Easter is not only a date in the calendar. Easter is the culmination and the final destination of a path consisting of many stages. And the starting point is today.

The new year not only brings a new motto and good wishes with it, but also concrete plans and unique meetings.

It has been a year of coming together: mergers between District Churches, reconciliation among apostolic denominations, and reaching out to guests with a service for the departed. Following is a look back over the most important events of 2016…

They have become a kind of an emblem in many congregations in Europe: the poster series picturing members of the Church like you and me. The new series for 2017 has just been released in its tried and tested design and aims to drive a new message home.

“Not only in Africa are there plans to merge neighbouring church districts, but also in Germany.” This is how nak.org, the official website of the New Apostolic Church, announces a pending third merger.

On 5 February 1855 two missionaries arrived in Papua, the western part of the island of New Guinea, to preach the gospel to the inhabitants. Even today missionaries are active on this second largest island in the world.

Christians have a treasure that needs to be protected—and shared. The Chief Apostle examines some of the gems of this treasure and reveals why they are sometimes hard to recognize.

Lausanne is beautifully set on Lake Geneva in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Surrounded by the Jura Mountains, the city enjoys a mild climate—a good destination for Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, who will be visiting the congregation on Sunday to celebrate a divine service.

Against cholera, for peace and understanding between peoples—the programmes of the congregations around the world are creative, diverse, and fantastic. It is important that we take on responsibility in society, not only spiritually but also in a concrete and material way.

The rapprochement of apostolic denominations is continuing: after declarations of reconciliation in Germany and Switzerland, as well as an initial meeting in South Africa, there has now also been a meeting in the Netherlands—and this one was in a much larger context.

“Go into all the world…”— not least of all on their travels through their home countries and the missionary regions in their care do the District Apostles fulfil their Great Commission. In so doing, they often bring along a gift or two in their luggage for the congregations they visit.

Being patient with the imperfections of our neighbour, but also with ourselves. Chief Apostle Schneider demonstrates how the Holy Spirit can support us even in very normal situations of daily life.

Creativity and the courage to change things are what distinguish Jaqueline. She has developed a business idea in one of the biggest slums in Kenya and has become an example for many.

People experience fellowship when they set out and go to meet their neighbour. nac.today presents three travellers of the last few days.

Keep going, do not capitulate. And what if carrying on and making progress is totally out of the question once again? District Apostle Wolfgang Nadolny (Berlin-Brandenburg in Germany) reminds us of the potential we have.

“Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?” This is more than a question, even today, for us. Ascension is a reminder for Christians to take on responsibility—not to stand still, but to be underway on behalf of the gospel.

Cultural diversity is a hallmark of the District Church South-East Asia. And this applies to confirmation as well. How do they celebrate in Hong Kong, Indonesia, or the Philippines?

It is time for confirmation services. Between Easter and Pentecost adolescents around the world step before the altar and profess their belief in God. The congregations take a keen interest. Following is a look at the District Church of Canada.