Story by Katie Rae Miller
Summer camp has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
When you are little, camp is about having fun doing activities, making friends and singing camp songs. As you grow older, camp and the lessons you learn from worships become even more meaningful. On the last night of camp, songs like “Someday” make for the most special time because we come to understand that someday all of us
will be in heaven together.
Story by Potomac Conference Staff
They are known as the Pandemic Comforters—a group of members from Washington, D.C., area churches, who embark on a mission to bring hope and healing. The unique work of this group is two- fold: to encourage politicians in a time of need and to offer prayers with them in bringing an end to the coronavirus and protecting our nation’s democracy.
Group members, including founder Rockefeller Twyman, a member of the Rockville (Md.) church, recently visited the home of Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, whose son, Thomas, took his own life.
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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.”
Story by Ricardo Bacchus
On May 22, delegates to the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting re-elected President Dave Weigley (pictured left), Executive Secretary Rick Remmers and Treasurer Emmanuel Asiedu for the 2021–2026 term.
Read these articles from the May/June 2021 issue: