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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76 Teams Participate in Columbia Union Pathfinder Bible Experience

A Pathfinder gets ready for the Columbia Union PBE to start

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

This past Sabbath, 76 Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams from around the Columbia Union Conference gathered at Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Md., for the union’s PBE.

Before the testing portion of the event, Sherilyn O’Ffill, event coordinator, told the participants, “No matter what else happens today, you have already succeeded. You have spent at least two months studying two books [Romans and 1 Corinthians] of the Bible.”

Thirty-four of these teams placed first and will continue to the North American Division event in April 25-26 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

 

Allegheny East Conference

UN BUEN COMIENZO PARA EL 2025

Historia de Tamyra Horst

La iglesia Shalom Hispanic de la Pennsylvania Conference en Reading celebró el primer sábado del nuevo año de la mejor manera posible: con un bautismo.

Mientras estudiábamos sobre el bautismo en el pequeño grupo semanal de la familia Vázquez, una de las integrantes se sintió convencida para bautizarse. Sus dos hermanas siguieron su ejemplo y, en enero, Janel, Johanna y Juliani Sánchez (en la foto con pastor Elias Saud) se unieron oficialmente a la iglesia.

Participate in the 2025 Global Youth Day

Global Youth Day 2025- A Community Transformed

“A Community Transformed” is the theme for this year’s Global Youth Day, March 15. To celebrate this event, the General Conference Youth Ministries Department is inviting youth, ages 4 to 30, to get active in their churches, schools and cities to share the three angels’ messages.

In past years, groups around the world have helped elderly community members with chores, held special prayer sessions, visited residents of nursing homes, distributed food and more.

We can’t wait to see your creative ideas and projects! Tag the Visitor on Instagram: @columbiaunionvisitor.

Sharing Their Hope

Members of the Williamsport Adventist church pass out Great Controversys

Story by Tamyra Horst

Pennsylvania Conference’s Williamsport church has distributed 6,000 copies of The Great Controversy in their community over the last two years.

The evangelistic initiative began when member Amy Fulmer heard General Conference President Ted N.C. Wilson challenge the Seventh-day Adventist Church to distribute the books in 2023 and 2024. “We took him seriously,” she shares. “What a blessing it has been!”

Practical Tips for Organizing a Church Holiday Program

Story by Amanda Blake

Many of the church leaders who spoke to the Visitor for the March/April 2025 issue’s feature article also shared pragmatic advice for congregations hosting meaningful holiday programs that connect people and point them to Jesus.
 

  • Start the legwork now by preaching sermons on outreach. Motivate members early.

  • When pitching the program to your church, ensure everyone understands the rationale behind the event: to connect  with people who are seeking a connection with God.