News Articles

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, left, interacts with volunteers during the January 12 outreach event organized by the Southern California Conference toward helping those impacted by wildfires. Photo provided by the Southern California Conference

Southern California Conference Moves Quickly to Mobilize Outreach as Wildfires Descend

Around 5:30 a.m. on January 8, 2025, the alert sounded on John Cress’s phone. He and his wife would have to evacuate their home in the Glen Oaks neighborhood of Glendale as the Eaton Fire charred a path toward them. The sky was black with smoke and tinged with red and orange.

Cover of the Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism

Groundbreaking Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism Published as New Reference Work about Global Adventism

Ten years ago, after delivering a well-received presentation at the annual American Society of Church History meeting, Michael Campbell, North American Division director of Archives, Statistics, and Research, pitched the idea of a book on Adventism to the head book editor at Oxford University Press. Intrigued by Campbell’s introduction to Adventist scholarship, the editor invited him to submit a proposal. Their conversation was the catalyst for the groundbreaking Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism, a 39-chapter volume published in 2024 after much prayer and revision.

A young woman who has received an award (left) and the award presenter (right) both hold up the award.

Walla Walla University Engineering Majors Chosen as Competition Finalists

During their senior year, Luke Graham and Avianna Alvarez, Walla Walla University engineering alumni, were two of 16 student finalists chosen for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Pressure Vessel Piping Conference student paper competition.

Photo of now retired dean of Southern Adventist University's School of Religion and author Jack Blanco.  2021 photo provided by Southern Adventist University

Jack Blanco, Author of “The Clear Word” Bible Paraphrase, Passes to His Rest

Jack J. Blanco, former dean of the Southern Adventist University School of Religion and professor emeritus, and author of The Clear Word Bible paraphrase, passed peacefully to his rest on Sabbath, January 11, 2025. He was 95.

Southern California Conference distribution site for supplies to give to California residents impacted by the Jan. 2025 fires

Adventist Partnerships Prioritize Relief for Southern California Residents

Adventist Health Glendale and Adventist Health Global Mission are partnering with the Southern California Conference and the Pasadena Seventh-day Adventist Church to begin offering help (and hope) for residents of Altadena and Pasadena affected by the ongoing fires. The initial phases of response began Jan. 10, 2025, and will continue during the coming months.

Closeup of two men in suits, one praying while the other listens

Pentecost 2025 “Seeking God’s Spirit” Prayer Meeting Kickstarts 10 Days of Prayer, Reaching More than 35.4K

On Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025, the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a special prayer meeting to launch the world church’s 10 Days of Prayer with emphasis on "Seeking God's Spirit" for Pentecost 2025. “We’re delighted to have you here with us tonight. We’re excited about what God is going to do and about His promises, and tonight, we’re going to claim those promises.” NAD president G. Alexander Bryant said in his greetings.

Photo of emergency vehicles, including firetrucks, at the Palisades California fire on January 7, 2025

Southern California Conference Responds to the January 2025 Wildfires

A series of fires erupted in southern California on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, amid extremely dry and windy weather conditions. As of January 9 the death toll is seven; thousands of homes have been destroyed. The largest blaze, the Pacific Palisades Fire, is now considered the most destructive in Los Angeles City history. This release contains information about what the Southern California Conference is doing to respond immediately to the crisis caused by the fires.

Bespectacled young man wearing a black hoodie sits on a stone wall in front of an orange bush.

Walla Walla University Theology Students Intern Across North Pacific Union Conference

The North Pacific Union summer ministerial internship is a wonderful opportunity for Walla Walla University (WWU) theology and religious studies majors interested in pastoral ministry. Through this 10-week program, students earn full-time practical experience under the mentorship of skilled North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) pastors, strengthening their understanding of what pastoral careers look like.

Andrews University seminary building, front view

Andrews University Receives Major Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Andrews University has received a grant of $6,326,735 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the pastors and lay leaders who guide them.

stock photo of a young woman sitting on outside steps holding mobile phone in one hand and crying

More Than One

Many people turn to social media to cope with feelings of loneliness, but there is ongoing debate on the health impacts. Some find that the digital space helps to connect with family and friends, while others experience greater feelings of loneliness the more time they spend in the digital world. How can both be true?