Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

28 Jan

CAMPION COMES OUT ON TOP AT DENVER NUGGET’S BALL ARENA

Campion News – Denver, Colorado … Sports fans of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, were all smiles after both the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball teams won their games against Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on the Denver Nuggets court at Ball Arena, January 23. To top off the evening, the students got to watch the Denver Nuggets NBA team beat the Sacramento Kings.

It has been two years since Campion played at Ball Arena, so it was thrilling for the players to have a chance to compete on a professional court. “I felt pretty excited to play on an NBA court,” recalled Izuchi Nwankwo, a junior starter on the boys’ team who was playing there for the first time. “That was really cool!”

Sarah Rushold, starting point guard for the girls’ team, shared, “I feel like we played well as a team! We never got down on each other for any mistakes we made. I’m so glad we got to play at the Ball Arena!”

Recalling the boys’ game, EJ Woy, starting senior on the team, said “I was so excited! I felt like I was on fire at first. Although our team could be better on some things, we did well on keeping our composure. Whenever the other team started catching up, we kept our cool and stayed calm and finished the game strong.”

The students look forward to this big event each year. “It’s a bittersweet moment knowing it was my last time playing there,” said Damaris Lopez-Morquecho, senior on the girls’ team.

Josh Makizimana commented, “I felt good and a little emotional as I am a senior and this is my last time playing at Ball Arena. However, Campion played an excellent game, and we finished with the win.”

—Campion News. Photos supplied.

28 Jan

CATALYST 18+: FAITH IN ACTION

Agape Hammond – Parker, Colorado … The Catalyst 18+ Sabbath School class at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, is more than a Bible study group—it is a community of young people navigating the transition from middle and high school students into the next chapter of life. This group offers a space to grow spiritually, build meaningful connections, and engage in service that reflects God’s love.

Catalyst 18+ members exemplified their mission by serving the unhoused at The Salvation Army-Crossroads Center in Denver, Colorado, January 25. “With hearts full of compassion and hands ready to help, the group worked from November through January to make a difference in the lives of those in need,” remarked Agape Hammond, Newday’s Social Media and Communications director.

The volunteers distributed much-needed items, including gloves, socks, and sweatshirts—all of which had been donated by the Newday Church community. One man’s simple yet heartfelt words captured the spirit of the day as he wheeled away, stocked up with gloves, socks, and a beanie: “Thank you, lady, for helping the poor people.”

In addition to clothing, the group handed out bags filled with a burrito, water, tissues, and copies of Ellen G. White’s Steps to Christ. The long line of people in need was a sobering reminder of the ongoing demand for help.

One volunteer with the Catalyst 18+ group commented that they felt blessed to be part of the outreach, while spending time with fellow church members and making new friends, deepening bonds through shared service. Together, the Catalyst 18+ team ensured that no one was left out that service day, providing not just material support but also moments of connection.

Another volunteer that connected strongly with the community was Jeneane. Her bold faith led her to approach many individuals, offering prayer and a loving handshake. In a moment that reinforced the power of empathy, one of the men being served broke down in tears, saying, “I needed this.”

The experience left a lasting impression on both the volunteers and those they served. As Esther, a group volunteer, reflected, “It was a privilege using Sabbath for God’s work,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve warm meals and recognize her own blessings.

Another lesson the group learned is that we are part of a wider community of believers that care. For instance, Jorge, a close friend of Esther’s visiting from Peru, shared how similar acts of kindness are common in his home country, saying, “Es gratificante, siendo parte de este grupo y conociendo otra iglesia, promoviendo el nombre de nuestra iglesia.” (“It is rewarding to be part of this group, getting to know another church, and promoting the name of our church.”)

While there, they also met Eric, a member of the Arvada Seventh-day Adventist Church, who, along with several others, has been faithfully helping at the Crossroads Center on the third Saturday of each month.

His consistent involvement emphasizes the importance of sustained service and the vital role volunteers play in meeting the ongoing needs of the unhoused community. Volunteer Coco shared that, for her, the blessing was in connecting with another church on a similar mission, finding encouragement in being part of a larger community united in service.

For the Catalyst 18+ group, this day of service was more than a one-time event—it was a living example of their commitment to faith, action, and compassion. By stepping out to serve, they not only brought hope to those in need but also strengthened their own spiritual journeys, making a difference in the world one act of kindness at a time.

—Agape Hammond is Social Media and Communications director for the Newday Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

27 Jan

ADVENTHEALTH PARKER BREAKS GROUND ON MAJOR EXPANSION

AdventHealth – Parker, Colorado … AdventHealth Parker unveiled a $300 million expansion project today. Currently a 179-bed hospital, AdventHealth Parker has served the southeast Denver metro area and beyond for nearly 21 years.

The new 186,000 square foot tower will include:

Four operating rooms (and two additional rooms that will be shelled for future use)
16 pre- and post-operative rooms
60 new medical/surgical beds
Two cardiac catheterization labs
Two interventional radiology labs
A new sterile processing department
The 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th floors will be shelled as future patient bed floors

Construction is expected to begin in February 2025, with plans to care for the first patient by February 2027.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Parker has grown by 72% since AdventHealth Parker first opened in 2004 and is expected to grow another 8% by the time the tower opens in 2027.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support our community by providing outstanding and accessible care, close to home,” said AdventHealth Parker CEO, Michael Goebel. “This strategic investment will not only elevate our services but ensure we are meeting the healthcare needs of our patients for years to come.”

AdventHealth Parker is currently the town’s largest employer, with more than 1,100 employees. When the tower opens, it is expected to create at least 100 additional jobs.

“Our goal within AdventHealth is to be a preeminent healthcare system known for whole-person care,” said AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region CEO, Brett Spenst. “With this aspiration guiding us, it is our sacred duty to expand our services and continue to grow so that more people can achieve wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.”

This significant investment will enable AdventHealth Parker to deepen its commitment to the healing ministry of Christ, ensuring that we continue to serve our communities and beyond.

—AdventHealth. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth The Newsroom website. Photos supplied.

22 Jan

REFLECTION: THROUGH LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER

By Marsha Bartulec

Serving others is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect God’s love. Jesus showed us this in John 13 when He washed His disciples’ feet. Imagine the King of the universe kneeling down to do a servant’s job! Jesus wasn’t just teaching about service—He was living it, showing His disciples and us what love in action looks like.

Sometimes, we think serving has to be something big, like a mission trip or donating a lot of money. While those are great, service often happens in the small, everyday moments. It’s helping a sibling with their chores, comforting a friend who’s upset, or including someone sitting alone. These small acts of kindness, done with love, make a big impact.

Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Serving isn’t about being noticed or praised—it’s about putting others first and showing them God’s love.

At Vista Ridge Academy, we encourage students to look for ways to serve, whether it’s helping a classmate, being kind during recess, or volunteering for tasks in the classroom. These moments of service not only bless others but also help our students grow into the caring, Christlike individuals God calls them to be.

Think about simple ways you can serve together—whether it’s baking for a neighbor, writing notes of encouragement, or volunteering in your community. Every act of service, big or small, shines a light for Jesus.

Let’s pray for hearts that love to serve.

—Marsha Bartulec is principal at Vista Ridge Academy. Republished with permission from the “Eagle Update: The Vista Ridge Academy Weekly Newsletter,” January 17, 2025. Photos supplied.

22 Jan

RMC GREATER YOUTH SUMMIT 2025: UNDEFEATED

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … The 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Greater Summit youth retreat was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, January 17-20. Tailored for middle and high school age youth, the weekend retreat was a joint venture between RMC and Kansas-Nebraska Conference Youth Ministries. The event was marked with record attendance of around 140 participants including youth, their adult sponsors/family members, and RMC and GVR staff and volunteers.

While temperatures hovered between -10 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit and there was significant snowfall witnessed in the region, participants were still able enjoy all of the scheduled programs, social events, and activities including snow tubing, snow shoeing, arts and crafts, and time in GVR’s indoor aquatic center.

RMCNews was able to connect in an interview with lead program coordinator Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, and RMC Youth director Brandon Westgate to get a better understanding of the greater mission and purpose of the event.

What is the purpose of Greater Summit? It requires a lot of preparation and coordination, so why hold this event?

[Jade Teal] Greater Summit is a weekend for kids to come together and grow closer to God and grow in their personal relationship with Him. It also serves for the adults in their lives to be able to connect with them on a much deeper level and to give them an opportunity to really open up to those adults about what’s going on in their spiritual lives. The adults can help coach them through some of the things that they’re going through.

The theme for this year’s program was “Undefeated.” Can you tell me a little bit more about why you chose that theme?

[Brandon Westgate] As a youth department, we try to pick a theme every year that’s going to challenge not only us but challenge our volunteers and especially challenge our campers and our schools. When we do Week of Prayer in our schools, we use that same theme when we do worship services there.

Our theme this year is “Undefeated,” and the idea is that Jesus never lost a battle. When we claim Jesus’s righteousness as our own and we put our faith in Him, we claim His victories. So even though the enemy is always trying to make us feel like we’re defeated in some way, or we fall short, the reality of the Gospel is that each and every one of us are undefeated. Our goal, our mission this year as a youth department is to really pour that message into the hearts of the young people that we encounter.

Generally, how do you select your speakers?

[Brandon Westgate] Speaker selection is something we pray about because we do want them to match and align with the mission of our youth department. Our mission is that we want to make it easy for kids to know God, so we search out speakers that are going share the message of the Gospel in a plain way that young people can relate to. We looked around at this year and Nick [Snell] (Kansas-Nebraska Conference Youth and Young Adult director) was one of those guys that definitely has the ability to do that. And our other speaker, Jolina Console, who’s a theology major at Union Adventist University, has been a summer camp staff here for three summers and loves this place. She was super excited when we asked her to come and speak. So, for us it felt like a real natural selection.

What have you noticed the participants get most engaged with and excited to do while attending the event?

[Jade Teal] I think our winter activities are definitely near top of the list. We have a giant sledding hill, and that’s always a highlight. And then I think the ability to connect in small groups to other teams, other high schoolers, and to be able to connect with their teachers, parents, sponsors, and group leaders as well.

[Brandon Westgate] There’s three components that we do well here and we’re intentional about during Greater Summit. One of those is engage, one is encounter, and the other is enjoy. We engage with Scripture, and we encounter God as we study Scripture together in small groups, and the enjoyment piece is just connecting with friends and sponsors and enjoying some of those winter activities. Those three pieces of Greater Summit are really what makes it what it is.

Any final thoughts on the program that you would like to share?

[Brandon Westgate] Some of the things that happen at Greater Summit are things that happen in smaller groups. The worship services are always good; they’re always engaging. It’s the little conversations you see happen. When you see a couple of teens pulled off to the side of a room praying together, that’s a huge thing for us because we know they’re really connecting not only with each other but they’re connecting with their Creator. For us, that’s a big win.

[Jade Teal] Another thing that’s been really, really cool to see is how when the kids don’t have access to internet or technology, they make their own fun and connect with each other in ways that we don’t often see anymore. Today I was out on the lake with a bunch of the kids and a couple of them had brought their ice skates up because they knew there was a [frozen] lake. They recruited a bunch of people to help them clear a spot on the ice to be able to skate. It’s things like that, where they’re working together and meeting people and interacting in ways that they wouldn’t usually do.

Greater Summit happens in January of each year, so start planning now to bring your school, church, club, or family group in 2026. Be sure to look for the upcoming video of the full interview and highlights of the 2025 Greater Summit on the RMC website rmcsda.org or in another edition of NewsNuggets. If you have any questions on the program and how to participate next year, contact Jade Teal at [email protected] or at (303) 282-3664.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

22 Jan

BRIDGING GENERATIONAL GAPS: HOW CHURCHES CAN FOSTER UNITY AND ENGAGEMENT

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … In a recent discussion on the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) podcast, Living Generously, Cris Dutra, Young Adult director for the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, highlighted the dynamic involvement and importance of young people in church activities. Despite significant advancements in outreach to youth and young adults at all levels of church organization, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend: the Seventh-day Adventist Church is losing four out of every ten new members, many of whom are young people.¹

Cris identifies a fundamental challenge in bridging generational gaps, attributing much of it to differing core values. She illustrates this with an example from a potluck scenario. At a church near Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, her alma mater, one of the local churches had various tables for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. The older generation at that church, which valued stability and uniformity, viewed this as a display of the health message and the importance of an Adventist standard.

Conversely, the younger generation, who prioritized transparency and inclusiveness, felt they couldn’t invite their friends to the gathering because they ate meat. Their differing views on dietary inclusiveness at church meals demonstrate the underlying communication rift, not a lack of faith or commitment.

Cris emphasized that fostering unity involves more than accommodating both perspectives; it’s about recognizing the genuine motivations behind each viewpoint. By understanding these motivations, perceptions of rebellion or indifference can be transformed into opportunities for deeper connection. She encouraged people to host conversations among different generations to understand each other and create a path forward for mission.

She noted, “Effective dialogue between generations can break barriers.” Young people often seek mentors and guidance from older church members but feel conditional acceptance, leading to a sense of abandonment. Research from the North American Division (NAD) and the book Growing Young supports this by reminding us of the younger generation’s need for mentorship and genuine interaction instead of only a superficial engagement with faith.

Cris also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the decision-making process. Church boards should integrate young voices to prevent feelings of being exploited for menial tasks without real influence.

By valuing ideas from all age groups, churches can nurture enthusiasm and engagement. A future where collaborative efforts extend beyond church walls is envisioned, showing that living generously includes listening, understanding, and working together for the kingdom of God. This renewed commitment to fostering intergenerational relationships ensures a thriving, united church community. Listen to the podcast for more insights.

CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode, and CLICK HERE to see the full list of previous and future series episodes. To listen to the full podcasts on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo by fauxels of Pexels.

¹General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. (2024, March 19). Reports by Topics – Adventist Research. Adventist Research. https://www.adventistresearch.info/research-reports/research-projects-commissioned-by-general-conference-officers/presentations-by-topics/

21 Jan

SEVEN COLORADO CHURCHES WELCOME STUDENTS TO THE PULPIT

Damaris Lopez-Morquecho – Loveland, Colorado … Students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, led out worship services at seven different Colorado churches in a school-wide Students with a Testimony (SWAT) trip, January 11. Students traveled as far as Grand Junction and Colorado Springs and even conducted a service at a Spanish-speaking congregation.

Overseen by CA chaplain Lindsey Santana, the theme for the weekend was “Being a Disciple of Jesus.” Students were in charge of running the entire church worship service, including song service, children’s story, special music, and the sermon.

Evie Lange, a CA junior, was a part of a saxophone duet with fellow CA student Quiana Davis at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado. “I was excited to do special music,” Lange shared. “It was fun to play with another saxophonist because I have never done that before.”

“The church was very welcoming,” Lange furthered. “Their arms were always open to us and they fed us a delicious lunch. We even stayed Friday night in some church members’ homes; they were very kind.”

CA senior Jasmine Smittick was among the students that were selected to give a sermon at First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Commerce City, Colorado. Smittick reflected, “I was very worried at first and overwhelmed, but as I continued to work on it, I was able to not only reach other people, but I also resonated with what I was writing.”

After church service, the church members open their doors with a potluck for the students. “It was really good, and the food was really amazing,” Abigail Brown commented of the meal hosted at the Park Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado.

This was the second annual school-wide SWAT trip, helping students become leaders and more involved in church. Next year, students and staff look forward to reaching out to even more area churches.

—Damaris Lopez-Morquecho, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

21 Jan

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOSTERS YOUTH’S JOURNEY TO BAPTISM

David Sakul – Commerce City, Colorado … Brody Koloay grew up in a supportive family environment deeply involved in church activities. He was a fun-loving child who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family daily. Brody attended public school in California where they lived at the time and was exposed to a wider community that challenged his beliefs.

Through the church, Brody was grounded in his faith, developing into a kind and devoted young man who loved Jesus, his family, and his friends, both inside and outside the church. He actively participated in the local Pathfinder Club, church activities, and school events. At the same time, he worked alongside his brothers to promote Christian-like activities and programs, striving to be a witness to others.

Brody’s father, Brian Koloay, shared, “Brody was calm, committed to the Lord, and always ready to help others, offering support whenever needed.”

After moving to Colorado, the Koloay-Korompis family recognized the importance of staying engaged in the Adventist community. They chose to send their children to Mile High Academy in Highland’s Ranch, Colorado, an Adventist school, as part of their commitment to Christian education, hoping to see their children continue to grow in their faith while participating in the school’s activities and programs.

“Brody made the decision to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and accepted Him as his personal Savior,” remarked David Sakul, elder at the First Indonesian Seventh-Day Adventist Church (FDISDAC) in Commerce City, Colorado. Widy Gara, lead pastor of the church, provided ongoing support through Bible study, and the church’s youth group was very supportive of Brody’s decision and expressed their joy at hearing of his commitment.

Brody Koloay was baptized on January 11 surrounded by his family and church community. It was observed that he was filled with happiness and gratitude for his decision to follow Jesus and felt an overwhelming sense of support. “What a day to follow Jesus,” Brody said.

—David Sakul is an elder at the First Denver Indonesian Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

16 Jan

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES IN 2025 AND BEYOND

RMCNews with Mary Lynn Green – Denver, Colorado … As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to tackle those essential tasks we often push off until a later time if ever. High on that list should be creating a will and developing an estate plan. Though it may not be the most exciting resolution, ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and your favorite church ministry is remembered is a responsibility that cannot be overstated, especially if you have young dependents. Start 2025 with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order.

Surprisingly, a large portion of Americans delay or avoid estate planning entirely. According to a 2023 study, 67% of adults in the U.S. do not have a will. For younger adults, this figure rises even higher, with 81% of individuals aged 18-34 and 66% of those aged 35-54 lacking this critical document. Even among seniors, traditionally more prepared, 45% are without a will.¹ These numbers highlight the widespread hesitation surrounding estate planning, despite its importance.

One of the primary reasons people delay creating a will is discomfort with the topic. Conversations about mortality and financial distribution can feel overwhelming or unnecessary, particularly for younger individuals. Others procrastinate due to a misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, creating a will is a vital step for anyone with dependents, property, or specific wishes for their legacy. By taking the time to plan, you can ease the burden on your loved ones, providing clarity and avoiding unnecessary legal complications during an already challenging time.

“There is a saying that says, ‘If you don’t have an estate plan, the government has one for you.’ It is true there are laws that indicate how an estate is to be distributed when a person dies without a will (intestate). Likely, some of these laws do align with your wishes and some do not. Having a will helps each of us to fulfill the directive to be good stewards and take care of all that we have been given,” guides Mary Lynn Green, director of Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Planned Giving and Trust Services.

If you’re ready to take the first steps toward estate planning, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Take Inventory: List your assets, including real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, and personal possessions.
Consider Beneficiaries: Decide who or which charitable cause will receive your assets and ensure your choices reflect your current wishes.
Appoint Key Roles: Select an personal representative to carry out your wishes and guardians for any underage children.
Consult an Expert: Reach out to RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services to help guide you through this process.

“Our office has resources and partnerships with other Adventist professionals in the trust and estate, planned giving, and fiduciary services arena,” continues Green. “A financial planner or accountant can help you determine how to best structure your gifts. Sometimes gifts of non-cash assets such as property, stocks, life insurance, annuities, valuable jewelry, digital currency, and other assets may provide tax advantages and ways to increase the value of the gift to fulfill goals for what you want to give to loved ones and to charities.”

Do not delay any longer and reduce the risk of leaving your family unprepared and your wishes unmet. For members of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, there’s no need to worry about costs—wills and estate planning services are offered free of charge. This invaluable resource makes it easier than ever to ensure your legacy is protected.

As we embrace this new year, make it a priority to secure your family’s future no matter what your age or stage in life. By creating a will and estate plan today, you can take a significant step toward being a good steward of the blessings God has entrusted to you.

Green leaves a parting message: “Let us know how our team can help. It is a pleasure for us to be here to serve you and to help you accomplish your stewardship and ministry goals. Let’s all get planning!”

Contact Alex Gamble, RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services department assistant, at [email protected] or by phone at (303) 282-3640 to get started today.

—Initial article draft created by ChatGPT, revised and edited by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication Director, and Mary Lynn Green, RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services. Photo by Bich Tran with Pexels.

¹ LegalZoom. (2023). Estate planning statistics. Retrieved from https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/estate-planning-statistics

15 Jan

FAIRPLAY CHURCH STRIVES TO BE THE “LIGHT ON THE HILL”

Jose Briones – Fairplay, Colorado … Amy Webb has been a devoted member of the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fairplay, Colorado, for the past four years. In 2018, while working at the Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, Amy and her family decided to travel to Colorado. During their visit, they stopped at the Fairplay Church while helping their daughter move and exploring potential future property purchases.

The Webb family, consisting of seven members at the time, was accustomed to the large congregations often found in Adventist churches in Lincoln. Upon their arrival, the Webb’s found a small congregation of only five people at the Fairplay Church. There were more visitors that day than members. Despite the small number, the church congregation’s hospitality and warmth was very welcoming. The Webb family instantly felt drawn to this small, loving community.

The Webb’s decided to move to Colorado a few years later, purchasing a home they felt God had led them to, and began attending the Fairplay Church regularly.

During the COVID Pandemic in 2020, Amy and her husband Richard organized an “Unlocking Bible Prophecies” seminar at the Fairplay Church. Despite much planning, no one attended the event, leaving them saddened and disheartened, especially Richard.

“Amid their discouragement, Amy suggested they pray. They asked God to bring them ten more families, not knowing where they would come from but wanting to fill the church to overflowing,” recalled Jose Briones, lead pastor at the Fairplay Church and RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator, who interviewed Amy for the RMC video series “Always Faithful” that will begin airing in January 2025.

“Miraculously, shortly after their prayer, families began arriving from different places,” continued Briones. “These families had been searching for a place like Fairplay Church with the same love that initially attracted the Webb family. The church’s attendance grew from about five people during that initial visit to between 25 and 40 people each week now in 2024. ‘Praise God! He brought us more than ten new families who became members of Fairplay,’ Amy told me.”

Church members will tell you that some of their most cherished memories in recent years involve evangelism. They view that, without evangelism, the church would be dead. Inspired by a member from decades ago who referred to the church as the “Light on the Hill,” they hope to continue the legacy of the sentiment and excitement behind that reference. To do so, the Fairplay Church actively engages with the local community and events like the Burro Days and plans to expand their efforts to Alma and other higher mountain towns this year.

The Fairplay Church also values fellowship and holds a fellowship dinner every week. “The members believe some of the greatest moments come from sharing a meal together,” commented Briones. “They gather around a large table, facing each other and getting to know one another better. This weekly tradition helps people fall in love with the church’s loving God and fellowship.”

Amy’s story and testimony are a powerful reminder of the importance of evangelism and welcoming new members with love. Her experience at Fairplay Church highlights how truly caring about everyone that walks through the doors has been a significant part of the church’s success. The church’s goal is to make everyone feel wanted and welcomed back. As Amy always says, “If someone attends three times, they are already considered members.”

Keeping love and fellowship alive is essential for the vitality of any church community. CLICK HERE to watch Amy’s story and share it with your friends.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.