News

Pathfinders at the 2024 Columbia Union Conference Pathfinder Bible Experience | Photo by Shane Hochstetler

Images by Shane Hochstetler

Last weekend, 23 of the 37 teams participating in the Columbia Union Conference level 2024 Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) placed first.

During the event, held in Tranquility, N.J., Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union executive secretary, and Emmanuel Asideu, treasurer, announced that the union will give $2,000 to all the teams placing first to aid in travel expenses to the upcoming North American Division event to take place in Colorado.

Congrats to all the participants!

Story by V. Michelle Bernard | Photos by Kelly Butler Coe and Kylie Kajiura

This week, some 776 attendees, including pastors and their spouses, gathered in Hershey, Pa., for the “I Am With You” Columbia Union Evangelism Workshop. 

“This is the third ministerium we’ve had in the Columbia Union since 2000; may this be the last. May this be the one you say, ‘I was there, and I went looking for the Holy Spirit to empower me, and the Spirit fell upon me,” said Dave Weigley, Columbia Union Conference president, during the first meeting of the event.  

Story by Iris Argueta

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) continues humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, two years after the armed conflict erupted.  ADRA has been at the forefront in Ukraine and neighboring countries providing critical assistance to the most vulnerable populations affected by the hostilities, including food, shelter, psychological support, and medical care. Within hours of the conflict beginning on February 24, 2022, ADRA mobilized its global network of emergency response teams, thousands of Adventist Church volunteers, and massive resources to assist children, women, families, and individuals who fled their homes to avoid shelling and seek refuge across the border in other countries.

Dave Weigley announces his retirement

UPDATE, MARCH 11, 2024:

The Columbia Union Executive Committee met on March 6 and voted to form a presidential search committee to bring recommendations back to the executive committee. 

UPDATE, MARCH 4, 2024:

What Happens Now?

We have received inquiries about what happens during a presidential transition: 

Students prepare to rake leaves in Highland View Academy’s community.

Story by Rob Gettys

Highland View Academy (HVA) leaders and students are committed to serving their local com- munity. In years past, they have planned and implemented a “Week of Service” in the spring. This year, they chose to spread the service days throughout the school year to place a more consistent emphasis on serving their community.

Recently, HVA students entered the community to rake leaves, split and stack firewood, pick apples from a family orchard—located on a farm with a medical mission program that serves advanced cancer patients—and participate in many other service-related activities.

Story by Stephen Lee

The Hungarian International church in Perth Amboy celebrated its 90th anniversary in October, a significant milestone in its rich history. Established in 1928, the church officially formed as a congregation in April 1933, following a series of dedicated evangelistic endeavors.

The challenging years of the Great Depression left indelible marks, vividly reflected in the treasurer’s meticulous records. Despite financial hardships, the church persevered and flourished, a testament to the unwavering faith of its members.

On Dec. 10, 1945, the members acquired their own building, dedicating it on June 22, 1946. The congregation’s resilience persisted even through challenges posed by the recent pandemic, as devoted members undertook a renovation.

Story by Evan Knott

The Triadelphia church in Clarksville, Md., recently celebrated 50 years of ministry in Howard County, marking half a century since its founding members began construction on its current building. Before moving to its current site, the congregation held services at the Glenelg Methodist Church during the initial years after members began meeting in 1967.

Bevercreek church member Esther Gordon presents a gift to a guest.

Story by Francis Tuffour

Ohio Conference's Beavercreek church recently held a community guest day, honoring officials from the city council, educators, health care professionals, and human and social service providers.