Cologne/Zurich. This year the pivotal Pentecost divine service conducted by international Church leader Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber is being organised by the District Church of North Rhine-Westphalia. A total of 45 Apostles from all over Europe, together with all nineteen District Apostles and nine District Apostle Helpers, are expected in Cologne for the special event.

In addition to the proclamation of God’s word, this Sunday will also focus on the appointment of a Chief Apostle Helper. District Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider has been chosen for this purpose. In future he is to provide substantial support to the Chief Apostle in fulfilling his international obligations. The divine service itself will be transmitted to all continents by satellite, and the Church is estimating a total attendance of over 1.5 million participants.

Numerous preparations for before the service and afterward

In the meantime, the Events Department of the New Apostolic Church North Rhine-Westphalia, which has its headquarters in Dortmund, has both hands full. Organising the arrival and departure times of all the guests is one task of many that is currently being arranged by a little team. In addition they have to deal with the formatting and printing of programs, brochures, and hymn booklets for the divine service.

Many dedicated helpers at work

The first planning efforts for this Pentecost weekend were already underway at the end of May 2011. Apostle Franz-Wilhelm Otten from Cologne relates as follows: “The New Apostolic Christians of Cologne are proud to have this opportunity to organise the Pentecost weekend and to welcome the Chief Apostle and the Apostles in Cologne. Our anticipation is great!” Next weekend, some 250 helpers will be at work in Cologne: from transportation to the many different preparations in the festive hall right up to the divine service on Sunday.

Satellite transmission to begin at 9:30 AM

The traditional film that is normally shown before the service will be transmitted from the hall in Cologne beginning at 9:30 AM. It is eight minutes in length and introduces the New Apostolic Church of North Rhine-Westphalia with its members, institutions, and events. Numerous camera takes have already occurred and several recordings have already been made on location in Cologne, for example the welcome moderation.

Youthful music in the divine service

A specially established Pentecost choir comprised of young people will sing for the divine service with the support of an orchestra that is just as youthful. District Apostle Armin Brinkmann, the responsible Church leader of the New Apostolic Church North Rhine-Westphalia, has closely monitored all the preparations. His summary just before the weekend: “I am very much looking forward to the celebration of Pentecost, and I invite all New Apostolic Christians to enjoy this special divine service along with us in their respective congregations. In Cologne we will gather together under the motto for Pentecost 2012: ‘Filled with the Spirit’.”

Please read our detailed report on the website of the New Apostolic Church North Rhine-Westphalia.