It has been more than year since a federal budget reconciliation bill cut $167 billion from SNAP benefits. The Montgomery Food Council has reported that nearly 500 households in Montgomery County lost their benefits, leaving them with fewer resources to afford groceries, explains Ken Flemmer, co-director of Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) in Silver Spring, Md.
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
The Penuel church in Brandy Station, Va., recently celebrated 50 years as a congregation. The worship service provided an opportunity for the church to look back with gratitude, reflecting on five decades of ministry.
The service featured a special presentation of the church’s history, bringing Penuel’s journey back into view from the prayers prayed to the sacrifices made and the lives that have been touched along the way.
Story by Evan Knott
Wilmington Junior Academy (Del.) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of Seventh-day Adventist education. All festivities were held at the West Wilmington (Del.) church. The celebration began with a Friday night vespers service and dinner, and continued on Sabbath with a special worship service and fellowship luncheon. Students played a central role in the Sabbath program, including the school’s choir.
Story by Rob Conway
Since 2012, The Story Project video series has told several dozen stories of WGTS listeners—real people who have experienced life’s hardships and, despite their grief and pain, have found a way forward through the music and messages offered by the station.
Christine, a mother of four daughters, shared her story in memory of her daughter Grace, who at just 13, experienced an incident that brought such severe cyberbullying that it led to a devastating loss.
Story by Cheryl Harris Kisunzu
“With gratitude I acknowledge the tender care of my heavenly Father and thank Him for the blessings that He has bestowed upon me …” “
As I look at the situation and the prospects here, I am filled with hope and courage” (Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 19).
Editorial by Monica Wringer
In every classroom, God is at work—shaping lives in ways that reach far beyond what we can see. During a recent visit to one of our elementary schools, a first-grade student approached me with a big question: “What is your name, and what do you do?”
I explained that I serve as the superintendent of education and briefly described my role. She paused, smiled and said, “I want to be a superintendent too.”
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
This week, 25 Columbia Union Conference elementary and four secondary teachers (including Elandya Howell from Sharon Temple Adventist School in North Wilmington, Del., pictured) gathered for an Encounter Bible curriculum training at Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy in Spencerville, Md.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Monica Esperante has recently joined the Columbia Union Conference staff as an assistant treasurer, where she will oversee day-to-day accounting functions, prepare financial reports and support the payroll processes, among other tasks.
"Monica is an excellent CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with a deep heart for mission and is committed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” says Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer. “With her skill set and welcoming attitude, the union treasury is well-positioned to continue to be a resource to the field."
Story by Addriene Rhodes
The Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Class of 2026 is a shining example of excellence, determination and talent. This remarkable group of 35 students has earned more than $900,000 in scholarships, proving that hard work, dedication and faith can open doors to endless opportunities. Their accomplishments reflect not only academic success, but also the strength of character and creativity that define this extraordinary class.
