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.
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.
Story by Liz Bailey
Barbara Foster is a lady who knows what she wants and won’t let anything stop her. Knowing her son was a Seventh-day Adventist when he passed away, she decided she wanted what he had. So, one day she walked into the Elkins (W.Va.) church and stated, “I want to be a Seventh-day Adventist.” One of the members gladly started giving her weekly Bible studies.
Story by Cathy Payne, administrative assistant II for the Office of Education at the North American Division.
Sometimes when I picture the Garden of Eden, I imagine God strolling across a green meadow with a happy dog running beside Him, birds singing overhead and butterflies drifting among the flowers. I picture joy, laughter and companionship.
Story by ACSGW Staff
Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) has announced the appointment of Nancy Lamoreaux as Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026.
Lamoreaux brings more than two decades of service to ACSGW and 42 years of leadership and technology experience within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Her service to ACSGW began in 2004 as a member of the board of directors. In July 2023, she became chair of the board, serving until October 2025, when she became co-Executive director with Ken Flemmer.
Read articles from the September-October 2026 Visitor:
Story by Becky St. Clair
We’ve all heard stories of hero animals who have rescued people from danger, or of beloved pets who have left a significant impact on someone’s life. Some animals are specifically trained to aid, heal or provide comfort and companionship as we face life’s challenges.
Throughout the Bible, “ministry” is simply defined as meeting a need. Perhaps some of the most powerful examples of selfless, intentional care don’t come from the pulpit but from animals.