Press Releases

Creation Sabbath Website Updated in Time for October Event

The CreationSabbathwebsite incorporates numerous improvements designed to help users develop fun, effective, and life-changing Creation Sabbath programs.

September 5, 2019 | Loma Linda, California | Geoscience Research Institute

In time for Creation Sabbath on Oct. 26, 2019, the updated creationsabbath.net website incorporates numerous improvements designed to help users develop fun, effective, and life-changing Creation Sabbath programs in their churches, communities, schools, hospitals and other institutions. “It’s beautiful, easier to use and completely redesigned; I’m really thrilled with how this redesign has developed,” says Timothy Standish, senior scientist at the Geoscience Research Institute. “We are doing everything we possibly can to help those who want to be a witness in their community, sharing the everlasting gospel as Christ has called all Christians to do. This updated webpage will help advance this mission.”

UX design consultant Sharon Prest-Ullom led the project team comprised of designers at Types & Symbols LLC, videographer Mark Paden, and web developer Clayton Kinney. Upon visiting creationsabbath.net, the first impression is crisp and fresh, but for those who are looking for tools and resources for celebrating Creation Sabbath, the improved ease of use will be immediately apparent. In addition to the Geoscience Research Institute chat function, links take users directly to resources for planning an event and promoting it once a plan is in place. These range from ideas that have been used by others to resources such as videos, posters, and sermons that can be incorporated into a vibrant celebration of the event that God commanded us to remember every Sabbath (see Ex. 20:8-11).

An important improvement to the Creation Sabbath website is the opportunity for institutions and churches to register their event. This means that others who are looking to participate in a Creation Sabbath celebration will be able to find churches, schools, hospitals, and other institutions where they can join the celebration. Every institution that is doing something is encouraged to register what they are doing so that this can be shared and promoted as widely as possible. Not only will this help draw visitors to these events, it will also encourage other institutions to be part of Creation Sabbath 2019 on October 26.

“Creation Sabbath isn’t about doing some standardized program, it is about taking advantage of the opportunities offered in every community where Christian institutions exist. That means a one-size-fits-all approach will not work, but that each community can be witnessed to in a way that is most effective given the location and culture,” said Standish. For example, a church in Vermont, U.S., may choose to celebrate the beauty of autumn and God’s blessings in providing sustenance for the coming winter. A church in Chile, Los Lagos Region, may be experiencing and celebrating spring. The Creation Sabbath website exists to encourage any Christian institution to use this opportunity to share Jesus Christ as our Creator and Redeemer.

For more information, visit creationsabbath.net.

Young Adult LIFE Tour Coming to Portland, Oregon

Many of our local churches love their young adults but are at a loss as to where to begin a thriving ministry with them. The North Pacific Union Young Adult LIFE Tour stop intends to bring insights and relevant, doable steps toward building a flourishing young adult ministry now. The tour’s next stop will be in Portland, Oregon, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Pleasant Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.

What’s in Your Hand? eHuddle Inspires Attendees Toward Creative Evangelism

From February 26 to 28, nearly 200 pastors and other leaders gathered at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida, for the 2024 eHuddle, an annual evangelism and leadership think tank hosted by the North American Division’s (NAD) Ministerial Association. Thousands more tuned in via Facebook and YouTube.

Mardian J. Blair, Former CEO of AdventHealth, Passes to His Rest

Mardian J. Blair, who led AdventHealth (formerly Adventist Health System) from 1984 until 2000, passed away on March 26 at the age of 92 in Apopka, Florida. Blair leaves behind a profound impact on the organization and in faith-based health care, particularly during a time of significant change in the health care industry.

It Is Written Conducts Alaska Evangelism and Mission Trip

This spring, It Is Written will conduct a mission trip and evangelistic campaign in Alaska, culminating in the Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity series. At the end of March, a mission team of 70 volunteers are serving in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, and Bethel, the largest rural community. The evangelistic series begins April 5.

Pacific Union College Gains Approval to Expand Nursing Program to Sonora

Pacific Union College (PUC) recently announced that it received state approval for a new nursing training partnership with Adventist Health Sonora. The PUC education center will further the college’s goals of growing its nursing program and help meet the rising need for highly qualified healthcare professionals in the Tuolumne County area.