Plainfield Seventh-day Adventist Church is located in a small, quiet town, just outside of Lebanon, New Hampshire. Though the church may be small, it is making a big difference in the community. After some discussion, the members decided they would focus their outreach on being in touch with their neighbors.

This decision has led to some exciting opportunities. For instance, every Thursday the church partners with Upper Valley Haven to provide a warm meal for less-fortunate families. Upper Valley Haven provides transitional housing and shelter for those in need.

The church also recently hosted a senior citizens lunch in the church fellowship hall. This meal was prepared and served by the students, and homeschool friends of Estabrook Christian School (ECS), the church’s school. About 60 senior citizens from the town of Plainfield enjoyed a meal, music from the ECS choir and chimes, as well as a tour of the facility. They indicated their appreciation for the hospitality they received and expressed their gratefulness for having the church and school as neighbors.

Just a few days later, the church once again catered to the community, this time by hosting a music recital, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Young musicians from the Upper Valley area poured into the church, along with family members and friends. The musicians were comprised of piano, violin, and cello students studying under different area teachers, including Northern New England Conference’s own Glee Charlestream and Robert Wilson. More than 100 guests dropped in for the recital, and approximately 75 stayed afterward for a meal, and, most importantly, for the fellowship.

The Plainfield church members are excited to be making friends with their community, and in so doing, are getting the opportunity to share Jesus!

— Edward Bryant is pastor of the Plainfield church; this article originally appeared in the July 2018 Atlantic Union Gleaner.