New Apostolic Church Holds Central District Service Following Congregation Merger

The New Apostolic Church marked a significant moment on Sunday with a central district service, bringing together congregations from the merged regions of Dornhan and Villingen-Schwenningen for the first time since 2019. Over 600 believers from 16 congregations gathered in the Rottweiler Stadthalle, located between Furtwangen and Sulz, as well as Rottweil and Alpirsbach. The event highlighted unity and community, reflecting the church’s emphasis on collective worship and fellowship.

District chief Jörg Grözinger delivered a sermon based on Nehemiah 8:10b, encouraging the congregation with the message that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” His focus was on opportunities rather than challenges, urging the attendees to maintain a hopeful and trusting perspective in their relationship with God. Following the service, individual church leaders introduced themselves, and the respective “Schäfchen” — a term used to refer to the congregation — were acknowledged in a symbolic gesture of pastoral care.

The afternoon featured a district festival, offering attendees a chance to connect and engage in various activities. In addition to typical children’s entertainment such as bouncy castles, make-up stations, and handicrafts, there were special attractions like building organ pipes and creating personalized toilet paper rolls with motif stamps. A live stream ensured that those unable to attend in person could still participate, demonstrating the church’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

The event also included city tours of Rottweil, allowing participants to explore the local area. The weather on the day of the service was cool, with temperatures around 7°C and heavy rain, but the enthusiasm of the attendees was evident. The celebration served as a reminder of the church’s role in fostering community and providing a space for spiritual renewal and social interaction.

The New Apostolic Church continues to emphasize its mission through such gatherings, which not only strengthen congregational bonds but also reflect its broader commitment to service and outreach. The event in Rottweil exemplifies the church’s efforts to maintain a sense of unity and purpose among its members, even as it navigates the complexities of regional and congregational dynamics.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)