Story by V. Michelle Bernard
When Heather Lunsford, a member of Chesapeake Conference’s New Hope church in Fulton, Md., was a child, complex topics such as adoption, bullying and surrogacy were not commonly addressed in children’s books. Now, as an adult who has experienced all three situations, Lunsford has authored and illustrated books she hopes will help others.
Story by Evan Knott
The Living Word church in Glen Burnie, Md., in partnership with Priority Partners—a Johns Hopkins-affiliated organization that works to provide accessible health care in Maryland—recently held an inauguration ceremony for a new community food cupboard (pictured). Living Word is the 10th pantry location as part of the Priority Partners Cupboard Project.
Editorial by Andre Hastick
With each passing day, there is one fundamental question that is taking on greater significance. The answer to this question will determine the direction we travel together: What is the church—a building, a worship service?
Paul’s teaching in the New Testament uses the human body as a metaphor for the church, revealing that we are the body of Christ, and Christ is the Head (see 1 Corinthians 12 and Colossians 1). Without Jesus, there is no life, no direction, no purpose. Paul informs us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Col. 1:17, NKJV). This means that our connection to Jesus is not optional, but essential.
Editorial by Chad Stuart
In 2017, when my family moved into our neighborhood in Maryland, our boys were 9, 7 and 5. Our street felt like a small-town movie: more than a dozen kids the same age, bikes on the roads, doorbells ringing— “Can your boys play?” Each afternoon, the children stitched families together with shared driveways and impromptu games of soccer or tag in front yards.
Story by Dover First Church and Visitor Staff
Following Winter Storm Fern, which brought more snow to the area than residents had seen in the last 10 years, Pastor Javier Scharon and members of Chesapeake Conference’s Dover First church mobilized to serve their surrounding community. Together, they shoveled snow and ice to clear walkways to ensure neighbors could safely navigate to their homes and streets.