Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church combined practical assistance, community partnerships and children’s programming during its “Serve Sabbath” on May 30, serving nearly 200 community members while connecting families with local resources.
The event featured food and clothing distribution, a community resource fair, children’s activities and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. According to Pastor Trevor Barnes, people from the community were already lined up when volunteers arrived at the church around 8:15 a.m.
“We served probably about 180-200 people that day,” Barnes said.
Along with distributing food and clothing, church members directed guests to a resource fair held in the church gymnasium. Community organizations and nonprofit agencies provided information about services ranging from financial assistance and domestic violence support to banking and health resources.
Organizations represented at the fair included the American Red Cross, Pink Angels, Commerce Bank, Mid-America Transplant, YWCA, Smart Kids, Southeast Behavioral Hospital and Minority Health STL. The event was open to all ages and free to attend.
The need for community-based resource events remains significant in the St. Louis area. A City of St. Louis Community Health Assessment highlights ongoing health and social challenges throughout the region. In addition, city data show that 31.7% of Black residents live in areas of concentrated poverty, underscoring the importance of connecting residents with local services and support programs.
Mary Persaud, head deaconess at Northside SDA Church, said the congregation views Serve Sabbath as an opportunity to meet both immediate and long-term needs in the community. “One of the things we did this Sabbath was distribute food, clothes, shoes, and toiletries,” Persaud said.
“It was truly a blessing to meet the needs of so many in a tangible way.”
Persaud noted that many families are facing increased financial pressure.
“In light of the rising cost of living and the growing challenges that so many are facing, it is our hope and prayer that our church will become that ‘pillar’ so needed in times like these,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the strong volunteer turnout from church members. “We had an excellent response to the event, and the strong involvement from our members was impressive,” Persaud said. “It showed the commitment to being a place of hope and light to our community.”
According to Persaud, several community members who attended expressed interest in future events and fellowship opportunities with the congregation. While many volunteers served at the church campus, another group traveled to the Pallet Yard, where services are provided to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Barnes said the church’s outreach philosophy is rooted in the example of Jesus.
“The real reason we do this is because Jesus didn’t just take care of the soul; He took care of the body,” Barnes said. “As Christians, we’re called to do the same.”
He explained that Northside intentionally plans service projects during fifth-Sabbath weekends to address practical needs within the community.
The church also offered a special children’s program led by member Terri Fleming. During the program, Dr. Beeks, a dentist and church member, taught children the importance of dental health. Using a dental chair, Dr. Beeks demonstrated proper brushing techniques and helped children learn how to care for their teeth. The children also participated in activities focused on healthy food choices and decorated paper tooth crafts.
“At the end of the day, each child received a goodie bag filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and a timer,” Fleming said.
For Northside members, the event reflected a simple goal:
Just do good!
This is the calling Christians have to meet practical needs while building relationships and pointing people toward hope.
