On the warmest Saturday in December, the South Ozone Park church took Sabbath School to the streets in fulfillment of its community outreach purpose. Members laughed, talked with their church neighbors, and assessed the needs of the families in the area while bearing Christmas gifts for children, spreading good cheer, and connecting with the local community.
New York City police officers from the 113th Precinct escorted the enthusiastic group of members and visitors as they marched along a one-mile route on Rockaway Boulevard. The South Ozone Park Blazing Stars Pathfinder Drum Corps led the procession under the leadership of Dennis Bush, South Ozone Park Pathfinder director, and fellow Master Guide Rickford Browne. Gloria Nolan, Sabbath School superintendent, and Easton G. Marks, interim pastor and Northeastern Conference Sabbath School director, also marched along with the group. The police officers expressed how pleased they were to be part of the church’s goodwill mission and how the drum corps lifted their spirits.
While people in the neighborhood curiously gathered to see the procession, members engaged with the onlookers, prayed with them, and gave gifts to families with children. During a debriefing session after the outreach activity, participants shared their encounters. Organizers learned of families wanting a church baby dedication and about a grief-stricken neighbor whose husband died a few days before.
During the church service that followed, Marks encouraged the congregation with a quote from Ellen G. White: “In out-of-the-way places are many, many families that need to be looked after in order to learn whether they understand the work that Jesus is doing for His people”—Evangelism, p. 45. He added, “This is what Sabbath School should do to bring the community into the church. We need to move from within the walls of the church and into the highways and byways, presenting the love of Jesus to the community that is thirsting for a knowledge of God!” The church acknowledged the progressive leadership of Marks and Nolan for a wonderful day of community outreach. The energized church intends to continue this community outreach in 2024.
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Lorraine Archie, communication secretary, South Ozone Park church
