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Living Out Their Sacred Calling: The 2025–26 Educators of the Year

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education honors four educators with the 2025–26 Outstanding Educator Awards.

“Our Columbia Union educators are living out a sacred calling as, day after day, their dedication prevails in the quiet, unseen moments when extra time is given, care for each student is shown and the love of Jesus is expressed,” says Ruth Nino, associate director at Columbia Union’s Office of Education. “They go beyond a career by investing their hearts and creating spaces where students feel seen, valued and empowered.”

Rethinking Greeting Time

Graphic from Getty Images

Story by Cerise Woodward

As greeting time approached during a recent Sabbath service, I braced myself.  You know the moment. A well-meaning church member smiles warmly while at the pulpit and asks, “Do we have any visitors? Please stand and introduce yourself!” Then comes the invitation to “show God’s love” with enthusiastic hugs and handshakes.  

Columbia Union Gives Scholarships to Upcoming Pastors

Franklin Diaz and Jennifer Perez (’29) have been selected to receive this year’s Next Generation Hispanic Pastor scholarships

Washington Adventist University incoming freshman Franklin Diaz and Jennifer Perez (’29) have been selected to receive this year’s Next Generation Hispanic Pastor scholarships, provided by the Columbia Union and North American Division.

“There is a lack of pastors,” said Rubén A. Ramos, who recently retired as union vice president for Multilingual Ministries. “We need to encourage our young people who are considering ministry.”

43 Columbia Union Conference Teams Place First at NAD Level PBE

Photos by Melvin Donadelle/Chesapeake Conference and Nicol Belvedere/North American Division

Forty-six Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams participated in the 2026 North American Division level event last weekend at Camp Hawthorne in Florida. 

Here are the placements:

First Place

Allegheny East Conference 
Community SDAC of Englewood Falcons Thrivin 5
Filipino-American Oxon Hill Oxen Warriors 
Genesis Jaguars 
Miracle City Knights 1
Muungano Shining Lions Zion Redeemed 

WGTS 91.9 Welcomes Listeners to Easter Service at Lincoln Memorial

The sun rises over the Washington Monument.

Story by Jerry Woods

Thousands of people from Washington, D.C., to countries around the world came together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the 46th annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial with National Community Church. From 1979, when 127 people gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with Capital Church, to today, when thousands gathered for this service, it has become one of D.C.’s foremost traditions.  Several years ago, National Community Church took up the mantle of running the service.

Kettering College Appoints Beth Schultz as Dean of Nursing & Academic Excellence

Story by Kettering College Staff

Kettering College is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Schultz, PhD, DNP, RN, as its next Dean of Nursing & Academic Excellence. Dr. Schultz will officially begin her role on July 6, 2026.

Schultz was selected following a comprehensive national search that included input from faculty, staff, healthcare partners, and community members. She emerged as the top candidate due to her clear communication, collaborative leadership style, and strong alignment with the mission and values of Kettering College.
 

Living Word Opens Food Cupboard

Living Word Opens Food Cupboard, Priority Partners Cupboard Project, Johns Hopkins, Mike Rogers, Mark Chang, Maryland General Assembly, Jeff Lerfield, Derrick Lea, Jeff Kern

Story by Evan Knott

The Living Word church in Glen Burnie, Md., in partnership with Priority Partners—a Johns Hopkins-affiliated organization that works to provide accessible health care in Maryland—recently held an inauguration ceremony for a new community food cupboard (pictured). Living Word is the 10th pantry location as part of the Priority Partners Cupboard Project.

Advancing the Mission Through Statewide Evangelism

Advancing the Mission Through Statewide Evangelism, Ohio Conference, Ignite Ohio, Pentecost 2025, Columbia Union Conference, 28-Day Acts Challenge

Story by Francis Tuffour

During a recent Ohio Conference Workers’ Meeting, the administrative team officially launched Ignite Ohio—a bold, statewide initiative designed to inspire revival, foster reformation and mobilize churches for frontline mission in 2026. Spanning the entire year, the movement will culminate in a coordinated evangelistic effort, with more than 20 churches across Ohio conducting simultaneous proclamation series from September 19–26.

Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Boosts Care With AI

Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

To strengthen exceptional care and safety for patients, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation implemented the CareAI smart technology in inpatient rooms.

The platform will assist clinicians in monitoring and communicating with patients remotely through an integration with the television in their rooms.