7 Ways to Welcome Families with Disabilities to Your Church
By Amber Stewart
You’re the pastor or a leader in a church, and your main priority is making sure that every person who steps (or rolls) inside feels welcomed and loved. Typically, showing people you’re happy they’re there involves enthusiasm, warm smiles, handshakes (or hugs), and friendly eye contact while you’re talking. If, however, you’re welcoming an individual or family affected by disability, those “rules of engagement” may not apply.
Bethany’s Diaper Drive Builds Community Connections
What began as a simple idea to meet practical needs in the community grew into a collaborative outreach that brought together Bethany Church, Columbia, pregnancy resource centers, pro-life students, and a variety of volunteers to serve families in need.
Just before Christmas, the church partnered with several organizations to host a Diaper Drive to provide diapers, wipes, clothing, and community resources for mothers and families.
Why Your Church’s Presence at the Maryland March for Life Matters
Each year, hundreds of people from across Maryland gather in Annapolis for the Maryland March for Life—a peaceful public witness to the sanctity of human life. Believers from many faith traditions participate, including Southern Baptists, though Catholics—who have led this effort for decades—make up the majority.
For Bill Voelp, Baptist participation alongside other faith leaders matters—and he believes it can be stronger.
Beyond Color and Politics: MLK Celebration Calls Believers to Unity in Christ
About 175 people gathered Jan. 19 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Laurel, Md., for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, presented by the African American Fellowship of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.
Guest Speaker Everett Pope, pastor of United Baptist Church in New Carrollton, Md. Quoting from Jesus’ prayer in John 17:11, reminded attendees of Christ’s focus on unity: “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”
Byron Day Receives Inaugural AAF Living Legend Award
Byron Day, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) in Laurel, was the recipient of the African American Fellowship’s (AAF) inaugural Living Legend Award, presented at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Celebration at EBC on January 19.
The new award was created to honor individuals for their selfless service and faithful obedience to God in ministry. When discussing candidates for the new award, AAF Vice President Victor Kirk said, “Byron’s name came to mind right away.” The AAF leadership team unanimously agreed and selected Day for the honor.
Compassion Ministry Ideas Your Church Can Use Now
By Mark Dooley
We all know this verse— but what does it mean to serve “the least of these,” what we often call compassion ministry? What does it look like in real life?
I wanted to give you some examples to help you prayerfully think through how your church can meet the specific needs of YOUR community. This short list below highlights churches that are being the hands and feet of Jesus, showing genuine love and compassion, and seeking to meet people’s needs — both physical and spiritual.