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Columbia Union Executive Secretary Announces Retirement Plans

Story by the Visitor Staff

Rob Vandeman, an administrator and pastor who has ministered for the Seventh-day Adventist Church for almost 50 years, announced his plans to step down from his role as Columbia Union Conference’s executive secretary at the end of the year.

Vandeman, who served in his current position since 2011, plans to continue working at the Columbia Union in some capacity until the union’s constituency session in July 2021.

“Rob has always been a champion for the grace of Christ and the mission of the Adventist Church in so many ways as pastor and administrator,” says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president.

WGTS Listeners Donate Tons of Food to Operation Fill the Pantry

A WGTS listener drops off food and chats with Community Engagement Director, Jitesh Ram.

Story by WGTS Staff

At the beginning of this year WGTS set an ambitious goal to fill every food pantry in the Washington D.C. area with “Operation Fill the Pantry.” After getting off to a strong start, the initiative was put on hold because of the pandemic. Now “Operation Fill the Pantry” is making a successful return socially distanced, of course.

Pennsylvania Couple Celebrats 75 Years of Marriage

Story by Tamyra Horst

Happy 70th anniversary to David and Suzanne Elliott!

David and Suzanne Elliott were the first couple to be married at the newly built Silver Springs (Maryland) Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church sanctuary wasn’t finished by their wedding on August 24, 1950, so David built steps to the platform for his bride and folding chairs filled the sanctuary for their guests.

Suzanne recalls the first time the two met, “I was twelve and he was thirteen when he and his father came to the plumbing shop where I answered phones on Sundays. After buying some fittings, they left and he winked at me with those beautiful powder blue eyes.”

First 75 Students to Sign Up for Virtual Race Get Free Registration

Story by Visitor Staff

To help students start the year on a healthy note, the Office of Education at the Columbia Union Conference is offering to pay for the first 75 K-12 students who register for the Virtual Visitor 5K/1 Mile race, September 20—26.

Students and others signing up for the 1 mile option will receive a bib and special medal. Those participating in the 5K option will receive a bib, special medal, T-shirt and face mask.

A portion of the registration will be donated to the participants’ local Adventist Community Services Department.

Register here.

 

Returning Home

Story by Valerie Morikone

Mountain View Conference member Charles Kilgore’s story involves many broken pieces, yet, throughout, God’s hand was on his life and brought about his return to the Seventh-day Adventist church of his childhood.

Growing up in Charleston, W.Va., I attended Charleston Junior Academy, an Adventist elementary school. At the age of 11, I was baptized by Pastor Kenneth Taylor of the Charleston church, following a series of meetings held by Joe Crews. School friends, loving teachers, church fellowship and the Pathfinder club positively impacted my life, yet there was no Christian influence at home.

LivingWell Brings Peace Amid Crisis

LivingWell continues to be a vital resource for people looking for a healthier lifestyle.

Story by Eric Sloan

With the COVID-19 virus increasing people’s desire to understand health in a new and unpredicted way, LivingWell, Potomac’s health and bookstore, continues to be a light to the community in Silver Spring, Md., by bringing messages of physical and spiritual health.

Kyoshin Ahn Named North American Division Secretary

Story by NAD Communication

On August 20, 2020, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference Executive Committee met virtually to receive the name of Kyoshin Ahn, the recommendation for division secretary, from both the North American Division’s standing nominating committee and executive committee. Ahn was confirmed in a vote of 118 to 2.

Teachers Rise to the Challenge

Image by UzbekIL on Pixabay

Praise God for Seventh-day Adventist Education! During the COVID-19 crisis, I have seen our teachers rise to the challenge, ensuring that students have a safe online destination where they are continuing their classes and developing their relationship with Jesus. From online videos to Google Expeditions to prayer challenges with friends, they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make sure their students are receiving robust education, and that they are ministered to emotionally and spiritually.

How to Help Your Local Adventist School This Year

Image by coyot on Pixabay

How to Help Your Local Adventist School This Year

It is no secret that teachers are under a lot of pressure right now, balancing planning for a year of school online and/or in the classroom—a status easily subject to change—with their own health concerns and family needs.

“Most of our schools are facing a workload they aren’t used to, so to get COVID-19 ready, to get the school ready, is more work than we have the manpower to do,” says Roderick Kerbs II, principal of Chesapeake Conference’s Mt. Aetna Adventist School in Hagerstown, Md.