New Apostolic Church Toronto South Asian
45 Eastbourne Drive Brampton, ON, Canada

A letter from our Bishop Mueller concerning the events taking place in America, and all around the world... 5 June 2020 To all our Pillars and youth, especially... those who are hurting right now: A growing number of our brothers and sisters have recently been asking me: What is the position of our Church’s leadership to the events taking place in the USA right now? While our Church does not generally take official positions on current affairs, I believe the time has come for me, personally, as a minister and as the Bishop responsible for our youth and Pillars across Canada, to say something. Please allow me to share some brief thoughts from my own perspective in this capacity. When God made the earth, He created human beings in His image. This confers upon mankind the highest possible dignity and value. So yes indeed: black lives matter! God loves us all equally and profoundly. Each and every human beingregardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or orientationis equal and extremely precious in the eyes of God, the Father of us all. Sadly, the events that have recently been unfolding south of our border reflect the very opposite of this reality. They showcase the worst of the human condition, and have placed the focus of our collective discourse squarely on the injustice, inequality, marginalisation, and disenfranchisement that is so very often the lot of people of colouryes: here in Canada too, lest anyone accuse us of judging our neighbour. To those who today find themselves feeling anger, pain, and sadness, please know that I share your feelingsand I know many others are with me. I too am outraged at what is happeningand I know I am not alone. As members of the body of Christ, we all hurt when even one of us is wounded. Whether black or white, no matter what our background, we stand united, shoulder to shoulder, for what is right. We champion the cause of Jesus Christ. We are part of a Church that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and utterly disavows such behaviour in our society. The only way to make progress is to continue the task Jesus has given us, namely to live by the gospel, and to share it with others. When we proclaim the gospel, we don’t need to know our Catechism from A to Z. We preach it most loudly by showing that we love our neighbour, be it in our schools, communities, workplaces, or online. In keeping with this commandment of love, we must continue to stand firmly against violence, racial discrimination, and exclusion. We stand for diversity, inclusion, and equality. These are standard values of the gospel of Christ. And today, more than ever, we mustand doproclaim these values at the top of our lungs. Jesus Christ’s mandate from the Father to all of us is very simple: we are to love one another as He loves us (cf. John 13: 34-35). If everyone obeyed that simple instruction, our world would be heavenly, and our society perfect. This is the crux of the gospel. It is our only major imperative. And it remains the only way forward. It starts with us as individuals. This is the transformative power of the gospel! Let us all stand up and be part of that change. One day all nations will see it together. With much love to all of you, Sam Mueller

21 May 2020 Blessed Feast of Ascension! For those interested, we have the opportunity to connect to India this morning for an 8:30 AM service (6:00 PM IST) with Apostle David Devaraj (English / Hindi). Please lick the button just below the banner (Send Message) and we will send you the Zoom meeting information. Thank you.

03 May 2020 Today's divine service based on Romans 6:3-6 is based upon a service our Chief Apostle Schneider conducted in Strasbourg, France on April 19, 2017. ...Ironically, this is the congregation and church building that the Chief Apostle has been conducting online divine services during this pandemic and time of quarantine on April 5 (French), 26 (English) and again this morning, May 3 (French). A further coincidence is that this divine service had the heading: Dying to live: when the seed grows. A connection to the "gardening" thoughts and that illustration of the seeds and the sometimes patience that is needed in order to see that something is happening that our Chief Apostle shared with us last Sunday, April 26. Here is what the Chief Apostle said in 2017: s s , x. s s s. s , . Let us ponder over the thoughts of the seeds that; 1/ We are a tilled and prepared garden, prepared to receive the seeds of God's Word and blessing. 2/ We are a willing gardener's assistant, an extended arm of our heavenly Father, sowing good seeds in the lives of others. 3/ We also joyfully harvest and reap what others have sown over the many years and decades before us. Often what we reap today has nothing to do with what we are sowing. What we sow today may only be harvested months, years and decades later for the benefit of others. In all of this, may God give us strength, wisdom and patience as we see and experience our own spiritual growth and maturity, growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ and allowing His nature to develop and perfect itself in us. When and where this takes place, we become more dead to sin and stronger in our conviction of our baptismal covenant and vow, "I renounce Satan and all his work and ways and surrender myself to You....in belief, obedience and the earnest resolution to remain faithful....." Wishing you the power of God revealed in your life and that we use this time of quarantine wisely. https://nac.today/en/a/503430

Our divine service for Easter Sunday, April 12th will be a delayed broadcast with Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider beginning at 10:30AM EDT. https://livestream.com/naccanada/cambridge Children’s activity pages and exercises can be downloaded here, https://bit.ly/3dBjJB0

All are invited to a prayer evening for support workers with District Apostle Mark Woll Tuesday, April 7th at 7pm EDT. https://livestream.com/naccanada/cambridge

Parents: Activity pages and exercises are available for your children to do during divine service. https://bit.ly/3dBjJB0

#prayhome http://www.nak.org/

21.03.2020 - ... . ’ . , . ? . , . , . ? I take this crisis very seriously. According to global estimates, some 11,400 people have already died as a result of the corona virus, and approximately 275,000 are currently infected (as at 21 March 2020; for current figures see: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). And unfortunately there will still be many more victims. We share in the suffering of those affected, and we pray for them! We thank all those committed individuals who are the front lines to help people. It is truly beautiful to see how many people are prepared to help others in such situations. It is at such times in particular that we can learn from our members who have already experienced great suffering in the past: according to my original plans, I was supposed to be in Indonesia next week. In that nation, over 2,500 people lost their lives in the course of two earthquakes. The inhabitants of these islands had no way of protecting themselves from those invisible dangers. I sometimes complain a little because I have to stay at home as a result of the curfew in France. In Africa there are hundreds of thousands of peopleamong them also many of our membersliving in refugee camps, where they are more or less detained as well. the corona crisis will unfortunately also have dramatic economic consequences in many places. And this willas alwaysfirst and foremost affect those who barely have anything in the first place. This concerns me greatly! Here I cannot help but think of the 75,000 members from the Kasaï region (Democratic Republic of Congo) who lost everythingabsolutely everythingwithin a single week in 2017, and who had to flee to another country or into the jungle. yes, it is true that we can no longer gather for divine service. That hurts. Yet even here, I think back to just a few weeks ago when I was in Western Africa. Christians there are being killed just for attending a divine service. and I am also reminded of our brethrenbe it in Russia or in the remote islands of the Pacificwho only have the opportunity to enjoy regular divine services with the celebration of Holy Communion every few weeks or perhaps even months. I am not saying this in order to downplay the corona crisis. Quite the contrary: I just want to call upon all of us to learn from our brothers and sisters who live in such circumstances in these countries. Why have they been able to remain so strong despite all of these challenges? It is because they are deeply rooted in Christ. Their love for the Lordthat is their secret! In these difficult times we experience today, we become aware that various matters which still occupied or burdened us a few weeks ago have suddenly become totally unimportant. Now the most important thing on our minds is to preserve our relationship with Christ! Let us remain firm in our love for God. The Lord will always find a special way to help those who love Him. The promise of God remains: all thingseven the corona crisiswork together for good to those who love God (see Romans 8: 28). . ? Due to the limitations imposed on us by the authorities, I have had to cancel all planned trips until 10 April. At present, no one knows how the situation will unfold after that. I will thus have to adjust to the situation just like everyone elsebut I am not without courage or hope: I know that God is with us and that He will not abandon His children, especially in difficult situations. Just have courage: things will go on. . . ? Stay at home and make the best out of the situation. Wherever possible, the District Apostles have managed to arrange for our members to receive divine services at home by transmission. We do not know why God has permitted such a situation. But I am certain that this time of spiritual deprivation will help us recognise more than ever just how important the divine services, the ministers, and Holy Communion are to us! ? That is correct. These divine services will be conducted in accordance with the usual liturgy, only without the celebration of Holy Communion. It would be inappropriate if only a small few of our members were able to celebrate Holy Communion, while thousands of others participating in the divine service from home would have to do without. ’ , ? A number of brothers and sisters have already suggested this in the last few days: the officiant could dispense Holy Communion to two ministers who could then take it on behalf of the members in the receiving sites. After careful consideration, and in consultation with the District Apostles of Europewho were the first to be affected by this, after allI have decided not to follow this suggestion. ? Holy Communion is a sacrament, the salvific effect of which is described in our Catechism (CNAC 8.2.20). We cannot simply change the manner of its dispensation pragmatically in order to suit our current needs. It is part of the responsibility of the apostolatein particular of the Chief Apostleto preserve the holiness of Holy Communion! As concerns Holy Communion for the departed, we are convinced that these acts of salvation can and must be dispensed to the departed. The only way to do so is to involve the living in order to represent the souls in the beyond. But this approach cannot be applied to the living. We must eat Christ’s body and drink His blood by worthily receiving the wafer consecrated and dispensed to us by a priestly ministry (cf. the Seventh Article of the New Apostolic Creed). ? For many years in our Church we have been familiar with this practice: believers receive consecrated wafers so that they can also celebrate Holy Communion even in the absence of a minister. For example, this is the approach used for those who receive pastoral care letters. However, this practice must also remain an exception. It can by no means replace, in a fully valid manner, the celebration of Holy Communion in the fellowship of the believers. It must be clearly stated: a celebration of Holy Communion that consists of a believer at home watching a person on a screen taking a consecrated wafer on his behalf, does not have the same effect for salvation as a true celebration of Holy Communion. ? I know that many members will have to do without Holy Communion until the end of this pandemic. I share their suffering, since I am, after all, likewise confined to my home until further notice as a result of the curfew. However, particularly in these times of distress, let us trust in God. Let us put our trust in GodHe always knows how to give those who love Him that which is indispensable for their salvation! , ,

UPDATE: Webstreaming During this isolation time, divine services will be available via webstream starting with a live service tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 1...8th, 2020, at 7pm EDT (see schedule), conducted by District Apostle Mark Woll and the Apostles (no members). Thereafter, services by our Chief Apostle, District Apostle, Apostles, and Bishops will be provided via webstream. We encourage you to watch these services from home at the regularly scheduled divine service times; however, they can be accessed at any time to accommodate your schedules. A login and password are not required to view divine services at this time. Please go to https://livestream.com/naccanada/cambridge Thank you for your diligence, care, and support. We join in prayer together with you for the care and guidance of our triune God.

To: All congregations in Canada, While the risk to Canadians is still low according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there are elevated risks for certai...n individuals and some activities that contribute to the spread of the virus. We are adjusting our programming accordingly in the interest of public health and safety. All church activities and events including regularly scheduled divine services are cancelled from March 17, 2020, up to and including April 5, 2020 (subject to change). Click here to join us online for a divine service experience; https://www.naccanada.org/IMIS_PR//Watch_Live_Landing.aspx With specific concern for our senior members and the vulnerable, the following cancellations apply through April 30, 2020 (subject to change). Shaking of hands in the congregation Soul Care Visits to nursing homes, hospitals and care facilities Fellowships at church, including coffee shops Senior Program fellowships and activities Concerts Out of province travel for ministers and focus group participants Remember to check-in on the well-being of those who are shut-in. Links for Additional Information: https://www.who.int/ https://www.canada.ca//d/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html Bien que le risque pour les Canadiens soit encore faible selon l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada, il existe des risques élevés pour certaines personnes et certaines activités qui contribuent à la propagation du virus. Nous ajustons notre programmation en conséquence dans l'intérêt de la santé et de la sécurité publique. Toutes les activités et événements de l'église, y compris les services divins réguliers, sont annulés du 17 mars 2020 au 5 avril 2020 inclusivement (sous réserve de modifications). Cliquez ici pour nous rejoindre en ligne pour une expérience de service divin; https://www.naccanada.org/IMIS_PR//Watch_Live_Landing.aspx Avec une inquiétude particulière pour nos membres seniors et les personnes vulnérables, les annulations suivantes s'appliquent jusqu'au 30 avril 2020 (sous réserve de modifications). Serrer la main dans la congrégation Visites Soul Care dans les maisons de soins infirmiers, les hôpitaux et les établissements de soins Confréries à l’église, y compris les cafés Concerts Voyage à l’extérieur de la province pour les ministres et les participants aux groupes de discussion N'oubliez pas de vérifier le bien-être de ceux qui sont enfermés. Liens pour plus d’informations : https://www.who.int/fr https://www.canada.ca//m/maladie-coronavirus-covid-19.html

March 14, 2020 - 10:40 PM First, we pray for us all! May we be filled with godly wisdom and God's protection in these precarious times. We recommend that our ol...der seniors (~75+) and those with compromised immune systems (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory disease, cancer) NOT come to the divine service. Connection is always available online. All ministers serving Holy Communion MUST sanitize their hands and all members should avoid shaking hands, hugging or any other physical contact with each other. If anyone has a hint of a cough, sneeze, sore throat, runny nose, fever, or body aches, they should stay away from service and self-isolate. This is about protecting everyone! Thank you.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the risk to Canadians as low, however there is an increased risk with more serious outcomes for individuals: a...ged 65 and over with compromised immune systems with underlying medical conditions Ministers are asked to follow this guideline for the benefit of all those concerned. Taking increased risk into consideration and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the following church activities or practices are suspended until April 30, 2020. Shaking of hands in the congregation Soul Care Visits to nursing homes, hospitals and care facilities o Where possible, arrange Soul Care Visits over the phone o Visits to your own family members is a personal decision Fellowships at church, including coffee shops o This does not apply to private functions organized for other venues i.e. confirmation family celebrations and open houses. These events are at the discretion of each family. Senior Program fellowships and activities Out of province travel for ministers and focus group participants o Apostle visits are not suspended, however, fellowships are suspended Login/Password credentials required for Watch Live web stream o To make it easier to watch a live web streamed service, you will not need to have a login/password to watch the service online What will continue as usual? Divine Services Holy Communion with attention to hand hygiene Sunday School and Youth Programs Easter Concerts Confirmation Services Ministers and Wives Services Planning for future events Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Further updates will be issued as required.