The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 145,000 members worship in 863 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 101 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a dozen community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.
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.
We are living through an unprecedented time, and while we are not immune to the impact of the coronavirus, we know that we serve an almighty God who sees, who cares and who is an ever-present help in times of trouble.
As we journey this crisis together, we are in contact with the leaders of our conferences and institutions, and we are united in our commitment to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus and help people in our communities.
Please join us in praying for an end to COVID-19, and for the health care givers, first responders and other frontline workers who are working tirelessly to save lives.
Story by Anthony Baffi
The New Jersey Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department began the year with its first-ever hybrid convention, titled “Let Them In.” The theme was based on Noah and his efforts to prepare others to enter the safety of the ark through faithful preaching and teaching.
More than 100 leaders attended the two-day event, earning certificates for the North American Division Children’s Ministries Track 3 Child Evangelism training program.
Story by Kasper Haughton, Jr.
“This is the first time I have heard the Word of God preached in my native language!” Nina spoke with her new pastor, tears welling up in her eyes. “We immigrated to the United States many years ago and found out about Adventism from friends. Since then, every sermon I have heard has been through a translator until today! How beautiful the Word is!”
Story by Visitor Staff
Last Sabbath, July 30, Charlotte Pedersen McClure, former director of Communication for the Columbia Union Conference, former managing editor of the Visitor magazine, and retired pastor from the Spencerville church, was ordained to the gospel ministry.
McClure, who retired in 2010 after pastoring for eight years, has longed for this day to become a reality. “I've always felt welcomed by the brotherhood of pastors—always,” she says. “This is something that I wish would have happened earlier and I wish it would happen for more women, but I just encourage them, whether they are ordained or not, to continue working for God and for the mission of the church to spread the gospel, baptize people, comfort them.”
Story by Benia Jennings
The Women’s Ministries Department at the Shiloh Cincinnati church recently hosted a crafting event. The women enjoyed conversation, music, a raffle giveaway and a light meal before making crafts to support two local community projects. The first project was attaching greeting notes to individual packs of cookies with the inscription “Have a nice day” or “Thinking of you.” The care packages also included shower gel, lotion, hair products, flip flops and shower shoes.
The Women’s Ministries group supports a local women’s shelter by donating various items for the residents. These cookie care packages, delivered on Mother’s Day, served as the latest gift to the shelter.
Story by Iris Argueta/ ADRA
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is scaling up emergency operations to deliver food assistance and water to vulnerable communities on the verge of starvation within the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda.