At home worldwide

Divine service for district leaders

It is a tradition in many District Churches to commence a new year with special divine services, for example for district leaders. Invited to such services are usually the leading ministers of the district as well as the responsible Bishops and Apostles. In such a divine service in St. Gallen in Switzerland, District Apostle Markus Fehlbaum placed District Evangelist Remo Passeri into retirement. The service was followed by a meeting in which the following topics were discussed: the support and encouragement of ministers in the districts and the congregations, the integration of children and the youth in the congregation, the continuing training of Deacons and Priests, and courses in the field of music.

The New Apostolic Church North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) also had a special service for its district leaders that was followed by a meeting. In his sermon, District Apostle Rainer Storck advised the ministers to take their commission seriously and to always be aware that it is a call by God. He based the service on Matthew 5: 15–16: “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” On the agenda of the meeting was the new privacy policy of the New Apostolic Church North Rhine-Westphalia. The existing policy was revised on the basis of the Federal Data Protection Act and adapted to the conditions in the Church.

Divine service for the Scouts

Boy and Girl Scouts from throughout the Pennsylvania area attended a divine service in the Bucks County congregation to observe Scout Sunday. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. The Scouts and their leaders filed into the sanctuary during the opening hymn led by three Scouts carrying the American flag, the Boy Scout flag, and the Girl Scout flag. During the service there was a Bible reading.

Divine service to mark an anniversary

Eldorado Km. 28 is a New Apostolic congregation in the heart of the province Misiones in north-eastern Argentina. The congregation has just turned 70. District Apostle Helper Enrique Minio was there in late January. The divine service marking the 70th anniversary of the Eldorado Km. 28 congregation was attended by many former members. Some of them made a special trip from Eldorado Km. 9. The District Apostle Helper based the sermon on John 21: 15, “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’” After the divine service, Deacon José Gauler was placed into retirement, following 40 years of ministerial activity.

Divine service with a baptism

District Evangelist Yahata is a pioneer of the New Apostolic Church in Japan. Although retired, he still supports the national rector by serving Matsuyama congregation when no other priestly ministers are available. His joy was great when his great-grandchild was baptized recently.

Divine service in Glasgow

Apostle Uli Falk from Hamburg (Germany) visited the congregation in Glasgow (Scotland) on 24 January 2015. He based his sermon on Romans 12: 12. The Apostle began by saying that he was happy to see that the congregation was comprised of so many different members: old and young and of various nationalities and backgrounds. “And yet all are connected as God’s love brings everyone together,” he added. A special fellowship followed and everyone enjoyed these precious moments together.