A divine service with our Chief Apostle

A divine service with our Chief Apostle

Apr 28, 2021 | Events

Early in 2020, District Apostle Schulte wrote to the congregations in the Western Pacific District to advise that the Chief Apostle had indicated his intention to visit our district in May, 2021. Of course, at that time the COVID-19 pandemic was only just beginning to be recognised and there was no way yet of knowing the severe and ongoing restrictions that this would bring to every corner of the globe.

As a result of the continuing lockdowns and border closures we now know that it will still be some time before gloabl travel is restored. However, the pandemic has provided us with an opportunity to remain connected in different, and sometimes innovative, ways.

On Sunday, 2 May, the Chief Apostle Schneider was scheduled to conduct a service in Sydney, Australia. However, he will still be in our midst, albeit via a transmission to our district. During this service he will celebrate Holy Communion with us. The transmission will be available in our churches in Australia and New Zealand, where we can gather together and feel the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and our brothers and sisters. For those members who are unable to gather in our churches, the service can be viewed online.

The divine service will commence at the following times. Streaming, with live pictures, will occur approximately 15 minutes prior:

5.00pm AEST (Queensland / New South Wales / Victoria / Tasmania)
4.30pm ACST (Northern Territory / South Australia)
3.00pm AWST (Western Australia)
7.00pm NZST (New Zealand)

Wishing everyone a blessed preparation for this event, and we pray that all receive a good connection to the divine service.

CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO THE CHIEF APOSTLE SERVICE
April 2021: Spiritual stability

April 2021: Spiritual stability

Apr 1, 2021 | Word of the Month

Our faith in the Son of God accompanies us throughout our lives: it constitutes the content of divine services and our conversations. It is also an expression of our relationship with God and our living assurance and hope.

In our Second Article of Faith we profess our belief in the Son of God: “I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, entered the realm of the dead, rose again from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from where He will return.”

This confession accompanies us throughout our lives: it constitutes the content of our divine services and our conversations. It is also an expression of our relationship with God and our living assurance and hope. We can derive three pillars of faith from this, which will give us spiritual stability throughout the year:

  1. Jesus loves me! He proved His love: He died for you and me.
  2. Jesus is the greatest! He has all the power and authority. He conquered sin, death, and hell.
  3. Jesus will come back! He will return soon for our salvation, for our redemption.

These three pillars give us orientation and stability in life, even if things are sometimes shaken up, even if a strong wind blows in our faces.

In 2021, too, let us continue to be determined: let us orient ourselves by Jesus Christ and be consistent with the will of God. Let us constantly check that everything in our lives is in harmony with Jesus Christ. And if not, let us take the necessary measures and make the required corrections.

The Lord is coming soon! This is our faith, our assurance, and our joyful anticipation.

Jean-Luc Schneider

Staying connected: Passion Week 2021

Staying connected: Passion Week 2021

Mar 25, 2021 | Podcasts

During the last twelve months, the necessary changes to our way of life – especially within the church setting – have reminded us how valuable and significant it is to belong to a congregation and to feel connected to one another in spirit.  In recent times a small group of members have worked together to generate ideas and activities aimed at maintaining the connections between members of the Western Pacific district.

To date, the group have initiated a series of seminars whereby a trained psychologist provided information and resources to ministers, enabling them to offer appropriate pastoral care to all members, specifically with any challenges prompted by the pandemic.

The virtual Christmas concert was another initiative which gave an opportunity for all members to feel connected, both during the preparation of musical contributions and through the enjoyment at viewing the concert – apart, but together.

The latest project focuses on the events of Passion Week, and the meaning of this time period in a Christian context.  A series of online contributions have been planned and prepared, and will commence with the release of a podcast on Palm Sunday.

Thanks to all who have given of their time and talents to enable this project to transpire.  Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful Eastertide.

To access the various items, please click on the link below.

Podcast 1: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LENT

VIEW HERE

Podcast 2: THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO EASTER

View Here

Podcast 3: THE CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

View Here

Easter Q&A: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE DISTRICT APOSTLE

View Here