The 2024 Columbia Union Conference Calendar, which is starting to arrive at homes, features the Columbia Union's strategic motto, "Empower, Equip, Engage," as a call to action in 2024. Each month features Bible verses to remind readers of the important role they play in furthering the mission in their communities.
To order extra calendars for just the cost of shipping, call Pacific Press Publishing Association at (800) 545-2449.
Editorial by José D. Espósito
• A church family growing from 15 to 54 members after meeting the needs of community members and hosting an evangelistic series.
• A young girl requesting prayer for her grandpa and helping lead her family back to Christ.
• A member sharing his love of pickleball with others, resulting in hundreds of people finding fellowship and a safe place to discuss spiritual matters, while getting exercise.
• A pastor using his love of restoring cars to connect with his neighbors.
• A teacher praying for her students, impacting their spiritual walk for years to come.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Many local elementary students will have new books in their school libraries, thanks to customers at Potomac Conference’s LivingWell store in Silver Spring, Md.
This fall, the LivingWell Adventist Book Center received 160 books worth $1,583 during the store’s first book drive.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Looking for a fun, festive event to host this holiday season? Chesapeake Conference’s Rock Hall (Md.) church is hosting its 13th cookie party this year. Since 2010, members have decorated and baked cookies together with church and community members at the church’s holiday party.
By Michelle Perez and Jennifer Jill Schwirzer
Emotional abuse, also known as the "hidden abuse" since it leaves no physical mark and is so difficult to identify, is more common than you think—even within Seventh-day Adventist homes and churches. As a pastor, leader or church member, it is important to distinguish what the church's role is and isn't when faced with this situation.
The church's role isn’t
• A substitute for law enforcement involvement
• A substitute for mental health services
• A substitute for legal support or advice
• A judge
The church's role is