News

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Three churches in New Jersey: First church in Teaneck; Metropolitan church in Plainfield; and Mt. Calvary church in Salem, recently served as hosting sites for COVID-19 and antibody testing. This was done in partnership with the initiative by Phil Murphy, New Jersey governor.

“We recognize the need for people of color to be tested, but there is a lot of fear in those communities. Churches are typically viewed as safe places, so we put the call out for churches, and they responded,” says Derrick Greene, senior advisor to the governor for diversity, faith, urban and regional growth.

Testing sites were set up in the parking lots of the churches where social distancing and masks were required. Testing was free and open to the public as long as they provided a photo ID and insurance card. Workers at First church administered COVID-19 and antibody testing to 75 people. “The testing was a great success,” says Robert Smith, pastor. “Our community was able to view us as an asset, and we saw it as a great witnessing opportunity.”

William T. Cox Sr.

Story by Benia Jennings

Close family members, friends and colleagues recently gathered as the Allegheny West Conference (AWC) family hosted a farewell celebration honoring William T. Cox Sr. A small number of guests attended the in-person gathering, while others joined via Zoom. Well-wishers expressed their appreciation to Cox, his wife, LaTanya, and their family for 22 years of service to the conference.

“I served Pastor Cox as his first elder for about 10 years,” said Shirley Benton, AWC Women’s Ministries director. “He’s been more than a pastor or president; he’s been my friend.”.

Rob Vandeman is pictured with his wife, Judy

Rob Vandeman, un administrador y pastor que ha ministrado para la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día durante casi 50 años ha anunciado que a fin de año planea renunciar a su papel como secretario ejecutivo de la Unión de Columbia. Vandeman, quien se ha desempeñado en su puesto actual desde el 2011, de alguna u otra manera, planea continuar trabajando en la Unión de Columbia hasta la reunión de electores de la unión en julio del 2021.

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard y Jenevieve Lettsome

Debido a la pandemia del coronavirus muchas iglesias de la Unión de Columbia todavía están cerradas para los cultos en persona, incluidas todas las iglesias de las conferencias de Allegheny East y West. Las iglesias en la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey han experimentado 38 muertes como resultado del COVID-19. El ochenta por ciento de estas iglesias están ahora abiertas al 25 por ciento de su capacidad, informó el presidente Dave Weigley el 17 de septiembre en la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la Unión de Columbia.

Image by Conger Design from Pixabay

Story by Sylvia Urutia

Looking for a way to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Adventist Community Services leaders encourage members to participate in their local church Christmas outreach programs. If your church doesn’t have a program, why not pioneer one? Here are some ideas:

by V. Michelle Bernard

Kids, want a free coloring book from LivingWell in Silver Spring, Md.? Play hide-and-seek with Victor the Visitor mouse! When you find him, take a picture together, and tag the Visitor on Facebook or Instagram.