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.
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.
2023 Adventist HealthCare Lucy Byard Scholarship Winners Celebrate at Recipient Luncheon
On Nov. 1, a luncheon was held in honor of the 2023 recipients of the Adventist HealthCare Lucy Byard Scholarship for nursing. Adventist HealthCare (AHC) leadership, along with church leaders, friends, family and colleagues, came to celebrate the four deserving students who received a total of $60,000 to complete their studies.
At Breakout Sessions, Church Member Data, Oline Churches, Educator Remuneration, and Pastoral Recruitment Discussed at the 2023 North American Division Year-End Meeting
Breakout session one on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, allowed each union to report on their discussions during the past year on the points raised during the 2022 year-end meeting. Topics included online church, educator remuneration, and membership data collection. A new breakout on pastoral ministry commenced on Sunday, Oct. 29, with recommendations coming from the groups on Oct. 30, as well as robust discussion of the issues related to the topic.
Needs of the Day and Challenges of the Hour: North American Division Year-End Meeting Wraps Up Final Day with Reports, Evangelism Report, and More
Following worship on Tuesday, October 31, the sixth and final day of the 2023 North American Division Year-End Meeting business session, during which many ministry departments gave their reports, began with a passionate presentation by Dwain Esmond, associate director and editor of the Ellen G. White Estate. He shared with the group his latest evangelism initiative, Back to the Altar. A variety of other ministry department reports followed.