Willow Grove Host Community Service Day and Tract Attack

August 1, 2026, was the long-awaited day that the Community Services members of Willow Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church had been anticipating. It was a Sabbath filled with worship, fellowship, community recognition, outreach, and a renewed call to serve others in the name of Christ.

The day began at 8:30 a.m. with a sumptuous breakfast that welcomed approximately 30 people, including community residents, church members, and representatives from the local police department. The atmosphere of fellowship and service set the tone for a truly memorable day.

By 9:35 a.m., the vast majority of the congregation had gathered for Sabbath School. The morning began with a rousing song service led by the Community Services Special Praise Team, accompanied by musician Dr. Noel Selwyn. Members of Bucks County Seventh-day Adventist Church were also in attendance and blessed the congregation with a mini concert.

We praised God for a powerful and lively Sabbath School session led by a dynamic panel of teachers. The group engaged deeply with the lesson, bringing incredible energy, wisdom, and insight. Under the theme “We Give All the Glory to God,” the discussion was filled with excitement and a deep love for the Word of God.

As the church prepared for the afternoon AY session, “Tract Attack,” the congregation was reminded of the importance of taking Christ beyond the four walls of the church. “Tract Attack” was designed as a coordinated community outreach effort in which members would go into the community to distribute religious literature, share information about the church’s compassion project, and invite residents to the upcoming evangelistic meetings scheduled to begin August 12, 2026.

One of our youth, Tyree Hollis, powerfully reinforced this message through a poem about wanting to spread words of cheer and speak about Christ to his friends, yet continually finding that he never had the time. His message challenged us to stop waiting for the perfect moment and make time to share the love of Christ now.

Elder Ernie Davidson of Southwest Seventh-day Adventist Church closed Sabbath School with a fitting song, preparing hearts for the special worship experience ahead.

This special Sabbath brought together Community Services leaders and dedicated volunteers from churches throughout the Federation in powerful solidarity. United by a shared passion for ministering to the sick, hurting, disillusioned, and underserved in Christ’s name, the teams gathered alongside community residents, Abington Police Department representatives, and other honored guests.

Community Services Leaders and their team came from:

• East Lansdowne Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Jerusalem French Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Mizpah Seventh-day Adventist Church

• New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Pine Forge Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Southwest Seventh-day Adventist Church

• West Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church

The sanctuary was filled with people who understood that community service is more than an event—it is a ministry and a tangible expression of Christ’s love.

Elder Ernie Davidson, our guest soloist, blessed the congregation with a powerful musical reminder that Jesus loves us and that no one has ever cared for us like He does.

As part of the special Sabbath celebration, Federation Leader Stacia Smith, together with Dr. Marleena Debrough, pastor of Willow Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church, presented tangible gifts recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community.

Among those recognized were the local commissioner, a representative from the Abington Police Department, local community organizers, mentors, and other unsung heroes who continue to pour into the community through service and leadership.

Their recognition served as a reminder that meaningful change happens when churches, community leaders, law enforcement, mentors, volunteers, and residents work together.

Although the Allegheny East Community Services area Leader, Dr. Robert Smith, was away conducting a compassion project in another region, he could do so with complete peace of mind knowing that the North American Division Leader Derrick Lea was in attendance and would deliver the message for the hour. Director Lea brought a timely message that perfectly aligned with the mission of Community Services. He emphasized the importance of bringing together the energy, creativity, and technology skills of younger professionals with the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of seasoned Community Services members.

He pointed out that when these generations work side by side, mentorship naturally develops. Leadership skills are passed from one generation to another, ensuring that the mission of service continues long into the future.

Without question, the Holy Spirit was present throughout the day.

Through song, testimony, fellowship, recognition, teaching, and preaching, the congregation was reminded that we have been called to do more than sit in the pews. We have been called to GO.

Guest soloist Elder Ernie Davidson reinforced that spiritual calling through a powerful message in song. The question was placed before every person in attendance:

The call is not reserved for pastors, elders, or Community Services leaders. The call is for everyone.

Everyone has a testimony.
Everyone has a gift.
Everyone has someone they can reach.
Everyone can share hope.
Everyone can serve.

On August 1, 2026, Willow Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church and its Federation partners did more than celebrate Community Services—they renewed their commitment to put Hope in Motion.

The question was asked: “Who Will Go?”

The answer was: “Here am I. Send me.”