News Briefs for January 5, 2023
5 January 2023 |
SDA Opportunities in the Metaverse
Experiences with the Metaverse in the Brazilian Adventist sphere have already begun in local congregations. This is the case of the APACVERSO project, an idea that was born in a partnership between the administrators of the Associação Paulista Central da Igreja Adventista, together with the Youth Ministry and Communication departments. According to Pastor Gabriel Guimarães Manuel, who leads the Youth Ministry area in that region, the idea is to create a virtual church in the Metaverse environment on the Spatial platform. Read full story at: Adventist News: Brazil. (Will need to translate in internet browser to English.)
La Sierra Church Hosts Conversation About Racism
La Sierra University church hosted a panel discussion responding to a new book addressing issues of race, entitled: A House on Fire: How Adventist Faith Responds to Race and Racism. The book collects chapters from 20 Adventist scholars, pastors, and writers responding to this issue. “Many of the religion teachers at the ASRS (Adventist Society for Religious Studies) meetings commented that this book is groundbreaking and provides a missing piece in Adventist thinking,” says Dr. Jackson, co-editor of the book. Read a review of the book by AT’s own Stephen Chavez here. Read full story at: Adventist Record.
Adventist Young Professionals Start “Faith on Top” Podcast
A British-based podcast will be launching on January 11, featuring interviews with successful Adventists across disciplines. The purpose of the podcast is to give young people more exposure to high-achieving Seventh-day Adventists from across the globe, says co-host Chisha Chitambala. “People who put God first in their careers, maintain Christian principles as Adventists in secular workplaces, and are engaged in mission and service.” Subsequent podcasts will be released every Wednesday until March 15. “Faith on Top” can be accessed at any of the links from this site.
Building Community in the Amputee Population
The annual Amputee 5K Walk, Wheel, Run is one of many ways in which Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation supports the amputee community. During the 5K in 2022, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation raised more than US$50,000 to pay for such things as adaptive equipment and, for some patients, insurance copays. “Funds are used to directly support people and to help the Amputee Rehabilitation and Support program,” Sheehan said. “We are also at a juncture where we want to expand our amputee program.” Read more at: Adventist Review.
Borås Cafékyrka: Come In for Coffee, Stay for a Service
Borås, Sweden, hosts a café/church labeled as a “young and active Free Church congregation.” As part of the Adventist church, they support “Society, Community, Worship, and Discipleship.” However, their website states that Borås Cafékyrka is for all people, whether they are members or not. “Whether you have questions about faith, life, love, or just want someone to talk to, we welcome everyone with open arms, regardless of who you are or what your background is. This is a safe place.” Check out their website here. (Will need to translate in internet browser to English.)
