Yes, Jesus called only men to be Apostles. But this does not answer the question of why a ministry cannot also be conferred on women. Because His choice had absolutely nothing to do with that. Christ Himself says so quite clearly.

Divine services are back to normal in almost all countries. Weekly online services will continue to be streamed, however, because it is better to use a two-pronged approach.

A New Year’s Eve get-together for the little ones, hiking with the confirmands, and countrywide Youth Days: there is always something going on for our young sisters and brothers. Here is what our children and young people around world have been up to over the last weeks.

No matter where you are, you can still receive the word of God, provided you have a smart phone or other smart device to access the internet. Because God easily reaches beyond any church building with His word.

Same value, same dignity, and the same mandate: this is based on God’s will as Creator. But ancient Judaism practised inequality. With Jesus Christ it was completely different: the gospel tells us about female students and disciples and other women who proclaimed His teaching to others.

When the congregation gathers for divine service after a stressful week and prays, people’s hearts are flooded with peace. They feel the love of God, His grace, and confidence. Since 2020 this is also possible online.

People celebrate Christmas and Easter. Is there more behind it than tradition? People are aware of the problems and know how to solve them. So who really needs a Saviour? There is, however, only one path that leads to lasting happiness and peace.

This is the story of a brave woman: Esther risked her life by going to the king without having been invited. And she did so twice.

The crown is a popular motif used to design the 2023 logos. It allows the Regional Churches to illustrate the annual motto “Serving and Reigning with Christ”. But not all designers used a crown to emphasise the royal aspect of this year’s motto.

Basically, it is the people who come to church. But sometimes this is not possible. Then the church comes to the people, and it is only a click away.

In most parts of the world, the Covid situation has improved so that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider was once again able to travel and ordain and retire Apostles. Some retirees had to wait longer for the official act because of the pandemic.

Divine service is an encounter with God and takes place within the assembled congregation: where possible, the faithful meet for worship and come together for Holy Communion. Where this is not possible, prayer, the sermon, and the benediction can also be experienced online.

“Together in Christ” is not free, but it gives infinitely more strength than it costs. To close the year, we look back on the different aspects emphasised by the District Apostles in the Spotlight series reflecting the 2022 motto.

Beginning the new year with God—on one’s own or with one’s family, but also in fellowship with our brothers and sisters. Christians are looking forward to it.

It was the year of the District Apostle Helpers: over the past twelve months, the Chief Apostle assigned no less than three new ones. This is not by coincidence. In fact, there is a stated reason behind these changes. And it all has to do with the future.

Christmas is a feast of joy and love even if numerous things can cloud this joy. For Christians, however, there is always a reason to celebrate: namely the birth of Jesus.

Traditionally, we can be certain that the fourth candle on the Advent wreath is always lit after the third one. And just as certain are the YouTube services being offered by the various districts. Here are the links for this Sunday.

This Sunday we will light another candle on the Advent wreath as we turn our attention more and more to Christmas. Even so, not all feel comfortable enough yet to join the in-person services in their local congregation.