Who We Are, How We Serve

The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 150,000 members worship in 860 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 81 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a 49 community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.

Mission Values Priorities

We Believe

God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.

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Hope for Humanity Baltimore evangelistic Series wraps up with baptism service

Story by Evan Knott

The “Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity” evangelistic series concluded on Nov. 1 at Goucher College in Baltimore with a special evening baptism service celebrating 14 new members joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The baptisms are part of the year-long Reach Baltimore 2025 evangelistic initiative, with additional baptisms taking place in local churches and more scheduled before year’s end.

After a short concert and homily, attendees made their way to the Goucher College pool, where 14 people were baptized by Chesapeake and Allegheny East conference pastors. The pool area was crowded with church members from the Baltimore area who sang as candidates made their way to the pool.

WGTS 91.9 Ends Fair Season with Anne Wilson Concert

GTS midday host Becky Alignay welcomes listeners

Story by WGTS Staff

WGTS 91.9 wrapped up the fair season with an incredible performance from country-Christian artist phenom Anne Wilson. Over 2,000 people gathered in the grandstand of the “Great Frederick Fair” to sing along with new hits like “God Story” and “My Jesus.” “Caleb and John” kicked off the night with their high energy style including their song “Hallelujah Feeling.”

“It was a great mix of “My Jesus,” cowboy boots, and funnel cakes,” said WGTS director promotions and community engagement, Ken Scribner. “This was a very different crowd, and they were so into the music. We’re going to go anywhere people are praising Jesus, and this was a great night under the stars.”

This is the third year that WGTS has partnered with the “Great Frederick Fair” which is one of the largest fairs in the state of Maryland.

New Jersey Conference Mourns Passing of Former President

Story by New Jersey Conference Staff

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor LeRoy Finck, former president of the New Jersey Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Pastor Finck passed away on October 27, 2025, after a lifetime devoted to ministry, leadership, and service to the Lord. His unwavering faith and dedication to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Pastor Finck is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, his son Kevin, and his daughter Christi. From 2000 to 2007, Pastor Finck served as President of the New Jersey Conference, and for a short time thereafter as Executive Secretary. "His administration was marked by spiritual integrity, thoughtful stewardship, and genuine care for pastors, members, and ministries across New Jersey," said Elder Jose Cortes (pictured with his wife, Celia, on the right; Jim and Joyce Greene, on the left; and the Fincks, center) who served alongside him as executive secretary and later as conference president.

November-December 2025 Feature: Coming Home

In a world that can often feel lonely or uncertain, many long for the assurance that we are never alone. Here, we share stories of those who found a welcoming spiritual home.

Story by Amanda Blake

Romita Mandal had known Mr. Matthie for more than a decade. He’d been her elementary and middle school strings director, and, when she reached high school, her private violin instructor.

“Sometimes, we wouldn’t unpack the violin,” she shares. “Sometimes, I would just have a breakdown on the couch, and he would help me and be a mentor.”

Finding Home
Mandal grew up with a Hindu mom and an atheist dad. She aligned more with her dad, whom she describes as scientifically minded with no space for spirituality—yet, unlike him, Mandal believed that God existed.

Mandal independently studied parts of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and found it puzzling that churches didn’t worship on the seventh day.

One day, after speaking with Mandal about God, Matthie offered to spend time with her to answer any “God questions” she might have. She accepted, and they eventually began studying the Bible together once a week.