The year 2018 has more to offer than work, the daily grind, and to-do lists. Many congregations are preparing for small and big events. There is a hive of activity. And there is joy, enthusiasm, and hope—something that is quite becoming to Christians.
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Photo: NAC USA
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Photo: NAC USA
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Photo: NAC USA
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Photo: human aktiv
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Photo: NAC Southern Africa
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Photo: NAC Canada
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Photo: NAC Canada
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Photo: Frank Schuldt
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Photo: Frank Schuldt
Instruction, support, fellowship
In his beginning of the year message, District Apostle Leonard R. Kolb (USA) makes reference to the 2018 motto and announces his plans for the USA district for the upcoming year. For example, additional presenters will be joining the Apostles and Bishops to present the Midweek Experience Curriculum. In January, the “I am” statements by Jesus will be discussed. In addition to this, the Church will offer divine services for children once a quarter. These will be based on an article published in the Divine Service Guide. The monthly parenting topics that were started in 2017 will continue in 2018. A conference of young adults will take place in Detroit, Michigan, on the weekend of 21 September. There will also be a recorded webcast message by District Apostle Kolb for a ministers’ meeting and a live webcast meeting for all ministers, teachers, leaders, and anyone who is curious on 6 October.
Planning security at the beginning of the year
A donation of 10,000 euros was presented by humanaktiv (formerly Missionswerk), the charity of the New Apostolic Church Southern Germany, to the children’s hospice service Amalie. Barbara Weiland was elated: “Such a large sum allows us to make reliable plans in the new year.” The hospice service, which provides home care, was established in 2010 and supports families with critically ill children. Currently, nearly thirty families in the area around Lake Constance in southern Germany are receiving individual support from volunteers in coping with their difficult situation. More than 50 volunteers work for Amalie. Two-thirds of the funds for the children’s hospice service are financed by donations.
In a month from now: Youth convention in South Africa
One month from now, thousands of young people will be getting together for their youth convention at Cape Town Stadium. The motto of the event is “Young People in Christ”—also found at #ypc18218 on the Internet. District Apostle John L. Kriel has extended an invitation to all the youth of the District Church Southern Africa. Church members up to the age of 35 are invited. Promotion of the event is in full swing in the social networks. A YouTube video is raising awareness and excitement.
In three months: Chief Apostle to visit Toronto
Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will visit Toronto, Ontario (Canada) in April. He will celebrate a divine service at Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto on 15 April 2018. The choirs from the districts of Hamilton, Kitchener, and Toronto have started to rehearse. The orchestra will also be involved. Judging by the extensive rehearsal schedule the music will be something to look forward to. The Chief Apostle will use this trip to Canada to hold a national meeting of the Bishops and Apostles, which will take place on Saturday, 14 April. On Monday, 16 April, Chief Apostle Schneider will meet with all the District Apostles who work in North and South America.
In four months: Pentecost 2018
After Frankfurt in Germany (2016) and Vienna in Austria (2017), Chief Apostle Schneider will celebrate Pentecost 2018 in Washington D.C. (USA). The brothers and sisters are really looking forward to this divine service. The service will be broadcast to congregations throughout North America. In the week leading up to Pentecost, the Chief Apostle will meet with all District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers for their first international meeting this year.
In 16 months: International Youth Convention 2019
The IYC 2019 is taking shape. Suggestions and contributions are being submitted, and the plans are beginning to be more detailed. The planning committee met at the exhibition grounds this week for the sixth time. The different project groups inquired about the status of the preparations. Also there was District Apostle Rainer Storck (New Apostolic Church Western Germany) and representatives from many District Churches, who are members on the various project groups and are closely involved with the organisation of the event.