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
The church community can be a great support in cases of abuse, but pastors and lay leaders are often not professionally trained in this area. Michelle Perez, a domestic abuse prevention educator, shares some tips on what not to say or do when approached by an abused survivor. For ideas on best practices, read the feature here.
What NOT to Say to Someone Experiencing Abuse
Historias de V. Michelle Bernard
• ¡Marque su calendario ya! Visite columbiaunionvisitor.com para encontrar una lista de conciertos navideños en todo el territorio de la unión, incluidos los muy esperados conciertos anuales del departamento de música de la Universidad Adventista de Washington.
• En la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la unión de Columbia de septiembre, los miembros votaron enviar $20,000 para las iniciativas de ayuda en Hawái luego de los incendios forestales en Maui que dejaron al menos 97 muertos. Los líderes de la unión animaron a los líderes de las conferencias a donar también.
• ¿Busca un buen recurso sobre salud mental? La iglesia adventista del séptimo día Emanuel presentó recientemente una serie en español sobre concientización de la salud mental. Mire la serie en columbiaunionvisitor.com o en YouTube.