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Conference Hosts Annual Communication Conference

Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Communication Department recently hosted its eighth annual Connection and Ministry Communication Conference (CAMCON) at its office headquarters. This was the first in-person conference in three years. The theme, “Connecting the Dots,” focused on current methods and tools to minister to others in the post-pandemic context.

Presenters included Kevin Wilson, social media strategist at Andrews University (Mich.); Chris Thompson, author, pastor, church planter and executive director of a nonprofit for at-risk youth; Rohann Wellington, director of the Professional Services Department at the North American Division; and Alker-Kelly Antoine, executive director of media for the Haitian Ministerium. Topics included social media, storytelling, online evangelism, branding and technology.

Organizers later presented CAMCON awards to the Movement Germantown (Md.) church for best video production, and the East Lansdowne (Pa.) church for best hybrid ministry.

In addition, five churches received grants for various ministry projects. The top grant of $1,500 went to the East Lansdowne church for their Cancer Comfort Ministry Box project, which provides individuals diagnosed with cancer with a box that includes a mug, a plush throw blanket, two pairs of cozy socks and a comforting note, among other things.

As the grand finale, Marcellus T. Robinson (pictured sitting with participants), AEC’s president who attended the three-day conference, announced that each church represented would receive $1,000 to assist their Communication and Media departments. An additional $500 was later added.

“I was blessed by the fellowship of others from different churches … and left with a renewed spiritual commitment to this ministry,” says Karin Harmon, a member of the First Church of Millsboro in Delaware.

Emmanuel Worship Center Reads Bible in a Month

The Emmanuel Worship Center in Alexandria, Va., recently hosted a Bible reading marathon, in which members were charged to read the entire Bible in one month. Members developed a reading schedule that included reading together during Sabbath School and the worship service and reading individually during the week.

At the conclusion of the marathon, many— including three prospective members—requested more in-depth study of various books of the Bible. Now the church is studying the book of Acts on Wednesday nights, Romans on Sabbath mornings and Revelation on Sabbath afternoons.

Several participants shared how the project impacted them. “My friend and I were incredibly blessed … to join in reading the Bible with a group of believers,” shares member Eveythe Cargill.

“It has reawakened a personal hunger for God’s Word,” says member Howell Henderson.

“I got a sense of the connectedness in Scripture. I can see how quotes from the Old Testament fit into the New Testament,” explains member S. June Kennedy.

“[It] has been a joyful and fulfilling exercise … and a rediscovery of God’s mercy, justice and undying love for humanity,” adds Mahadere Getachew.

Capitol Hill Hosts ‘Acts of Kindness’ Day

The Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C., holds various “Acts of Kindness” days throughout the year where they minister to the Washington, D.C., community in various ways. Recently, volunteers delivered food and beverages to those experiencing homelessness, while other volunteers delivered a hot breakfast to D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department. They also distributed cards and prayed over the officers.

Another team packed 300 bag lunches for three shelters and Habitat for Humanity volunteers who were building homes in Southeast D.C. They also collected more than 150 cans of tuna and canned peaches for the Holy Name Food pantry.

During the church service, pastors prayed for uniformed first responders. This “blessing of the uniforms” honored those serving in the police and fire departments, as well as medical professionals. During children’s church, they created cards for hygiene kits for Thrive DC, a crisis-relief organization.

“‘Acts of Kindness’ days give our congregation an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in D.C. Going out into the community, actually seeing where people live, and experiencing the conditions increases our understanding and helps us become better servants,” shares Karen Hayes, Capitol Hill’s Community Services Ministries leader.

Philadelphia Churches Meet Post-Pandemic Food Needs

When community residents learned they would no longer receive the extra food assistance they received during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mizpah and New Life churches in Philadelphia stepped in to fill the gap.

The cut affected many families, and with increasing prices, feared how they would provide food for their loved ones. Mizpah and Life partnered with agencies to offer services to this community.

Mizpah hosted The Coalition Against Hunger’s first VIP pantry tour, in which organizers showcased how to resource and distribute food, clothing, house goods and provide other community needs. Howard Duncan, Mizpah’s pastor, delivered an inspirational message, and Vernessa Wilson, Mizpah’s Community Services leader, shared how Mizpah is still able to keep their pantry stocked and vibrant even after the pandemic.

Community residents line up for food at the Mizpah church during The Coalition Against Hunger’s first VIP pantry tour and Hope for Philly Network gathering.

“God spoke to my heart, and I said, ‘If You want us to do this, You have to protect the team,’” says Wilson. God answered her prayer, and none of her team contracted COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic and still today. They continue to serve food twice a week and look forward to providing even more resources in the future.