers

We are currently looking for committed people to help in the Meditation Centre. The centre is opened 24 hours a day for passengers and airport staff who wish a moment of quiet or retreat. The task of the volunteers is to ensure that the Meditation centre is a pleasant place for passengers to spend time in silence. This means that, as a volunteer, you will be openminded and respectful for the variety of people who enter the centre during your shift. They may have questions or needs you will attend to. Are you interested? Here you can find more information and the application form.

On the day of the volunteer (7 December 2021), one of our volunteers was put in the spotlight by Schiphol.