News

 / Photo by Brian Tagalog

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

At the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting on May 23, delegates re-elected vice presidents Celeste Ryan Blyden, Frank Bondurant, Rubén A. Ramos and Donovan Ross, and also elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow to replace Wally Carson, who plans to retire at the end of this month.

After the votes, Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, said the union is blessed with a dedicated team of leaders "with wonderful expertise to move the mission forward.”

Celeste Ryan Blyden Re-Elected to Lead Communication

The Columbia Union Executive Leadership team honors Walter Carson during the 28th Constituency Meeting. | Photo by Brian Tagalog

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

After 53 years practicing law, including 44 years representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Walter Carson, Columbia Union Conference vice president and General Counsel, plans to retire May 31. During his career, he represented various government agencies and worked in private practice, but found the greatest sense of purpose in working for the church.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Delegates to the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow as the new vice president and general counsel.

Burrow, who most recently served as the assistant to the general counsel at the Columbia Union, will replace Walter Carson, who is retiring at the end of May.

Burrow says she is humbled by the new position: “There are days when I ask, why me? But I have seen God at work in this process, and I do believe He has answered prayers and has led me here, so I am ready to serve.”

Several years ago, Lay Pastor Juliana Marson felt compelled to start a church plant in Lakewood, New Jersey. The church planted has now become an official church, complete with a caring church family.

 

Robert T. Vandeman, an administrator and ordained minister, who served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for nearly 50 years, passed away Friday, April 23, after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 71.

A memorial service will be held, Sabbath, May 22 at 3 p.m. at Spencerville Adventist church in Silver Spring, Md. | Watch the livestream at facebook.com/spencervillesda.

Sympathy cards and letters may be sent to:

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Editorial by Richard Bianco

While 2020 is in our rearview mirror, its aftershock will linger in our collective memories for lifetime. We’ve seen everything from COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd to bitter politics, personal anxiety and fear felt by millions across the country. Through it all, our Seventh-day Adventist educators have shown strength and conviction, helping families and students move forward in their spiritual and educational pursuits.