News
“Connected to the Word, Connected to Jesus”
Learning the Book of John makes a deep impact for many at the Pathfinder Bible Experience finals
More than 150 teams participated in the 2023 Pathfinder Bible Experience in Tampa Bay, Florida, on April 21-22. This is the second year the event is back in person after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event online in 2020 and 2021.
2023 North American Division Year-End Meeting Sees New Appointments in Presidential and Treasury Departments
On Friday, October 27, day two of the 2023 North American Division Year-End Meeting (NAD YEM), the NAD executive committee received names for new appointments recommended by the North American Division’s standing committee with an overwhelming majority vote. Ivan Williams, Sr., current NAD ministerial director, was elected as the NAD vice president of strategic leadership; Adam Fenner, director of Adventist Learning Community (ALC), was elected to assume an additional role as NAD vice president for digital media; and Chad Grundy, Carolina Conference undertreasurer, was elected NAD undertreasurer.
AdventHealth will Lead $11 Million National Study on Exercise and Brain Health
The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute will lead first-of-its-kind research on exercise and brain health as part of a national, multisite effort funded with $11 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest source of medical research funding worldwide. Known as Follow-up Longitudinal Analysis of Moderate-intensity Exercise (FLAME), this new effort will test the long-term effects of a previously conducted randomized exercise clinical trial initiated in 2016 called “Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise (IGNITE),” which examined the effects of exercise on cognitive and brain health in cognitively normal older adults.
Andrews University Sustainable Agriculture Receives Certification
On October 11, 2023, the Department of Sustainable Agriculture at Andrews University achieved Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certification for its livestock system at the Agriculture Education Center. The education center is now among five percent of farms in Michigan to have earned this certification.
Investing in Adventist Education: New Student Information System Unique Fit for Adventist Teachers
The North American Division (NAD) has been working with a dedicated group of Adventist educators, professional programmers, and designers to create a cutting-edge student information system that will specifically meet the needs of Adventist educators. The system, called AE-Connect, includes an enrollment/registration module, a standards-based assessment module, scheduling and messaging capabilities, and options to connect with NAD financial management systems, such as the Student Treasury system and Adventist Accounting Software International.
Treasurer/CFO Judy R. Glass Highlights God’s Blessings in Inaugural Report During 2023 North American Division Year-End Meeting
On Monday, October 29, day five of the 2023 North American Division’s Year-End Meeting (NAD YEM), delegates applauded as treasurer/CFO Judy R. Glass, the first woman elected to the role, took the stage for her inaugural report. Glass began with a heartfelt testimony. “When I started this position 91 days ago, there were times when I felt like I was thrown into the deep end of the pool. [What] helped me on this journey was the reminder that I have a Friend. And my Friend walks on water,” she said.
“Every Member Involved in Mission”
At the North American Division headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, the 2023 NAD Year-End Meeting started at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. This annual business meeting, which has returned to an in-person event, with livestreaming on the NAD website, Facebook and YouTube, will provide the opportunity for close to 300 executive committee members to receive reports, amend policies, strategize, and fellowship with church leaders who have dedicated themselves to sharing with others Christ and the Adventist faith. “God had called us to lead and our assignment is to serve in a very interesting time in history,” said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, as he began his 2023 report.
San Bernardino, California, Diaper Distribution Program Marks 1 Millionth Diaper Milestone
An initiative that distributes diapers twice a month in San Bernardino recently celebrated a milestone of 1 million diapers distributed since the program launched 15 months ago. Leaders estimate the program has saved local residents $250,000 during a time that for many people has been financially difficult due to surging inflation. The initiative is coordinated by Loma Linda University Health in partnership with several community groups.
Pacific Union College Theology Department Relocates to PUC Church to Foster Collaboration and Relationships
After more than 40 years, the theology department at Pacific Union College moved this summer from the basement of Graf Hall to the campus church offices. The change intends to highlight the central role of PUC’s faith, be more present with the students, and collaborate better with the pastors and chaplain.