Resources on COVID-19: Vaccination Information, Guidance on Immunization, and Additional NAD News and Information

March 30, 2021 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

The North American Division has put together a series of links to offer guidance about vaccines from national and international health organizations, the General Conference, and healthcare experts. The COVID-19 vaccine is highlighted in particular. Also included here are practical articles, NAD statements, and more.

NEW SYMPOSIUM: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Trustworthy? A Biblical Conversation About Science

On May 15, the North American Division will broadcast this symposium on COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare professionals, communication experts, and church theologians will gather to help make sure church members are well informed when deciding whether to take the vaccine. Presenters will include evangelist Mark Finley and church historian Merlin Burt; and they will discuss the theology and history of the church's relationship with science. Medical experts will include doctors Peter Landless and David Williams; they will discuss the research behind the vaccines. And we'll also have Media and Communication experts who will help share how to deliver accurate information about the vaccines.

This special broadcast will be available on the Hope Channel and the NAD Adventist Facebook page on May 15, from 4-6:30 p.m. EDT. Watch the promotional video below. And, send in your questions now! Email covidquestions@nadadventist.org for the Q&A section of the program.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

NAD Webinar on Vaccines

The COVID-19 Vaccines: "Sorting Through Facts, Sharing Our Mission": https://nadhealth.org/ministry-goals-series/the-covid-19-vaccines/

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Link

"Coronavirus mRNA Vaccine Safety and Efficacy" [video]: https://youtu.be/OvPg6PMI-q0

NAD Links

STATEMENTS

NAD Administration Shares Information Regarding COVID-19 and Division Response: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/nad-administration-shares-information-regarding-covid-19-and-division-response
La administración de la División Norteamericana comparte información sobre COVID-19 y la respuesta de la División: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/la-administracion-de-la-division-norteamericana-comparte-informacion-sobre-covid-19-y-la
NAD Administration Provides Guidance for Church in North America During the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/nad-administration-provides-guidance-church-north-america-during-covid-19-pandemic
La administración de la NAD brinda una guía para la Iglesia en Norteamérica durante la pandemia COVID-19: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/la-administracion-de-la-nad-brinda-una-guia-para-la-iglesia-en-norteamerica-durante-la
NAD Leadership Announces Transition to Virtual Office in Response to COVID-19: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/nad-leadership-announces-transition-virtual-office-response-covid-19
Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education in North America Issues Statement During COVID-19 Pandemic Closures: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/seventh-day-adventist-higher-education-north-america-issues-statement-during-covid-19-pandemic

VACCINE SPECIFIC VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

COVID-19 Vaccines: Addressing Concerns, Offering Counsel: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/covid-19-vaccines-addressing-concerns-offering-counsel
Understanding the Safety and Efficacy of the COVID-19 Vaccine [interview with Dr. Steven Smith]: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/understanding-safety-and-efficacy-covid-19-vaccine
AdventHealth Interview With Dr. Alric Simmonds Addresses Hesitancy Toward Taking COVID-19 Vaccination [video]: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/adventhealth-interview-addresses-hesitancy-toward-taking-covid-19-vaccination
Getting Your Vaccine: An NAD Officer Goes to His Appointment [video]:https://www.nadadventist.org/news/getting-your-vaccine-nad-officer-goes-his-appointment

Stock photo of mental health counselor — *iStock Photography*

LIFESTYLE/PERSONALLY HELPFUL ARTICLES

"Is Quarantining Really Necessary?" NAD Health Ministries director weighs in: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/quarantining-really-necessary
"Before You Reopen Your House of Worship, Consider This" [thoughts/questions for churches]: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/you-reopen-your-house-worship-consider
"'Dear Coronavirus' Videos Circle the World": https://www.nadadventist.org/news/dear-coronavirus-videos-circle-world
"AdventHealth Chaplains, Leaders Meet Human Needs Amid Coronavirus Pandemic": https://www.nadadventist.org/news/adventhealth-chaplains-leaders-meet-human-needs-amid-coronavirus-pandemic

NAD FUNDING NEWS — COVID-19 RELATED

"NAD Leadership Provides Guidance on Government Funding Assistance Due to COVID-19 Crisis": https://www.nadadventist.org/news/nad-leadership-provides-guidance-government-funding-assistance-due-covid-19-crisis
"El Liderazgo de la NAD brinda orientación sobre la asistencia financiera del gobierno debido a la crisis de COVID-19": https://www.nadadventist.org/news/el-liderazgo-de-la-nad-brinda-orientacion-sobre-la-asistencia-financiera-del-gobierno-debido

Adventist Worldwide Church Leaders Thank Members for Their Faithfulness, Remind Them to Support Mission

In a video message, Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders from the General Conference and the North American Division thank members for their faithful support of tithe. They also remind members of the importance of helping to support the Mission Offering, which helps to fund mission work around the world.

The First Armenian Congregation in NAD Officially Recognized as a Company

This February, the Armenian congregation in Glendale, California, made history as the first Armenian-speaking Adventist congregation officially organized in the Western hemisphere. Los Angeles is home to the densest population of Armenians in the United States, with more than 40 percent of the 200,000-plus people in Glendale claiming Armenian ancestry.

The "Richest Woman in Keene"

The students call her Miss Chrissie, Mama Weis, Rental Mom, Queen Christine, Lady Weis, or, most often, simply “Mom.” But without question, they all agree: Christine Weis is pure gold. In addition to feeding students, giving them advice, and being a "second parent," Weis started an endowed scholarship fund in honor of her friend, Wes Stoops (‘89), who was killed in a car accident. The scholarship rewards one SWAU student each year who demonstrates a desire to learn, contributes positively to the learning environment of the campus, and who is in need of financial assistance to stay in school.

Human Resource Professionals in the North American Division Gather to “Refocus”

More than 300 human resource professionals across the North American Division attended the three-day HR conference virtual edition on April 25-27, 2021. The event, themed “RefocUS,” centered on training workshops, policy update sessions, panel discussions, and daily devotionals.

2021 Elections Bring Leadership Changes for NAD Administration, Departments, and Guam-Micronesia Mission

Three vice presidents, two directors, an associate director, Liberty magazine editor, and the president of the Guam-Micronesia Mission have been newly elected to serve the North American Division until 2025. The election on April 29, 2021, took place during a meeting of the NAD Executive Committee; the date was chosen by the same governing body through a vote on Feb. 25, 2021, after the postponement of the 2021 General Conference Session.