New Apostolic Church UK, Ireland & IoM

Newsletter United Kingdom, Ireland and Isle of Man 2019 Q1 edition

Serving and Leading team. My name is We are busy planning interactive children Joyce Winkler and I am a member of the services, developing ways in how we can Nottingham congregation. I am married involve and/or address children better to Bas and we are both originally from during our weekly services. I’m currently The Netherlands. We moved to the UK 12 running a Pupil’s Voice activity, where I years ago together with our three boys, ask the teachers to talk to the children and who are growing up (too) fast. record how they experience church. This is a very common activity in school and I’m a primary school teacher and I cur- is a helpful tool to find out which changes rently work with Reception pupils, who are are going to have the biggest effect. It is 4-5 years old. In the Nottingham congre- important that the children feel free to ex- gation, I lead the teaching team and teach press their thoughts and feelings and that RI and Confirmation. As you see, teaching we listen to them and try to make changes and working with children keeps me busy! Foreword. and improvements where we can. My vision, based on experience, is that I’ll let you know how this works out later in children learn best if they feel happy and Welcome to the latest edition of the year, in the meantime enjoy the next are interested in the subject matter. And Nacukie News. few months of Spring, and thank you for with this as my starting point, I support supporting the teachers and children. I was delighted to have been asked our teachers and ministers in how we can to contribute to our newsletter and to make our church an (even more) welcom- highlight the work I do as part of the ing and enjoyable place for children. Yours Joyce Winkler.

Ministers. during the time I attended Sunday school were New Apostolic. Priest Kelvin When I was confirmed at the age of 14, I started singing in the choir with all my Mwanaute friends, we used to go for choir practices every Tuesday and Thursday after school. My name is Kelvin Mwanaute and I was Throughout my life I have enjoyed working born into a New Apostolic family in 1985 with my brothers and sisters, whether in Mufulira, on the Copperbelt province of singing in various choirs or helping the Zambia. My father is a retired Shepherd. youth clean the church. I come from a family of 5 brothers and sisters. When I was 19 years old, I was ordained longing is for the good Lord to shorten the a deacon, and at the age of 24 I was time and take us home where we shall be When I was growing up I was greatly ordained priest. I received the Shepherd where He is and remain in eternal joy and influenced by my family, with my elder ministry at the age of 29. fellowship with Him. brothers singing in the choir and teaching in Sunday school and Confirmation class- I feel God has highly favoured me being I spend most of my free time with my two es. We also had a lot of New Apostolic a New Apostolic member, which brings beautiful daughters, we do homework families in the town we lived in. Some a lot of joy to my heart. I would say it’s a together whenever I am home and watch sisters taught me both at primary school rare privilege to be part of this wonderful TV. I also like reading and listening to and Sunday school and all my friends family, wherever you are in the world. My news in my free time.

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Glasgow. Bishop David Middleton in Glasgow Wednesday 23rd January

Text word: Be anxious for nothing, but Apostle Paul was in prison, but it was in everything by prayer and supplication, possible for him to be bold about his faith with thanksgiving, let your requests be there and he could encourage others. He made known to God; and the peace of even sent an inspiring letter to the con- God, which surpasses all understanding, gregation outside and could witness the will guard your hearts and minds through growing faith of his fellow inmates. All of Christ Jesus. this worked together for him to be thankful Philippians 4: 6–7. and full of praise for our heavenly Father. Bagpipes Our bishop reminded us that we are a Let us tell God everything – He is inter- family and how wonderful it is when we ested! We will obtain a peace that comes can spend time together in the Lord’s from a true trust and loyalty to Him, just as piped in the haggis, which was followed house and also have fun. Jesus did. by the traditional address to the haggis in When we read the bible; we can also read Following the service, the congregation Scots. between the lines, when Jesus was in enjoyed a traditional Scottish experience Although this was a particularly ‘Scottish’ fellowship with the disciples, they were – Burns’ Night – an annual event where evening – it was wonderful to see the happy – just as we are in our divine ser- Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns many nationalities in the congregation en- vices. Each one of us will be a key to the is celebrated. Burns’ Night is enjoyed by joy time together in fellowship. We closed heart and soul of another, let us be aware Scots all over the world on his birthday – the evening by singing ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ of that and work with that knowledge. 25th January. And it is a time when school penned by Robert Burns, and sung with children are encouraged to discover their It would be wonderful if we really could great joy and emotion on a very special Scottish language and heritage and learn be anxious for nothing, but we are human evening. and recite his poetry. and that is not always easy or possible. * neeps are mashed swede However, the apostle asks us to reflect on Haggis, neeps* and tatties* were served * tatties are mashed potato- both traditional our circumstances. and our resident bagpiper, (from Austria!) accompaniments to the haggis.

Auld Lang Syne Fun and Fellowship

Our Youth. Catherine, 27, is a youth leader for six with youth based in the west. She talks congregations in the UK west district. She about the challenges facing young people Meet Catherine will be supporting our youth in Germany as today and her approach to the role. part of the International Youth Convention Clement - youth in May. Traveling regularly with her father, ‘I try to talk to as many young people as District Elder Jan Clement, enables Cath- possible, just have a general chat and find leader erine to build and maintain relationships out how they are, it’s important to let >

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> them know they are missed if they have Ministers. not been in church. I know there are a lot of things that pull on people, that stops Priest Atta Owusu them coming to church, I listen and don’t give up on them,’ she says. At the age of 5, my father passed away and my uncle, Retired District Elder Catherine shares an experience of faith, Emmanuel Ernest Owusu-Ansah took which had a profound effect on her life. the responsibility of bringing me up. ‘At the age of 10 I had a fall on my roll- Together with his cousin, the late Apostle erblades. I needed an X-ray and doctors I.N.Kankam who introduced New Apos- found a dark shadow, which led me to see- tolic Church to Ghana, my uncle brought ing a specialist in Birmingham children’s the doctrine to every member of the fami- hospital and staying in a children’s cancer ly. My landmarks in the church included unit. But because of all the prayers on my the following: behalf, the result was better than thought. While other children around me were hav- Baptism- February 1980 by late Apostle ing treatment for cancer my result showed I.N. Kankam at Kaneshie Congregation, Priest Atta Owusu Osteomyelitis, which was treatable. Having Accra, Ghana. gone through this when I was younger Holy Sealing- September,1980 by late plays a big part in why I remain faithful.’ heart of my priesthood is joy, a hum- Apostle Rudolf Schilling at Kaneshie bling joy received from God through His She adds: ‘Putting my trust in God moti- Congregation, Accra apostles and a joy to be shared with oth- vates me, I feel different to other people Confi rmation—April 1986 by Apostle ers. There is a fundamental gratitude and and going to church makes me joyful and Rudolf Schilling, at Tema. joy in my ministry that the work I do is a happy.’ gift from God and the greatest honour to Ordination as Deacon- August 1990, be a servant to His people in imitation of by District Apostle Klaus Saur. Christ Himself. Resident Choirmaster- Mataheko/Accra I am happy to spend my leisure time Central Congregation. singing with my children songs from Ordination as Priest - January 2019 our hymnals, which they enjoy. My wish Romford Congregation by Apostle is to get them to learn the keyboard to David Heynes, UK. accompany our sessions. My beloved wife, Abena Akwabea has contributed a Joy in my Priestly Ministry lot in my spiritual growth. She was not a I envisage the priest as one who has New Apostolic member at our marriage. been anointed so as to anoint others with When I joined her in UK in May 2009, the oil of gladness. The anointing which she accompanied me to church at Bow I received at my ordination is not meant and without hesitation, she got baptised just for myself: it is to fl ow through me to and Sealed together with our children Catherine Clement – youth leader those I serve (congregation). So, at the Lemuel, Bethesda and Nevaeh.

IYC 2019. One of the most special experiences of faith in the last 12 months was when I Alicia Dawson took part in the Pop Oratorio performance in June 2018 at the North German District Hi, I am Allie, the UK International Youth Youth Weekend. A few days before, I was Convention Ambassador for the UK. I am turned down from a role at school. Howev- 18 years old, the youngest of the Ambas- er, after the performance of what then was sadors from over 10 different countries. known as ‘Ich Bin,’ I felt a new strength to work with the rejection, and even incen- Being an Ambassador for the IYC means tive to fi nd out how I could be even more sparking the excitement for the event, involved in the IYC. Hence, I offered to especially through social media such as become an Ambassador for the UK, to Instagram (@iyc.ambassador.uk). My spread the message and get more people motivation is that if even one more person involved. I will report back to you all how comes to the IYC and continues to believe it went – thanks so much to our members that Jesus will one day return, the work is and ministers for supporting our youth. Alicia Dawson – International Youth worthwhile. The IYC will be a wonderful event. Convention Ambassador for the UK

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UK and Ireland . Corby Conference 2019

On a bright and sunny day in February brethren travelled from all over the district to an annual conference for those with leadership responsibilities in UK Congre- gations. On this occasion it was a joy to have our three rectors from Ireland also attending and being a part of the event. The focus for this year was on four main groups: 1. Facilities managers - who have responsibility for the maintenance of buildings and health and safety of all who use them. 2. Youth leaders - supporting a major project this year to manage the 100 plus attendees from the UK and Ireland who will join the 35,000 other youth in Germany for the youth convention. 3. Musicians - enjoyed an opportunity to discuss projects and structures needed for near and longer-term planning. 4. District ministers and rectors were presented with an overview of the ‘ministers development programme’, which will be launched later in the year. The conference was closed with all del- egates learning a new hymn, composed by Priest Jeremy Dawson. It is planned that our Sunday school children will learn the hymn in their local congregations so they can join together to sing in the district services which are scheduled later in the year.

Manchester. meant a quick call was made to the on him that this would now be a telephone tech-expert, Priest Steven Willmer and a service still did not disturb his calmness, Divine Service plan was made to trial an Audio- Visual and he found a wonderful way to handle service from Manchester using the altar it so that the visual and the hearing only Poor weather on Sunday 3rd February as a work station for a mobile phone congregation could enjoy the interaction affected our Camberley congregation and and an iPad. So, with fingers crossed, with our children. the divine service had to be cancelled. hands-folded and devices connected, we Another thing was planned, an outreach to The many brothers and sisters who would were excited to see how the service would the Tamil community via our Priest Andrew expect to tune in to our monthly telephone unfold, and thankfully, it worked for most. Thomas and his dear wife and family. As- calls would be disappointed, and as this What made the day even more challeng- toundingly, 40 guests arrived as a result of is the hub for our Audio -Visual services. ing was, Evangelist David Abrahamse had their loving invitations. Our priest served What to do! been asked to serve the children during along and to our joy, also served a few Mustering all of their I.T. experience, - the service and he’d planned to do so words in Tamil to help explain to the many (when in doubt, contact someone else!) using Sign Language. Dropping the idea guests, some of whom are Hindu’s, > page 4 Newsletter United Kingdom, Ireland and Isle of Man 2019 Q1 edition

> the love of God. Priest Thomas made Appointment of Music Director. them all feel uniquely at home.

Everyone brought food, yes, the guests Matthew Abbott too, and afterwards the entire congre- I’m Matthew Abbott, from Leicester gation experienced a wonderful fellow- congregation. I’ve been attending there ship, which included the largest pots of for over two years now, however, many curry I’d ever seen and was beautifully people know me from Nottingham where I enhanced by a small singing group, a grew up and my family still attend. keyboard and drums. Everyone joined in.

I’ve been a deacon for 10 years and have What deeply touched us was that so had a fair few challenges in my faith, but many guests worked in the kitchen and one experience that always sticks with me also helped us to restore the congrega- is when my grandmother died. I was 19, tion back to its usual state ready for the very close to her and I wasn’t attending next service. Priest Andrew and church regularly then. I was angry, upset David Middleton Sister Santha Thomas and I was reaching out for answers. I prayed hard, asking the Lord to show me He was there and was with me. Ministers. I opened the bible and it fell open on Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’. Its words were comforting and exactly what Priest Moses Muteletwa Mushekwa I needed. I felt the Lord had heard me and since then I’ve always found strength How did I become New Apostolic? in the priestly ministry. In 2010 my faith from this. The songs associated with it In 1953, my late mother committed to was tested, I wandered into the ‘spiritual are some of my favourites, especially the becoming a New Apostolic Christian desert’, but He found me again. I am Vicar of Dibley version. through her brother and mother-in-law, profoundly humbled and know that my my father wasn’t. I was born into this mother must be smiling at me again for Music is a major part of my life. I love faith and was baptised and sealed as a me to be actively serving in the Lord’s singing; I’m always listening to music and baby in Bulawayo. I was confi rmed in Lu- work! play the piano (well, try to). I have a pas- saka Central Church in 1981. I still hold sion for British composed church music my confi rmation vow strongly, and it has and would love to see more Welsh and been my guiding light all my life. Celtic music in our churches.

Although my father was not New Ap- I hope that we as a district can come clos- ostolic, he was always supportive and er together in music. We are often sepa- helped all 7 of us in the family to nurture rated by long distances, but my heart-felt a spiritual relationship with God through hope is that music makers in our congre- the NAC. My eldest brother is now a gations (and myself) can shorten those retired priest and my younger brother is miles, bring us together in fellowship and a district evangelist in Bulawayo. reach out into our communities with the loving question: How can I help? I was ordained a deacon in 1990 and Moses Muteletwa Mushekwa in 1996 was ordained into the priestly ministry in Harare. I supported mission- What brings joy in my ministry? ary work in north eastern parts of rural Helping to serve, because one is also Zimbabwe while based at the main served in the process. God’s light and Eastlea congregation, in Harare with love shines through in every act of ser- our current District Elder Pieron and the vice! It’s a feeling that brings joy to me. retired Shepherd Andre Fernandes. The many experiences of faith I have en- It is humbling to work with the children countered help me ‘refocus’ and brings and servants of God, in sometimes very me happiness as a child of God. challenging environments. But the beau- How do you spend your free time? ty of it is, learning to trust in God – that I enjoy spending time with family, espe- it is His work and not man’s, ‘He is the cially with our fi rst grandson JJ, he lives potter and we are the clay’ – as we sing in London. I love photography, different in our hymnal. genres of music (Jazz fusion especially) My family came to England almost and watching live sport on TV. I love 20 years ago, and have been in the reading and keeping abreast with current Gillingham congregation where I served affairs on a global scale. Matthew Abbott

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Since January 2019. Divine service. Ordinations, Retirements Apostle Heynes’ schedule and other events in the UK

03.04.19 wed Divine Service Maidstone

07.04.19 sun District Apostle Dublin 2 Priests 10.04.19 wed Divine Service London ordained 14.04.19 sun District Apostle Stade 19.04.19 fri Divine Service Birmingham

21.04.19 sun Divine Service Cambridge 1 Priest 24.04.19 wed Divine Service Gloucester reinstated 28.04.19 sun Youth Service Manchester

01.05.19 wed Divine Service Glasgow

05.05.19 sun UK West District Service The Gables

08.05.19 wed Divine Service Welling

11.05.19 sat South district Ministers & Wives fellowship

1 12.05.19 sun Divine Service Brighton

baptism 15.05.19 wed Divine Service Romford

19.05.19 sun Dvine Service Gateshead

22.05.19 wed Divine Service Camberley

3 26.05.19 sun Divine Service Lyndhurst

Holy Sealing 30.05.19 thurs IYC Dusseldorf

02.06.19 sun Chief Apostle Dusseldorf

05.06.19 wed Divine Service Birmingham

09.06.19 sun Chief Apostle - Pentecost Goslar

12.06.19 wed Divine Service Chelsfield

16.06.19 sun Divine Service Plymouth Imprint 19.06.19 wed Divine Service Maidstone [email protected] [email protected] 23.06.19 sun UK South District service Guildford [email protected] 26.06.19 wed Divine Service Walthamstow

Photographer: Robert Anderson 29.06.19 sat North District Ministers & Editor: Karen Paisley Wives fellowship

30.06.19 sun Divine Service Hitchin www.nacukie.org

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