15 February 2025
TBC UNITES ECCLESIASTICAL DIGNITARIES AND POLITICAL LEADERS IN THE PROTESTANT CHURCH OF RHEYDT
The Blessing Church Unites Ecclesiastical Dignitaries
and Political Leaders in the Federal Protestant
Church of Rheydt
The First Deputy Mayor of the City of Mönchengladbach, Madam Mayor Josephine Gauselmann, the Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Mönchengladbach, Mr. Roderich Busch, and the Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Europe, Reverend Friedhelm Holthuis, accepted the invitation of the Evangelical Mission The Blessing Church and, through their esteemed presence, brought great honour to the Family Festival with its solemn Baby Dedication.
Mönchengladbach, 13 September 2025 –
Bishop Michael Chandrathas stated that this occasion stands as a truly exceptional and incomparable moment: the privilege of celebrating worship in the historic Federal Protestant Church of Rheydt together with his highly esteemed family pastor, Superintendent Reverend Dietrich Denker, esteemed head of the Evangelical Church District Gladbach-Neuss.
This memorable day will be recorded in the history of The Blessing Church. At its heart was the close partnership between Superintendent Reverend Dietrich Denker and Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Europe, Reverend Friedhelm Holthuis, the long-time well-wisher, trusted friend, and advisor of Bishop Michael Chandrathas, whose support has shaped the life of the ministry.
The congregation was enriched by the presence of regional pastors, long-standing partners, and brothers and sisters in faith from across cultures and denominations. The Gospel singer Sister Esther Grace and the worship leader Psalmist Eder Zola with his choir lifted the assembly in songs that deeply touched hearts and souls.
It is with much honour and privilege that Bishop Michael Chandrathas conveys his heartfelt thanks to the pastor-in-charge of the Federal Protestant Church of Rheydt, Reverend Stephan Dedring, and to the dedicated sexton, whose tireless service ensured the dignity of this day.
The celebration was further distinguished by the attendance of Bishop Alexander Lautenschläger, Chief Counsellor of The Blessing Church, together with his wife, and by Cleric Wolfgang Röthgens, retired Head of the Police Press Office, a long-standing companion of the church. Their presence gave the day an added solemnity.
The service was marked by reverence and depth. Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Europe, Reverend Friedhelm Holthuis, in a powerful and inspiring sermon, reminded the congregation that the family is the unshakable foundation of both church and society. A particular highlight was the Baby Dedication, conducted by Superintendent Reverend Dietrich Denker together with an ecumenical delegation comprising Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Europe, Reverend Friedhelm Holthuis, Bishop Alexander Lautenschläger, and Cleric Wolfgang Röthgens.
The political leaders addressed the congregation with words of encouragement and hope. Madam Mayor Josephine Gauselmann moved many to tears with her heartfelt address, while Mr. Roderich Busch, Deputy Chairman of the CDU Mönchengladbach, delivered a speech of great importance, underlining the urgent need for unity in families and society during these challenging times.
As the crowning conclusion of this historic day, Bishop Alexander Lautenschläger received the Episcopal Certificate from Suffragan Metropolitan Bishop Michael Chandrathas, on behalf of Metropolitan Archbishop Professor Dr. mult. Thomas Paul Schirrmacher, confirming his appointment as a Member of the Bishops Council of the Archdiocese of the India Christian Mission Church for Continental Europe. The day concluded with a solemn blessing over the entire congregation by Superintendent Reverend Dietrich Denker.
