February, 2024

“How Time flies” 

I’m sure that many, if not most of us are very familiar with the commonly used idiom, “How time flies.” The meaning, of course, is that time seems to pass by very quickly, especially when you’re having fun. But did you know that the phrase is of Latin origin, “Tempus fugit,” which literally translates as “time flees”? But whether in Latin or in English, the meaning is still the same: life appears to be moving with ever-increasing speed, and none of us is able to stop it. This is why Solomon, also known as the wisest man that ever lived, counsels us to “Number our days” or to make the best use of whatever time we have.

 As you know, this year, the Potomac Conference is celebrating its centennial anniversary. I’m sure that the leaders of the District of Columbia and Virginia Conferences had no idea that when they merged in 1924 to form what we know as the Potomac Conference, that one day, there would be a celebration of its 100-year existence. But as the words by Christian songwriter Danniebelle Hall suggest, “Little becomes much when placed in the Master’s hands.”

As we continue this centennial celebration of the history of the Potomac Conference, let’s do so not just by honoring our rich past but also by striving to create a new account of “moving beyond the walls” of our churches and our traditions and into the hearts of those within our communities with the good news of a Savior who can take even the smallest of things and turn them into something beyond our greatest imaginations.

CENTENNIAL PIN

This pin was commissioned in honor of the Potomac’s Anniversary. They will be available at the Conference Office Building in Staunton, Virginia, LivingWell in Silver Spring, MD, and through your local pastor.

SHARE YOUR HISTORICAL PHOTOS

Our Potomac Conference team will be producing a documentary on our history to commemorate this anniversary. If you have historical photos you might want to share with our team to be included, please send them to PC100@pcsda.org

To uphold our mission to grow healthy disciple-making churches and individuals rather than focusing on structures, our community of churches, schools, a health food store, and a camp must ensure that every decision, regardless of its nature, aligns with that mission. We must consistently evaluate each choice in the context of its impact on advancing our goal. In his video message, President Tapp says losing sight of this principle would risk transforming us into a mere business entity rather than an organization dedicated to reaching beyond the walls to advance the kingdom of God.

Black History Month originated in the United States and was established to highlight the often-overlooked contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It was first proposed by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1926. Initially, it was celebrated as Negro History Week in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. During the month of February, we acknowledge and celebrate the rich heritage and significant impact African Americans have had on various aspects of society, including culture, politics, science, and the arts. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and accomplishments of the Black community, fostering understanding, appreciation, and unity. Black History Month encourages education and awareness, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable representation of history and achievements.

SALT AND LIGHT AWARD

The Salt and Light Award is presented to Potomac Conference churches and schools that embody the principle of "Moving Beyond the Walls" by actively addressing the needs in their community. This award acknowledges Jesus' call in Matthew 5 for his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, as well as his outreach method outlined by Ellen White in Ministry of Healing. Congratulations to the churches and pastors recognized for their commitment to reaching their communities. Thank you for Going Beyond the Walls to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your local community.  Takoma Park Church; Pastors Daniel Xisto and Osei Daniels, Restoration Praise Center; Pastors Lola Moore-Johnston and Larry Green, Olney SDA Church; Pastor Rick Johns, Washington Bilingual Church; Pastors ­­­Pablo Gaitan and Will Johns, Peninsula Spanish Church; Pastor Joel Gonzalez pictured with Dr. Elias Llerandi.

WELCOME TO POTOMAC

Welcome Pastor Marlon Reid, the newest addition to the Potomac Conference family! On February 3, Pastor Reid, along with his wife Valarie and children Luke, Landon, and Logan, were officially installed at Takoma Park Church in Takoma Park, MD. Pastor Reid brings experience from his role as a pastor in the South Central Conference. Let us warmly welcome the Reid family to the Potomac Conference.

STAFF ADDITIONS

Potomac is pleased to announce three new members to the office team. Michael Danese, a recent graduate of Southern University, is the newest member of the treasury team. His primary responsibilities will be auditing. Dina Muldoon will be joining the staff as a temporary employee to assist with the centennial celebrations. Dina spent 32 years working for the General Conference and the North American Division before retiring in 2021. Elsy Rosette is the new part-time church planting/evangelism administrative assistant. She has served as the Outreach Coordinator for Youth and Family Services for the City of College Park, Md and is currently the Children’s Ministries director at the Capitol Spanish Church. Please welcome all three with open arms.

TAKOMA PARK CHURCH

Takoma Park Church in Takoma Park, MD kicked off the new year with a powerful 10 Days of Prayer series. Every evening at 7 pm, the community gathered online for short, impactful sessions, with an impressive average attendance of 85 devices each night. The series, led by various pastors, including former ones from the church, brought a spiritual renewal to the members, making each night special and memorable.

WOODBRIDGE LEADERS MAKE SOLEMN VOW

Woodbridge Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed the new year with a meaningful Leaders' Oath of Office ceremony. In this solemn event, church leaders pledged their commitment to uphold the values and teachings of the faith, vowing to lead with integrity, embody compassion, and serve as unwavering examples of faith in their daily lives. The ceremony was not just a formality but a heartfelt expression of each leader's dedication to the mission of the Woodbridge Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2024.

Camp Blue Ridge is excited to announce the New Summer Staff Application is here and we are actively seeking our 2024 Summer Staff! There are lots of exciting things happening this summer at camp and …WE NEED YOU to make it AWESOME! 

We are seeking staff that have a heart for ministry in the following areas:

·     Activity Staff(Field Games, Wood-shop, Lapidary, RC Crawlers, Crafts, Nature, Hiking/Fishing and Go-Carts)

·     Lifeguards for all waterfront activities

·     A Programming and Activity director

·     Cafe support staff

CBR Summer Staff Application Link: https://portal.laserfiche.com/c1764/forms/TF3Al

Associate Director Julie Minnick and Director Ray Queen

So don’t delay; fill out your application today! If you have friends who may be interested, please forward the link to them! 

LISTENING SESSION IN THE EVENING

Join us at 6:00 pm at Vienna Seventh-day Adventist Church for our Potomac Conference Listening Session. Executives and Department Representatives will be on hand to offer information and answer your questions.

Remember your loved one on Valentine's Day, February 14th,

and you can thank us later!

February 15, 2024

Scheduled for Sunday, March 10 @ SVA in New Market, Virginia.