#WeRtheChurch is a special event in the history of the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For the first time, thousands of Adventists from around the Division will be united for Sabbath worship through this online initiative.

The event, on May 22-23, will comprise a Friday evening program, Sabbath school and worship service, and an afternoon program—all online and featuring inspiring stories and footage from around the South Pacific. There will be devotionals, worship music, and content for children, youth and families. Messages will be shared by the presidents of the four Unions and SPD institutional leaders. There will also be a special message by General Conference president Pastor Ted Wilson.

The focus will be on how the Church is continuing its mission in new and interesting ways despite the lockdown measures driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Division president Pastor Glenn Townend will be presenting the Sabbath sermon as well as co-hosting the event with children’s ministries leader Litiana Turner.

“I’m really looking forward to this special Sabbath event,” Pastor Townend said. “We may be geographically dispersed around the Division and many of us are in isolation, but we are blessed to have digital technology to make this initiative possible.

“This special Sabbath is unprecedented in SPD history, but these are unprecedented times and we are being challenged to come up with new and creative ways of being disciples for Jesus. And the theme is particularly relevant for this time—church is not a building or even a program, we are the church and we are united in finishing its mission.

“I have heard some wonderful stories from around the South Pacific about how Adventists are reaching out to their communities despite the lockdown, and I would like to share a few of these initiatives with you during this special Sabbath.”

The programs will be available to live stream in various time zones.