21 Mar 2025, 14:50Pr Weiers CoetserAberdeen, Aberdeen City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Who Is My Neighbour? Aberdeen Church Answers with Action
2025 Global Youth Day
The Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church embraced the theme “Who Is My Neighbour?” during Global Youth Day and Global Children’s Day by actively serving their community through worship, outreach, and acts of kindness, embodying the spirit of love in action.
On March 16 and 17, the Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church joined millions around the world in celebrating Global Youth Day and Global Children’s Day. This year’s theme, “Who Is My Neighbour?”, came to life as members of all ages stepped out of their comfort zones to “Be the Sermon” in practical, meaningful ways. From leading worship services to engaging in community outreach, the church demonstrated the power of love in action, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and recipients alike.
A Youth-Led Worship Service: Setting the Tone
The weekend kicked off with a vibrant, youth-led worship service on Sabbath morning. Under the guidance of Nancy Lyamuya, the Children’s Ministries department handed over the reins to the young members, who took charge of every aspect of the service—from the song service and prayers to the children’s story and sermon. The energy was palpable as the congregation witnessed the next generation stepping into leadership roles with confidence and creativity.
Nine-year-old Emma set the tone with a thought-provoking question: “Who is my neighbour?” She reminded the church that neighbours aren’t just the people we know or understand—they are everyone we encounter, regardless of their background or circumstances. Charlotte expanded on this idea, drawing parallels between children from different cultures and emphasising that kindness transcends cultural differences.
Jason challenged the congregation to put love into action by being “helpers” in everyday life—whether it’s assisting a friend with their books or listening to someone in need. Unique brought the message home by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of unconditional love. “He spent time with people, cared for their needs, and showed kindness without any preconditions,” she said.
Shanoya, Ani, Michelle, Paul (PJ) and others who participated helped to cast a vision for what the church could achieve by living out the principle of neighbourly love—a vision that would soon be realised through the day’s outreach activities.
Bringing Joy to A Local Care Home
With little time for the usual fellowship lunch, members of the church—young and old—piled into cars and headed to the local Care Home. There, they presented an afternoon programme filled with gospel songs, poems, scripture readings, and prayers. The residents, many of whom were visibly moved, received small gifts from the group. Smiles and even tears filled the room as the warmth of the church’s presence brought comfort and joy to the elderly residents.
Reaching Out to the Homeless
Meanwhile, another group of young people and adults spent their lunch hour preparing care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. These thoughtfully assembled parcels included practical items as well as small tokens of encouragement—keyrings, flowers, and uplifting Bible verses. Armed with these gifts, the group took to the streets, visiting familiar spots where people often gather to ask for help. Each interaction was an opportunity to show kindness, share a smile, and remind others that they are seen and valued.
A Community Gardening Project
The outreach didn’t end on Sabbath. On Sunday morning, a dedicated team of young people and adults gathered for a community gardening project. Located next to the church, a row of low-cost housing flats had long been neglected, with overgrown weeds and litter marring the small gardens in front of each block. After receiving permission from the residents, the group rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Divided into two teams, they cleared the gardens of weeds and debris, filling three large bags and a bin with garden waste. The transformation was remarkable—Dee Place, the road on which the church is located, now boasts a cleaner, more welcoming appearance.
As the group worked, residents passing by took notice. Many were impressed to see the church not only caring for its own property but also investing in the broader community. The Global Youth Day T-shirts worn by the volunteers, printed by the Pathfinder department, served as a visible reminder of the church’s commitment to making a difference.
Though the weather was chilly, the team’s enthusiasm was undimmed. Plans are already underway to plant bulbs and flowering plants in the cleared spaces, ensuring that the impact of their efforts will continue to bloom in the weeks and months to come.
Reflections and Future Plans
As the weekend drew to a close, the 20-30 participants gathered to reflect on their experiences. The consensus was clear: the outreach had been as transformative for the volunteers as it was for those they served. Joy Banda Phiri, associate youth sponsor for the Scottish Mission, summed it up perfectly: “It was refreshing to see the young people take charge. Their energy and passion were contagious, and it was inspiring to see the church come together to make a real difference.”
The success of the weekend has sparked a renewed sense of purpose within the church. Members are already discussing ways to build on this momentum, with plans for more community projects and outreach initiatives in the pipeline.
This project was a true testament to the power of collaboration, as different departments within the church—Children’s Ministries, Youth Department, Pathfinders, and Adventurers—came together to make it happen. Sean Savizon, the youth leader, reflected on the experience: “It was good to see all the youth band together and bring joy and kindness to a community. We hope to keep it going in and outside the church.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Global Youth Day outreach was more than just a weekend of service—it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to live out the love of Christ. From the care home to the streets and the gardens, the church demonstrated that neighbourly love knows no bounds.
The Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church embraced the theme “Who Is My Neighbour?” during Global Youth Day and Global Children’s Day by actively serving their community through worship, outreach, and acts of kindness, embodying the spirit of love in action.
On March 16 and 17, the Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church joined millions around the world in celebrating Global Youth Day and Global Children’s Day. This year’s theme, “Who Is My Neighbour?”, came to life as members of all ages stepped out of their comfort zones to “Be the Sermon” in practical, meaningful ways. From leading worship services to engaging in community outreach, the church demonstrated the power of love in action, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and recipients alike.
A Youth-Led Worship Service: Setting the Tone
The weekend kicked off with a vibrant, youth-led worship service on Sabbath morning. Under the guidance of Nancy Lyamuya, the Children’s Ministries department handed over the reins to the young members, who took charge of every aspect of the service—from the song service and prayers to the children’s story and sermon. The energy was palpable as the congregation witnessed the next generation stepping into leadership roles with confidence and creativity.
Nine-year-old Emma set the tone with a thought-provoking question: “Who is my neighbour?” She reminded the church that neighbours aren’t just the people we know or understand—they are everyone we encounter, regardless of their background or circumstances. Charlotte expanded on this idea, drawing parallels between children from different cultures and emphasising that kindness transcends cultural differences.
Jason challenged the congregation to put love into action by being “helpers” in everyday life—whether it’s assisting a friend with their books or listening to someone in need. Unique brought the message home by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of unconditional love. “He spent time with people, cared for their needs, and showed kindness without any preconditions,” she said.
Shanoya, Ani, Michelle, Paul (PJ) and others who participated helped to cast a vision for what the church could achieve by living out the principle of neighbourly love—a vision that would soon be realised through the day’s outreach activities.
Bringing Joy to A Local Care Home
With little time for the usual fellowship lunch, members of the church—young and old—piled into cars and headed to the local Care Home. There, they presented an afternoon programme filled with gospel songs, poems, scripture readings, and prayers. The residents, many of whom were visibly moved, received small gifts from the group. Smiles and even tears filled the room as the warmth of the church’s presence brought comfort and joy to the elderly residents.
Reaching Out to the Homeless
Meanwhile, another group of young people and adults spent their lunch hour preparing care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. These thoughtfully assembled parcels included practical items as well as small tokens of encouragement—keyrings, flowers, and uplifting Bible verses. Armed with these gifts, the group took to the streets, visiting familiar spots where people often gather to ask for help. Each interaction was an opportunity to show kindness, share a smile, and remind others that they are seen and valued.
A Community Gardening Project
The outreach didn’t end on Sabbath. On Sunday morning, a dedicated team of young people and adults gathered for a community gardening project. Located next to the church, a row of low-cost housing flats had long been neglected, with overgrown weeds and litter marring the small gardens in front of each block. After receiving permission from the residents, the group rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Divided into two teams, they cleared the gardens of weeds and debris, filling three large bags and a bin with garden waste. The transformation was remarkable—Dee Place, the road on which the church is located, now boasts a cleaner, more welcoming appearance.
As the group worked, residents passing by took notice. Many were impressed to see the church not only caring for its own property but also investing in the broader community. The Global Youth Day T-shirts worn by the volunteers, printed by the Pathfinder department, served as a visible reminder of the church’s commitment to making a difference.
Though the weather was chilly, the team’s enthusiasm was undimmed. Plans are already underway to plant bulbs and flowering plants in the cleared spaces, ensuring that the impact of their efforts will continue to bloom in the weeks and months to come.
Reflections and Future Plans
As the weekend drew to a close, the 20-30 participants gathered to reflect on their experiences. The consensus was clear: the outreach had been as transformative for the volunteers as it was for those they served. Joy Banda Phiri, associate youth sponsor for the Scottish Mission, summed it up perfectly: “It was refreshing to see the young people take charge. Their energy and passion were contagious, and it was inspiring to see the church come together to make a real difference.”
The success of the weekend has sparked a renewed sense of purpose within the church. Members are already discussing ways to build on this momentum, with plans for more community projects and outreach initiatives in the pipeline.
This project was a true testament to the power of collaboration, as different departments within the church—Children’s Ministries, Youth Department, Pathfinders, and Adventurers—came together to make it happen. Sean Savizon, the youth leader, reflected on the experience: “It was good to see all the youth band together and bring joy and kindness to a community. We hope to keep it going in and outside the church.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The Aberdeen Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Global Youth Day outreach was more than just a weekend of service—it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to live out the love of Christ. From the care home to the streets and the gardens, the church demonstrated that neighbourly love knows no bounds.
