Great distances and strong community in America

Community activities in Canada

What was billed as one of the top events on one side of the Pacific cannot fail to be mentioned on the other side of the ocean, namely the Move-a-thon, a fundraising competition between the District Churches of Canada and Australia. Members from a total of 160 congregations walked, ran, cycled, or paddled in order to raise funds for charity. In Canada, the proceeds will go to the benefit of trusted relief projects for the homeless.

Beyond that, the Canadian District Church also counted the National Pillar Conference in September—a summit of young adults who are especially active and thus play a significant role in their congregations and districts—as one of its most important events of the year. Another important event was a theological training seminar in June—complete with national video transmission. And the month of October featured a very special Thanksgiving concert: in the New Apostolic congregation of Kitchener Central, musicians from various Christian denominations came together with a single collective desire, namely to praise and glorify God.

Regional training workshops

A unique set of leadership training workshops was conducted across the USA over the past six months. A revolving team comprised of both NAC-USA employees and dedicated volunteers travelled to 13 different regional locations to make connections with local congregational leaders. In each location, a full Saturday of workshops was dedicated to sharing information and providing hands-on training in selected subjects that lead to improved congregational health. Attendees from large and small congregations came together to learn and share.

The morning sessions were dedicated to a renewed conviction that we are called, empowered, and equipped by God to serve others, and that we all have the opportunity to make an impact in our congregations and communities so that all may feel the love of God. The remaining agenda was organized into three separate learning tracks with breakout sessions: music and worship; small group facilitation; leadership—developing a Christ-centred congregational culture, planning the midweek experience, and shared leadership.

In total, over 1,000 participants attended the sessions. Existing relationships were strengthened and new ones were formed. Real-life experiences, common problems, and solutions were discussed freely. The results of these healthy connections are emerging across the district.

Great distances in Brazil

A visit from the Chief Apostle is always the highlight of the year for any New Apostolic congregation. From an international perspective, this would summarize nearly 60 events that are strongly similar in sequence from welcome event to festive concert, divine service, and farewell. And yet some countries have a certain something special to offer—like Brazil, for example, a country which Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider visited in November.

The country is 4,300 kilometres wide and 4,500 kilometres long. The great distances can also be felt in congregational life: the choir and orchestra for the Chief Apostle service in the congregation of Fortaleza was comprised of 100 brothers and sisters who travelled from outlying congregations. Each of them covered between 350 and 1,000 kilometres in order to be there—and not only for the divine service, but also for the practices ahead of the service.

Leadership change in Argentina

In October of this year Chief Apostle Schneider retired a man of great faith in Argentina, namely District Apostle Norberto Passuni, who had led the District Church comprised of the countries of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay since 2008.. District Apostle Passuni had served as a minister for 42 years, 19 of them as an Apostle. To succeed him in ministry, the Chief Apostle ordained the hitherto District Apostle Helper Enrique Minio (55).

Another highlight of the year for Argentina was the opening of an archive on the history of the New Apostolic Church in the nation. Since April of this year, the Museum of our Pioneers has featured magazines, books, photos, as well as communion chalices and other objects from the Church’s work over the years. And there was yet another first that took place this year: for the first time ever, all district leaders of Argentina gathered for a meeting in July lasting several days.