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.

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Hearing the Call, Answering the Call, Spring Valley Academy, CPE Training, Clinical Pastor Education,

Story by Angela Peach

When Nico Chaij (’15) was a high school student at Spring Valley Academy, he was drawn to God, but not necessarily to ministry. To him, ministry was something only truly holy people could do. And yet, his love of learning led him to study the Bible deeply. He also found joy in his roles as junior class pastor and, later, Student Council’s religious vice president (student chaplain). He helped lead a Bible study on the book of Ruth and enjoyed the thrill of helping people find deeper meaning in familiar stories. But a career in ministry? Surely not.

Image by Ken Haines from Pixabay

Editorial by Andre Hastick

With each passing day, there is one fundamental question that is taking on greater significance. The answer to this question will determine the direction we travel together: What is the church—a building, a worship service?

Paul’s teaching in the New Testament uses the human body as a metaphor for the church, revealing that we are the body of Christ, and Christ is the Head (see 1 Corinthians 12 and Colossians 1). Without Jesus, there is no life, no direction, no purpose. Paul informs us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Col. 1:17, NKJV). This means that our connection to Jesus is not optional, but essential.

Head Dean Andrea Young, Assistant Dean Neiah Wilson and Dorm Support Dean Emmalouise Jackson are honored for the care and support they give to the girls who reside in Kimbrough Hall.

Story by Laila Gettysmith (’26)

The recent Kimbrough Hall Weekend at Pine Forge Academy, themed "Eden to the Kingdom,” truly brought the journey of faith to life.

The weekend began on Friday evening with an immersive walk-through of Kimbrough Hall, the girls’ dormitory. The lobby was beautifully decorated with an Eden theme, and as participants walked down each wing, they experienced the days of creation.