Allegheny West Conference

Story by Cecily Bryant

Barry Brooks, Sabbath School superintendent of Allegheny West Conference's Southeast church in Cleveland, and his team represent success that grew out of adversity. The COVID-19 pandemic led this group to lean on Jesus and think outside of the box. Their combined efforts and dedication produced a creative and spiritually vibrant online Sabbath School.

The team consists of Brooks, his wife, Denise, their daughter, Brittni, and fellow church members Janviere Lavender, Elva Battle, Charity White and Reuel White. Whether their efforts involve planning, teaching or enhancing the online experience or hand-delivering Sabbath School lessons, other members say the result of their teamwork is excellence.

Story by Benia Jennings

When Stephen Lewis became the pastor of Allegheny West Conference's Blessed Hope church in Cincinnati, he soon learned that he was not the only minister in his congregation. James Matthews, former pastor of the Roselawn Lutheran church whose building Blessed Hope purchased and now occupies, regularly attended services.

Story by Cynthia Mendoza

Though she never considered herself an artist, Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury has firmly established herself as one through her “Bible Page” art. Just as the description implies, Rowe-Saulsbury, a fourth-grade teacher at Allegheny West Conference’s Columbus Adventist Academy (Ohio), draws on Bible pages using colored pens and pencils to creatively worship and connect with God.

Story by Benia Jennings

Last summer, the Women’s Ministries Department at Allegheny West Conference's Smyrna church in Lynchburg, Va., collaborated with neighboring churches to start the Alabaster Box Book and Bible Study Group.

The group met once a month to read and discuss multiple books. This year, they are focusing on one book: The Lies Women Believe, and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. The volume covers topics such as marriage, sexuality and emotions.

The discussion subject matter might be more female-specific at times, but Patricia Jerome (pictured), one of the group facilitators, sees this ministry as an outreach tool to reach different groups of people. At the Alabaster Box, all are welcome, she notes.

"[God] used art to help me to move forward, He used art to do something new in me ... And I think one of the reasons I love art and I have loved my journey is because it allows us to go back to it childlike place, when we think about worshiping God, and we think about getting in a space with God," says Regina Johnson.

Story by Cynthia Mendoza