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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Story by Shaun Robinson

Potomac Conference's Takoma Academy (TA) is proud of its many successful graduates who have gone on to pursue careers in myriad industries and disciplines. Zelick Stewartson (’14) is one graduate who embodies the spirit of the TA Tiger. Stewartson—a four-year alumnus—enrolled at the University of Maryland in pursuit of a degree in Engineering. Although he did very well academically in high school, he admits that college challenged him on a much higher level; unpacking the expository readings and problem-solving assessments required an abundance of commitment from an undergraduate.

Story by Rob Gettys

Thirteen upperclassmen sat on Highland View Academy’s (HVA) chapel stage late last year and faced their principal, Rob Gettys, who asked them to remind the audience of the four characteristics they were being recognized for that day. With the National Honor Society (NHS) crest highlighted over their heads, they collectively responded with, “service, leadership, and character,” before stalling on the last essential characteristic of an NHS member. The new inductees nervously glanced at each other before senior Desmond Nana remembered the very first standard that made them eligible to apply, and laughingly responded, “academics!”

Students line up to receive Bryn Elliott’s autobiography, Dying to Live. Photo by Richmond Adventist Academy

Story by Debra Anderson

In pursuit of promoting mental health awareness within Potomac Conference’s 16 schools, the Office of Education has made it a priority to address subject matters not often publicly addressed. As part of this mental health initiative, guest lecturer Bryn Elliott recently shared her compelling testimony at each of the conference’s three senior academies: Richmond, Shenandoah Valley, and Takoma.

Image by Lars Nissen from Pixabay

Story by Tamyra Horst

Three Harrisburg Adventist School (HAS) students were recently baptized at the Harrisburg First church, thanks to the commitment of parents, staff and pastors.

Esther Zou and Talanoa Taufa’ao made the commitment to be baptized after a school Week of Prayer last year. They also attended a weekly follow-up Bible study with Pastor Ray Christman, then administrator of the school.