Who We Are, How We Serve

The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 150,000 members worship in 860 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 81 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a 49 community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.

Mission Values Priorities

We Believe

God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.

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Kettering Health's Dr. Patel and his team

Story by Ben Riggs

 

Get Dr. Akil Patel talking about his kids, and you’ll hear his fatherly pride. He leans forward, grins ear to ear, and has countless pictures on his phone. Get him talking about the human brain, and you’ll hear his child-like wonder. He explains it using his hands, eyes widened behind his thin, black- rimmed glasses, and has stories galore on his mind.

The 37-year-old vascular neurosurgeon knows a thing or two about the three-pound organ between our ears. From residency at the University of Maryland to training at Johns Hopkins and Seattle’s Swedish Neuroscience Institute, he has committed all his brain to understanding ours.

Graphic by inspiredimages on pixabay

Story by Ariana Jervis

As the world of health care evolves, numerous fields offer fulfilling, impactful career opportunities. One such field that gets overlooked is Respiratory Care. Often overshadowed by more familiar health care occupations, Respiratory Care is a field that embodies compassion, expertise and the remarkable ability to help people breathe with ease.

Senior Asha Caruthers and sophomore Elisa Muñoz attend the annual spiritual retreat.

Story by Tim Soper

The start of a school year brings new challenges, opportunities and stresses. Establishing a solid foundation for success is paramount. Hence, the high schoolers at Chesapeake Conference's Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) began their school year at SAA’s annual high school spiritual retreat, focusing together on the promise found in Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (4:13, NKJV).