Espaço Novo Tempo Copacabana, located on Rua Santa Clara, opened on September 20, 2025, after renovations, and is now part of the Igreja Nova de Novo (New Church Again) project, which revitalizes Adventist churches in the area.
There, the community can enjoy free activities like jiu-jitsu, functional Pilates, and, soon, healthy cooking classes. According to Paulo Venâncio, an Adventist pastor who leads the local church, the goal is to meet perceived needs among the region's residents while also fostering bonds of friendship and belonging.
"We conducted a survey and saw that these practices could attract people to the space. The idea is that, through relationships and care, the church becomes visible and welcoming, also facilitating the presentation of the gospel," he explains.
Currently, about 30 students participate in the activities, many of them residents of neighboring buildings.
For families like Jane Barton, whose 10-year-old son Nicolas participates in jiu-jitsu classes, the initiative is more than a service project.
"God blessed us with a space like this on our street. I've always loved sports; I belonged to another denomination, but today I came to the Adventist Church for the first time. It's wonderful to see my son being helped," she said.
Jiu-jitsu classes at the Novo Tempo space in Copacabana
Photo: Disclosure
Church offers Jiu-jitsu classes in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro
Photo: Disclosure
Functional Pilates classes
Photo: Disclosure
35 Years of History in Copacabana
In 2025, Espaço Novo Tempo Copacabana celebrates its 35th anniversary, marked by perseverance and service. The journey began in September 1990, when a group of believers, led by Haroldo Soldani, an Adventist pastor, held services in the São Lucas Hospital auditorium. Over time, the group grew and moved to Rua Anita Garibaldi, but faced the challenges of the pandemic. Even so, the congregation remained steadfast and continued its activities responsibly.
The big turning point came with the acquisition of its current address on Rua Santa Clara, where the church consolidated its presence and began investing in social and missionary projects. Now, as a center of influence, the space seeks to be a beacon of hope amidst the hectic routine of Copacabana.
Kitchen for classes on healthy eating
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Moment of tributes
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Beginning of the inauguration ceremony
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Jane Barton visited the Copacabana Adventist Church for the first time
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Unveiling of the inaugural ribbon
Photo: Filipe Braggio
New Time Space in Copacabana
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Class location
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Pastor Paulo Venâncio
Photo: Filipe Braggio
Living space, children's rooms and kitchen
Photo: Filipe Braggio
"This is a place of welcome, worship, and salvation. Our mission is to serve the community and share the message of Christ in a practical way, impacting people's lives," said Thiarlles Boeker, president of the Adventist Church for the central region of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
During the program, leaders, pastors, and individuals who have made a difference over the years were honored. Videos were also shown featuring testimonials from those who passed through the space, sharing their experiences and how they contributed to the church's mission.
The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
