A flyer is included in the German language edition of “Our Family”, the magazine of the New Apostolic Church, for November, where the Chief Apostle, Jean-Luc Schneider, has called upon its readers to support the International Youth Convention 2019 and thus the spiritual welfare of the young churchgoers. Further copies of the flyer have been distributed to the congregations for the attention of non-subscribers to the magazine.

The International Youth Convention is going to place a huge financial burden on the New Apostolic Church, because it must meet the event costs, as far as possible, exclusive of public grants and subsidies. A portion of the costs will be met by participants with their entry fee, but this is really just a solidarity fee. The true costs will lie significantly higher. Total costs for the European Youth Day 2009 were around eight million Euros.

The youth event of eight years ago was made possible through the many donations given by New Apostolic Christians. The organisers also hope that such financial support is received for the preparation of 2019. They have gained a prominent supporter in the patronage of the Chief Apostle. He writes the following in the flyer:

Dear friends of the youth, dear brothers and sisters in faith,

I announced at Pentecost 2017 about the next great youth event of our Church which will be taking place: the first International Youth Convention, which will be held from 30th May until 2nd June 2019 in Düsseldorf. We rejoice when we recall the wonderful atmosphere and the unforgettable experiences of the European Youth Day 2009 and the International Church Convention 2014 and we look forward eagerly to the next big occasion.

The invitation to the International Youth Convention 2019 is given to all young people between the ages of 14 and 35. Additionally, their helpers will be there (youth delegates, district and congregational rectors) as well as many hundreds of other helpers. Each and every person should have the chance to experience a wonderful time there.

Divine services will be held in various languages at the start on Ascension Day. The grand opening ceremony is planned to take place on the Friday morning. Following this, the 30,000 plus participants will have access to a two-day programme in the exhibition halls, with a wide range of displays, presentations, inter-active projects, workshops, concerts, podium discussions and lots more. On Saturday, a musical evening is on offer. The highlight, and simultaneously the finale, of the Youth Convention will be the divine service with all participants in the Düsseldorf Arena on Sunday.

The International Youth Convention 2019, with its programme, is an enormous organisational and financial challenge. Total costs for the weekend will come to several million Euros. To name just a few of them: feeding the participants with around 300,000 meals will require around 1.5 million Euros, Then there are the costs for the use of the exhibition halls, the Arena, technical, logistic, assembly, disassembly, accommodation and security requirements.

The youth will be required to make a personal financial contribution for the weekend, but this will only cover a small portion of the overall cost. The European district Churches will also be helping by contributing larger sums.

However, the Church is still reliant on support given through donations. I therefore call upon each individual to add a personal contribution toward the success of the International Youth Convention 2019 by making a financial donation. In this way, you will be supporting a great event which will leave a long-lasting impression on our young brothers and sisters, and you will also be investing in the future of our Church.

I ask you most sincerely to add your donation.

Numerous helpers are already working tirelessly in the preparations to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Several hundred people from many countries are already involved in the event planning. Throughout the Convention itself there will be thousands of volunteer helpers working toward the orderly running of the programme. So many are getting involved, and by adding your contribution you will also be playing your part.

Many thanks in advance for your valued support, your

Jean-Luc Schneider

Article reminds about the donations campaign

In an article in the 22nd edition of “Our Family”, of 20th November 2017, the editors give a reminder about the donation campaigns which were organised for the European Youth Day 2009. Many youth groups started activities then in their congregations to support their travel and the Youth Day financially.

Donations made in Germany

Donations given in Germany for the International Youth Convention 2019 are tax deductible. The holding company, IJT 2019 Düsseldorf gGmbH, is recognised as a non-profit-making organisation and is authorised to provide receipts of donations given. The pre-requisite for such a donation receipt is information of the donator’s address. This must be legibly written in the reason for payment; that is the street, with house number, post code and town/city. The receipt for presentation to the finance authority will automatically be sent in the first quarter of the following year.

Donations account for Germany
Account holder IJT 2019 Düsseldorf gGmbH
IBAN: DE47440400370390081810
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
Bank: Commerzbank Dortmund