Weekly News & Updates | May 2, 2024 | |
"Fill the Baptistry Sabbath" Makes Waves Across NNEC | |
Paul Hunt, Manchester church pastor, center, baptizes one of four individuals on "Fill the Baptistry Sabbath" in Manchester, New Hampshire, as church members show their support. [Photo: Debra Cuadro] | |
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In March 2023, Gary Blanchard, Northern New England Conference (NNEC) president, introduced a stirring initiative that's bringing waves of renewal to churches across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Called "Fill the Baptistry Sabbath," this call to action encourages congregations to fill their baptism tanks twice a year, in April and October, as a powerful reminder of the sacred mission entrusted to them by God. Atlantic Union Gleaner editor Debra Banks Cuadro witnessed the most recent "Fill the Baptistry Sabbath" on April 14 at the Manchester church. Paul Hunt, Manchester church pastor, baptized four individuals in a moving ceremony, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journeys. Since the initiative began, the NNEC reported 52 baptisms and six rebaptisms across the conference, signaling a revival of faith and commitment within the NNEC churches.
Gleaner staff
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Joy of Troy Church Embraces Expectant Families | |
Joy of Troy members take a photo break while ministering to expectant families. Pictured in the back row, from left, are Ray Baun, church elder, and Garon Fairclough; front row, from left, Chrysolyte Baun, and Lovettee Thomas. [Photo: Annette Barnes] | |
Joy of Troy church members enjoyed participating in the Babies in Waiting event on April 12 in Troy, New York. Hosted by the Commission of Economic Opportunity (CEO), the Babies in Waiting program provides pre- and postnatal education, opportunities for expectant families to network, and provides access to supportive services throughout the community. Volunteers from Joy of Troy set up a table filled with baby items, Christian literature, and information about the church’s children’s programs. Volunteers connected with people in the community and offered baby dedication services for the expectant families. | |
GYC Brings Youth Together for Christ | |
Attendees at the GYC (Generation of Youth for Christ) Atlantic chapter retreat listen attentively to a presentation at Camp Winnekeag. [Photo: Andrew Dombrowski] | |
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Youth and young adults from New Jersey to New Hampshire gathered at Camp Winnekeag in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, April 6-8, for a GYC (Generation of Youth for Christ) Atlantic chapter retreat. They came seeking a deep, intimate, and biblically focused weekend aimed at truly experiencing God. Andre Waller of Tekoa Missions shared in-depth studies on the familiar stories of Joseph, Samson, and the woman who washed Jesus' feet. As many young people are leaving the church, it was wonderful to see high school and college-aged youth searching the word of God, singing hymns of praise, and creating new friendships. The weekend retreat was a testimony that Christ's mission will not fail but will be upheld by the next generation.
Andrew Dombrowski, Southern New England Conference communication department volunteer writer and Willimantic church member
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Do you have an alumni weekend, church event, or special event happening at a church, school, or other entity within the Atlantic Union? Click HERE to let us know! | |
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Greater New York Camp Meeting
Korean: May 10-12
Luso Brazilian: May 24-27
at Camp Berkshire in Wingdale, NY. Click HERE for more information.
Northeastern Camp Meeting
Hispanic: May 24-26
at Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, NY. Click HERE for more information.
May 24-26
Embracing Mental Health in the Church, sponsored by Northeastern Conference Health Ministries. Hybrid event. Click HERE for more information, meeting IDs, and passcodes.
July 7-9
North Country Women's Retreat sponsored by New York Conference Women's Ministries at Camp Cherokee in Saranac Lake, NY. Guest presenter: Lynn Ortel. For more information, contact Barbara Bridgers, barbara@nyconf.org, or call (315) 469-6921.
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May 26; 6 - 8 p.m.
Singleness With Purpose Virtual Retreat, sponsored by Greater New York Conference Family Ministries. Free events in both Spanish and English. Registration is required. Click HERE for English information and registration. Click HERE for Spanish information and registration.
July 21-27
USA Skills Week at Union Springs Academy for students in grades 8-12 during the 2024-2025 school year. For more information, call (315) 889-7314, or click HERE.
September 20-22
Union Springs Academy 60th Annual Alumni Weekend. Honor classes: '44, '49, '54, '59, '64, '69, '74, '79, '84, '89, '94, '99, '04, '09, '14, and '19. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Atlantic Union Conference Events | |
Prayers for Upcoming Election
Atlantic Union Conference Prayer Ministries invites you to join them in a special prayer session on May 6 at 7 p.m. to pray for the upcoming executive committee meeting to elect a new Atlantic Union president. (See April 11 GleanerFYI news.)
Zoom Meeting ID:
954 6819 9577
Password: PrayMore
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"Preaching Training" for Women
Learn the importance of preaching, how to analyze biblical stories, organize a sermon, discover the art of public speaking, and more. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, but there is no cost. The courses are available in English and Spanish. Scan the QR code to register. For more information, call (978) 368-8333, or email lfresse@atlanticunion.org.
Click HERE for English seminar information.
Click HERE for Spanish seminar information.
Upcoming Training Dates: May 18; June 22; July 27
| Save the Date! Planning Giving and Trust Services Continuing Education Event | |
2024 Planned Giving and Trust Services Continuing Education Event, October 21-24, at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, Connecticut. Registration information is coming soon! Click HERE for the flyer.
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About Atlantic Union Conference
Founded in 1901, the Atlantic Union Conference is the headquarters for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the northeast United States and the islands of Bermuda. It serves six conferences, more than 134,233 members in 613 churches and 94 groups, 43 schools, and numerous community-based ministries.
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The Atlantic Union Gleaner FYI is a news and information bulletin produced by the Communication department of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. You are free to reprint any portion of the bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify Atlantic Union GleanerFYI whenever you publish these materials.
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