News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

Michael Kruger Named ADRA President

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, announced today that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Michael Kruger as its new president, effective immediately.

Kruger was elected president in October 2019 to complete the five-year term of former president Jonathan Duffy. A search committee appointed by ADRA’s Board of Directors conducted a global executive search to identify a permanent president, and after an extensive review of candidates, the board selected Kruger.

Virtual Visitor 5K/1 Mile Raises $6,000 for Adventist Community Services

Derel and Douglas Reyes Jr. participate in the Virtual Visitor 5K/1 Mile Race/Walk

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Women’s Ministries Stays Connected During Pandemic

Story by Benia Jennings

According to Shirley Benton, the Allegheny West Conference Women’s Ministries director, the number one need in the Church right now is connectedness. This is especially true for women. However, with social distancing and the rules that are in place, staying in contact with one another has become more of a challenge.

Ministry Continues Despite Pandemic Restrictions

Story by Heidi Shoemaker

During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Conference leadership recognized one thing: Ministry does not stop. Woven into their COVID-19 “Ministry Action Plan” are words of encouragement: “Worship is a way of life and has not, and will not, be canceled. Ministry does not stop because we cannot worship together in a building. Ministry can and will continue because of you.”

Pastors, teachers, church members and students quickly adapted to virtual worship and classes, finding innovative ways to remain connected and share Jesus with others. Pastors met weekly via Zoom, sharing what was working within their regions and seeking guidance for difficult circumstances. Innovation and perseverance flourished across churches and schools during quarantine.

Camp Blue Ridge to Hold Groundbreaking, Grand Reopening Ceremony

Story by Tiffany Doss

A historic groundbreaking ceremony will take place at Potomac Conference's Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va., on October 10 at 4 p.m.—marking the beginning of Phase 1 of the Master Plan for the campus. The Master Plan, designed to improve the overall guest experience and create additional adult housing and meeting spaces—including an adult retreat center—will kick off with construction of a new cafeteria with increased dining space.

Pottinger Retires, Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry

New Jersey Conference’s Ministerial Director Leonel Pottinger (pictured with his wife, Miriam) retires after nearly 50 years of ministry. Photo by Shawn Koh.

Story by New Jersey Conference Staff

Leonel Pottinger, the ministerial director for the New Jersey Conference (NJC), recently retired after nearly 50 years of selfless ministry.

Search Committee to Replace Rob Vandeman Set Up

In September the union Executive Committee set up a search committee to replace Rob Vandeman, who plans to retire from that position at the end of 2020. The candidate will serve in an interim capacity until the Union’s constituency meeting July 10-11, 2021, when officers will be elected for the next five-year term.

Read more from that Executive Committee meeting here.

Seeds of Christ’s Love Sown at Summer Camp

In 2020, counselors (back row) Charles Ames, Andrew Jones, Joshua Fahey, (front row) Mark Ames and Jed Williamson make a difference in the lives of campers.

Story by Edward Marton

WGTS Wraps Up Virtual Summer Concert Series

WGTS morning show hosts Jerry Woods and Blanca Vega kick off the Unspoken concert from the mall with Tysons Corner Center marketing director Todd Putt.

Story by Jerry Woods

For six years listeners have been enjoying the WGTS 91.9 Summer Concert Series with Tysons Corner Center. It’s the station’s premier summer event on Friday evenings on a large outdoor plaza. This year the pandemic changed everything, but the series continued, albeit in a new format.

‘Blessings in Disguise’: Evangelism Efforts Thrive Through Pandemic

Story by V. Michelle Bernard and Jenevieve Lettsome

Many churches across the Columbia Union Conference are still closed for in-person worship due to the coronavirus pandemic, including all churches in the Allegheny East and West conferences. Churches in the New Jersey Conference have experienced 38 deaths as a result of COVID-19. Eighty percent of these churches are now open at 25 percent capacity, reported President Dave Weigley at the September 17 Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting.