Story by Tami Horst
Who We Are, How We Serve
The Columbia Union Conference, established in 1907 to coordinate the Seventh-day Adventist Church's work in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, is part of the worldwide Protestant denomination of 23 million members in more than 212 countries. At the union level, we connect and provide administrative leadership, governance and support services to our conferences, schools, health care networks and ministries. Each year, our organizations sponsor programs and projects that address human needs, improve quality of life and introduce people to Jesus. Read our Mission, Values and 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.
Editorial by Andre Hastick
With each passing day, there is one fundamental question that is taking on greater significance. The answer to this question will determine the direction we travel together: What is the church—a building, a worship service?
Paul’s teaching in the New Testament uses the human body as a metaphor for the church, revealing that we are the body of Christ, and Christ is the Head (see 1 Corinthians 12 and Colossians 1). Without Jesus, there is no life, no direction, no purpose. Paul informs us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Col. 1:17, NKJV). This means that our connection to Jesus is not optional, but essential.
Story by Laila Gettysmith (’26)
The recent Kimbrough Hall Weekend at Pine Forge Academy, themed "Eden to the Kingdom,” truly brought the journey of faith to life.
The weekend began on Friday evening with an immersive walk-through of Kimbrough Hall, the girls’ dormitory. The lobby was beautifully decorated with an Eden theme, and as participants walked down each wing, they experienced the days of creation.
Story by Debra Anderson
A new era of ministry took shape at the Seabrook church in Lanham, Md., with the recent installation of its new senior pastor, Dedrick Blue. After 15 years of dedicated ministry by its former pastor, Damien Johnson, the 1,350-member congregation transitioned confidently into a new season of leadership under Blue. Members warmly welcomed him and his wife, Elfreda Hines Blue, expressing appreciation for their shared commitment to ministry, service and community.
Events like the Pathfinder Bible Experience prepare young Seventh-Day Adventist members for being leaders not only in the church, but in their communities and in the world. Read more about the 2026 Columbia Union Conference Pathfinder Bible Experience here. | Video by Jorge Pillco, New Jersey Conference