Pastor Engages Local Police for Community Change
Pastor Privette participates in Newport News Police Department (NNPD) C.A.R.E. Walk.
After a homicide has taken place within the city, the Newport News Police Department (NNPD) along with Chaplains and faith based leaders go out into the community and conduct a C.A.R.E. (Community Awareness Reconnection & Education) Walk. Pastor T. DuWayne Privette, Calvary Seventh day-Adventist church (Newport News, VA) recently joined in with the NNPD, representing the faith based community, and participated in a C.A.R.E. Walk. Along with the police, leaders from the community knock on doors in the neighborhood where the homicide took place as a means of engaging the community, inquiring about citizen safety concerns, while demonstrating that they are cared about. At the conclusion of a recent CARE walk, Pastor Privette prayed for the community and over law enforcement, as they seek to maintain public safety.
Faith and Blue
On October 8, 2023, Calvary Seventh-day Adventist church hosted a Faith and Blue event. This national initiative seeks to engage law enforcement officers, and community members through connections made with faith-based organizations. The event held in the fellowship hall of Calvary church, was attended by community members along with Calvary church members and law enforcement. After remarks by NNPD Chief of Police Steve Drew, members of Calvary church were able to ask questions, and make comments on how to engage community members and build safer communities. The media attended, and interviewed Pastor Privette. See video clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meCODlm35jM
Domestic Violence Awareness
The relationship between Calvary Seventh-day Adventist church and Newport News Police Department NNPD grew stronger in January 2000, when NNPD Officer Katie Thyne was killed down the street from the Calvary Seventh-day Adventist church. Shortly after this tragedy shook the department, Pastor Privette extended the invitation for NNPD officers to attend a worship service and receive special prayer.
Since that time, the church has actively engaged with NNPD, creating a line item in their budget to assist victims of domestic violence referred to the church by NNPD DV Team. Through their financial support and generosity, Calvary has helped to save lives by helping many victims remove the barriers they face to safety. Dr. Cheryl Chavers, NNPD Domestic Violence Specialist shares how amongst other acts of service, the church paid for the one-way plane ticket and flight for a mother and her minor child fleeing an abusive relationship, get out of state and to safety.
Chief Steve Drew has participated in worship services, and even presented Pastor Privette and the church a plaque during October DV Awareness month, in recognition of Calvary’s support in helping victims of domestic violence. (see pic)
On 10/20/23 Pastor Privette was a participant in the NNPD Domestic Violence Awareness event a Walk to end Domestic violence, In attendance with the Chief of Police, City Council Members, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Commonwealth Attorney (see FB pictures link).. Pastor Privette closed out the event with prayer asking for accountability and restoration for offenders and safety and justice for victims.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XSmBYioY5qj2EQPJ/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Submitted by Dr. Cheryl Chavers