There’s a powerful question every church should ask: If we closed tomorrow, would the community notice —and would it matter? For the Living Word Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland, the answer is a resounding yes. This congregation has become a cornerstone of hope and support, and its latest initiative proves just how vital its presence is.
On December 14, 2025, Living Word Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated the grand opening of a new food pantry in partnership with Priority Partners, a Medicaid entity created by the Johns Hopkins Health Plans and Maryland Community Health System.
Priority Partners’ CFO, Jeff Lehrfeld, stated, “Through the Cupboards Project, along with our community education programs, events and grants, we’re working to address food insecurity and other social needs that impact the health of Maryland families.”
The event began in the fellowship hall with a formal program and concluded with the unveiling of the pantry in front of the church — a moment marking a significant step toward addressing food insecurity in Anne Arundel County.
Jeff Kern, lead pastor of Living Word, emphasized the heart behind the project: “This initiative will contribute to the efforts of diminishing food insecurity in the community. This is a step towards getting closer to our neighbors, showing we care for their needs.”
Explaining why they selected Living Word as the site for the 10th food pantry, Doug Hemming, Priority Partners’ senior community relations specialist, said, “We realized a need in the county and wanted to expand our outreach in the area.”
This collaboration aligns perfectly with the mission of Adventist Community Services (ACS). Derek Lea, NAD Director of ACS, noted, “A clear need has been identified within the surrounding community, and this partnership directly addresses that need by ensuring food is provided to individuals and families who may be struggling.” He added that the effort will foster meaningful relationships with organizations and individuals who can offer additional resources and support.
The food pantry is just one piece of Living Word’s broader humanitarian mission. Under the leadership of Jackie Jackson, community service coordinator, the church has provided essential services, such as housing assistance, drug recovery programs, help with utility bills, and job training. Jackson shared plans for a new initiative called “Bags of Blessings,” which will distribute hygiene kits to the homeless. The church also offers free notary services — small acts that make a big difference for those in need.
Living Word’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Maryland delegate Mike Rogers praised Jackie Jackson as “an amazing ambassador” for her tireless work. Rogers, along with Mark S. Chang, vice-chair of The Maryland House of Delegates’ Appropriations Committee, commended the church for its impact. Chang remarked that the food pantry “illustrates the good that we can do.” In a show of appreciation, Rogers and Chang presented a citation from the state congratulating Living Word on its commitment to uplifting under-resourced individuals and families.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across Maryland, and partnerships like this one demonstrate the power of collaboration between faith-based organizations and healthcare entities. By meeting physical needs, Living Word Seventh-day Adventist Church is building bridges of trust and compassion — proving that when a church asks, “Would the community notice if we closed?” the answer can be transformative.
As Living Word continues to expand its outreach, one thing is clear: this is more than a church. It’s a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to what happens when faith meets action.
