In addition to the stressors from the pandemic, in 2020, both Denise Barclay’s husband, David Thompson, and mother faced extremely challenging medical issues. But Barclay believes that “God orchestrated the events that would shape, inspire and facilitate the opportunity to release an album.
Who We Are, How We Serve
The Columbia Union Conference, established in 1907 to coordinate the Seventh-day Adventist Church's work in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, is part of the worldwide Protestant denomination of 23 million members in more than 212 countries. At the union level, we connect and provide administrative leadership, governance and support services to our conferences, schools, health care networks and ministries. Each year, our organizations sponsor programs and projects that address human needs, improve quality of life and introduce people to Jesus. Read our Mission, Values and Priorities.
We Believe
God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you. ...’ When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her” (Ruth 1:16, 18, NKJV).
I have experienced a bitter spirit like Naomi. As an African-American woman, I have experienced many losses through racism, sexism, classism and misogynoir. Of those losses, it has been the ones I have suffered within my faith community that have been the most devastating because they resulted in misperceptions of God. Like Naomi, my misperception of God evoked anger, disappointment and bitterness. But unlike Naomi, my misperception also led to loss of identity with God.
Story by Michele Joseph
ASI Columbia Union recently hosted a virtual workshop to help members become digital missionaries.
Rodney Bowes, ASI International’s vice president for evangelism, showcased the tools available through its 3AM Call website. The resource was created to help anyone who wants to tell others about the soon coming of Jesus.
Sending her son to Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) was a hard decision for one single mother, but one that was necessary. Although she didn’t know how she would pay for his tuition, she wanted more for him and his life, so, in faith, she enrolled him. And then prayed. And prayed.
Story by Andre Hastick
Recently, the Williamsport (Md.) church held Sabbath School Alive, a one-day training seminar to equip Sabbath School leaders to create more engaging experiences for class attendees by focusing on prayer, Bible study, fellowship and mission. Guest speaker Ramon J. Canals (pictured), director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the General Conference, trained participants by helping them develop practical plans to make each Sabbath School class vibrant.