Weekly News & Updates | March 21, 2024

NEC Constituents Receive Updates from 'State of the Conference' Address

Screen capture of Abraham Jules, Northeastern Conference president, as he gives the State of the Conference address at the New Ebenezer church in Rochester, New York.

Northeastern Conference (NEC) president Abraham Jules presented the annual State of the Conference address on March 18. The event was held before a live audience at the New Ebenezer church in Rochester, New York, and streamed on the conference's social media channels. Jules reported on evangelism outcomes and provided updates on conference endeavors and initiatives. He also reported on the progress of making Christian education more financially accessible and plans to upgrade the physical structures of NEC schools.


In his presentation, Jules shared many updates related to Camp Victory Lake (CVL). He announced that CVL will not have summer camp this year and will funnel those resources into assisting NEC Pathfinders with attending the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming.


In the final moments of his remarks, Jules introduced a recent vote by the NEC executive committee to "proceed with restructuring the Northeastern Conference into two conferences. The North Atlantic Conference will cover the states of New England, and the Northeastern Conference will cover the State of New York. " Following the address, Duddley Francois, NEC communication director, conducted a one-on-one interview with Jules, who elaborated on specific milestones necessary for the restructuring plan's implementation.


Source: Northeastern Conference

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STEAM Fair Soars at Union Springs Academy

Union Springs Academy hosted an awesome day of learning and fun during its annual STEAM Fair on March 10. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and this year’s fair is focused on aviation. Students representing grades 7-11 showcased their creativity with various aviation models and artwork they made to accompany their projects. The following day, more than 40 students attended the USA Academy Day. Prospective students spent the day touring classes, meeting teachers and staff, observing dorm life, and much more. Following the exciting weekend, USA students received a special treat on Tuesday. Tod Schultz, one of the presenters at the STEAM Fair, landed a helicopter on the campus for an impromptu “show and tell."


Click here, here, and here for photos.


Source: Union Springs Academy Facebook

Youth Ministries Is Serious Ministry

Sometimes, we have clichéd ideas about ministering to young people. We think of our youth department leaders as party planners and entertainers. Their job is to keep the kids interested in church until they are old enough for the “real work” of ministry. These ideas are promulgated by innocent phrases such as, “We love our youth; they are the church of tomorrow.” Sometimes, more mature members can be critical of young people. How often have you heard someone say, “In my day. . .” about something the youth were doing or not doing?


We must understand and acknowl­edge that growing up in America today is more complicated than for any previous generation. Our young people have to navigate unique chal­lenges, and they need a church family that accurately understands and sup­ports them in their quest to embrace their faith in a way that gives meaning to their lives.


Ted A. Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary

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ADRA's Women Leaders Inspire Inclusion

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) spotlights the amazing stories of the mission's female leaders to honor them during National Women's History Month. For over 40 years, ADRA women have made significant contributions to worldwide communities by encouraging inclusion and empowerment through education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives. ADRA has been essential in providing opportunities and fostering participation for women in underserved communities. Read on to learn about the strong network of female humanitarians whose contributions advance ADRA's global mission to accelerate progress.


Source: ADRA

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Upcoming Events

Do you have an alumni weekend, church event, or special event happening at a church, school, or other entity within the Atlantic Union? Click HERE to let us know!

March 21, 28, April 4, 11; 7 p.m.

How to be a Literature Evangelist: a Northern New England Conference Connect Academy virtual course. Free training. Click HERE for more information.


March 29 & 30; 7 p.m.

Passion Play at Union Springs Academy (USA). Don't miss this incredible production of the plan of salvation brought to life by USA students. Free admission. Location: 40 Spring St., Union Springs, NY (gymnasium).


March 29-31

Spring Revival Retreat: In the Spirit and Power featuring Pavel Goia, General Conference associate ministerial secretary and editor, Ministry magazine. Sponsored by Southern New England Conference. Location: Camp Winnekeag, 257 Ashby Rd., Ashburnham, MA. Click HERE to register.



March 31

We've Got Evidence, an ABC Television Easter Special featuring Carlton P. Byrd, Southwest Region Conference president, with special musical guests Grammy-award winning artist Tamela Mann and the Southwestern Adventist University singers and orchestra. Check with your local television listings for specific times.


April 19-20

ASI Atlantic Union Spring Conference in Hartford, Connecticut, with guest speaker Eric Walsh, M.D. Click HERE for more information.

Atlantic Union Conference Events

Let's Pray More!


Atlantic Union Conference Prayer Ministries invites you to pray together each Tuesday at 6 p.m. and the last Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.


Zoom Meeting ID:

954 6819 9577

Password: PrayMore

"Preaching Training" for Women


Learn the importance of preaching, how to analyze biblical stories, organize a sermon, discover the art of public speaking, and more. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, but there is no cost. The courses are available in English and Spanish. Scan the QR code to register. For more information, call (978) 368-8333, or email lfresse@atlanticunion.org.


Click HERE for English seminar information.

Click HERE for Spanish seminar information.


Training Dates: March 16, April 13; May 18; June 22; July 27

Hispanic Leaders Convention


Atlantic Union Conference Hispanic and Portuguese ministries department is hosting the Hispanic Leaders Convention in Stamford, Connecticut, April 19-21. Click HERE for more information and to register.


Registration deadline: April 1

Adventists in the News 


Andrews University Holds Summit on Race and Religion


Union College Names Yamileth Bazan as Its New President

Moment of Reflection

About Atlantic Union Conference

Founded in 1901, the Atlantic Union Conference is the headquarters for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the northeast United States and the islands of Bermuda. It serves six conferences, more than 134,233 members in 613 churches and 94 groups, 43 schools, and numerous community-based ministries.

The Atlantic Union Gleaner FYI is a news and information bulletin produced by the Communication department of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. You are free to reprint any portion of the bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify Atlantic Union GleanerFYI whenever you publish these materials.

Debra Banks Cuadro, communication director/editor

Email: communication@atlanticunion.org 

Website: www.atlanticuniongleaner.org

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