27 Nov 2025, 09:42Valdeiza Costa
Pink October at Bury St Edmunds SDA Church: Faith, Health, and Hope in Action
October 25th, 2025, marked a special and deeply meaningful Sabbath at the Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church, as members came together dressed in shades of pink to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted by the Church Nurture Department, the programme was more than just an acknowledgement of a global campaign—it was a heartfelt expression of unity, education, and spiritual encouragement.
Honouring God Through Care of the Body
Every October, the world shines a light on the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection, and healthy living. For us as Christian women and men, this message resonates even more profoundly when we consider how Scripture calls us to honour the bodies God has given us.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul reminds us:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?”
This verse formed the spiritual foundation of our Pink October emphasis. It is a powerful reminder that our physical, emotional and spiritual health are closely interwoven. Caring for our bodies is not merely a practical responsibility—it is an act of worship and gratitude to our Creator.
Walking Beside Our Sisters
This year’s programme carried a special emotional weight as our church family continues to walk alongside our dear sisters Luciana and Pearl in their journey with cancer. Their courage, faith, and resilience inspire us to stand together—not only in prayer but also in informed action.
Pink October at Bury St Edmunds was a declaration that they are not alone. Our church stands with them in hope, compassion, and unwavering support.
Empowering Through Knowledge
A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on self-care and self-examination, crucial tools in the early detection of breast cancer. Members received informational leaflets explicitly created for the occasion, along with bookmarks displaying step-by-step illustrations on how to perform a proper breast self-exam.
We were reminded that knowledge is a gift from God. Scientific understanding does not weaken our faith—rather, it strengthens it by allowing us to act wisely and responsibly. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has long recognised the importance of an informed, holistic approach to health. Inspired counsel from Ellen G. White reiterates this beautifully:
“Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.”
(The Ministry of Healing, p. 127)
By combining spiritual trust with practical, evidence-based actions, we honour God’s design for whole-person wellness.
Faith and Science Working Together
Our discussion emphasised the importance of equipping the church community with accurate, scientific health information, especially when facing illnesses that affect so many lives. When members are informed, they can make better lifestyle choices, recognise early signs of disease, and support one another with understanding and compassion.
Pink October reminded us that spirituality and science are not in opposition. Instead, they complement each other—faith gives us strength, while knowledge gives us tools.
A Call to Ongoing Commitment
As we left the service, encouraged and uplifted, one message stood clear: awareness is not just for October. The principles of healthy living, regular check-ups, and mutual support must continue throughout the year.
May we, as a church family, continue to nurture an environment where health is valued, knowledge is shared, compassion is practised, and faith is strengthened. By caring for our bodies—the temples of the Holy Spirit—we honour our Creator and equip ourselves to serve others with vitality and joy.
By Valdeiza Costa
October 25th, 2025, marked a special and deeply meaningful Sabbath at the Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church, as members came together dressed in shades of pink to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted by the Church Nurture Department, the programme was more than just an acknowledgement of a global campaign—it was a heartfelt expression of unity, education, and spiritual encouragement.
Honouring God Through Care of the Body
Every October, the world shines a light on the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection, and healthy living. For us as Christian women and men, this message resonates even more profoundly when we consider how Scripture calls us to honour the bodies God has given us.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul reminds us:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?”
This verse formed the spiritual foundation of our Pink October emphasis. It is a powerful reminder that our physical, emotional and spiritual health are closely interwoven. Caring for our bodies is not merely a practical responsibility—it is an act of worship and gratitude to our Creator.
Walking Beside Our Sisters
This year’s programme carried a special emotional weight as our church family continues to walk alongside our dear sisters Luciana and Pearl in their journey with cancer. Their courage, faith, and resilience inspire us to stand together—not only in prayer but also in informed action.
Pink October at Bury St Edmunds was a declaration that they are not alone. Our church stands with them in hope, compassion, and unwavering support.
Empowering Through Knowledge
A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on self-care and self-examination, crucial tools in the early detection of breast cancer. Members received informational leaflets explicitly created for the occasion, along with bookmarks displaying step-by-step illustrations on how to perform a proper breast self-exam.
We were reminded that knowledge is a gift from God. Scientific understanding does not weaken our faith—rather, it strengthens it by allowing us to act wisely and responsibly. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has long recognised the importance of an informed, holistic approach to health. Inspired counsel from Ellen G. White reiterates this beautifully:
“Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.”
(The Ministry of Healing, p. 127)
By combining spiritual trust with practical, evidence-based actions, we honour God’s design for whole-person wellness.
Faith and Science Working Together
Our discussion emphasised the importance of equipping the church community with accurate, scientific health information, especially when facing illnesses that affect so many lives. When members are informed, they can make better lifestyle choices, recognise early signs of disease, and support one another with understanding and compassion.
Pink October reminded us that spirituality and science are not in opposition. Instead, they complement each other—faith gives us strength, while knowledge gives us tools.
A Call to Ongoing Commitment
As we left the service, encouraged and uplifted, one message stood clear: awareness is not just for October. The principles of healthy living, regular check-ups, and mutual support must continue throughout the year.
May we, as a church family, continue to nurture an environment where health is valued, knowledge is shared, compassion is practised, and faith is strengthened. By caring for our bodies—the temples of the Holy Spirit—we honour our Creator and equip ourselves to serve others with vitality and joy.
By Valdeiza Costa
