Reflecting Jesus, serving our community, and growing together in faith.
Explore recent stories of outreach, service, fellowship, and ministry from Buena Vista Seventh-day Adventist Church. These highlights showcase how God is working through our church family to make a difference in our community.
Reflecting Jesus Through Community Ministry
At Buena Vista Seventh-day Adventist Church, we have been blessed with many opportunities this spring to connect with our community through outreach, fellowship, and service. Whether through special events, literature evangelism, family activities, or community service projects, our goal is to build relationships, meet needs, and share the love of Jesus in meaningful and engaging ways.
One highlight was our Women’s Tea Party, “Steeped in His Goodness,” held on April 25. Under the leadership of Teresa Taylor and a dedicated team of volunteers, the event welcomed 84 ladies from our church and surrounding community for an afternoon of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth. We were blessed to have Rena Hallman as our guest speaker, whose inspiring messages reminded attendees of God’s faithfulness and goodness in every season of life. Through meaningful conversations, beautiful decorations, and Christ-centered fellowship, the event provided an opportunity to strengthen friendships and connect with women throughout our community.
We also participated in Artapalooza, a community arts festival held in downtown Buena Vista. Throughout the day, we shared free books, magazines, and other faith-based resources with visitors. The event provided valuable opportunities to connect with community members, answer questions, and share literature that points people toward hope in Jesus.
As part of our Artapalooza booth, we also featured a Vacation Bible School outreach area decorated to reflect this year’s theme. More than 100 children stopped by to create and decorate animal masks, providing countless opportunities to connect with families throughout the day. Children received goodie bags filled with snacks, bookmarks, and VBS invitations, helping us introduce families to upcoming programs while building relationships within the community.
Another meaningful outreach opportunity came through a partnership with our local Sheriff’s Office. Together, we collected 25 baby dolls for elderly individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These dolls are often used as a therapeutic tool, providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and encouraging positive memories for those facing memory-related challenges. This project allowed us to extend compassion and support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community and their caregivers.
As we reflect on these ministry opportunities, we are reminded that outreach takes many forms. Sometimes it is sharing a book, hosting a special event, engaging a child in a simple activity, or meeting a practical need. In each case, our desire is to reflect the love of Christ and build bridges within our community. We are grateful for every opportunity God provides to connect with our neighbors and look forward to continuing to serve as we live out our church vision: Reflect Jesus, Serve Our Community, and Grow as a Family.