In the heart of Warwick, a remarkable sewing group known as “Sew Precious to God” has been quietly weaving a tapestry of community, creativity, and compassion. This group of ladies and girls, more than just a sewing circle, has become a close-knit family bound by a shared love for crafting and a desire to make a difference. Founded earlier this year at Warwick church, Sew Precious to God isn’t your typical sewing class. It’s a gathering of like-minded individuals who meet about once a month for two hours, although those hours often stretch because of the undeniable camaraderie that fills the room. They bring their sewing machines and a wide range of projects, spanning from simple beginnings to advanced creations. The magic lies in their unity, as beginners and experts come together to offer support and guidance. Approximately 12 ladies and girls are regular attendees, but Sew Precious to God extends a warm welcome to anyone, whether they’re from the church or the wider community. Inclusivity is at the core of their mission, and they cherish every new face that joins their sewing circle. One remarkable initiative that defines this group’s ethos is its ongoing community project. Sew Precious to […]
On the evening of September 8, the setting sun illuminated picturesque Jobson Cove and the warm hearts and spirits of the approximately 40 enthusiastic youth and 15 dedicated adults gathered there. It was a Friday Nightlights event to remember, sponsored by the Bermuda Conference Youth Ministries Department and hosted by the Pembroke church, and it was nothing short of inspiring. The rain began to fall as the sun dipped below the horizon, but it was no match for the eager attendees. They arrived in droves and were greeted with the sweet surprise of Popsicles, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Fortunately, the rain clouds parted just minutes before 7:00 p.m., allowing the event to commence without a hitch. David Steede II, Bermuda Conference Youth Ministries director and Hamilton church pastor, stood at the entrance, extending a warm welcome to the youth and guiding them to the inviting glow of the bonfire. The crackling flames became the centerpiece for an evening filled with faith, fellowship, and fun. Around the roaring fire, voices united in song led by the talented Michael Spencer, Hamilton church Youth Ministries department’s assistant director for music. Worship songs filled the air, creating an atmosphere of spiritual […]
Just a few weeks ago, I sat around a bonfire with tears in my eyes. Thirteen of our secondary students stood around the pastor, committing their lives to Jesus and asking for baptism. One week later, more than 20 of our elementary students stood for a similar commitment. This is not unusual if you work in an Adventist school. Seventh-day Adventist education is evangelism. Throughout the school day, students are exposed to Bible classes, daily worship, a faith-filled curriculum, and teachers passionate about their salvation. And these Christ-centered experiences are not just momentary processes. Students in a Seventh-day Adventist day school have approximately 40 hours of exposure a week to the things of God, and students in a boarding school have close to 100 hours a week of direct exposure. It should be no surprise that young people from faithful Adventist families who participate in Adventist churches with wholesome youth activities and attend a good Adventist school have a greater probability of staying in the church. A colleague in another union once told me she had spoken on this topic for one of the schools in her territory. She presented the statistics on this topic in a powerful way. She […]
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration for family, friends, and loved ones. But it can also be a very difficult time, a time of mixed emotions.
The text in Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (NKJV). I am humbled and honored as I write this editorial because the time for this season is closing for me, and this will be my last official editorial in my capacity as editor of The Atlantic Union Gleaner. It is hard to believe that just about 27 years ago, I was invited to serve as the editorial assistant for the Gleaner, the official publication for the Atlantic Union Conference since 1902. My responsibilities then included handling the inner workings of putting the magazine together, cover to cover. I was fortunate to experience a lot of firsts that helped to bring things to where they are today. It was also a time of title changes and additional responsibilities as we moved into the world of computers and Internet-based technology. I had no idea, then, that the transition to that season would lead to my serving in this capacity for so many years. As I took on the assignment, it was my goal and greatest desire to make God look good in the work He had assigned me to do. I moved […]
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”—Psalm 19:1 (NIV). My wife, Myra, and I are regular morning walkers. We usually walk an hour by the ocean whenever we get a chance, or we walk by the Wachusett Reservoir when we are home. The peaceful water and the greenery around it is very relaxing and always facilitates a good walking experience. About a year ago, we developed a habit of stopping in the middle of our walk and closing our eyes for a few minutes just to listen and enjoy the beauty of nature around us. It is amazing how we can hear nature sounds that we were not hearing while walking. We hear new sounds of birds, soft, peaceful waves, and other nature sounds that we did not observe before. We often think of many passages in the Bible that testify to the greatness and the magnificence of God’s creative work. All around us is evidence of God’s awesome works, but we can be so busy and preoccupied with the concerns of life that we fail to see what He has provided. The Word of God calls on us not to just […]
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul is clearly a superstar. He is an evangelist, a church planter, and a missionary.
Service, duty, and mission to the world are just a few of the driving principles of the Greater New York Conference (GNYC) Youth Ministries Department. This past summer, those principles, and so much more, were present as the Youth Ministries department led an initiative to make a tangible impact in a community in Brazil. It was important to find a community where the mission team could serve through different projects, such as reconstruction, public evangelism, children’s ministry, and community service. Therefore, in conversation with Claudio Gomez, New York Conference executive secretary, the organizers learned that Peruibe, the home of the indigenous tribe called Aldeia Piaçaguera, was a perfect location for this mission trip. With the help of Servet Dema, the local church pastor at Peruibe, and Pedro de Toledo, who provided the essential resources, the mission trip was a success. The mission took place in a non-Christian community and focused on sharing spiritual hope with the indigenous population and the local church community. A critical element to the success of this trip was the Vacation Bible School for children, ages 3-12 years old. The VBS occurred in the Church of Recreio Santista and was divided into two sessions: 9:30-11:30 a.m. […]
Introduction We are living in unprecedented times in a rapidly-changing and complex world. Such times serve as urgent reminders of the importance of Adventist education. What sets us apart is that our education system is rooted in principles set forth by the living Word of God. It aims to nurture students holistically, targeting their intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social development. Adventist education emphasizes the importance of a Christ-centered curriculum, a nurturing community, character formation, and a global perspective. Its goal is to ensure that students grow into responsible and valuable citizens during their time on Earth, while also preparing them to inherit God’s kingdom. Christ-Centered Curriculum At the heart of an Adventist education lies a Christ-centered curriculum, which consolidates faith and learning, an approach that acknowledges Christ as the true source of wisdom and the strongest foundation for intellectual growth. Students are led to heightened development of critical thinking skills, moral discernment, and a deep understanding of God and His creation by learning fundamental biblical principles in tandem with various subjects. The applicability of Scripture to real life leads students to develop an unyielding structure in ethics, morals, and good judgment, as well as a heightened sense of purpose, compassion, […]
For more than a decade, Atlantic Union Conference Haitian Ministries has sponsored and conducted medical mission trips to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
