Story by LaTasha Hewitt
For years, Joyce Steele’s family made it a point to worship with her at Allegheny East Conference's Mizpah church in Philadelphia on the Sabbath closest to her birthday. Even after she passed away in 2023, her children wanted to keep the tradition going and, as usual, attended this year on the Sabbath following their mother’s birthday.
The family, who travels from New York, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania, are committed to keeping the tradition alive as long as they are able to. “We want to honor her memory, as well as thank the Lord for giving her to us,” says Janet Steele, her daughter. “It also provides us with our own sense of comfort.”













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.