News

The Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee elected Marilyn Scott as executive secretary of the Chesapeake Conference on Jan. 20. Scott fills the vacancy created when Andre Hastick became president on Jan. 1, following Jerry Lutz’s retirement.

Scott has served since 2024 as associate pastor for Children’s and Family Ministries at Bell Branch Church in Gambrills, Md., and as a Children’s Ministries specialist for Chesapeake Conference, providing training and resources for children’s ministries around the conference. Scott has pastored in the Chesapeake Conference for 16 years, serving previously as the Children’s Ministries associate pastor at Spencerville Church (2010–2016) and New Hope Church (2016–2024).

Professionals’ Retreat Inspires and Motivates, Mountain View Conference, Tim Bailey, WISP Resort, Pavel Goia, "Two Little Fish"

Story by Liz Bailey

Recently, the Mountain View Conference (MVC) hosted a first-of-its-kind retreat for professionals.

“The purpose of this retreat,” states Tim Bailey, MVC president, “is to get input from leaders in our conference and to involve them in strategic plans for our future growth.”

New Life Church Celebrates Phase 1 of Renovation Project, Allegheny East Conference, Steven L. Brown, Dana Edmond, New Life church, Geston Pierre

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The New Life church in Hampton, Va., celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of its renovation project after several weeks of work and unforeseen challenges marking the transformation of its sanctuary into a vibrant, multipurpose LIFE Center, a space designed to serve both the congregation and the wider Hampton community.

Highland View Academy students lead out in song service during Week of Prayer at Frederick Adventist Academy (Md.).

As Highland View Academy (HVA) looks toward 2026, the campus community is energized by a clear vision: to grow, connect and inspire the next generation of Christ-centered leaders. With the new year comes a renewed focus on recruiting and welcoming students who are ready to grow spiritually, academically and personally in a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Hagerstown, Md., HVA continues to offer a distinctive blend of strong academics, vibrant campus life and spiritual formation.

wgts919.com/stillwaters

Story by WGTS Staff

Life can get loud. The pace, the pressure, the expectations — they all pile up even before your feet hit the floor in the morning. But God invites you into something gentler. Something quieter. Something healing.

“Beside Still Waters,” put together by WGTS and featuring our three female on-air hosts, is a peaceful seven-day video devotional series designed to help you in the new year to return to Jesus through seven simple, honest steps: stillness, honesty, hope, compassion, forgiveness, purposefulness, and gratitude.

Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay

Editorial by Harvey Hahn

Over the years as a cardiologist, I’ve seen one simple truth become clearer with time:
Scripture’s wisdom about the heart—both literal and spiritual—is continually affirmed by experience.

What the Bible has long taught about nourishment, rest, moderation, community and purpose is no longer seen as merely devotional insight or something practiced by a small corner of the world; it is now being embraced at a cultural level with remarkable enthusiasm.

Bridge Church Marks 55 Years With Ribbon Cutting, Potomac Conference, Charles A. Tapp, Jose L. Vazquez, Karen Senecal

Story by Debra C. Anderson

The Bridge church—formerly Woodbridge— recently celebrated its 55th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication service at its new home in Manassas, Va. After years of planning, prayer and perseverance through multiple delays, the congregation joyfully marked this milestone, honoring its past while embracing a fresh beginning in a new location.

The Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee prays for Andre Hastick following his election. Photo by Melvin Donadelle

Story by Evan Knott

Today, the Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee elected Andre Hastick as president of the Chesapeake Conference. Hastick accepted the call and will begin his duties January 1, 2026, following Jerry Lutz’s retirement at the end of the year. 

The committee reviewed the conference’s bylaws outlining the role and responsibilities of the president, identified qualities they were seeking in a new leader and engaged in multiple seasons of prayer throughout the deliberation process.

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Historia de V. Michelle Bernard / Traducción por Domitila Rosette

Debido al gran apoyo recibido para Pentecostés 2025, la iniciativa de evangelización continuará de diversas formas en el 2026. En las reuniones de fin de año de la North American Division, celebradas en otoño, los asistentes votaron a favor de que la iniciativa continuara bajo el nuevo nombre de “Pentecostés y más allá”.