News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

Columbia Union Churches Support Members During Immigration Crackdowns

Story by Amanda Blake

The United States’ recent immigration crackdown has impacted hundreds of congregations across the Columbia Union Conference. Earlier this year, church administrators and legal advisors met to discuss the realities unfolding in local churches.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that in 2025, close to 3 million undocumented immigrants departed the United States, including “more than 675,000 deportations.” In a similar timeframe, more than 1.6 million immigrants lost their legal status.

Celebrating Gods Goodness and Growth 29th Constituency Meeting

G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, congratulates the newly elected Columbia Union officer team and their spouses.

Takoma Academy students sing at the Columbia Union Conference Constituenct Story by the Visitor Staff / Photos by Ruth Anan and Kylie Kajiura

ADRA Assessing Needs Following Major Earthquake in Venezuela

Story by ADRA International Staff

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is on the ground in Venezuela assessing humanitarian needs after a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the country on June 24 at 6:05 p.m. local time. The earthquake, centered near Morón in Carabobo state, affected some of the country’s most populated areas, including Carabobo and Yaracuy, with millions of people experiencing strong to severe shaking.

As emergency response efforts continue, ADRA Venezuela is working alongside local authorities, OCHA, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church network to assess the situation and identify the communities with the greatest needs. Initial assessments indicate urgent needs for food, safe water, hygiene supplies, emergency shelter, and medical assistance.

Viviendo su Llamado Sabrado Los Educadores del ano 2025-26

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard / Traducción de Domitila Rosette

La Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union Conference anunció recientemente a los Educadores del Año 2025-26.

Ruth Nino, directora asociada de la Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union y organiza-dora del programa, afirma: “La labor del maestro es el cum-plimiento de la Gran Comisión a través de la enseñanza. Es ministerio en acción”.

Administradora del Año:

Miya Kim, Directora, Atholton Adventist Academy

Educadora de Primaria del Año:

Los Vicepresidentes son Reelegidos para el Mandate 2026-2031

Los delegados de la 29.ª Sesión Quinquenal reeligieron a los cinco vicepresidentes—José L. Vázquez, Lisa Saveikis Burrow, José D. Espósito, Donovan Ross y Kelly Butler Coe—para cumplir otro mandato de cinco años en sus respectivos cargos.

Historia de Ricardo Bacchus / Traducción para Domitila Rosette

Legacy to Leadership: A Conversation With Mandela

Story by Debra C. Anderson

The Community Praise church (CPC) in Alexandria, Va., hosted a special program recognizing Black History Month and reflecting on the enduring call to justice, unity and faithful leadership. The congregation welcomed Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, for a conversation that challenged attendees to move beyond remembrance toward meaningful action.

Pull Up a Chair

Image by Katja S. Verhoeven from Pixabay

Editorial by Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference

Growing up in a large family, my parents always taught us that, although we were poor economically, we were rich in love. Therefore, God always provided enough for us to feed someone else. So, without fail, we always set out an extra plate at the table, expecting that somebody would knock on our door in need of a meal.

North American Division Launches OneVoice27 Initiative, Invites Communities to Experience "All Things New"

Story by North American Division Office of Communication

The North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists is joining the Church’s worldwide movement to share the hope of Jesus Christ through All Things New, the public-facing expression of the global OneVoice27 initiative.* Through OneVoice27, the NAD is looking to mobilize members, churches, schools, ministries, conferences, and unions around a shared mission focus leading to September 2027.

Lima Leads Community in Sending Relief to Jamaica

Story by Francis Tuffour

Penuel Church Spreads Love to Local Rehab Center

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Led by Pastor James Thomas, Penuel church members recently visited the Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center (Va.) with a simple but meaningful goal: to ensure every resident felt seen, valued and remembered. The group brought roses and personally placed one into the hands of each of the center’s 174 residents.