SNEC Laity Convention Empowers Church Members for Total Member Involvement

On May 29–31, 2026, the Southern New England Conference (SNEC) took a significant and sizeable step closer to Total Member Involvement as more than 220 members gathered at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, Massachusetts, for the SNEC Laity Convention. Designed to inspire and equip church members for mission, the event united lay leaders from Sabbath School, Personal Ministries, Adventist Community Services, and Youth departments from local churches across SNEC under the theme “WE CARE – Empowering Every Member to Serve with Compassion.”

Distinguished guests from the General Conference, North American Division, Atlantic Union Conference, and Southern New England Conference joined together to provide practical training, spiritual encouragement, and strategic direction.

The convention drew 254 registrants, with an 86.6% attendance rate, reflecting a strong commitment to spiritual growth, leadership development and community‑focused ministry. Participants represented diverse congregations and cultures across Southern New England, creating what organizers described as a “vibrant environment for learning, fellowship, worship, and collaboration.”

A Weekend of Worship, Training, and Mission

The event opened Friday evening with a spirited worship led by Kirosha Huggan, Christina Hernandez, and their talented team, followed by welcoming remarks from SNEC administrators. General Conference Vice President Pierre Omeler delivered the keynote message, challenging attendees to embrace Christ’s example of selfless ministry and become active instruments of God’s love within their communities.

Sabbath featured a full day of training and worship. Presentations by W. Derrick Lea, director of Adventist Community Services for the North American Division, and Miguel Patino, associate director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries at the General Conference, challenged churches to expand their community presence and reimagine Sabbath School as a center for discipleship and outreach. Omeler’s sermon on “WE CARE” culminated in a symbolic moment as every attendee received a yellow WE CARE jacket, representing personal commitment to community engagement.

Next, Ernesto Douglas Venn, associate director of Adventist Possibility Ministries at the General Conference, presented “Personal Ministries in Action: Equipping Every Member to Serve with Heart,” which highlighted practical strategies for mobilizing church members and creating a culture where every believer recognizes their role in God’s mission.

Afternoon breakout sessions addressed English, Haitian, and Hispanic ministry needs, while additional presentations highlighted Total Member Involvement and practical grant‑writing skills. In a major highlight of the day, five churches participating in the SNEC WE CARE initiative received a total of $10,000 in grants to launch new community outreach projects.

Final Day and Vision Forward

Sunday’s sessions focused on urban ministry, disaster preparedness, volunteer engagement, and transforming church culture. SNEC President Edgardo Herrera cast a bold vision for a mission‑driven, community‑engaged Conference over the next quinquennium, calling members to move beyond maintenance‑oriented ministry toward intentional community transformation.

A Spirit‑Filled Gathering

Throughout the weekend, attendees testified to a strong sense of spiritual renewal. Prayer teams, translators, media staff, AV personnel, and volunteers played essential roles in creating a seamless and uplifting experience. “More than a convention, this gathering became a spiritual movement, challenging attendees to embrace a lifestyle of compassionate ministry and community engagement,” reported Yves Francis, SNEC Adventist Community Services, Personal Ministry, and Sabbath School director, and the event organizer.

Francis and his team extend heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this ground-breaking convention.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 SNEC Laity Convention is already being hailed as a landmark event that strengthened leaders, launched new ministries, and renewed commitment to compassionate service.

“We now look forward with anticipation to the next Southern New England Laity Convention in 2028, trusting that God will continue to lead His people into even greater service and mission,” concluded Francis. “To God be the Glory!”