News

Story by Tracey Jackson

This year, Allegheny East Conference's Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Honor Class of 1971 wanted to connect with the graduating Class of 2021 in a direct and specific way prior to graduation weekend.

Through the collaboration of PFA’s Career Readiness Program and the Alumni Association Student Enrichment Team, the two classes met via Zoom during a monthly Senior Night to spark new relationships, network and share ideas. The Class of 1971 members provided invaluable mentoring for the 2021 graduates, as several Senior Night meetings had Q&A sessions.

Story by Katie Rae Miller

Summer camp has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

When you are little, camp is about having fun doing activities, making friends and singing camp songs. As you grow older, camp and the lessons you learn from worships become even more meaningful. On the last night of camp, songs like “Someday” make for the most special time because we come to understand that someday all of us
will be in heaven together.

The Pandemic Comforters visit Rep. Jamie Raskin and his family (center) after the loss of their son.

Story by Potomac Conference Staff

They are known as the Pandemic Comforters—a group of members from Washington, D.C., area churches, who embark on a mission to bring hope and healing. The unique work of this group is two- fold: to encourage politicians in a time of need and to offer prayers with them in bringing an end to the coronavirus and protecting our nation’s democracy.

Group members, including founder Rockefeller Twyman, a member of the Rockville (Md.) church, recently visited the home of Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, whose son, Thomas, took his own life.

Ohio Conference, Delthony L. Gordon, Beavercreek Church

Story by Kasper Haughton Jr.

Members of Beavercreek church, Ohio Conference executives and fellow pastors from across the state recently gathered for a special ordination service recognizing God’s ministry call on Delthony L. Gordon’s life.

Throughout his ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gordon has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, evangelist, lay pastor, academy chaplain and full-time pastor. He has served in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Oklahoma and now at the Ohio Conference as the senior pastor of Beavercreek.

Image from iStock

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Rev. 21:4, NLT).

This verse has always been a favorite of mine, so I recently read it in various translations. Surprised to find 28 translations online, I realized there are many different ways God shows us that because one day He will make death disappear, we can look forward to being happy forever.

My mom was very ill for four, long years and passed away three years ago. It still doesn’t feel real that she is gone. God never intended for us to experience that kind of sadness, separation and death. He created us to live forever with each other and with Him.

 / Photo by Brian Tagalog

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

At the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting on May 23, delegates re-elected vice presidents Celeste Ryan Blyden, Frank Bondurant, Rubén A. Ramos and Donovan Ross, and also elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow to replace Wally Carson, who plans to retire at the end of this month.

After the votes, Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, said the union is blessed with a dedicated team of leaders "with wonderful expertise to move the mission forward.”

Celeste Ryan Blyden Re-Elected to Lead Communication

The Columbia Union Executive Leadership team honors Walter Carson during the 28th Constituency Meeting. | Photo by Brian Tagalog

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

After 53 years practicing law, including 44 years representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Walter Carson, Columbia Union Conference vice president and General Counsel, plans to retire May 31. During his career, he represented various government agencies and worked in private practice, but found the greatest sense of purpose in working for the church.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Delegates to the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow as the new vice president and general counsel.

Burrow, who most recently served as the assistant to the general counsel at the Columbia Union, will replace Walter Carson, who is retiring at the end of May.

Burrow says she is humbled by the new position: “There are days when I ask, why me? But I have seen God at work in this process, and I do believe He has answered prayers and has led me here, so I am ready to serve.”