A Joint Statement from the Atlantic Union Conference and Atlantic Union College Administrations Regarding Atlantic Union College

A letter citing several concerns about Atlantic Union College (AUC) was recently circulated by students who choose to remain anonymous. No doubt this has caused students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Atlantic Union constituents, and the community at large to be concerned regarding the state of AUC at this time. Atlantic Union College is open, and … Read more

Dare to Be Like the Eagle

The imagery of the eagle is one of my favorite Bible illustrations because of the characteristics that portray such a graceful soar, strength, keen eyesight, and the ability to empower its offspring with great care in the art of flying. In Exodus 19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11 the eagle is used figuratively to depict God’s protection … Read more

Three Steps to Making Your Dream a Reality

Whoever has stopped dreaming has started to die. No matter how old or young you are, never stop dreaming. Les Brown, motivational speaker and author, puts it this way, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” Dreams keep you energized, hopeful, and give you a reason to move … Read more

Southern New England Conference 37th Constituency Session Report

The Southern New England Conference held its 37th Constituency Session on May 21 in the pavilion on the campground in Lancaster, Massachusetts. The delegates reelected David Dennis, president; and José Alarcón, executive secretary to serve for the next quadrennial. The position of treasurer was referred to the newly-voted executive committee. The former treasurer, Joel Tompkins, … Read more

Embracing Diversity

Bermuda Institute (BI) embraced its senior community through an innovative initiative of its librarian, Patricia Fulton. She started an outreach program—a senior book club in the school library. The club operates outside of the regular school day. The seniors meet every fourth Sunday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to hear classic … Read more

Three Keys to Young Adult Retention

I love young adults; they are spiritual, intelligent, and caring people. They love the church wholeheartedly and they are looking to serve the church earnestly. However, many are leaving the pews while others are disengaged. What can we do to alleviate this problem? I’ve learned three key components to young adult retention through my interactions … Read more

God Has Been Forever Faithful!

Wow! Have you ever noticed how time passes by so quickly? School starts—then it ends; and another year is over. For me, that cycle has continued for almost 42 years; but this year that cycle ends, as I have retired from denominational work. Oh, at the time of this writing I’m still working three-quarter time, … Read more

The Biblical Mandate

The Master Teacher shows us by example that training is necessary to effect change, growth, and development, and we are also admonished to train up our children in the way that they should go. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, God has provided various symbols, methods, and lessons to develop our character into one … Read more

Journey to Forgiveness

Throughout my ministry, I have seen many youth, young adults, and adults struggling with various battles in their lives. One of the most difficult battles is to be unforgiving. A young girl came up to me and said, “Pastor Peralta, I cannot forgive my mother; she hates me and she abandoned me.” A youth from … Read more