News

Ordination Ceremony in Ohio Recognizes Beavercreek Pastor

Ohio Conference, Delthony L. Gordon, Beavercreek Church

Story by Kasper Haughton Jr.

Members of Beavercreek church, Ohio Conference executives and fellow pastors from across the state recently gathered for a special ordination service recognizing God’s ministry call on Delthony L. Gordon’s life.

Throughout his ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gordon has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, evangelist, lay pastor, academy chaplain and full-time pastor. He has served in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Oklahoma and now at the Ohio Conference as the senior pastor of Beavercreek.

May 26, 2021: No More Night

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Rev. 21:4, NLT).

This verse has always been a favorite of mine, so I recently read it in various translations. Surprised to find 28 translations online, I realized there are many different ways God shows us that because one day He will make death disappear, we can look forward to being happy forever.

My mom was very ill for four, long years and passed away three years ago. It still doesn’t feel real that she is gone. God never intended for us to experience that kind of sadness, separation and death. He created us to live forever with each other and with Him.

Columbia Union Celebrates Five Years of Ministry, Hosts 28th Constituency Meeting Virtually

Rick Remmers, Dave Weigley and Emmanuel Asiedu preside over the Columbia Union Constituency Meeting.

On May 22–23, the Columbia Union Conference hosted its 28th quinquennial constituency meeting. Due to the pandemic and social distancing measures that continue around the union eight-state territory, the two-day meeting was held virtually.

Columbia Union Vice Presidents Elected for New Five-Year Term

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

At the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting on May 23, delegates re-elected vice presidents Celeste Ryan Blyden, Frank Bondurant, Rubén A. Ramos and Donovan Ross, and also elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow to replace Wally Carson, who plans to retire at the end of this month.

After the votes, Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, said the union is blessed with a dedicated team of leaders "with wonderful expertise to move the mission forward.”

Celeste Ryan Blyden Re-Elected to Lead Communication

Walter Carson, Longtime Adventist Attorney, Honored for 15 Years of Service

The Columbia Union Executive Leadership team honors Walter Carson during the 28th Constituency Meeting. | Photo by Brian Tagalog

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

After 53 years practicing law, including 44 years representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Walter Carson, Columbia Union Conference vice president and General Counsel, plans to retire May 31. During his career, he represented various government agencies and worked in private practice, but found the greatest sense of purpose in working for the church.

Union Delegates Elect New Columbia Union Vice President and General Counsel

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Delegates to the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow as the new vice president and general counsel.

Burrow, who most recently served as the assistant to the general counsel at the Columbia Union, will replace Walter Carson, who is retiring at the end of May.

Burrow says she is humbled by the new position: “There are days when I ask, why me? But I have seen God at work in this process, and I do believe He has answered prayers and has led me here, so I am ready to serve.”