Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church Holds Celebration
On June 29 Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church held its second Friends and Family Day to recognize the many essential and sometimes life-sustaining services provided by service providers, organizations, healthcare providers, and community members throughout Asheville and Buncombe County.
“The first Friends and Family Day was in recognition of the Asheville Police Department, whose service providers protect the community with valor and honor. Lt. Jamie Crawford received this commendation on behalf of Chief William Anderson,” said Viola Williams, Bethel’s Community Outreach Coordinator.
At the most recent celebration the church honored Asheville Fire & Rescue. Firefighter Joy Ponder accepted the award on behalf of Chief Scott Burnett and the AFR.
Ms. Williams, in making the award, said, “The Asheville Fire Department is truly my hero. I’ve had to rely on their help numerous times, because of my husband’s many health challenges. What I encourage all community members to do is show your appreciation to all our local service men and women. We need to let them know we appreciate the services they render to the community.”
Je’Wana Grier-McEachin, Taylor Whiteside, Dasha Reid. Pianist/Music Director, Rockell Scott. Photo: Urban News
Bethel Pastor Albert L. Dyson stresses the importance of community throughout his ministry.
“I’m a very community-oriented person, and being a Seventh-Day Adventist doesn’t mean the other six days of the week go unfulfilled,” he mused. “Before coming to Bethel, I pastored in Compton, L.A., and the Watts communities of California. I was involved in the community, and worked closely with the Mayor of Compton doing special city initiatives.
Pastor Dyson continued, “You never know the positive energy you can create by befriending people, and how physically, mentally, and spiritually uplifting this can be. Every person needs a friend, and everyone wants family. Friends and family is a way to connect and galvanize the community.”
Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church is located at 238 S. French Broad Ave. in Asheville. For more information, visit the website at http://ashevillebethel22.adventistchurchconnect.org; call (828) 252-8105; find them on Facebook, or follow on Twitter at @bethelasheville.
