Columbia Union News

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Mark Brown, a member of Allegheny East Conference’s New Life church in Gaithersburg, Md., recently started his new role as president of the Columbia Union Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (CUASI). He served as CUASI general vice president from April 2017 to August 5, 2018, when the board voted him in as president.

Brown, who joined CUASI in 2014, retired from the federal government after 38 years of service, and runs a small IT consulting firm and is president of 3 Brown Boys Granola.

Brown says involving young professionals is a top ASI goal and plans to hold young professional meet-ups and to include them in executive leadership roles.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Story by Jerry Woods

More than 5,000 dancing fans helped WGTS 91.9 wrap up the “Summer Concert Series” with a bang. Tysons Corner Center Mall helped to host the concert on their large, outdoor plaza which connects three tall buildings to the mall. The venue attracts not only fans of the radio station and the concert but also local shoppers and people who live in the adjoining buildings.

Story by Miranda Alverez

The Columbia-Union Visitor is accepting children’s art to be featured in the 2019 calendar. This year’s theme, “Let the Children Come” will tell various Bible stories through the eyes of the union’s young ones, helping us all remember the beauty of childlike faith and keeping God’s Word fresh in our minds, says Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union Conference vice president for communication and editor of the Visitor.

All children or youth, ages 5 – 15, need do is create a two-dimensional piece of artwork that reflects their favorite Bible story. Then, with the help of an adult, submit their creation to the Visitor staff, with the accompanying submission form by September 30, 2018.

Story by Visitor Staff / Photo by Leandro Lima

Nine students from academies within the Columbia Union Conference recently received the Office of Education’s annual Caring Heart Award. The following graduates were nominated for demonstrating a personal commitment to service and witnessing.

Blue Mountain Academy – Lorena D. Alves
Highland View Academy – Catarina Sanches
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy – Brendan Sierra
Pine Forge Academy – Jonathan Williamson
Richmond Academy – Wendy Reyes (pictured above with Principal Nancy Malashenko)
Shenandoah Valley Academy – Pedro Teste-Pereira
Spencerville Adventist Academy – Favour Ogbue
Spring Valley Academy – Janelle Richardson
Takoma Academy – Taylor A. Gordon