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‘The Big Three’ Retire From Takoma Academy

Story by Salena Fitzgerald

Three beloved and accomplished Takoma Academy (TA) staff members retired at the end of the 2021–22 academic year.

C. Dunbar Henri received his Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.) in 1983. After 18 months of singing and traveling with the Heritage Singers out of Placerville, Calif., he pastored three churches in Maryland from 1983–1986 before joining TA’s staff full-time.

During the last 37 years, Henri has served as a Bible teacher and administrator, including two stints as TA principal from 1995–1997 and 2005–2009. During his first stint, he became the first black princi- pal to serve at TA. He also served as vice principal.

Peterson Retires, Shives Elected as Pennsylvania Conference's Executive Secretary

Story by Tamyra Horst

Will Peterson (top left), executive secretary and vice president for administration at the Pennsylvania Conference, recently announced he will be retiring September 1. The conference’s executive committee unanimously voted to invite Shawn Shives to step into that role following Peterson’s retirement. During this transition phase, they will work together to maintain continuity of service.

Shenandoah Valley Academy Music Is on the Road Again

Story by Janel Haas Ware

After a three-year hiatus, Shenandoah Valley Academy’s (SVA) choir and orchestra hit the road for a tour of the Midwest during the 2021–22 academic year. For many students, this was their first music tour ever. Under the direction of Daniel Biaggi, music director, and Kelly Wiedemann, associate music director, the group set out bright and early on a Tuesday morning.

Shirley Rowley—Longtime Church Worker—Retires

Shirley Rowley retires July 28, 2022

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Shirley Rowley, administrative assistant for the Communication Services Department at the Columbia Union Conference, has worked for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in various positions for nearly 25 years. On Thursday, she will pack up her things in her meticulously decorated office and retire—leaving behind many fond memories.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Kettering Health Partner

Story by Christina Keresoma

Kettering Health in Ohio has been selected as the official health care provider of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 10-year partnership includes five branded clinics inside Paul Brown Stadium that Kettering Health team members will operate.

The Kettering team members will administer care to fans during concerts and events in the stadium. Kettering Health and the Bengals will also collaborate to offer programs and health services such as supporting the Bengals’ official youth flag football program, which reaches dozens of schools in a 60-mile radius.

Kettering Health will also partner with the Bengals to bring year-round awareness of the NFL’s “Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer” campaign to raise awareness for cancer screenings.

Going Through the Storm

Raychel Sanner/Unsplash

Editorial by Carlos Portanova

Our world is in commotion: COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the economic impact our world is facing. People are worried about their loved ones, their jobs and their lives. Some Christians depend on their own resources and energy to protect themselves instead of trusting in God. But His Word tells us what to do when we are facing a storm.

Conference Launches Evangelism Training Program

Proclaim, Chesapeake Conference

Story by Evan Knott

The Chesapeake Conference recently launched Proclaim, a new training initiative for pastors and lay leaders desiring to become more effective evangelists.

Organized by the conference’s Evangelism and Church Growth Department, this new training program requires participants to attend four modules throughout the year, focused on different aspects of public evangelism. Participation in the program is invite-only, and all the participants are required to hold evangelistic meetings within the next year.

Area Churches Partner for Compassion Project

Winston and Dee Lucombe, New Hope Church

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Members from the New Hope church (NHC) in Tappahannock, Va., recently partnered with area churches to serve their community. Activities included sewing bibs for a local nursing home, building ramps for older individuals, distributing prayer shawls and Bibles to others and delivering food to homes. NHC also had the privilege of buying approximately $400 worth of undergarments for children, youth, men and women.