The fun happens in the Akron First Seventh-day Adventist Church parking lot near East Waterloo Road and I-77 (655 East Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44306).

Looking to gain a greater understanding about the world events that are taking place. Come join us to find great joy, peace, and hope while we work our way through Revelations, an amazing Biblical book of prophecy.

“Amazing Prophecies – What Will Happen Next” starts on Monday (July the 7th) at 7:00 PM at the Akron First Seventh-day Adventist Church. The event is free and more information and registration can be found at https://revelantseminars.org/akron.

Join us for “True North”, the ultimate Alaskan adventure, where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Through hands-on adventures, Bible stories, tasty treats, and fun games and activities, kids will be pointed toward Jesus, our True North. This VBS shows kids that Jesus is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a one-week (2 hours a day) adventure for kids from age 4 to grade 6. “True North” VBS will take place June 7 to June 11, 2025 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Akron First Seventh-day Adventist Church. We request that you pre-register. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/AkronFirstVBS2025. Be sure to be part of the best week of summer.

10 days of prayer in the new year! Let’s unite in prayer for 30 minutes daily starting starting tomorrow, January the 8th to 18th. We have the opportunity to join with our worldwide Adventist church family during these 10 days of prayer to pray for revival! Praying for the Holy Spirit to bless us, our families, our communities, and church will make a difference this year to lead us to be salt where people will thirst for Jesus as they encounter us – that is our prayer so that we can fulfill our mission to love people and share Jesus!

Prayer sessions will be by Zoom and there will be multiple session each day. Sessions scheduled are below:

* 6:00 AM – English
* 4:00 PM – Kinyarwanda
* 6:00 PM – English
* 7:00 PM – English
* 7:00 PM – Karen
* 7:30 PM – English

If you have not received the Zoom login information for a session please reach out to akron1stbulletin@yahoo.com

You’ve invited to our first annual Community Block Party! We will have games, food, a bounce house, live music with Back to Eden, health checkup booth, and lots more! Come for an afternoon of summertime fun on Sunday, June the 23rd from 2 PM to 6 PM.

The fun happens in the Akron First Seventh-day Adventist Church parking lot near East Waterloo Road and I-77 (655 East Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44306).

To the Church (655 East Waterloo Road)

From Route 8, I-76 E or W to I-77 going South – The Waterloo exit on I-77 is open as normal.

From I-77 going North – Take the 277/224W exit, to the South Main Street exit (left on South Main Street), then take a right on East Waterloo Road to the church.

From 277/224E – Take the South Main Street exit (left on South Main Street), then a right on East Waterloo Road which will take you to the church

From 224W – Take the South Main Street exit (left on South Main Street) then take a right on East Waterloo Road to the church

To the Church (655 East Waterloo Road)

To Route 8 North – Take a right on East Waterloo Road. A right on Brown Street all the way under the I-76 ramp to East Exchange Street. Take a right on East Exchange Street over the Route 8 bridge, then a left on Fountain Street which will take you to the Route 8 on-ramp.

To I-76W and/or I-77 North – Take a right on East Waterloo Road, a right on Brown Street, and then a left on East South Street which will take you the the I-76W on-ramp.

To I-76E – Take a right on East Waterloo Road, a right on Brown Street, and then a right on East Wilbeth Road which will take you to Arlington Street, take a left on South Arlington Street which will take you the I-76E ramp

To I-77S – Take a right on East Waterloo Road, a right on Brown Street, a right on East Wilbeth Road and then a right onto the I-77S ramp.

To 224W/277 or 224E – Take a right on East Waterloo Road, then a left on South Main Street to the expressway on-ramps.

Within the past week Governor DeWine has amended the state COVID-19 health orders to line up with the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control and announced the lifting of the majority of COVID-19 Ohio public health orders beginning June 2. The City of Akron and Summit County have taken similar steps. Churches, businesses, and private citizens have been granted the authority to determine the best practices necessary for the health of their communities and personal well-being.

Moving forward with scientific data, advice from health officials, and looking at the current conditions in Akron and Summit County, we have concluded that the best course of action for our church is to relax our COVID-19 protocols on several points and update our current practices. These measures strike a sober balance between caution and moving too fast, while taking the church from a posture of mandatory regulations to voluntary responsibility. It acknowledges the progress that has been made in the face of the pandemic while realizing that not all risks have been fully eliminated.  We strive to continue to find the best way for our church family to worship together in a welcoming and safe environment. After prayer and further discussions, the following changes to our COVID-19 health protocols will be implemented over the next few months.

==Upcoming changes and timeline==
Effective May 29
* All church-sponsored actives will be mask-optional for those who have been fully vaccinated or are not required to wear a mask by existing Ohio health orders.
* Most pews in the Sanctuary will be reopened and available for use. A section of pews will still be available to provide for social distancing for those who feel that this offers the best and safest option for them.

Effective June 5
* All church-sponsored activities will be mask-optional for every individual on our church campus.
* Water fountains will be opened. Cups will be provided but please do not drink directly from the fountain.
* All Adult Sabbath School classes eligible to resume in-person on Saturday mornings. Your class Sabbath School leader will communicate with you the exact date when your adult Sabbath School class will begin meeting again in-person.
* Greeters will be in place for Saturday mornings and will resume activities such as passing out the bulletin.
* Usage of the Toddler & Mother’s room will begin with limited capacity.

Effective July 3
* All pews in the Sanctuary will be reopened and be available for use.
* Offering plates to be passed during the service.
* Saturday morning Sabbath School time extended from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM

Effective August 7
* Full usage of Toddler & Mother’s room
* Usage of Fellowship Hall for meals

We give thanks that our church has been blessed during this crisis and that the Ohio infection, hospitalization, and death rates continue to be on the decline. We will continue to evaluate the Covid-19 situation in our community and consult with medical professionals and church leaders as we move forward. In the meantime, we ask everyone to practice mutual respect and grace as we seek to love and protect one another.