News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

United Together in Mission

Editorial by Gary Gibbs

God has called His last-day people to reach everyone, everywhere with the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. As members of the Pennsylvania Conference, He has assigned us this corner of the Earth as our mission field. The harvest of souls Jesus will reap at His return will be largely influenced by our faithful attention to the mission in which God has entrusted us.

Our mission strategy for 2024–2028 sets an intentional focus on discipleship, evangelism and rediscovering the Seventh-day Adventist advantage of the Sabbath and living healthy lives. Our six initiatives are:

Transformed Lives Shine at Prison Ministries Summit

Story by Debra Anderson

Under the direction of Hank Branch, the Prison Ministry Department of the Potomac Conference recently participated in the Western Regional Prison Ministry Summit, held in Roanoke, Va. The event attracted participants from across Virginia and Maryland, representing the Potomac and Allegheny East conferences. The summit highlighted the critical role of community and faith in transforming lives through Prison Ministries.

Conference Hosts 2024 Treasurers’ Training

New Jersey Conference, Carlos Portanova, Jewel Accounting System, Adventist Risk Management

Story by Stephen Lee

Ghanaian Church Hosts Digital Safety Talk

Kwabena Okyere, an elder who manages the church’s media and communication, displays one of the new volunteer vests to fellow church members.

Story by Francis Tuffour

The Columbus Ghanaian church recently hosted two officers from the city’s police department. The event, which focused on educating members about cybercrimes and how to avoid them, was a significant part of the church’s audio-visual and communication day activities. This event not only celebrated the church’s Media Ministries but also honored their dedicated volunteers.

See Videos and Photos from the International Camporee

Want to see more of your Columbia Union Conference Pathfinders at the 'Believe the Promise' International Camporee? We can help.

Forecasted Weather Shortens Camporee Programs, Clubs Plan Their Exit

Prentice Park Pathfinder Braise Ellis packs up her tent.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard (and more stories below)

With another potential strong storm forecasted to come through Gillette, Wy., tomorrow, International Camporee leaders had to make the hard logistical decision to cancel the Sabbath morning and Saturday evening programs previously scheduled to conclude the event. “Every effort is being made to keep Pathfinders safe during the next few days,” say event leaders.

Pathfinders 'Maximize Their Witness,' Get Baptized in Front of Thousands

Sherilyn O'Ffill (right), Potomac Conference associate youth director, baptizes a Columbia Union Pathfinder.

Story by Ricardo Bacchus / Reporting by V. Michelle Bernard

Baptism, a special occasion in which candidates are celebrated for publicly giving their lives to God, can be intimidating for some; being the center of attention isn’t everyone’s forte.

Now picture getting baptized in front of 60,000-plus Pathfinders, staff and family members.

Fire Causes Severe Damage to Spencerville Church

Story by Spencerville Church Staff / Photo by Erwin Nanasi

Spencerville Church will hold Sabbath worship services on Saturday, August 10, at 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, located at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

UPDATE: Camporee to Finish Nighttime Programs on Friday Evening

Statement from the International Pathfinder Camporee Leadership team:

Because the safety of all those gathered at the International Pathfinder Camporee is of utmost importance, the camporee leadership, in collaboration with North American Division union, division and international leadership, has reluctantly decided to finish the evening main stage nighttime program one day early, on Friday, August 9.

Severe thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are predicted for Sabbath late afternoon and evening. Every effort is being made to keep Pathfinders safe during the next few days.

Columbia Union Drill and Drum Corps Teams Stick to the Beat

Allegheny East Conference's Metropolitan Metrolites Drum Corps prepare to showcase their talents.

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

On a black top, roughly 100 feet by 100 feet, 32 Columbia Union Conference drill and drum corps teams lined up on the International Pathfinder camporee campgrounds in Gillette, Wy. A packed audience, comprised of friends, family members, fellow club and church members, waited in anticipation, not wanting to miss a beat or step.

But the onlooking crowd would have to wait a few minutes longer.