News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

'Built for the Moment’: SALT Returns to the Columbia Union

Students from Waldwick Adventist School and Blue Mountain Academy at the 2023 SALT event.

Story by Shannon Kelly / Photos by Esther Hernandez, Blue Mountain Academy Marketing Deparment

After being canceled for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SALT, a longstanding tradition in the Columbia Union Conference, is back. Roughly 150 student leaders from most of the Columbia Union’s senior and day academies gathered for Spiritual Academy Leadership Training (SALT) at Potomac Conference’s Camp Blue Ridge, nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, for a long weekend of inspiration, leadership development, fellowship and worship.

In This World, But Not of It

Editorial by Rob Gettys

This world is not our home. Most of us understand this biblical principle found in Hebrews 13:14 that encourages us to keep our sights set on the kingdom of heaven. The question we face is, “How do we properly maintain a balance between this principle and the message in Luke 19:13 that tells us to ‘occupy’ or ‘do business’ until He comes?”

These two biblical principles seem to contradict each other. However, as we look closer, I believe we will realize that it comes down to how we choose to live the lives that God has so generously given to us.

Leadership Program at WGTS 91.9 Marks Its Second Year

WGTS welcomes Leadership Development Program interns Emily Kreher and Julia Everett.

Story by WGTS Staff

The WGTS 91.9 Leadership Development Intern Program (LDIP) has entered its second year of training and teaching for university students. The program involves many operational facets of media ministry.

“It is important that we invest in young people through practical exposure and education, helping them explore the many career paths within media ministry,” says Kevin Krueger, president and CEO.

Interim Principal Spencer Hannah Joins Spring Valley Academy

Spencer and Eva Hannah will be serving at Spring Valley Academy.

Story by Angela Peach

Spring Valley Academy (SVA) is pleased to welcome Spencer Hannah as the 2023–24 interim principal. With Darren Wilkins accepting the position of vice president for Student Life at Walla Walla University (Wash.) after 10 years as principal, the Board of Trustees faced the nearly impossible task of replacing him. But with Hannah retiring from College View Academy in Lincoln, Neb., in June, God led the board to offer him to fill the position.

Washington Adventist University Religion and Theology Students Kick Off School Year With Retreat

Washington Adventist University theology and religion department students and staff take a retreat

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Last weekend, some 20 religion and theology students and staff from Washington Adventist University and Potomac Conference’s Sligo church—both located in Takoma Park, Md.— gathered for a spiritual retreat in Emmitsburg, Md.

Throughout the weekend, the group studied Mark 7 and enjoyed periods of silence with God. They also participated in a communion service together.

Hispanic Camp Meeting in Ohio Focuses on Church Planting

In recognition for their efforts in church planting, leaders Elian Maldonado from the Cincinnati church plant; Luis Roque from the Vandalia church plant; Clerius Joseph from the Haitian church plant; and Augusto Perez from the Middletown church plant, hold certificates.

Story by Francis Tuffour

Attendees Learn to ‘Make Disciples’ at New Jersey Camp Meetings

Worshippers gather at New Jersey Conference's Hispanic Camp Meeting.

Story by Stephen Lee

Morocco Earthquake: ADRA Intensifies Efforts to Assist Victims in Hardest Hit Areas

2023 Morocco Earthquake aftermath from ADRA International

Story by ADRA Staff

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) emergency response teams are on the ground in Morocco ready to deliver humanitarian relief to victims in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake and aftershocks that devastated the country, on September 8. The major quake, with a magnitude of 6.8 and a depth of 18.5 kilometers (about 11.5 mi), caused massive destruction and loss of life, leaving countless people and towns in desperate need of assistance, according to local officials.

John Rengifo Appointed Ministerial Director at Chesapeake Conference

Story by Evan Knott

John Rengifo, lead pastor of the Ellicott City (Md.) church, has accepted an invitation to serve as the next ministerial director of the Chesapeake Conference. The announcement comes after the Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee unanimously affirmed the recommendation from conference administration.

Nino Transitions to Columbia Union Education Team

Story by Stephen Lee

Her name derives from Hebrew, and it means “compassionate friend.” Without a doubt, Ruth Nino lives up to her name, further cementing its meaning with total devotion and loyalty to Seventh-day Adventist education.

Nino started her ministry of education in the New Jersey Conference’s (NJC) Tranquility School in Andover. She later taught at Waldwick Adventist School—the school she attended during her elementary years and where her love for education grew.