“To Make Lives Easier”

Since 1 November 2025, Mrs. Miriam Thielemann is the new assistant to UEM General Secretary Rev Dr Andar Parlindungan. Born and raised in Münster, Germany, the 54-year-old moved to Wuppertal 27 years ago: “Here I quickly found a new home in the Dutch Reformed Congregation at Katernberg,” she says. It is not strictly the same denomination as the Dutch Reformed Church she belonged to in Münster – “but the connection was there right away.”

A friendly atmosphere

What convinced her about the UEM was, first of all, its meaningful work. Her personal motto about what we as people are doing here on earth is closely linked to that, she says: “We are here to make each other’s lives easier. And that is something I want to live – both privately and professionally.”

She studied English and History and got her first job as an executive assistant at a publishing house in Münster. After working in human resources at a large American corporation and then at a Wuppertal start-up, she joined the UEM. “When I walk in here in the morning – you just feel good!” says Thielemann.

“There’s simply a different spirit blowing through this house, you can notice that also during the devotions. People talk to you on the stairs: Have you met this colleague, or that one? It’s just a very friendly atmosphere, and all the colleagues I’ve worked with so far have been kind and helpful.”

Important: exchange with other assistants

In addition to working with Andar Parlindungan and his conversation partners, she collaborates closely with the other assistants. They meet regularly in the assistants’ circle to discuss their work. The exchange there is important and encouraged, she says: “And time is set aside for that during working time! That I really noticed positively.”
One small challenge, however, is still the building’s maze-like layout.

In her free time, she serves as an elder and in various other roles in the Dutch Reformed Congregation and enjoys swimming and running. She also plays the clarinet in a small salon orchestra.

We wish Miriam Thielemann all the best and God’s blessing for her work at UEM.