Divine services for children, concerts, and seminars for ministers: there has been a lot going on in the New Apostolic world in recent weeks. And the District Apostles were right in the middle of it all. Let’s follow them and look at the congregations they visited.
Celebrating with District Apostle Enrique Minio
District Apostle Enrique Minio was among those who attended the birthday celebration of the congregation of Burzaco in Argentina on 8 September 2024. Accompanied by Apostle Claudio González, Bishop Diego Batista, and the ministers from the district, he celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of the congregation with the members and many guests. He based the service on 1 Kings 19: 11–12. During the service, the congregation used the opportunity to give an outline of its history. During Holy Communion for the departed, the District Apostle especially remembered those from the congregation who have already passed away. After the divine service, all participants were presented with a little anniversary gift.
On the go with District Apostle Edy Isnugroho
District Apostle Edy Isnugroho visited congregations in Indonesia from 4 to 6 October 2024. On Friday afternoon he conducted a divine service in Karangsari, where he sealed two children. In the evening, the District Apostle conducted a divine service to which the congregations of Karangkemiri, Karangrena, and Ciwuni were invited. Here too he sealed a child. The next day, the District Apostle conducted a divine service for the ministers and their partners in Tritih Kulon. He urged them, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 10: 7). The District Apostle’s divine service marathon in Indonesia ended with the Thanksgiving Day service on Sunday in the congregation of Sidanegara-Cilacap. He based his sermon on Genesis 8: 22: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”
District Apostle Peter Lambert enjoys male choir concert
As the former head of the music department of the New Apostolic Church Cape, District Apostle Peter Lambert must have appreciated what was offered to the many listeners in the Silvertown Auditorium on 26 October 2024. The male choir and the Cape Town orchestra gave a concert in the famous concert auditorium. After an opening prayer by the District Apostle, the programme began with “A Jubilant Song”, performed by the choir and brass band. This was followed by pieces such as “Mine eyes have seen the glory” and “Abide with me”. The concert concluded with a majestic rendition of “When the roll is called up yonder”. The audience erupted in applause after each performance and ultimately gave a standing ovation. “You know the instrument that you play, but you don’t always know the instrument that you are in God’s hands for the congregation,” the District Apostle said as he thanked the musicians. “You can bring joy to God’s people.”
A seminar with District Apostle Thomas Deubel
District Apostle Thomas Deubel invited the Apostles and Bishops of his working area to Zofingen on 5 November 2024. The active ministers and the retirees engaged in a lively exchange over a welcome coffee. After the official welcome and prayer, District Apostle Deubel spoke to the ministers about the Chief Apostle’s thoughts on what must be done to attain salvation. The repentance mentioned in Acts 2: 38 is necessary for salvation and makes it possible to fight evil. Afterwards, one of the Apostles, Reto Keller, presented new recommendations on “Commitment and impact of retired ministers”. The meeting ended with a walk and dinner together.
District Apostle Rüdiger Krause and the future of the Church
The children of the districts of Güstrow and Neubrandenburg in Germany invited a special guest to their final service of the year: District Apostle Rüdiger Krause came to conduct service for them on 10 November 2024. He based his sermon on Joshua 1: 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The District Apostle had some encouraging thoughts for the children for the future. He also had an example from the Bible. The story of David and Goliath shows that if you firmly believe in God and tackle tasks together with Him, He will accompany you. The musical accompaniment was provided by the children, who formed the choir and a small orchestra. The District Apostle also celebrated Holy Communion for the departed. Afterwards there was time for more music, crafts, and games.