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Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist Church - Ammendale Campus
Worship Service, Sabbath, September 12, 2026
Worship Bulletin
Locations & Times
Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist Church—Ammendale Campus
4200 Ammendale Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
Saturday 11:30 AM
Welcome to Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist Church. We are so glad you’ve joined us for worship today.
The hope of glory reminds us that what Jesus begins in us today will one day be completed in eternity. Our present struggles, weaknesses, and unfinished stories do not have the final word. Because we are united with Christ, our future is secure in Him. Jesus’ resurrection is proof that death has already been defeated once—in real history. And because He lives, we can trust that death will be defeated again for everyone who belongs to Him.Today, let’s lift our eyes beyond what we see and hold on to the hope of glory—the promise that Jesus is coming again to make all things new.
The hope of glory reminds us that what Jesus begins in us today will one day be completed in eternity. Our present struggles, weaknesses, and unfinished stories do not have the final word. Because we are united with Christ, our future is secure in Him. Jesus’ resurrection is proof that death has already been defeated once—in real history. And because He lives, we can trust that death will be defeated again for everyone who belongs to Him.Today, let’s lift our eyes beyond what we see and hold on to the hope of glory—the promise that Jesus is coming again to make all things new.
Focus Text:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5, New International Version
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5, New International Version
Prelude
Daisy Orion
Welcome
Juan Guerrero & Laura Martinez
Church Life
Judith Davidson
Praise & Worship
Family
Far Beyond the Sun/Mas Allá del Sol
Sweet Hour of Prayer/Dulce Oración
Shall We Gather at the River/Nos Veremos Junto al Río
Congregation & Worship Team
Congregational Prayer
Adriana Madrigal
Children’s Story
Yoel Habtemariam
Baby Dedication
Estabelle Abena Akyere Owusu-Kwarteng
Pastor Sifa Potauaine
Invitation to Give
Sabrina Dayes
Offertory
Daisy Orion
Special Music
Necesitas de Él
Pastor Edwin Vargas
Message
Bridging the Gap—Celebrating Diversity, Building Unity, Growing Stronger
The Great Hope
Pastor Rafael Soto
Closing Hymn
We Have This Hope/Esta Esperanza
Congregation & Worship Team
Benediction
Rose Flores
Postlude
Daisy Orion
Daisy Orion
Welcome
Juan Guerrero & Laura Martinez
Church Life
Judith Davidson
Praise & Worship
Family
Far Beyond the Sun/Mas Allá del Sol
Sweet Hour of Prayer/Dulce Oración
Shall We Gather at the River/Nos Veremos Junto al Río
Congregation & Worship Team
Congregational Prayer
Adriana Madrigal
Children’s Story
Yoel Habtemariam
Baby Dedication
Estabelle Abena Akyere Owusu-Kwarteng
Pastor Sifa Potauaine
Invitation to Give
Sabrina Dayes
Offertory
Daisy Orion
Special Music
Necesitas de Él
Pastor Edwin Vargas
Message
Bridging the Gap—Celebrating Diversity, Building Unity, Growing Stronger
The Great Hope
Pastor Rafael Soto
Closing Hymn
We Have This Hope/Esta Esperanza
Congregation & Worship Team
Benediction
Rose Flores
Postlude
Daisy Orion
Give Online
Due to the increasing fees that we will be charged to process online payments using the Beltsville Adventist Church Secure Online Giving Portal (GoBlueFire), we have transitioned our online giving site to the Adventist Giving Portal, AdventistGiving. Scan this QR code to visit the North American Division Giving Portal.
https://adventistgiving.org/
Scan this code to go to AdventistGiving.org
NEXT WEEK'S CALENDAR
Sabbath, September 12
Worship: Pastor Rafael Soto
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
1:30 pm | Fellowship Dinner | Friendship Hall
3:00 pm | Beltsville Broncos Pathfinder Club Meeting | BAS Gymnasium
7:21 pm | Sunset
Sunday, September 13
9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Marketing as Ministry Workshop | Beltsville Adventist School
Tuesday, September 15
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Beltsville Adventist Community Center open
8:00 pm | Young Adult Bible Studies | Zoom ID: 853 4096 5129 | Passcode: 038665
Wednesday, September 16
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Beltsville Adventist Community Center open
7:00 pm | Prayer Meeting | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
Thursday, September 17
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
Friday, September 18
7:11 pm | Sunset
Sabbath, September 19
Worship In the Mountains
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
7:09 pm | Sunset
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
September
26 | Worship: Dr. Boubakar Sanou
26 | Women’s Retreat
October
10 | Women’s Tea
16-18 | Evangelism Initiative
23-25 | Evangelism Initiative
30-31 | Evangelism Initiative
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
LIFE AT BELTSVILLE
Welcome, Pastor Rafael Soto
Pastor Rafael Soto serves as the Vice President for Hispanic Ministries of the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has been married to his wife, Laura Rosenzweig, for 24 years, and together they are blessed with their daughter, Florencia. Pastor Rafael is passionate about Jesus and about serving others. His greatest joy is helping people connect with Jesus, grow in their relationship with Him, and discover the difference He can make in their lives. He is also passionate about seeing churches alive, active, and engaged in mission, reaching their communities with the love and hope of Christ. Above all, Pastor Rafael loves Jesus and longs to see more people experience His grace, His transforming power, and His presence. His greatest hope and prayer is simple: To see Jesus come soon!
Worship in the Mountains Sabbath, September 19
Mount Aetna Retreat Center • Plan to be there by 10:30am
Join us for a special day of worship in God’s beautiful first book — Nature! Set in the peaceful and scenic surroundings of Mount Aetna. Worship will take place at the outdoor amphitheater from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
After worship and lunch, there will be no organized hike nor group visit to the nature center. Instead we will have a group game and afternoon activities. Here is the schedule for Worship in the Mountains:
10:30am: Gather
11:00am to 12:00pm: Worship Together/Testimony
12:15pm to 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm to 3:00pm: Game
3:15pm to 4:45pm: Activity Stations
4:45pm to 5:15pm: Free Time
5:15pm to 6:30pm: Supper
This is a church-wide event and members from all campuses are encouraged to attend.
Lunch will be provided for everyone who registers in advance by Friday, September 11. Supper is available for $11 per person (children 9 and under eat free).
If you do not register, please plan to bring your own food. Register today so we can plan accordingly and have meals ready for you!
Please Note: There will be no services at the Ammendale or Tech Road Campuses on September 19 so everyone can attend this special retreat.
Connect Groups Begin on Sunday, September 13
Sign up Begins Now!
With over 12 groups to choose from, you are sure to find one that grabs your attention. If you haven’t tried being a part of a Connect Group, give it a chance and see what happens. You won’t know what you are missing unless you try it! We need the connection with others that these groups offer. Sign up now before the groups begin.
To sign up, go to the church website: www.beltsvillesda.org/connectgroups
Marketing as Ministry Workshop
Sunday, September 13, 9am to 4pm at Beltsville Adventist School, 4230 Ammendale Road in Beltsville. You can learn practical, Christian-based, strategic plans to improve the mission-driven ministry of BAS. Presented by Teresa Kelchner of Christian Education Matters. For more information and to RSVP, contact BAS Principal Jerson Malaguit at 301-937-2933.
Forty Days of Prayer
As the preparation and planning is taking place for the upcoming
evangelistic effort, we will be in continuous prayer. Each day, the prayer ministry will be sharing a different reading of verses from the book of 1 John, for focus on the scripture in prayer. Please call or text Judith Davidson at 240-441-8258 with any questions.
Let’s gather together and do what God has called us to do without ceasing: Pray.
October Evangelistic Initiative
This Sabbath, we will continue to emphasize our October Evangelistic Initiative and to explore ways in which every member and every ministry can play a part in helping people take their next step toward Jesus.
We hope you’ll join us as we prepare together for this exciting season of ministry!
Pathfinder Uniforms
Pathfinders are renting uniforms this year to help families with rapidly growing children. We need a volunteer to prepare the shirts and sew on patches. Please contact Dion at 301-648-4156 or Judith at 240-441-8258 if you are willing to help.
Morning Prayer
The Prayer Ministry will be leading out in prayer on Tuesday, Thursday and Sabbath mornings from 5 to 6am, starting May 28. Please join us to utilize the power God is waiting to release on us to be a house of prayer.
Morning Prayer Zoom link:
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting Zoom link:
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Prayer meeting is on-line Wednesday night from 7 to 8pm for a time of prayer, praise, and Bible study. Everyone is welcome!
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Young Adult Community
If you are in the age range of 18-29 and would like to learn more about joining the Beltsville young adult community, please text Pastor Krysten at 239-940-0616 or scan the QR code in the paper bulletin. We host Bible studies and social activities.
Beltsville Youth Ministries
Join Beltsville Youth Ministries for upcoming events — scan the QR code in the paper bulletin to learn more and to register.
Prayer Ministry
The Prayer Ministry team is asking for those interested in spending some concentrated time in purposeful, specific, promise-claiming, revival-seeking, outpouring of the Holy Spirit to increase God’s presence in our personal lives and in our church to join with us. Let us follow the call of Paul in Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication of the saints”. Those interested, please reach out by text to Judith Davidson at 240-441-8258.
Getting Social
Follow Beltsville Church on Facebook and on Instagram. On Facebook search for Beltsville Seventh Day Adventist Church; on Instagram search for Beltsville_SDA.
Join the AV Team!
The Audio-Visual Team is in need of more volunteers. Training is provided at no cost if you need. Please talk to Brother Kiiza for more information.
Changes in Online Giving
Due to the increasing fees that we will be charged to process online payments using the Beltsville Adventist Church Secure Online Giving Portal (GoBlueFire), we have transitioned our online giving site to the Adventist Giving Portal, AdventistGiving. Scan the QR code in the paper bulletin to visit the North American Division Giving Portal.
Treasury Ministry
Please send all reimbursement requests to ExpensePoint by 5pm on Wednesday to be included with the check run on Monday of the next week. Please contact the Church Office if you need to be added to ExpensePoint.
Mothers’/Parents’ Room
A comfortable space for you and your little ones is available just across from the ladies’ restrooms. Feel free to use it whenever you need it!
WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Women’s Ministries Retreat - September 26
Join us for a day of renewal, encouragement, and spiritual growth in God’s presence.
This transformative Women’s Retreat is designed to refresh your spirit, strengthen your faith, and connect you with a supportive community of women.
Register at https://shorturl.at/4vQLq
Women’s Tea
“Sip and Savor in His Presence”
Sabbath, October 10, at 5pm. Come, take a moment to pause, refresh, and delight in the presence of God.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/434pbtk5 or scan the QR code in the paper bulletin.
HEALTH MINISTRIES
Start Your Day With a Simple “Heel-to-Toe” Health Habit
Did you know that your lymphatic system—the body’s drainage and immune-support network—does not have a pump like the heart? It relies largely on muscle movement and deep breathing to keep lymph fluid flowing.
Lymph is clear, watery fluid that flows thru your body’s lymphatic system. It is made of leaked blood plasma, white blood cells, proteins, and fats. Lymph acts as a cleanup system. It carries nutrients to cells. It also collects waste, germs, and damaged cells from tissues.
One simple exercise you can do each morning is the heel-to-toe rock:
• Stand tall, holding a chair or countertop if needed.
• Slowly rise onto your toes.
• Then rock back onto your heels, lifting your toes off the floor.
• Continue rocking gently back and forth for 1–2 minutes while breathing deeply.
This movement activates the calf muscles, often called the body’s “second heart.” As the calves contract and relax, they help move blood and lymphatic fluid upward from the legs, reducing stagnation and supporting circulation.
Benefits of Morning Heel-to-Toe Rocks
• Encourages healthy lymphatic drainage
• Improves circulation to the feet and legs
• Gently wakes up stiff joints and muscles
• Enhances balance and coordination
• May help reduce leg fatigue and swelling
• Promotes mobility and independence as we age
A Spiritual Reminder
Just as physical movement keeps the body’s fluids flowing, daily communion with God keeps our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.
“In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” — Acts 17:28
Health Tip: Before breakfast, spend 2–3 minutes doing heel-to-toe rocks while taking slow, deep breaths and thanking God for the gift of another day. Small daily habits can yield great blessings for both body and soul.
Move more. Breathe deeply. Trust God daily.
PRISON MINISTRIES
Labor Day in Maryland Prisons
Labor Day in Maryland is primarily a time to honor and thank the hardworking correctional staff, officers, and support professionals rather than hosting public events for inmates. In Maryland prisons, inmates perform various jobs that help keep the facilities running. These tasks include preparing meals, food service, dishwashing, painting, mowing, trash collection, laundry, moving inventory, assisting in the library, making license plates, and general maintenance. Some inmates also learn basic skills in welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. For many working prisoners, gaining job skills and integrating them into daily life is beneficial for their personal well-being. One prisoner shared, “I did time in the California prison system, and I worked in jobs putting out fires that made me feel normal, and it was easier to do my time. I learned a lot, and I have a lot of respect for those who fight the wildfires.”
Job opportunities can vary by state. For example, in Oregon, volunteer prisoners have been involved in producing “Prison Blues” jeans and other garments, which are sold throughout the nation and even exported to other countries. Wages for prison work in Maryland are minimal and are heavily deducted under state law to cover mandatory obligations. These include child support, court costs, restitution, victim compensation funds, among other expenses.
The Bible teaches that diligent labor brings reward and stability, even as humanity falls into sin. Proverbs 14:23 states, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Sabbath, September 12
Worship: Pastor Rafael Soto
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
1:30 pm | Fellowship Dinner | Friendship Hall
3:00 pm | Beltsville Broncos Pathfinder Club Meeting | BAS Gymnasium
7:21 pm | Sunset
Sunday, September 13
9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Marketing as Ministry Workshop | Beltsville Adventist School
Tuesday, September 15
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Beltsville Adventist Community Center open
8:00 pm | Young Adult Bible Studies | Zoom ID: 853 4096 5129 | Passcode: 038665
Wednesday, September 16
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Beltsville Adventist Community Center open
7:00 pm | Prayer Meeting | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
Thursday, September 17
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
Friday, September 18
7:11 pm | Sunset
Sabbath, September 19
Worship In the Mountains
5:00 - 6:00 am | Morning Prayers | Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856 | Passcode: 038665
7:09 pm | Sunset
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
September
26 | Worship: Dr. Boubakar Sanou
26 | Women’s Retreat
October
10 | Women’s Tea
16-18 | Evangelism Initiative
23-25 | Evangelism Initiative
30-31 | Evangelism Initiative
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
LIFE AT BELTSVILLE
Welcome, Pastor Rafael Soto
Pastor Rafael Soto serves as the Vice President for Hispanic Ministries of the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has been married to his wife, Laura Rosenzweig, for 24 years, and together they are blessed with their daughter, Florencia. Pastor Rafael is passionate about Jesus and about serving others. His greatest joy is helping people connect with Jesus, grow in their relationship with Him, and discover the difference He can make in their lives. He is also passionate about seeing churches alive, active, and engaged in mission, reaching their communities with the love and hope of Christ. Above all, Pastor Rafael loves Jesus and longs to see more people experience His grace, His transforming power, and His presence. His greatest hope and prayer is simple: To see Jesus come soon!
Worship in the Mountains Sabbath, September 19
Mount Aetna Retreat Center • Plan to be there by 10:30am
Join us for a special day of worship in God’s beautiful first book — Nature! Set in the peaceful and scenic surroundings of Mount Aetna. Worship will take place at the outdoor amphitheater from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
After worship and lunch, there will be no organized hike nor group visit to the nature center. Instead we will have a group game and afternoon activities. Here is the schedule for Worship in the Mountains:
10:30am: Gather
11:00am to 12:00pm: Worship Together/Testimony
12:15pm to 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm to 3:00pm: Game
3:15pm to 4:45pm: Activity Stations
4:45pm to 5:15pm: Free Time
5:15pm to 6:30pm: Supper
This is a church-wide event and members from all campuses are encouraged to attend.
Lunch will be provided for everyone who registers in advance by Friday, September 11. Supper is available for $11 per person (children 9 and under eat free).
If you do not register, please plan to bring your own food. Register today so we can plan accordingly and have meals ready for you!
Please Note: There will be no services at the Ammendale or Tech Road Campuses on September 19 so everyone can attend this special retreat.
Connect Groups Begin on Sunday, September 13
Sign up Begins Now!
With over 12 groups to choose from, you are sure to find one that grabs your attention. If you haven’t tried being a part of a Connect Group, give it a chance and see what happens. You won’t know what you are missing unless you try it! We need the connection with others that these groups offer. Sign up now before the groups begin.
To sign up, go to the church website: www.beltsvillesda.org/connectgroups
Marketing as Ministry Workshop
Sunday, September 13, 9am to 4pm at Beltsville Adventist School, 4230 Ammendale Road in Beltsville. You can learn practical, Christian-based, strategic plans to improve the mission-driven ministry of BAS. Presented by Teresa Kelchner of Christian Education Matters. For more information and to RSVP, contact BAS Principal Jerson Malaguit at 301-937-2933.
Forty Days of Prayer
As the preparation and planning is taking place for the upcoming
evangelistic effort, we will be in continuous prayer. Each day, the prayer ministry will be sharing a different reading of verses from the book of 1 John, for focus on the scripture in prayer. Please call or text Judith Davidson at 240-441-8258 with any questions.
Let’s gather together and do what God has called us to do without ceasing: Pray.
October Evangelistic Initiative
This Sabbath, we will continue to emphasize our October Evangelistic Initiative and to explore ways in which every member and every ministry can play a part in helping people take their next step toward Jesus.
We hope you’ll join us as we prepare together for this exciting season of ministry!
Pathfinder Uniforms
Pathfinders are renting uniforms this year to help families with rapidly growing children. We need a volunteer to prepare the shirts and sew on patches. Please contact Dion at 301-648-4156 or Judith at 240-441-8258 if you are willing to help.
Morning Prayer
The Prayer Ministry will be leading out in prayer on Tuesday, Thursday and Sabbath mornings from 5 to 6am, starting May 28. Please join us to utilize the power God is waiting to release on us to be a house of prayer.
Morning Prayer Zoom link:
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting Zoom link:
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Prayer meeting is on-line Wednesday night from 7 to 8pm for a time of prayer, praise, and Bible study. Everyone is welcome!
Zoom Meeting ID: 970 360 856; Passcode: 038665
Young Adult Community
If you are in the age range of 18-29 and would like to learn more about joining the Beltsville young adult community, please text Pastor Krysten at 239-940-0616 or scan the QR code in the paper bulletin. We host Bible studies and social activities.
Beltsville Youth Ministries
Join Beltsville Youth Ministries for upcoming events — scan the QR code in the paper bulletin to learn more and to register.
Prayer Ministry
The Prayer Ministry team is asking for those interested in spending some concentrated time in purposeful, specific, promise-claiming, revival-seeking, outpouring of the Holy Spirit to increase God’s presence in our personal lives and in our church to join with us. Let us follow the call of Paul in Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication of the saints”. Those interested, please reach out by text to Judith Davidson at 240-441-8258.
Getting Social
Follow Beltsville Church on Facebook and on Instagram. On Facebook search for Beltsville Seventh Day Adventist Church; on Instagram search for Beltsville_SDA.
Join the AV Team!
The Audio-Visual Team is in need of more volunteers. Training is provided at no cost if you need. Please talk to Brother Kiiza for more information.
Changes in Online Giving
Due to the increasing fees that we will be charged to process online payments using the Beltsville Adventist Church Secure Online Giving Portal (GoBlueFire), we have transitioned our online giving site to the Adventist Giving Portal, AdventistGiving. Scan the QR code in the paper bulletin to visit the North American Division Giving Portal.
Treasury Ministry
Please send all reimbursement requests to ExpensePoint by 5pm on Wednesday to be included with the check run on Monday of the next week. Please contact the Church Office if you need to be added to ExpensePoint.
Mothers’/Parents’ Room
A comfortable space for you and your little ones is available just across from the ladies’ restrooms. Feel free to use it whenever you need it!
WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Women’s Ministries Retreat - September 26
Join us for a day of renewal, encouragement, and spiritual growth in God’s presence.
This transformative Women’s Retreat is designed to refresh your spirit, strengthen your faith, and connect you with a supportive community of women.
Register at https://shorturl.at/4vQLq
Women’s Tea
“Sip and Savor in His Presence”
Sabbath, October 10, at 5pm. Come, take a moment to pause, refresh, and delight in the presence of God.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/434pbtk5 or scan the QR code in the paper bulletin.
HEALTH MINISTRIES
Start Your Day With a Simple “Heel-to-Toe” Health Habit
Did you know that your lymphatic system—the body’s drainage and immune-support network—does not have a pump like the heart? It relies largely on muscle movement and deep breathing to keep lymph fluid flowing.
Lymph is clear, watery fluid that flows thru your body’s lymphatic system. It is made of leaked blood plasma, white blood cells, proteins, and fats. Lymph acts as a cleanup system. It carries nutrients to cells. It also collects waste, germs, and damaged cells from tissues.
One simple exercise you can do each morning is the heel-to-toe rock:
• Stand tall, holding a chair or countertop if needed.
• Slowly rise onto your toes.
• Then rock back onto your heels, lifting your toes off the floor.
• Continue rocking gently back and forth for 1–2 minutes while breathing deeply.
This movement activates the calf muscles, often called the body’s “second heart.” As the calves contract and relax, they help move blood and lymphatic fluid upward from the legs, reducing stagnation and supporting circulation.
Benefits of Morning Heel-to-Toe Rocks
• Encourages healthy lymphatic drainage
• Improves circulation to the feet and legs
• Gently wakes up stiff joints and muscles
• Enhances balance and coordination
• May help reduce leg fatigue and swelling
• Promotes mobility and independence as we age
A Spiritual Reminder
Just as physical movement keeps the body’s fluids flowing, daily communion with God keeps our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.
“In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” — Acts 17:28
Health Tip: Before breakfast, spend 2–3 minutes doing heel-to-toe rocks while taking slow, deep breaths and thanking God for the gift of another day. Small daily habits can yield great blessings for both body and soul.
Move more. Breathe deeply. Trust God daily.
PRISON MINISTRIES
Labor Day in Maryland Prisons
Labor Day in Maryland is primarily a time to honor and thank the hardworking correctional staff, officers, and support professionals rather than hosting public events for inmates. In Maryland prisons, inmates perform various jobs that help keep the facilities running. These tasks include preparing meals, food service, dishwashing, painting, mowing, trash collection, laundry, moving inventory, assisting in the library, making license plates, and general maintenance. Some inmates also learn basic skills in welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. For many working prisoners, gaining job skills and integrating them into daily life is beneficial for their personal well-being. One prisoner shared, “I did time in the California prison system, and I worked in jobs putting out fires that made me feel normal, and it was easier to do my time. I learned a lot, and I have a lot of respect for those who fight the wildfires.”
Job opportunities can vary by state. For example, in Oregon, volunteer prisoners have been involved in producing “Prison Blues” jeans and other garments, which are sold throughout the nation and even exported to other countries. Wages for prison work in Maryland are minimal and are heavily deducted under state law to cover mandatory obligations. These include child support, court costs, restitution, victim compensation funds, among other expenses.
The Bible teaches that diligent labor brings reward and stability, even as humanity falls into sin. Proverbs 14:23 states, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
