Who We Are, How We Serve

The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 150,000 members worship in 860 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 81 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a 49 community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.

Mission Values 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.

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A ‘New’ Old Church Changes Focus

Story by Tamyra Horst

“What’s the difference between the old church and the new church?” a member who hadn’t attended the Pottsville church for 15 years asked Pastor Alex DuBee while visiting during an evangelistic meeting.

“We are now doing the mission of God,” DuBee replied.

“I’ll never leave the church again,” she responded.

The Pottsville church now not only has a newly built facility, but a new focus. Members voted to be a part of the Faith for Family (F4F) initiative in 2018. Lisa Arosarena was assigned as their Bible instructor, fol- lowing up interests generated by a mailing the church sent to the community, while also building relationships within the community and with members who were no longer attending services.

Alumni-Parent Role Models Inspire at Career Day

Alumnus Duane White (’86), now a physician, presents at Career Day.

Story by Janel Ware

The Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Alumni Association Board is developing a database of alumni and parent professionals interested in sharing their education and career journeys with students: “It’s wonderful that many alumni specially desire to inform, inspire and encourage today’s students by returning to share their career experiences. We’ve been thrilled with the response and hope for more!” says Kelli (Fluharty) Hanon (’88), alumni president.

Haitian Federation Hosts First Young Adult Retreat

Photo by Marvens Victor

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The Haitian Youth Federation of Allegheny East Conference (AEC) recently held its first annual young adult retreat at Sandy Cove Ministries (Md). Close to 70 young adults between the ages of 18 and 40, including staff, attended the weekend retreat.

The Haitian Federation intentionally reached out to the 18- to 35-year-olds—the sometimes disengaged and forgotten demographic. “Our mission was to help our young adults connect with God and each other in order to be transformed into the image of Christ through His Word, His creation and our community,” shares Nadege Duvernay, AEC Haitian Federation president.

How to Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

“Historically, it is in crisis when the church has the most significant opportunity to live out its full mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus,” wrote Chad Stuart, senior pastor of Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., in the church’s most recent e-newsletter. “When I say ‘the church,’ please note that I am not talking about the building, about programs, or events, or even preaching. When I say ‘the church,’ I’m speaking of the calling placed on each member to be a light of hope and help in their immediate proximity.”

Help Maryland Families During Coronavirus Shutdown

Image by Chrizzel_lu on pixabay

Story by ACSGW and Visitor Staff

Amid the growing number of closures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) will remain open starting March 16 to help feed families whose children would otherwise receive free or reduced meals at school during the two-week school closure.

Leaders from the center have requested food and item donations for hygiene kits. Needed supplies include extra soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, disinfectant wipes, toothpaste and other toiletries to help replenish the supply of hygiene kits that are needed more than ever during this crisis.

Where to Donate