People who have touched our lives in 2018

Praising God with a velvet voice, loving God against all odds, and doing volunteer work abroad with no thought of self. This is how Manilo, Mannki, and Angela live their faith, each in his or her own unique way.

December 28, 2018

Africa Concept of salvation for the departed

+9

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Grieving
• Holy Communion
• Pastoral care
• Profile
• Sacraments
• Society

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What does the Chief Apostle say about …

This question is often asked. Answers and advice are typically found in the Chief Apostle’s sermons. Following are core thoughts from divine services in 2018.

December 27, 2018

Australia / Pacific

+7

• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Holy Communion
• Sacraments

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Opening our hearts to welcome Jesus

A stable, a manger, an ox, and a donkey—this is how we picture the night that changed everything. But wait a minute: two of three components in the nativity scene don’t even belong there. The question is therefore very important: do you recognise the sign?

December 25, 2018

Christmas

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Turkey with dumplings – Christmas in Cebu City

Many things are conceivable in the Philippines, or to be more exact, on the island of Cebu. Even a delicious Christmas dinner with German dumplings. A chef from Saxony in Germany is making it happen.

December 24, 2018

Christmas

+3

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Easter

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Pausing amid the Christmas rush

All Jonah wanted was to get away from the Lord. He ran off without a destination in mind. Deep down he actually knew that running away from God was useless. But it was worth a try. Then came a forced break; for someone who needed to calm down.

December 22, 2018

Advent

+3

• Christmas
• Europe
• History 

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Worthwhile investments

It is more blessed to give than to receive, the Bible tells us—something many practise. A look across the continents shows that many people give gladly of what they have, be it gifts and talents, time, or money. And it always creates joy and gratitude.

December 21, 2018

Advent Africa

+9

• America
• Asia
• Charity work
• Christmas
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Europe
• Youth

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Confirmation services in midsummer

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, the popular saying goes. Traditionally, confirmation services in Argentina and Brazil take place on the first Sunday in December. It has to do with the school holidays.

December 18, 2018

Acts of blessing

+10

• America
• Confirmation
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Easter
• Organisation
• Palm Sunday
• Pentecost

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Update for the Catechism app

The Catechism at your fingertips … Whether in the pew, on the road, or at home, this mobile app is an essential tool. Get the latest version of this free app now.

December 17, 2018

Congregation

+2

• Divine service
• Doctrine 

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The woman who laughed twice

Sometimes Advent takes too long—years and even decades, instead of a few weeks or months. This is when patience begins to wear thin and people are driven to acts of despair. And yet, there may be something to laugh about in the end. This is explained in a Bible classic.

December 15, 2018

Advent

+1

• Christmas

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Inspired to help others

For many people across the world, life is a daily struggle. Thankfully there are always those who find ways to help, who understand them, and can bring joy.

December 14, 2018

Asia

+4

• Charity work
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Local news

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On the air: a morning prayer for Advent

Berlin is worth a visit. The more than 30 million tourists a year who visit Berlin should know. This weekend, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will be in the German capital. He will be conducting a service in our church Berlin-Tegel.

December 13, 2018

Advent

+13

• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Europe
• Good Friday
• Holy Communion
• Music
• Palm Sunday
• Sacraments
• Society
• Youth

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Inner wealth—now that’s something worth talking about

To be rich would be a Utopia for many people. But there is also a state of wealth that can be assessed inwardly: I am rich because of my joy, my children, or the fulfilment of wishes. Inner wealth: there are many possibilities.

December 12, 2018

Buildings

+5

• Chief Apostle
• Congregation
• Divine service
• Europe
• New Year

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Creating a perfect relationship

Proximity to God, the relationship among people, and living in harmony with creation are closely related. How can we reconcile what evil has separated ? This good power has a name.

December 11, 2018

Chief Apostle

+1

• History 

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The numbers behind charity

About four million euros went to one hundred projects in 24 countries: this what the 2017 annual report of NAK-karitativ states. The report was published recently and describes some of the fates behind the figures.

December 10, 2018

Africa

+9

• America
• Asia
• Charity work
• Chief Apostle
• Concept of salvation for the departed
• Congregation
• Doctrine 
• Europe
• Youth

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Mary of Nazareth, waiting to give birth

There is no doubt that Mary was waiting for the birth of her son. Every expecting mother has special feelings during pregnancy. And the closer the due date is, the stronger the bond between mother and child becomes.

December 8, 2018

History 

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Remembrance Day ceremony in London

A dual pastoral care commitment: in the congregation and for war veterans. Craig Esterhuizen has dedicated himself to help in word and deed. On the recent centenary marking the end of World War One he received additional support.

December 7, 2018

Africa

+7

• Anniversary
• Congregation
• Divine service
• Europe
• Pastoral care
• Social commitment
• Society

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A musical canvas to celebrate cultural diversity

A canvas in brilliant tone colours. This is what the regional church is working on which Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will be visiting this weekend.

December 6, 2018

Africa Chief Apostle

+7

• Children
• Congregation
• District Apostle
• Divine service
• Easter
• Music
• Organisation

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Volunteer work – The sky is the limit

December 5th is dedicated to people who volunteer and do important tasks in society. There are thousands of them. Thank God!

December 5, 2018

Doctrine 

+3

• Ministry
• Social commitment
• Society

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Seeking God’s help with Mary

She knows how it is done. Mary plays a special role not only during Advent. She already did so at the wedding in Cana. To find out what this account has to do with the Church and the faithful today, read on. Explanations from a divine service.

December 4, 2018

Advent

+7

• Chief Apostle
• Concept of salvation for the departed
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Holy Communion
• Holy Sealing
• Sacraments

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Nearer my God to Thee

I AM is the name of the pop oratorio that will be staged in English for the first time at the International Youth Convention 2019. Originally a German composition, the lyrics were translated into English by Jeremy Dawson. Life has taught him: “God gives first and asks later.”

December 3, 2018

Chief Apostle

+9

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Europe
• Event
• Ministry
• Music
• Retirement
• Youth

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The patient hero of the Great Flood

Advent—hope, despair, expectation, stress … Here it is again, the time of year in which people want to enjoy the magic of the holiday season and relax and meditate, yet end up to be frazzled once again. Here is how to opt out. An old man showed us how.

December 1, 2018

Advent

+2

• Christmas
• History 

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Learning to be an effective minister

Ministers should know what they are talking about. The faithful not only expect advice and answers from ministers in all kinds of matters, but also expect them to react with empathy when problems arise. Training can help in this.

November 30, 2018

Congregation District Apostle

+3

• Divine service
• Easter
• Pastoral care

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How God’s consolation encourages us to do good works

Do churches make people unhappy so that they can comfort them afterwards? That’s a stupid allegation, the Chief Apostle says, for life certainly serves up enough suffering. On the contrary, faith brings consolation and even gives strength to do what is good and right.

November 28, 2018

Chief Apostle

+9

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Grieving
• History 
• Holy Communion
• Pastoral care
• Sacraments
• Society

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When light illuminates the darkness

Dark days are often frightening. How good if one has a light at hand. When there is light, one immediately reacts with greater calm and peace. On the way of faith, Jesus is this light.

November 27, 2018

Advent

+2

• Christmas
• Divine service

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The “gnashing of teeth” is going to stay

“Weeping and gnashing of teeth” is one of those typical neologisms favoured by Martin Luther. And this pithy formulation will also remain in the new 2017 Bible translation. Other expressions, however, will change.

November 26, 2018

Chief Apostle

+3

• Congregation
• Divine service
• Society

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Helping and serving our neighbours

Anyone who is passionately mad about helping others stands out in today’s selfish and capitalistic world. This week we take a look at some of the volunteer work going on around the world and a job opportunity.

November 23, 2018

Africa

+5

• Charity work
• Congregation
• Divine service
• Doctrine 
• Ministry

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