The Shiloh Cincinnati church continues to “Impact the City” of Cincinnati with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As back-to-school season approached, many churches geared up to do their annual school supply drive. This year, Bryant Smith, pastor of Shiloh, and his members in the Avondale neighborhood wanted to approach things differently.
"Moving Higher and Better,” the theme for the Allegheny West Conference (AWC) Education Department this school year, perfectly captures the enthusiasm and energy from the AWC teachers as they recently met in person at a two-day teacher’s retreat.
Early this summer, the Smyrna church in Lynchburg, Va., began holding outdoor Sabbath worship services at Miller Park—one of the city’s largest public spaces. Their presence began drawing numerous visitors.
The Ohio Department of Education recently presented Nathaniel Snow, a veteran educator and member of the Dayton (Ohio) church, with the 2021 Teachers of Ohio Representing Character and Heart (TORCH) award. TORCH celebrates teachers who model strong character and a heart for their students, colleagues and communities.
Led by the Allegheny West and Ohio conferences, members from the Akron (Ohio) Bethel church participated in the Bible Reading Challenge earlier this year, in which they read the entire Bible in just one month.
Earlier this year, the Health Ministries Department of the Ephesus church in Columbus, Ohio, began “Sabbath Walks in the Park.” Members meet every other week in the city’s parks to get some exercise, explore nature and bond with each other in a safe environment.
One thing I have learned through my years as a husband, father and a pastor in various ministry leadership roles is that a leader does not mean you play a more important role than anyone else; a leader is one who serves alongside others in order to meet a united goal.