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Thank You, Pastor

Graphic from Canva

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we have some ideas to help you encourage
and celebrate your local pastor.

• Send them a gift card to a local restaurant or cultural event.
• Pray for them every day.
• Write them an encouraging note, highlighting how they have helped your church.
• Take ownership of a ministry at your church. (Don’t wait for your pastor to do all the work!)
• Talk to your pastor directly (not to others) when you have a concern.
• Post a compliment on their social media account this month (and encourage others to do the same).

TAPS Performs for the National Park Service

TAPS Performs for the National Park Service, Takoma Academy, Harriet Tubman, Potomac Conference, Juneteenth Day

Story by Debra Anderson

At the Takoma Academy Preparatory School (TAPS) in Takoma Park, Md., teachers and administrators focus on graduating thinkers, achievers, peacemakers and servant leaders.

ADRA Appoints Three New Vice Presidents

The Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA) has announced the appointment of three new vice presidents. 

Charné Renou has been appointed as the agency’s incoming vice president for finance. 

Sonya Funna Evelyn has been appointed to a newly created vice president role in the agency’s growing programmatic and humanitarian space. 

Derris Krause has been appointed as the agency’s new vice president for marketing and development.

Charné Renou

'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

Greg Rosenke/Unsplash

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.