TAMPA FIRST CELEBRATES UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Members carried flags and wore costumes representing their nation of origin or heritage during Tampa First Church’s annual International Sabbath.
John Baxter, recruitment director for Adventist Frontier Missions, was the International Sabbath featured guest, speaking in front of the wall of flags brought to the stage in parade fashion by church members.
by Daniele Fonseca
Tampa First Church members celebrated their annual International Sabbath—a time to come together and praise the Lord—by giving special emphasis to unity in diversity. A highlight of the March 12 worship service was the parade of flags representing the countries of the bearers’ birth or heritage. Many who carried the flags wore the traditional dress of that country’s culture.
Lauren Shields and Calandra Peterkin guided the audience through every country represented, from Antigua to Zambia, and expounded on the history of the Adventist mission in each country. The Christian flag and the American flag were proudly displayed with all the other colorful and beautiful country flags. No matter a person’s heritage, all were gathered to praise the God they love. They were unified together through Jesus Christ.
Guest speaker John Baxter, recruitment director for Adventist Frontier Missions, shared his testimony with emphasis on the blessings that changed his life. He is now an agent for sharing the Word of God throughout the world.
Tampa First Church members celebrated their annual International Sabbath—a time to come together and praise the Lord—by giving special emphasis to unity in diversity. A highlight of the March 12 worship service was the parade of flags representing the countries of the bearers’ birth or heritage. Many who carried the flags wore the traditional dress of that country’s culture.
Lauren Shields and Calandra Peterkin guided the audience through every country represented, from Antigua to Zambia, and expounded on the history of the Adventist mission in each country. The Christian flag and the American flag were proudly displayed with all the other colorful and beautiful country flags. No matter a person’s heritage, all were gathered to praise the God they love. They were unified together through Jesus Christ.
Guest speaker John Baxter, recruitment director for Adventist Frontier Missions, shared his testimony with emphasis on the blessings that changed his life. He is now an agent for sharing the Word of God throughout the world.
John Baxter, recruitment director for Adventist Frontier Missions, was the International Sabbath featured guest, speaking in front of the wall of flags brought to the stage in parade fashion by church members.
The celebration ended that evening with an International Food Festival. Some of the countries represented in the parade of flags shared their culture, exotic food, and fun. It was definitely a night of sharing experiences and cultures through the diversity of the church.
International Sabbath is an event that helps us remember we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and are connected through His love. We are very fortunate to live in a country where we are free to openly worship God and come together in this way.
International Sabbath is an event that helps us remember we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and are connected through His love. We are very fortunate to live in a country where we are free to openly worship God and come together in this way.