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Need Ideas for Special Sabbath Activities?

Graphic courtesy of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists

By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell and Visitor Staff

"I'm bored!" If you're a parent and it's the Sabbath, you've probably heard your kids say these words before. But Sabbath doesn't have to be dull and dry. There are many fun activities you and your family can do together. Here are just a few:

• Light a candle at sundown Friday to denote the start of a special time with Jesus.

• Start Sabbath morning with “Happy Sabbath pancakes.”

• Discover a new Christian artist or podcast.

• Create a seasonal scavenger hunt.

• Watch Hope+ Kids animated Bible stories on YouTube.

Parenting Paradigm

The Luttrell Family was featured on the cover of the May/June 2023 Visitor. Image by Nicol Belvedere

By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell

The hospital lights were dim, and medical equipment hummed quietly. I (Hannah) was still groggy from my emergency C-section just hours before. Our baby’s heart rate had suddenly dropped, and I had been rushed into the operating room.

We’re Parents; Now What?

We’re Parents; Now What?, editorial, Austin and Celeste Blyden, Sarita Blyden, Larraina Blyden, Columbia Union Conference

Editorial by Austin and Celeste Blyden

Our winter baby was born in January on the coldest day of the year. She was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 21 inches long. She had 10 fingers, 10 toes and thankfully only one nose. Her hair was soft and curly, and her skin against ours was tender and moist. And when she looked at us—her eyes wide with wonder—we melted.

Spencerville Adventist Academy Students ‘Called to Serve’ at Annual Career Day

Spencerville Adventist Academy students participate in the 2023 Career Day with teacher Lynette Sigh.

Story by Heidi Wetmore

Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) recently held its second annual Career Day for the entire student body, grades pre-K to 12.

“The theme ‘Called to Serve,’ helped students understand that God is calling them to serve Him no matter what course of study or profession they decide to pursue,” says Carmen Esposito, SAA’s guidance counselor.

Lima Hosts Community Recognition Award Service

Ohio Conference, Lima church, Carl Brooks, Kendall Harrod, Lima Hosts Community Recognition Award Service

Story by Kasper Haughton Jr

The Lima church recently held its second annual Community Recognition Award Service. The program recognized 13 officers, volunteers and community leaders, as well as eight organizations that serve the Lima community, including the Lima Fire Department, the Lima Police Department, Our Daily Bread, Lima Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Bradfield Community Center, Family Promise, and Bittersweet at Betty’s Farm.

Southeast Celebrates Their Global Diversity

Allegheny West, Southeast church, pathfinders, Southeast Celebrates Their Global Diversity

Story by Cecily Bryant, Southeast Church Communication Leader

The Southeast church in Cleveland recently celebrated the diversity of their congregation by installing flags of the nations represented by its members.

In a moving service led by the church’s Panthers Pathfinder Club, the Pathfinders carried flags from nine nations into the sanctuary and placed them behind the pulpit, in addition to the United States and Pathfinder flags.

WGTS 91.9 Staff Celebrate Easter at the Lincoln Memorial

3. The crowd gathered for the 43rd year on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Story by Jerry Woods

Thousands of WGTS 91.9 listeners and people from around the nation made the trek to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before dawn to celebrate the 43rd annual Easter Sunrise Service on the National Mall. National Community Church sponsored the event, and WGTS partnered with them to get the word out to the community.

New Minor in Spiritual Care Offered At Kettering College

Story by Rebecca Ingle

Kettering College challenges its students with rigorous academic courses and clinicals. And it strives to help students grow to be the spiritually mature people they want to be. The college’s required religion classes encourage students to first know themselves before they serve others.

Students can now earn a minor in spiritual care by taking three religion or humanities credits in addition to the 12 required religion credits. Humanities chair and professor, Cory Wetterlin, Ph.D., is excited about the newly added minor in spiritual care. He says adding this minor to resumes will give students an advantage and a talking point that show a hiring manager the student has worked on critical skills needed to serve others with compassion and care.

Summer Camps Looking for Staff Members

image by Donate PayPal Me from Pixabay

As summer camp season draws closer, many camp administrators are having a hard time recruiting staff for their ministries. "It has been much more difficult this year to find students/staff," say Ray Queen and Julie Minnick, director and associate director, respectively, at Potomac Conference's Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va. “It has also been difficult to get them to commit and even fill out [an] application."

Other directors have reported similar situations. Minnick says that "students are being pulled in so many directions with school [and] career choices, and the biggest distraction is accepting internships," among other issues.

Ascalon Retires After Serving 38 Years in Conference

Andre Ascalon (alongside his wife, Hillary), recently retired after serving in the New Jersey Conference for 38 years.

Story by Cinthia Portanova

Andre Ascalon, who retired at the end of 2022, served in the New Jersey Conference (NJC) for 38 years—20 years as a lay pastor and 18 as a full-time pastor, alongside his wife, Hillary. “My wife has been the most integral part of my ministry. This is a match made in heaven,” says Ascalon. “I think she is everything to my ministry.”