Can the departed receive salvation too? The question is as old as Christianity itself. The answer of the New Apostolic Church is not even all that new—and nevertheless, it is unusual. Here is the story of how the sacraments for the departed came to be dispensed.

The service was about Adam and Eve, about Jesus Christ and the bridal congregation, and about the marriage feast in heaven. “This marriage is kind of complicated,” the Chief Apostle remarked during the service and began to explain.

The bricks travelled 40 kilometres from Hamburg-Borgfelde to Doosthof. These were the first bricks that were owned by the New Apostolic Church. Almost 80 years later, these historic bricks still adorn a church building.

One hundred and forty-one days into the Russian attack on Ukraine, the solidarity of the New Apostolic congregations in Europe is still huge. Private individuals, congregations, and aid organisations are doing their best to help.

The New Apostolic Church has known divine service transmissions for years, usually for special occasions. Since March 2020 though, the churches worldwide have been broadcasting on a weekly basis, in some cases even several times a week.

Some 17,000 people are still grappling with the aftermath. The deadly flood in the Ahr Valley in Germany last year killed 133 people and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes. Ulrich Thurau, who has been rector of the congregation of Sinzig since 1998, reports the following.

Weeds, pesky critters, and no support: young plants have quite a few problems to deal with. This image translates into our faith. What can we do so that the divine seed can germinate within us? Here is a workshop on pastoral care from a divine service by the Chief Apostle.

The baptism of John or the baptism of Jesus? Is there a difference? Yes, a big one and once upon a time this difference played an important role. The one baptised with a baptism of repentance, the other one with a baptism of salvation.

Feeling spiritually connected with one another is an expression of the power of the Holy Spirit. Such a sense of togetherness is a question of will and not of limited opportunities, says District Apostle Rüdiger Krause (Germany).

Worldwide, Covid made getting together in the congregation almost impossible. Now that the restrictions have been relaxed, people are excited that they can finally see each other again and do things together.

Vicarious baptism is a biblical pillar that supports the New Apostolic Church’s conception of salvation for the departed. An episcopal council is said to have forbidden it. This is how the story usually goes, but it is not quite correct. Here is the background and how it came to the decision.

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.

Believers can look forward to a wonderful future with God. However, we first of all have to get there. There are dangers along the way. Jesus Christ shows us what these are and how best we can deal with them. Thoughts from a divine service by the Chief Apostle.

‌Reports of divine services, doctrinal subjects, or a section for children—everybody will find something in community that interests them.

The New Apostolic Sunday services in July will explore the great questions that God asks us. The answers to these questions are a concrete way forward: they prepare the congregations for the return of Jesus Christ in an intensive manner.

On 3 July, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will conduct a divine service in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is only three days after the country’s independence celebrations. As a former District Apostle of the country, the Chief Apostle is familiar with its turbulent history.

Seeing and experiencing the congregation as one heart and soul, without paying too much attention to the differences and boundaries, continues to be a challenging objective. This is how District Apostle Rainer Storck (Western Germany) describes it, who together with his administrative staff serves over forty countries.

There are many occasions that bring people together for a celebration. Whether it is confirmation or a day of activities to prepare for the confirmation service, people enjoy being together. This week we are celebrating diversity in the Church.