23 May 2025, 08:18Valdeiza CostaBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
Celebrating Our Heritage, Honouring Our God
Bury St Edmunds SDA Church Celebrates African World Heritage Day in Faith and Unity
On Sabbath, 10th May, the Bury St. Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and unity as we marked African World Heritage Day under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Honouring Our God.”Organised by the Nurture Department, this special event highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural legacy of Africa, celebrating our roots while glorifying our Creator.
Declared by UNESCO, African World Heritage Day is an opportunity to appreciate the continent’s immense cultural and natural richness. For our diverse and welcoming church family, it was also a moment to reflect on how African heritage continues to shape our identity as God's people.
The day began with a powerful morning worship service. Sister Vivian Jere, Area 8 Prison Ministry Director, delivered an inspiring sermon based on Mark 5:21–42, titled “When Things Go From Bad to Worse.” Her message reminded us of God’s presence even in our most difficult moments and how faith continues to bring healing and hope. The Bible reading was shared by Juliet McLeary, while Elizabeth Bruce led the Children’s Spot, sensitising the children to the importance of caring for others as Jesus did. This moving presentation served as an introduction to Prison Ministry and encouraged the entire church, young and old, to reflect on how we serve those often forgotten.
After the service, the congregation came together for a delightful fellowship lunch featuring traditional dishes from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Nigeria. The aroma of home-cooked African meals filled the air, and the joy of shared heritage and hospitality was deeply felt by all in attendance.
In the afternoon, the celebration continued with a colourful and spirit-filled program presented by Valdeiza Costa, the Nurture Department leader. Members and visitors shared personal reflections during the segment “My Roots, My Faith,” offering testimonies that spoke to the power of faith shaped by cultural experience. These moments were deeply moving and connected our diverse backgrounds through a shared love for God.
Joyous African praise and worship filled the sanctuary, followed by a dynamic presentation on the Adventist Church’s presence and impact across the African continent. Tiwong shared about Malawi, Liona presented Zimbabwe, Pearl spoke on South Africa, Mulenga highlighted Zambia, Elizabeth discussed Nigeria, and Phiona covered Angola. These presentations showcased not only the size and strength of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in these nations but also the powerful humanitarian work being done by ADRA through churches, schools, clinics, hospitals, and universities. The congregation was visibly moved by the depth and reach of God’s work in Africa.
Liona, Mary, and Phiona formed a Zimbabwean music group that led the congregation in beautiful worship sung in Zimbabwean languages. Their harmonies and joyful expressions lifted the spirit of worship to new heights. The audience also took part in an engaging and educational quiz about the Adventist Church in Africa, which sparked curiosity, laughter, and connection.
As the program drew to a close with a heartfelt prayer, the atmosphere remained vibrant and joyful. The church was beautifully and colourfully decorated with African fabrics and patterns, and many members wore traditional attire, making the day not just meaningful but visually stunning. Guests were given a beautifully designed bookmark as a keepsake, featuring the verse: "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1). This scripture served as a powerful reminder that all cultures and peoples are part of God's divine creation, and that African heritage is a gift to be celebrated, cherished, and honoured.
Each person also received a colourfully printed leaflet filled with engaging content, including interesting facts about African culture, the roots of Christianity in Africa, and the continent’s continued role in the global Adventist Church. These materials helped extend the impact of the day beyond the walls of the church, offering food for thought and spiritual reflection.
This was more than just a celebration of songs, clothes, and food—it was a sacred gathering of recognition, unity, and worship. It reminded us all that from the early Christian church in Ethiopia and Egypt to today’s thriving faith communities across Africa, God’s hand has been guiding His people. As Seventh-day Adventists, we honour our Creator by embracing the gifts He has given every culture. This special Sabbath was a powerful testimony to the beauty of African heritage and the richness of being one body in Christ.
On Sabbath, 10th May, the Bury St. Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and unity as we marked African World Heritage Day under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Honouring Our God.”Organised by the Nurture Department, this special event highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural legacy of Africa, celebrating our roots while glorifying our Creator.
Declared by UNESCO, African World Heritage Day is an opportunity to appreciate the continent’s immense cultural and natural richness. For our diverse and welcoming church family, it was also a moment to reflect on how African heritage continues to shape our identity as God's people.
The day began with a powerful morning worship service. Sister Vivian Jere, Area 8 Prison Ministry Director, delivered an inspiring sermon based on Mark 5:21–42, titled “When Things Go From Bad to Worse.” Her message reminded us of God’s presence even in our most difficult moments and how faith continues to bring healing and hope. The Bible reading was shared by Juliet McLeary, while Elizabeth Bruce led the Children’s Spot, sensitising the children to the importance of caring for others as Jesus did. This moving presentation served as an introduction to Prison Ministry and encouraged the entire church, young and old, to reflect on how we serve those often forgotten.
After the service, the congregation came together for a delightful fellowship lunch featuring traditional dishes from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Nigeria. The aroma of home-cooked African meals filled the air, and the joy of shared heritage and hospitality was deeply felt by all in attendance.
In the afternoon, the celebration continued with a colourful and spirit-filled program presented by Valdeiza Costa, the Nurture Department leader. Members and visitors shared personal reflections during the segment “My Roots, My Faith,” offering testimonies that spoke to the power of faith shaped by cultural experience. These moments were deeply moving and connected our diverse backgrounds through a shared love for God.
Joyous African praise and worship filled the sanctuary, followed by a dynamic presentation on the Adventist Church’s presence and impact across the African continent. Tiwong shared about Malawi, Liona presented Zimbabwe, Pearl spoke on South Africa, Mulenga highlighted Zambia, Elizabeth discussed Nigeria, and Phiona covered Angola. These presentations showcased not only the size and strength of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in these nations but also the powerful humanitarian work being done by ADRA through churches, schools, clinics, hospitals, and universities. The congregation was visibly moved by the depth and reach of God’s work in Africa.
Liona, Mary, and Phiona formed a Zimbabwean music group that led the congregation in beautiful worship sung in Zimbabwean languages. Their harmonies and joyful expressions lifted the spirit of worship to new heights. The audience also took part in an engaging and educational quiz about the Adventist Church in Africa, which sparked curiosity, laughter, and connection.
As the program drew to a close with a heartfelt prayer, the atmosphere remained vibrant and joyful. The church was beautifully and colourfully decorated with African fabrics and patterns, and many members wore traditional attire, making the day not just meaningful but visually stunning. Guests were given a beautifully designed bookmark as a keepsake, featuring the verse: "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1). This scripture served as a powerful reminder that all cultures and peoples are part of God's divine creation, and that African heritage is a gift to be celebrated, cherished, and honoured.
Each person also received a colourfully printed leaflet filled with engaging content, including interesting facts about African culture, the roots of Christianity in Africa, and the continent’s continued role in the global Adventist Church. These materials helped extend the impact of the day beyond the walls of the church, offering food for thought and spiritual reflection.
This was more than just a celebration of songs, clothes, and food—it was a sacred gathering of recognition, unity, and worship. It reminded us all that from the early Christian church in Ethiopia and Egypt to today’s thriving faith communities across Africa, God’s hand has been guiding His people. As Seventh-day Adventists, we honour our Creator by embracing the gifts He has given every culture. This special Sabbath was a powerful testimony to the beauty of African heritage and the richness of being one body in Christ.
