Health, Hope and Family Fun: New Joy Fellowship Reaches Out to Hagerstown
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, New Joy Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted its second annual Community Health Fair in Hagerstown, Maryland, bringing together health education, family activities, and community outreach.
The day began with uncertain weather. Rain fell in surrounding areas as members traveled to the church, and many prayed that the weather would hold for the fair. Despite the forecast and nearby showers, no rain fell on the event throughout the day, allowing W. Howard Street between Guilford and Chestnut Streets to become a welcoming space for health, fellowship, and family fun.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., community members received free health screenings and wellness resources, including blood pressure checks, BMI assessments, oxygen saturation checks, health age appraisals, stress-relief massages, and health education. Mental health professionals were also available to provide information and resources related to stress, emotional wellness, and other mental health concerns. Participants enjoyed group exercise, live Christian music, healthy refreshments, giveaways, and activities for children, including an inflatable bouncer and a visiting firetruck.
The outreach began before the fair itself. While distributing flyers in the neighborhood, church members connected with a local business owner who enthusiastically offered to promote the event to her customers, share additional flyers, and post the fair on Facebook and a community calendar.
That outreach made an impact. One visitor arrived before setup was complete after seeing the event advertised online. She shared that she wanted to learn more about New Joy Fellowship, giving members an opportunity to provide church information and exchange contact information with her.
Another meaningful connection came with a neighbor who initially declined the invitation because she did not participate in religious events. A church member explained that the fair was a community health event open to everyone. After the event, the member returned with balloons for the neighbor’s children, which she graciously accepted. The small interaction reflected the larger purpose of the day: building relationships and demonstrating Christ’s love through genuine care.
For New Joy Fellowship, the Community Health Fair was about more than physical health. It was an opportunity to care for the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while strengthening relationships throughout Hagerstown.
New Joy Fellowship extends its appreciation to every member, volunteer, healthcare professional, and community partner who contributed their time and talents to make the outreach a success. Through continued service, the church hopes to remain a visible source of health, hope, compassion, and connection in the Hagerstown community.
Submitted by Wilma Lyon
