Dortmund. A second preparatory meeting for the New Apostolic Church’s planned European Youth Day took place on Thursday and Friday in Dortmund. Twenty-three representatives from all European District Apostle districts assembled under the direction of District Apostle Armin Brinkmann in order to decide on the most essential elements of content and organisation. These will be presented to the European District Apostles for approval at a District Apostle Meeting at the end of November.

“The idea has been born!”

District Apostle Armin Brinkmann, leader of the New Apostolic District Church of North Rhine-Westphalia and host of the meeting, was appointed leader of the planning team by the Church’s international administration. He compared the plans to date with a metaphor from daily life. He said that, now that the idea had been born it was important to determine and coordinate concrete measures regarding the various elements of content and organisation. The planning committee will place special emphasis on covering the necessary costs of this large event. The Church plans to approach sponsors to this end.

A further point of emphasis in the meeting was the establishment of nine project groups which are to determine the details regarding the event’s theological and musical components, among other things. Initial public relations measures were also discussed. A common motto and logo are to be created for the youth day as well. Work on a special website for this event is to begin in the spring of next year.

The participants of the meeting discussed some of the objectives they plan to associate with the European Youth Day. The foremost goal is to emphasise our devotion to Jesus Christ: we are touched, loved, and sent by Jesus—this core statement stands at the fore of all other considerations. In addition, the approximately 40,000 participants expected are to feel secure in the international fellowship of their brethren in faith.

The European Youth Day is to take place from 21-24 May 2009 on the Düsseldorf fair grounds. Young people between the ages of 14 and 30 from all European countries will be invited to the event.

The planning committee is comprised of representatives from all European District Apostle areas, as well as Andrea Schnizer, editor of the New Apostolic youth magazine “Spirit.”