Story by Heidi Shoemaker

During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Conference leadership recognized one thing: Ministry does not stop. Woven into their COVID-19 “Ministry Action Plan” are words of encouragement: “Worship is a way of life and has not, and will not, be canceled. Ministry does not stop because we cannot worship together in a building. Ministry can and will continue because of you.”

Pastors, teachers, church members and students quickly adapted to virtual worship and classes, finding innovative ways to remain connected and share Jesus with others. Pastors met weekly via Zoom, sharing what was working within their regions and seeking guidance for difficult circumstances. Innovation and perseverance flourished across churches and schools during quarantine.

Story by Tiffany Doss

A historic groundbreaking ceremony will take place at Potomac Conference's Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va., on October 10 at 4 p.m.—marking the beginning of Phase 1 of the Master Plan for the campus. The Master Plan, designed to improve the overall guest experience and create additional adult housing and meeting spaces—including an adult retreat center—will kick off with construction of a new cafeteria with increased dining space.

Story by New Jersey Conference Staff

Leonel Pottinger, the ministerial director for the New Jersey Conference (NJC), recently retired after nearly 50 years of selfless ministry.

In September the union Executive Committee set up a search committee to replace Rob Vandeman, who plans to retire from that position at the end of 2020. The candidate will serve in an interim capacity until the Union’s constituency meeting July 10-11, 2021, when officers will be elected for the next five-year term.

Read more from that Executive Committee meeting here.