A Call for Prayers, Healing and Service This Sabbath – Please Join Us

From the Officers of the Columbia Union Conference, Allegheny East Conference and Chesapeake Conference
 
A Call for Prayers, Healing and Service This Sabbath – Please Join Us
 
Like many of you, we watched the events in Baltimore this week and have been praying for the family of Freddie Gray, the residents of the city and all those impacted by the unfortunate incidents that occurred.

We were thankful to see Seventh-day Adventist pastors among the clergy who marched through the communities calling for peace, hosted prayer vigils and hugged and prayed with youth involved.

Many members are wondering what to do for Baltimore and how to help them move forward. In talking with local pastors and leaders and assessing needs, we’ve learned that there are three things we can do now:

Pray – This Sabbath we’re asking churches in Baltimore and across the Columbia Union to have special prayer for the people of Baltimore, for the issues they are grappling with, and for a peaceful end to the unrest here and in other cities.
Partner – As people of faith, we have an opportunity and obligation to seek answers and solutions to the spiritual and social needs of our communities. This Sunday our Adventist Community Services leaders will host training on positive community engagement and also discuss the possibility of developing a mentoring and tutoring program and youth center in Baltimore.
Serve –This Sabbath afternoon and all next week, Adventist Community Services leaders are planning to distribute water and personal hygiene products to the families and elderly in the neighborhoods that lost their convenience stores and businesses due to the fires and looting.

Donations Needed:
Toothpaste, Ensure Protein Drinks, Feminine Hygiene Products, Adult Diapers, Baby Diapers, Bath Soap, Bottled Water

Volunteers Needed:
·         Sabbath, May 2 at 1-3 p.m. – Immediately following the 11 o’clock worship service, church members and volunteers are needed to walk block by block praying with and for residents of the community. Please meet at Berea Temple, 1901 Madison Avenue in Baltimore.
·         Sabbath, May 2, 3-6 p.m. – Members and volunteers are needed to donate and distribute toiletries and bottled water to residents in need. Meet at Berea Temple
·         Tues., May 5 through Thurs., May 7 from 3-6 p.m.; Sunday, May 10, 2-5 p.m.; Sunday, May 17, 2-5 p.m. – More volunteers and donations needed. Meet at Berea Temple

Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark: 10:43, NKJV).

As a church family, we have a great opportunity to experience the mission by demonstrating Jesus’ care and compassion, offering healing and hope and being part of the long-term solution. Please join us in showing our communities how much the Seventh-day Adventist Church cares by praying, partnering and serving.