Youth Breakfast

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, our youth group invited everyone to a shared breakfast after the church service. Under the theme “Spring / Picnic in the Green,” the space was decorated to match the upcoming season—with colored tablecloths, flowers, and small details like picnic baskets.

The buffet was varied and plentiful: sandwiches, cakes, and vegetables with hummus offered something for every taste. Around 90 people enjoyed the delicious selection and helped themselves enthusiastically. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed, supported by the great food.

A special highlight was a handmade flower frame for photocall pictures, which brought a lot of joy to everyone (as you can see in the photos ;)).

The breakfast was also a financial success: the proceeds will allow the youth group to organize a larger activity again, for which they would like to sincerely thank everyone.

Conclusion: A thoroughly successful event that is definitely worth repeating!

Click here to see the pictures.

The most repeated promise in the Bible!

Dear Readers,

there are sentences in the Bible that speak straight to the heart. “Do not be afraid. Just believe!” These words are spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark to a father whose world is falling apart. Jairus has just learned that his daughter has died. All hope seems useless. And this is what is remarkable: Jesus takes fear seriously — but He does not allow it to have the final word.

Perhaps we know such moments as well. A late-night phone call. A diagnosis that changes everything. Worries about the future. Fear for a loved one. Sometimes it is not as dramatic as it was for Jairus — and yet for us it feels existential. Thoughts keep circling. The heart grows heavy. And fear whispers: “It’s over. It’s not enough. You can’t do this.”

“Just believe” does not mean: suppress your feelings. Nor does it mean: always be confident and unshakable. Here, faith means: hold on. Remain in trust, even when you are trembling. Do not let fear decide, but God’s promise.

“Do not be afraid” is one of the most frequent assurances in the Bible. It runs through God’s story with humanity — from Abraham to Moses to the disciples. It is as if God keeps saying: I see your fear. But I am greater. I am with you.

I invite you to trust in this word — not only because it is our annual motto for 2026. It is always true. It is not worries that should guide us, but trust.

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

Courtly Love Songs, Gospel – Jesus?

Dear Readers,

From medieval courtly love songs to modern gospel, music has changed over the centuries, and with it, forms of expression, styles, and listening habits. Some of these forms speak to us, others leave us rather puzzled. And yet there are people who find beauty, comfort, or joy, precisely in them.

In gospel music, for example, groove is essential. Without it, the music may be technically correct, but it feels lifeless. Accents are often placed between the beats. Not everyone perceives this consciously—and not everyone finds it immediately beautiful. There are even gospel choirs that don’t implement this. Still, it is a fundamental element.

We humans tend to categorize music (and many other things) quickly, as right or wrong, good or bad—often depending on whether we personally like it and what we think we know about it. This kind of judgement, however, falls short.

Applied to music, this could mean:

“Not my style—but I see that it means something to you.”

“I struggle with these lyrics,” instead of “Anyone who listens to this is wrong".

Jesus taught tolerance. Tolerance does not mean liking everything. It means accepting what is different without devaluing it—while consciously deciding what one wants to listen to oneself.

Because not everything I dislike is therefore bad.

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

“Do not be afraid. Just believe!”

Dear Readers,

First of all, we wish you a happy and blessed New Year, always accompanied by God on all your paths. God is present—even where things feel unsteady. There is no way around Him in 2026 either. We do not want to walk our path without Him.

Our motto for the year is: “Do not be afraid. Just believe!” A sentence that stands in contrast to what we hear every day: “Be afraid—and don’t believe.”

And yet, this is exactly what we are called to do: to live according to this motto. Not because it is easy, but because faith is resistance—against fear, against resignation, against giving up inwardly.

We cannot do this on our own. That is why we need community. That is why we need worship—not as an obligation, but as a source of strength.

What this motto do

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

Englischsprachiger Musik-Gottesdienst

In unserer Serie von Musik-Gottesdiensten, erlebten wir am Sonntag, 14. Dezember 2025, den letzten von dieser Art. Ursprünglich waren an diesem Tag zwei Gottesdienste parallel geplant: ein englischsprachiger Musik-Gottesdienst und ein spanischsprachiger Gottesdienst im kleinen Saal. Allerdings konnte aufgrund eines Unwetters in Valencia der spanischsprachige Priester von dort leider nicht anreisen. So entschieden wir kurzfristig, dass wir alle zusammen den Gottesdienst im Kirchenschiff gemeinsam feierten, wie immer erlebbar in den 4 Sprachen Spanisch, Deutsch, Englisch und Niederländisch. 

Unser Vorsteher diente mit dem Wort aus Johannes 3, Vers 30: “Er muss wachsen, ich aber muss abnehmen”. Das sagte Johannes der Täufer, als ihn die Leute darauf ansprachen, dass sich das Volk eher Jesus zuwandte und nicht mehr ihm. 
Unser Vorsteher führte aus, dass das Wesen des Neuen Bundes, das Jesus verkörperte, auch in uns zunehmen muss. Das Wesen von ihm sollte unser Leben bestimmen. Statt zu beten: “Hilf mir, dass zu tun, wofür ich mich entschieden habe” sollten wir vielmehr bitten: “Hilf mir, dass zu tun, was du willst, das ich tue.” 
Wir sollten unseren Nächsten so sehen, wie Jesus ihn sieht. Damit können wir heute schon, so der Vorsteher, in Harmonie mit Gott leben. Die zwei Diakone gaben noch Wortbeiträge und verstärkten die Botschaft des Gottesdienstes.

Unser Gospelchor, der aufgrund des schlechten Wetters leider reduziert war, umrahmte den Gottesdienst, außerdem noch ein Duett und ein Solo. Nach dem Gottesdienst trat unser Gospelchor nochmals auf. Zu dieser Darbietung trugen sie ihre Roben, und sangen “This Little Light of Mine” und bekamen viel Beifall. Fast 80 Gottesdiensbesucher, davon 20 Freunde und Gäste, nahmen teil.

Hier zu den Bildern

Visit to “La Pedrera” Hospital

As every year, our mixed choir visited “La Pedrera” Hospital again this year to sing a few songs for the patients. It is the former hospital of Dénia, where long-term patients are treated and palliative care is provided. The people there are very grateful for any change of routine, for every bit of joy that is brought to them.

The hospital management asked us to come more often throughout the year and not only at Christmas. For the year 2026, we have come up with something special and will bring them joy with our various music groups.

Here are the photos.

Spanish-Language Music Service

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, a Spanish-language music service was held, led by the district leader. The service focused on the theme “Choosing the Light.” We heard that sometimes evil also dwells in our hearts, but that we must then take a step toward the light—toward Jesus. This gives us the opportunity to change. Wherever the light of Jesus shines, there is truth!

The two deacons also contributed with spoken messages, deepening these thoughts.

The music service was enriched by performances from the Ensamble Femenino, a duet, a trio, and a soloist. After the service, the Ensamble Femenino offered a medley that gave a taste of the joyful rhythms of Spanish Christmas music—receiving strong applause in return.

Here are the photos.

German Music Divine Service 1. Advent

On the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, a festive German-language music service was once again held, attracting numerous attendees. The sermon was based on the biblical passage from Isaiah 60, verses 2 and 3: "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

The Rector emphasized that this prophetic word carries several layers of meaning: It was addressed to the people of Israel during the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile, it points to the birth of Jesus, and it also applies to Christians today, who await the second coming of Jesus. He stressed that this requires a personal willingness to rise up—leaving behind familiar things and drawing nearer to the Gospel.

Pastors Albrecht and Kusmierz supported the sermon with brief contributions, adding further spiritual insights.

As a music service, the event also offered a rich musical variety. It featured performances by the mixed choir, the men’s choir, as well as a duet and a solo. These musical contributions gave the First Sunday of Advent a solemn and contemplative atmosphere.

A total of around 100 people attended the service, including about 20 guests.

Here are the pictures.

Bishop's Service in Denia

On Sunday, 23 November 2025, our Bishop visited the congregation. He served with the word from Psalm 118, verses 5 and 6:  "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and the Lord answered me and comforted me. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

The Bishop began his sermon with the question: ‘Do we really want to reach the heart of our God today?’ We have heard, that when we turn to the Lord in this way, we enter into a different relationship with God. Sometimes situations do not change for the better, but we can feel that God is still with us. 

The reformer Martin Luther had this Bible verse as one of his favourite Psalms. When he was in trouble, great princes could not help him, but this Psalm verse could. This verse tells of how the priest went into the temple and showed gratitude, and the Lord heard him and comforted him. For that is exactly how it is - the Lord only means well for us, even when we are afraid and call upon the Lord, then we will definitely experience comfort, even if the situation we find ourselves in does not change. When we experience the Lord in this way, we see the gospel from a different perspective. 

The Bishop continued, saying:  'What can we humans do? The old Adam is still within us. And we must overcome him. Sometimes we hear people say: If things don't go the way I want, then I'll leave. But when we recognize the gospel, a different perspective opens up.'

The Deaconess Lorena Maya, and also our Rector, were called upon to say a few words. They rounded off the Bishop's thoughts.

Our mixed choir, the Ensamble Feminino, and a duet embellished the service. Here are the pictures.

The Sevenfold Message

Dear Readers,

During Advent and Christmas, people like to light candles. Axel Kühner (German pastor and non-fiction author) says that light has a sevenfold message for us:

1. Solemn silence – The candle burns silently. It does not cry out. God comes quietly into the world. His love is solemn silence. But His light prevails against the loud rumblings of armies, the cries of the masses and the noise of the heathens.

2. Joyful glow – The light flickers merrily and lively. It spreads brightness and joy. Even a small light is stronger than the darkness of a large room. A word of God's love brings a joyful glow to faces and hearts.

3. Soothing warmth – The flame warms and gives a feeling of security and well-being. We feel at home when we feel God's love in our own bodies. Under the warm love of God, our tense lives relax. We are redeemed.

4. Constant change – The light is still and constantly in motion. Colours and shapes change. God's light is calm and dynamic, always new, always different, surprising.

And now everyone is surely wondering: Where are the rest of the messages? Weren't there seven? Well, I will reveal them at the end of the services on the Sundays remaining until Christmas! So if you come every time, you will hear all seven messages.
God is waiting for us in every service. He always has something new prepared. A message every time.

I wish everyone a wonderful, joyful and hopeful Advent and Christmas season!

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

Game tasting menu on Saturday, 15 November 2025

Our game tasting menu took place last Saturday. It was fully booked just over two days after it was announced. Some people are already on the waiting list for an additional date in two weeks! A Michelin-starred chef conjured up a deliciously prepared five-course menu for us. Lovers of creative food that delights the palate were thrilled.

First, participants had the opportunity to visit the flea market, the vegetable market or even a museum. Then we met at the restaurant. Before each course, our Errol, who is an experienced hunter, shared interesting and informative facts about the animal itself in a humorous way, and the lady of the house explained how it was prepared. This gave participants a ‘culinary treat with entertainment’.

Some expressed the wish that we should repeat such events, and one or two even said they would participate again on the additional date in two weeks. You will receive more information about this in the next few days.

Here are the pictures.

The Slander Mentioned in the Bible

Dear Readers,

In the 1st Epistle of Peter, Chapter 2, it says: ‘Therefore, put away....all malicious gossip.’ Rabbi Julian-Chaim Soussan said: "What is the intention behind talking? There is always this undertone of putting someone down, of fascination, of devaluation. It's not about someone spreading lies, it's about someone telling something that is even true, but creating a negative effect with it." One can see how one's neighbour sins, but I have no mandate to tell others about it. Or do we? If so, from whom?

But I would like to draw attention to another perpetrator who does nothing. Exciting: a perpetrator who does nothing! This is the person who likes to hear negative things. The person who, when asked, ‘Let's meet up....I'll tell you something about someone else!’, is immediately on board and happy to listen. Where does this person get their mandate from? From whom?

What is the motive behind it? Envy, resentment, a need for recognition, a thirst for prestige, for both! For the one who speaks and for the one who listens. It's about denigrating another person. Without a mandate!

What would happen if someone wanted to say something about another person again, but no one listened? They would no longer have an audience.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: ‘You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil?

It does not fit with the applied gospel, with what Jesus teaches, namely to do good. And do that with a mission!

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

Forgiveness Without Limits?!

Dear Readers,

Peter once asked Jesus, ‘How often must I forgive?’ Jesus replied, "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who had a servant who owed him 10,000 talents of silver and could not repay him. The king demanded that the debtor sell his children, his wife and everything he had to pay him back. The debtor fell at the king's feet and begged him, ‘Be patient with me!’ The king had more than that and forgave him the entire debt. Then the servant went out and met someone who owed him 100 silver coins. He grabbed him and choked him, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe me!’ and had him thrown into prison. When the king heard about this, he summoned the servant and said to him, ‘I forgave you your entire debt; should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ (Matthew 18:21-35)

That's crazy. It tells the story of a man who had accumulated debts of 10,000 talents of silver, which is about 12 billion euros, and according to today's calculations, he would have to work for 400,000 years to pay that off! He meets a fellow servant who owes him 100 denarii. That is the equivalent of 9,600 euros – 125 thousandths (= 0.000008 or 1 thousandth of a percent) of what he was forgiven. No one understands that. Or do they?

Of course, debts can be collected. Jesus meant it in a general sense. He meant that people must be aware that only those who forgive others will receive forgiveness from Him! That doesn't necessarily fit into today's world. But God wants people in the Kingdom of Heaven to think differently.

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

There was Something

Dear Readers,

A few years ago, Stephanie had a bicycle accident in Spain and injured her shoulder. After receiving excellent medical care and returning from her holiday, she discussed this topic with her relatives. Her cousin asked if she had insurance that would cover such a case. She remembered that she had taken out such insurance a few years earlier in a completely different context and had continued to pay the premiums. And indeed, to her surprise, the insurance company paid out.

I don't want to elevate insurance coverage to a spiritual level. Certainly, we can think about the security that our faith in Jesus Christ offers us, and not only when something unfortunate has happened. I am concerned with something else: Do we remember that we have people in our church who are specially commissioned to care for our souls?

We bring our desires, concerns and fears before God in our prayers. Perhaps we share them within our family and also with our friends. It is a good idea to include your Pastor in this circle of trust.

The next time you have a hospital appointment, an important work meeting, a special situation at school, or a neighbourhood issue that needs resolving, etc., remember this and feel free to involve them.

This is especially recommended if you have spiritual concerns.

Your pastoral carers are not mere ground staff. They bring your concerns before God and support you. They do not do this based on their life experience or special professional expertise. They act on the basis of the high calling given to them through the apostolate in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember this possibility. By the way, it is free of charge.

Kind regards,

Frank Kusmierz

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

To Quagmire or to Change?

Dear Readers,

A story from Tunisia: A river flowed through the countryside and reached the sandy desert. It realised that his water dried up as soon as it ran into the sand. However, it was convinced that its destiny was to cross the desert. Then it heard a voice saying: ‘Wind can cross the desert and so can a river.’ The river said that it would only dry up while wind could fly. The voice said: "If you move in the usual way, it will be impossible for you to cross the desert. You will either disappear or become a quagmire. You must allow the wind to carry you to your destination." The river replied: "But how can I achieve that?" The voice responded: "By letting it take you.’” This idea was unthinkable for the river. After all, it had never been picked up by the wind before. Under no circumstances did it want to lose its individual character. The sand said, "The wind will accomplish this task - it will pick up the water, carry it across the desert, and then it will let it fall down again. It will fall down as rain and its water will become a river again." The river was still skeptical: "How can I know if this is really true?”
"That's the way it is and if you don't believe it, you can only become a quagmire”, replied the sand. And the river let its mist rise into the wind, which carried it upwards, and as soon as they reached the mountain top after many miles, the wind let it fall down as rain again. So much for the story from Tunisia.

Conclusion in a faith-related context:
- We are reluctant to give up what we’re used to.
- We don’t want to lose our individuality.
- We don’t believe or trust easily when we encounter something unfamiliar.

God wants to change us. To do that, we have to let go of what we're used to – even if it's habits or traits we've had for years. God is someone we can believe in and trust, even if we don't know the outcome. Wishing you much success on your journey!

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

God will never leave us!

Dear Readers,

These are the thoughts of our Chief Apostle that particularly concerned me:

God will never leave us and will never give up on us: He is always with us. I can guarantee that.

However, the extent to which we can experience and realise this presence of God does not depend on God, but on us. God wants to see how important fellowship with Him is to us. A prayer is characterised by fear when we say, “Dear God, I am scared. Stay with me, otherwise things will end in a bad way.” And God’s response is, “Don’t worry, I am here. I have everything under control.”

However, it is more beautiful when we pray not out of fear but because we long for fellowship with God. We want to be with Him and very close to Him. Whoever comes to God in this way and says out of love for God, “Lord, stay with me, I need your fellowship because I love you,” will be able to experience the omnipotence of God again and again. “Lord, stay with me, not because I am afraid but because I love you. I want to be close to you.”

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

The District Apostle in Denia on 30 March 2025!

On Sunday, 30 March, District Apostle Thomas Deubel visited the congregation of Denia. The congregations of Valencia and Vallada were also invited to this special occasion.

The District Apostle was accompanied by Apostle Rolf Camenzind, Bishop Victor Alganza and the administration brothers of the district. 

Upon arriving at the congregation, the children greeted the District Apostle and presented him an envelope with a message. The children had prepared this message with a Bible passage from Matthew 5: 8, which is the District Apostle's favourite. Little did the children know that this would be the word with which the District Apostle would serve the congregations present. It was a very special experience for him.

The District Apostle used this very word:

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’ Matthew 5:8. 

The Apostle Peter went to raise a woman from the dead and asked the people to leave the house, then he prayed and thus sanctified himself for his task.

According to the District Apostle, we should also sanctify ourselves for the divine service, because we can entrust everything to God, He will take care of us, and the divine service will be like heaven, and we will be blessed to experience heaven on earth and also be a heaven for our neighbour. In this way, we will have a pure heart.

The characteristics of a pure heart are as follows:

It is full of love. God has given us the seed and we must nurture it.

Two brothers brought an offering to God. One brought a sheep, the other brought fruit of the field, but which offering is better for God depends on the attitude of the heart. This is the story of Cain and Abel.

King David asked the people to donate material for the building of the temple, and they gave it to God wholeheartedly and joyfully. In the same way, we work in the congregation with a joyful heart.

We resist sin. Joseph was seduced by Potiphar's wife, but he resisted sin, he could not do such an evil thing to God. 

The heart is not always pure, but God helps us to get a pure heart so that we can experience God and be blessed.  We can experience him here on earth. 

Simeon was in the temple. Mary and Joseph came with Jesus, who was still a baby. Simeon took him in his arms and was not interested in the past.  We welcome our neighbour, regardless of his past. People are imperfect, God's gifts are perfect. Let us accept them in order to experience the love of Jesus on earth.

Bishop Victor Alganza also served at the altar. He reinforced the District Apostle's sermon.

The joy increased when eleven of the faithful could receive Holy Sealing.

After Holy Communion for the departed, we received a gift: a deacon and a deaconess were ordained for the Valencia congregation.

With the musical contribution of the choir from Denia and Valencia, the children's choir, the men's choir and the newly founded orchestra of the Levante district, the joy of the divine service was heightened, and brought together 180 believers and 20 guests.

Here are the pictures:

Bad Penny!?!

Dear Readers,

‘Bad Penny!’ What is that? This idiom originated in Germany in the 20th century, when it was easy to counterfeit the fifty-penny pieces in use at the time. The poor minting of the 50 penny coins in the 1920's led to numerous counterfeits.

The term ‘bad penny’ was applied to people who show a nice face to a person, but speak badly of that same person to others. They prefer to give the person the impression that everything is fine and dandy, but in reality, they speak badly of them behind their backs. In short, falsifiers prefer to talk ABOUT the other person rather than WITH the person. And when they do talk to them, they have that sweet smile on their face, as if everything was fine.

Being a Christian is different. Understanding the word of God brings different fruits. Practicing the gospel certainly doesn't look like this.

What does Jesus say about this?

‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged, because with whatever judgment you judge others, you will also be judged.’ (Matthew 7:1)

‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank of wood in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3)

‘Forgive each other, and your sins will be forgiven.‘ (Luke 6:37)

Enough with the sweet smiles and backbiting! It's time to look at ourselves. And to hear those affected. That would at least be intelligent. Being Christian, most of all.

Kind regards,

Wolfram Laube

-> Click here to download the MONTHLY INFO + Calendar (PDF)

Inauguration of Parent/Child Room

For years, our parent/child room was a sick room or storage room, and often a ‘problem room’ when unexpected holidaymakers came with children, because the children could not go into the room that was actually meant for them.  Now that we have more children in the congregation and also, even a baby, the idea was born to make the room ‘child-friendly’ so that no adult would dare to come in afterwards, according to our Rector.

Silke bought the utensils and lovingly decorated the room. It was inaugurated on Sunday 16 March 2025. The littlest one, just a few months old, was the first to be allowed through the door. However, he didn't like it so much, but that wasn't so much because of the decorations. It turned out great!

Here are the pictures

Christmas 2024 in Denia!

On 25 December 2024, we celebrated our Christmas service this year. It was characterised by the thought ‘God is with us’. Our rector held the service with the word from Matthew 1, verse 23: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

It is interesting, said the rector, that this word is already mentioned in Isaiah, again a prophecy that was made many years earlier and was fulfilled. The angel appeared to Joseph who was about to leave his fiancée Mary. However, he did not do so because of the angel's words to him.

“Immanuel", which means “God with us”, still applies today: 

- God loves you, regardless of whether you are weak at the moment, even if you reproach yourself when you haven't done everything right!
- God helps you just as he helped Jesus!
- God is also with your neighbour!
- God is with the church! 
- God is in us! 

Our evangelist Engels and our deaconess also gave valuable indications and touched us deeply with their words and prepared us for Holy Communion.

During the service we enjoyed wonderful musical contributions from the mixed choir, Vicente Giner playing the organ and our own soloists. A short concert was offered after the service. Everyone stayed. And it was worth it!

As usual, there was coffee and cake after the service and most of the service participants, including 19 friends and guests, stayed for a while and enjoyed the time together. 

Click here for the pictures