changes in the circle of the apostles (1/2022). thanks to relaxed covid restrictions, chief apostle jean-luc schneider was once again able to travel and perform retirements and ordinations himself in the last six months. a district apostle also went into retirement. now there is one less district apostle area worldwide. 06 07 2022

“do not hinder me!”. apostle albert güldenpfennig passed away a hundred years ago, on 13 may 1922. he was the 33rd apostle in the new apostolic church and always there for his flock. join us as we pay tribute to the apostle by looking at his eventful life. 12 05 2022

good friday: eli, eli, lama sabachthani. the friday before easter is a silent day. anyone who has ever had to cope with grief and loss knows how good silence can be. jesus’ companions were also in mourning. they had had to look on as their master was tortured, crucified, and killed. they were right there and witnessed these barbaric acts… 15 04 2022

death and life. life is followed by death. jesus reversed this equation. a few days after his death, he came back alive. an apparent defeat became a victory. 14 04 2022

pastoral care (23): yes to both souls and life. people tend to be quick to judge. but this has never helped anyone. and it certainly does not make difficulties any easier. those who listen closely can help. here is some counsel on how to provide real spiritual care for those coping with an abortion. 07 04 2022

a pioneer in berlin and east prussia. eight believers in an attic room: this is how the now twenty congregations in the city of berlin (germany) started. and closely connected to it all is one name in particular: ernst traugott hallmann, who died hundred years ago on 20 march 1922. 21 03 2022

pastoral care (22): crisis intervention—it doesn’t get harder than this. an accident. three young people were in a car. they were joking around and the driver was distracted. suddenly he lost control, the car went off the road, and hit a tree. the passengers died at the scene. 09 03 2022

pastoral care (21): why bereavement must be accompanied. death is the scandal of life! sometimes it strikes suddenly, sometimes it is anticipated, and at times even desired—and most of the time it couldn’t care less about the calendar. those who are left behind suffer from the utter void that is created. 08 02 2022

what lesson do you take from this? “thank you for being there! i have no idea what is going to happen in the future, but i do know one thing: god is faithful! he will be with us. do not fear.” it was with these words that the chief apostle concluded a remarkable divine service in calgary, alberta, canada. 25 01 2022

“everything always came from the heart”. district apostle pablo alfredo bianchi from argentina would have turned 100 years old this 24th of january. from the very first time he ever set foot into a new apostolic congregation, the rector thought of him as a gift from heaven. 24 01 2022

pastoral care (20): depression—a chameleon that likes to hide. depression is an illness no one would ever wish to have, but it is one that many people have to battle nevertheless. pastoral care cannot cure it, but can indeed help alleviate it. but how? 11 01 2022

the year 2021 in review: a lingering pandemic with no end in sight. not even the pentecost divine service could take place as usual! for the chief apostle and many millions of our members, this year was yet another difficult period defined by a global pandemic. 28 12 2021

spotlight 18/2021: we are a future-oriented people. seasons change life cycles in nature. and also in our own everyday life we experience changing phases of cold and warm, darkness and light. how good it is that jesus christ accompanies us on our way. thoughts from district apostle helper frank dzur (canada). 25 10 2021

he loved to be in the middle of things. the great shepherd’s heart has stopped beating. district apostle (ret.) markus fehlbaum of switzerland passed away yesterday after a long and serious illness with many ups and downs. as a tribute, here is his portrait once more. 13 08 2021

shared loneliness. some look back with gratitude and joy and have happy memories, others look ahead hopefully as they face special challenges. here is a look at some of the activities in our congregations around the world. 06 08 2021

a look back and more. this week we take a look at an anniversary in australia and a campaign for a better future. there certainly are reasons to celebrate, but there are also always moments to pause and reflect and pray for others. 30 07 2021

tears of sorrow, tears of joy. joy and sadness often exist side by side. while some can come together and celebrate again, others are struggling to come to terms with destruction. let’s pray for all. 23 07 2021

last minute cancellation of pastoral trip. the chief apostle’s trip to zambia and the dr congo has been cancelled. he will not be able to travel there. he is very disappointed, but what pains him the most is the disappointment of the brothers and sisters. he is well acquainted with the conditions of the members there. 06 07 2021