Asheville North Church Concludes 30 Years of World Sabbaths

Asheville North Church concluded its 30-year World Sabbaths ministry in November 2025, ending a long-running emphasis that helped members learn about mission fields around the world and support projects through mission offerings.

The program began in 1995 after members learned of a monthly mission-focused service at Atlanta North Church. Over the next three decades, Asheville North members used World Sabbaths to learn about the lives, geography, culture, and customs of people in the countries that received their mission offerings.

Through the years, guests and presenters, along with church members, shared firsthand stories from mission fields. Representatives from Maranatha and ADRA presented reports on their worldwide ministry, and Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss participated in one program. Student missionaries and Pathfinders also shared reports that gave the congregation a closer look at the challenges and joys of mission service.

Members often used creative elements to bring each country’s story to life. Among the visuals and experiences were a replica of the Eiffel Tower, a safari jeep, a greeter dressed as a Canadian Mountie, and a winter program in which the church heat was turned off to help members better understand worship in Siberia. The church also supported mission projects in practical ways, including providing cows in Vietnam, bicycles and a car for evangelists in Africa, a lawnmower and office equipment for a college in Croatia, and help in completing a missionary home in Chad.

World Sabbaths also involved church families and children. Members displayed native dress and items from various countries, and children learned songs in other languages. Organizers said a video of one program was shown during a General Conference Session in Toronto, Canada.

Much of the ministry’s continuity came through the leadership of Kathleen Brannan, who researched, planned, and developed the programs over the years. Shellie Shanko partnered with Brannan in shaping many of the presentations. Other committee members who contributed over the years included Geri Tucker, Florie Ambler, Lucy Steiner, Dianne Workman, and Barbara Smith. Dennis Campbell, Kenny Wilson, Don Ambler, and Joey Amann and family also regularly supported the programs.

For the final World Sabbaths program, committee members dressed as a captain and flight attendants and took the congregation on one last “flight” around the world. The closing service invited members to reflect on how decades of prayer, giving, and mission education may continue to bear fruit for eternity.

— by Florie Ambler

photos by Martin Steiner