Read Articles from the May-June 2026 Visitor:
Who We Are, How We Serve
The Columbia Union Conference, established in 1907 to coordinate the Seventh-day Adventist Church's work in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, is part of the worldwide Protestant denomination of 23 million members in more than 212 countries. At the union level, we connect and provide administrative leadership, governance and support services to our conferences, schools, health care networks and ministries. Each year, our organizations sponsor programs and projects that address human needs, improve quality of life and introduce people to Jesus. Read our Mission, Values and Priorities.
We Believe
God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
When Heather Lunsford, a member of Chesapeake Conference’s New Hope church in Fulton, Md., was a child, complex topics such as adoption, bullying and surrogacy were not commonly addressed in children’s books. Now, as an adult who has experienced all three situations, Lunsford has authored and illustrated books she hopes will help others.
Story by Amanda Blake
In 2022, OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT sparked an ongoing surge in generative artificialm intelligence (AI), a technology that has triggered both excitement and anxiety. Many Seventh-day Adventists are embracing AI, intent on harnessing this new tool to spread the gospel.
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.”
Story by Cerise Woodard
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.