Story by V. Michelle Bernard
With all churches across the Columbia Union Conference physically closed due to the coronavirus, pastors and members changed—seemingly overnight— the way they minister. In addition to offering livestreamed or pre-recorded services, many churches and conferences moved planning meetings, Sabbath School classes and Bible studies to Zoom, Facebook Live or other digital video platforms.
Editorial by Dave Weigley
Recently our world has been overtaken by the coronavirus pandemic. Fear and uncertainty abound, people are suffering and many lives have been lost. Social distancing measures have left many people working from home or seeking unemployment benefits. Health care workers and frontline responders are risking their lives to save others. Many people are wondering if this is the beginning of the end. And, at the writing of this editorial, our churches are meeting virtually, students are distance learning, and camp meetings, summer camps, graduations and special events have been postponed or canceled.
1.The Columbia Union Conference partnered with the General Conference and North American Division to help fund $900,000 to support local conference outreach ministries, such as the community center at Pennsylvania Conference’s Grace Outlet church in Reading.
2.The Office of Ministries Development organized our first unionwide evangelism conference where we challenged pastors to employ the best methods for reaching today’s culture.
Story by Jacklyn Ruth
Last week, five Highland View Academy (HVA) students led out in a virtual Week of Prayer experience. With school buildings closed across the region due to the coronavirus pandemic, students were unable to meet together in person for this special week of spiritual emphasis.
Story by Celeste Ryan Blyden
Members of the Columbia Union Conference’s Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Chapter will host a virtual meet up Monday, April 27, 2020, from 8-9 p.m. via Zoom. “This event will provide an opportunity for small business owners and nonprofit ministry leaders to join us for prayer, encouragement, networking and support,” says Mark Brown, chapter president. “We believe that connection and interaction will spiritually uplift those who are struggling during this time of quarantine and social distancing.”
To register for the event, please click here.
Story by Visitor Staff
Besides taking care of the physical needs of COVID-19 patients, nurse Crystal Lubis has the privilege of virtually connecting patients to family members during some of their most intimate moments.
Lubis, who frequently attends Potomac Conference’s Capital Chinese church in Silver Spring, Md., is a bedside nurse in the adult intensive care unit at a hospital in suburban Maryland. A nurse for 12 years, she’s frequently on the dedicated COVID-19 ICU section.
Story by Tiffany Doss
During a "parade of compassion" in Richmond, Va., eight cars, donned with brightly-colored ribbons, children waving out of windows and drivers honking their horns, circled around several retirement communities to bring joy and a sense of belonging to the residents inside.
This is just one way members of Potomac Conference's Courthouse Road church in North Chesterfield, Va., continue to build bridges to God during these uncertain times.
Story by Samantha Rivera
The New Jersey Conference Lake Nelson Adventist Academy's (LNAA) Music Department is reaching new heights this acadmic year. The head of the department, Henoc Morrobel, a talented musician, leads the orchestra and band; the high school choir director, Mahaleth Forbes, uses her tremendous capabilities in music; and the middle school choir director, Kimberly Francis, exercises her gifts of leadership and creativity to conduct the Harmony choir.
Story by Christina Keresoma
One out of every three people is affected by heart disease, making it the number one killer in the nation. Kettering Adventist HealthCare has been teaming up with physicians and investing in top-of-the-line medical technology to improve heart care.
Story by Dan Galusha/ Pacific Press
Like many these days, Alex and Janeth Partyka, Baltimore residents and members of Chesapeake Conference's Triadelpia church in Clarksville, Md., have been driving for Lyft and Uber part-time to earn some extra income. Alex and Janeth also wanted to witness to others about Jesus and the Adventist message. If they felt a passenger might be receptive, and especially when the conversation turned to religious topics, they would offer the person a small piece of literature. However, sometimes riders would refuse a tract when it was offered to them.