From a human perspective, limitless freedom is unachievable. The only limitless freedom that exists is through Jesus Christ. Following are some thoughts on the annual motto for 2020 from District Apostle Rüdiger Krause (Northern and Eastern Germany):

By their very self-definition, Christians are not lone warriors. And this is also shown again and again in the course of every subsequent week. On all continents, and in many thousands of congregations.

What would a person be without hope? That is why it is crucial to know what to hope for! Straight from the Chief Apostle: “The Holy Spirit nourishes our hope in eternal life. We wait for the return of the Lord and hold fast to this hope in trust and love.”

What do you mean: God is righteous, when things go so well for some and so terribly for others? Where some are elected and others are not? How does it all fit together? The answer is: “There is grace for all.”

Retired Shepherd Christoph Müller has a very special perspective on the celebration of Holy Communion. This is because many of the chalices containing the wafers originate from the workshop of the master metalworker.

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider kicked off the year 2020 with a divine service in Neuchâtel, the French-speaking capital of the Swiss canton of Neuenburg. His core message: “Christ makes free!”

John the Baptist prepared the way for the arrival of the Messiah—today the congregation prepares the way for the return of Christ—two core statements from the Fellbach sermon conducted by the Chief Apostle. And he also went on to explain how it all works.

A single thought brought to life in many cultures—the diversity of logo ideas for the 2020 annual motto “Christ makes free” is as colourful as life itself. What stands out this time: many of the designers have given the motto graphic wings.

“We must be careful to ensure that this does not happen to us,” appealed Chief Apostle Schneider. A sermon about pitfalls that is nevertheless encouraging — and not only for ministers.

“Estância Fazendinha” (little farm): this is the name of the leisure park operated by Shepherd Rodolfo Mucha and his wife Analice in southwestern Brazil—and wherever possible, they do so in harmony with God’s creation, which is especially beautiful here.

Right at the start of the New Year, the international Church leader will travel to Angola. There are two unfamiliar stops awaiting him in Nzagi and Dundo, two cities in the north and northeast of the country, respectively. Here are some impressions.

A new year brings new reasons for gladness. Will 2020 be an “acceptable year”? Yes—because grace means we are permitted to experience fellowship with Jesus Christ. And there is always so much grace with Him—enough for everyone.

The New Year had already begun at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, 31 December 2019—relative to Coordinated Universal Time: UTC + 14—while the corks only began popping in London on Wednesday, 1 January at 12:00 AM. And it’s all because of the International Date Line!

With its latest edition, the Church magazine “community” begins its sixth year of publication. The top subjects this time around include “What truly makes free” — “What God really wants” — and “When Christ will return”.

Twelve months in the year—twelve messages from Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider to the global Church. And all of them published in the church magazine nac.today! Just to help everyone remember them…

Just give thanks again! Right before the celebration of Christmas is a good time to do so. Why? Because Jesus Christ has come into this world and has become Man. He alone (!) is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Only a few retirements and ordinations have taken place recently in the circle of the Apostles—the past six months comprise a relatively calm half-year characterised by continuity. There are currently 349 active Apostles around the world.

Enjoying divine services, cultivating fellowship, making music, and helping our neighbours—lively and active congregational life can be found on all continents. Join us on a tour through various countries…