Columbia Union News

Story by Oksana Wetmore

Over the past five years, the number of women in pastoral ministry within the Columbia Union Conference has grown to 40. Meet six women pastors who reflect on their call to ministry, as well as their challenges, successes and blessings.

 

Heather Crews
Mentored for Ministry

Growing up in a dual pastors’ family, Heather Crews was no stranger to a pastor’s lifestyle. As a 9-year-old heading from one church service to another, she recalls being a strong-willed pastor’s kid, grabbing at every chance to delve into challenging Bible discussions with her father. “It was a joy to travel with my dad on the open road between Bible studies,” she says. 

A volunteer distributes clothing at the World Harvest Outreach church in Houston. Photo by Keith Goodman

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Fourteen Columbia Union Conference members, including 11 sponsored by the union’s Adventist Community Services/Disaster Response (ACS/DR) Department, spent up to two weeks sorting supplies, distributing water and praying with residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey. This initiative took place at North American Division’s ACS-sponsored distribution center at the World Harvest Outreach church in Houston.

José H. Cortés Sr. and Dave Weigley pray together during a Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting.

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard

José H. Cortés padre, presidente de la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey durante los últimos 10 años, se retira. Los líderes de la Unión, en la reunión de septiembre del Comité Ejecutivo, le dieron un reconocimiento a Cortés por sus 50 años de servicio a la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día, 30 de los cuales fueron en la Unión de Columbia.