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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Story by Debra Anderson

The Potomac Conference is pleased to introduce Williams Ovalle—a dedicated and passionate leader with a heart for young people—as its new youth director. With a decade of experience within the Potomac Conference, his journey to this role has been nothing short of inspiring.

Born in Guatemala, Ovalle’s story is about determination and faith. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, seeking a better future. In June 2013, Ovalle answered the call to become a part of the Potomac Conference family as pastor of the Manassas (Va.) Battlefield Spanish church. Since then, he has tirelessly dedicated himself to nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals.

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Editorial by Carlos Portanova

The Bible tells us the story of a woman whose name is not known. She is famous for giving everything she had, even though she was a widow, and widows were among the poorest of the land during that time. Her testimony tells us the meaning of true giving.

This widow had in her possession only two mites. If we translate that into today’s currency, two mites equals about a penny.

Ellen White expounds on the story:

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By Michelle Perez and Jennifer Jill Schwirzer

Emotional abusealso known as the "hidden abuse" since it leaves no physical mark and is so difficult to identify, is more common than you thinkeven within Seventh-day Adventist homes and churches. As a pastor, leader or church member, it is important to distinguish what the church's role is and isn't when faced with this situation. 

The church's role isn’t

• A substitute for law enforcement involvement

• A substitute for mental health services

• A substitute for legal support or advice

• A judge

The church's role is