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Former Columbia Union President Harold Lee Passes Away

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Harold L. Lee, president of the Columbia Union Conference from 1998-2006, passed away this morning.  

"We have lost a thoughtful, contemplative leader who gave to our union, during administrative tenure, a positive trajectory in establishing outstanding governance. His legacy continues to make a contribution in providing guidance and governance support for many of our healthcare institutions," says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president.

Born in Wellsburg, W.Va., his ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist church spanned some 40 years and included time pastoring several congregations, including his first congregation in the Allegheny West Conference in Ohio.  

Seventh-day Adventist Church Organization to Host Thanksgiving Fresh Produce Giveaway

Story by Melissa Reid

If you’re in need of fresh, quality food during the Thanksgiving season, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is here to help!

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, the North American headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will give away 10,000 lbs. of fresh fruit and vegetables. “During this Thanksgiving season, we want to help our neighbors and express our gratitude for being a part of the local Howard County community,” says Orlan Johnson, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.

The Passing of a Preacher

Potomac Conference, George E. Thornton, Sr., Woodbridge church

Story by Debra Anderson

The Potomac Conference family recently suffered the loss of one of its most prolific preachers, George E. Thornton, Sr.

In October 2021, Thornton was installed as the senior pastor of the Woodbridge (Va.) church. He served the church for just 10 months before his passing.

Thornton embarked on his new appointment with energy and enthusiasm. On his first day, he affectionately renamed the church, “The Bridge.” The members embraced it, seeing the name as a mantra to develop a deeper relationship with the local community.

First Church of Teaneck Hosts Hope Channel

Allegheny East Conference, First Church of Teaneck, "Sabbath Impact Day", Robert T. Smith

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The First Church of Teaneck in New Jersey recently hosted Hope Channel International’s “Sabbath Impact Day.” Led by Hope Sabbath School member Jason Miller, the hybrid event began with a Sabbath School discussion with panelists Sabrina Mills and Victor Mills from Middleton, N.Y., and First Church members Asabie Hoyte, Jonathan Mays and Elvys Mutis.

Pennsylvania Conference Welcomes Media Ministries Director

Pixabay

Story by Tamyra Horst

Matt Stroup has joined the Pennsylvania Conference team as the new Media Ministries director. This new position will focus on creating resources to equip and help churches in their mission to reach everyone, everywhere. He will film and produce training videos and other resources that members can use to help share the gospel with their communities.

Recovery Sabbath 2022 To Be Held

Image by Use At Your Ease From Pixabay

On November 12, North American Division’s Health Ministries Department is launching “Recovery Sabbath 2022,” a new yearly focus on addiction recovery.

“As we understand the recovery process, we come to appreciate more beautifully the process of God’s work in our lives,” says David Sedlacek, Adventist Recovery Ministries coordinator. Find more details and resources online.

Filling the Street With Thanks

Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay

Story by Tamyra Horst

The second Friday night of each month, Carnegie, Pa., hosts the “Carnegie Crawl,” where Main Street businesses stay open late with live music and special events throughout the town.

 

Earlier this year, nonprofits were offered the opportunity to serve the community during the crawl. Members of Pennsylvania Conference’s Carnegie church joined the event by creating a “gratitude board.” As people walked past the group, members asked them what they were thankful for.

'GO GREEN' THIS WINTER

Image by Khushboo from Pixabay

 

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Missing fresh summer produce? Why not grow some indoors this winter?

Blue Mountain Academy’s cafeteria manager and a longtime gardener, Christina Houston, says it’s possible to grow lettuce, greens, microgreens and herbs indoors in the winter. She says tomatoes can also be grown indoors with proper sunlight and heat.

Growing rowing your own food can save money, if given a proper start, she says. 

“Choosing plants that keep producing will give months of continuous harvest until the season changes. The more the plants are harvested, the more they will grow,” she says, noting you can save seeds from the plants for next year as well, helping keep your wallet green, too.

Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities Reports on 2022 Consolidated Enrollment

Kenny Eliason/Unsplash

Story by Stephen Payne

The Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU), which is composed of the presidents and other top leadership from 13 Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities in North America, reports the latest consolidated enrollment numbers for 2022.

Gordon Bietz, executive director for AACU, shares, “At our latest meeting in October 2022, the AACU presidents from North America voted to make some of this most recent data public to inform and engage our key stakeholders and constituencies.”