There has been a lot of movement in the New Apostolic congregations around the world: for one thing, the congregations in Italy and in the Ticino region (the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland) have once again received a new Bishop in Ivan de Lazzari.

Doing the right thing or deciding on a new Bible edition or the right kind of fuel … Every day people have to make decisions. A look at some recent situations around the world.

“God is in our presence”, is the title of an old hymn. Its original title “Remembering the glorious and sweet presence of God” expresses what people tend to often forget, namely that God is their daily companion.

The definition of ministry remains a prominent topic: in 2018, the focus was above all on the priestly ministry. New regulations will come into effect on Pentecost 2019. The Chief Apostle himself will inform the members in detail in advance.

All Jonah wanted was to get away from the Lord. He ran off without a destination in mind. Deep down he actually knew that running away from God was useless. But it was worth a try. Then came a forced break; for someone who needed to calm down.

Proximity to God, the relationship among people, and living in harmony with creation are closely related. How can we reconcile what evil has separated ? This good power has a name.

There is no doubt that Mary was waiting for the birth of her son. Every expecting mother has special feelings during pregnancy. And the closer the due date is, the stronger the bond between mother and child becomes.

Advent—hope, despair, expectation, stress … Here it is again, the time of year in which people want to enjoy the magic of the holiday season and relax and meditate, yet end up to be frazzled once again. Here is how to opt out. An old man showed us how.

Do churches make people unhappy so that they can comfort them afterwards? That’s a stupid allegation, the Chief Apostle says, for life certainly serves up enough suffering. On the contrary, faith brings consolation and even gives strength to do what is good and right.

Our new concept of ministry has reached the priestly ministry. Starting Pentecost 2019, the separation of spiritual ministry and leadership function will also come into effect at this level. This resolution has just been passed by the District Apostle Meeting.

A divine service for the departed on the congregation’s anniversary? Sure! It is not out place, at least not in Silvertown (South Africa). Joy and grief go hand in hand there.

For people who are healthy and happy it is easy to be grateful. But what if illness and distress are the dominant factors in our lives? We can be grateful even then, Chief Apostle Schneider says.

When congregations in Argentina today celebrate anniversaries, you often hear the names Gantner and Toplisek mentioned. As pioneers, these two friends and Apostles laid historic foundations. In all of this, a special kind of processed cheese and a widow played a decisive role.

Learning together and from one another: we make better progress when we work together, even when this involves acquiring new knowledge or abilities. This is an experience that is common to musicians, teachers, South Americans, Central Europeans, or West Africans.

It is as diverse as it is small: the multicultural congregation in Hong Kong. This Wednesday, the congregation experienced a historic divine service—and not only because the Chief Apostle was there for a visit.

Philanthropist, publicist, and founding Apostle: Heinrich Bornemann was born 160 years ago. The anecdotes surrounding him are beyond number. Some history—and stories—from the life of “Gentle Heinrich”.

It has been a few thousand years since the Israelites’ wandered through the desert, and still there are people who moan and become impatient when things gets difficult. Here are five strengths that will make it easier to move forward.

They lived in a foreign land and stubbornly refused any form of integration. Today they are acclaimed for this. With their stubbornness they have written a chapter of world history. This is the background to a recent midweek service based on a Bible study theme.