NOVEMBER, 2022

While attending the recent Year End meetings at the NAD, one of the devotional speakers shared a thought that truly resonated with me. His message focused on how he dealt with the weeds on his lawn. Conventional wisdom says that the way to get rid of weeds is to apply some type of weed killer. The danger in doing that is it places too much emphasis on the weeds. The way he rids his lawn of weeds is not by spraying some potentially harmful chemical concoction, but by over-seeding his lawn. By overseeding his lawn, the new growth of healthy grass inevitably chokes out the weeds. As we continue the work that God has called us to do, let us not spend our time focusing on the weeds, but let us sow our fields with the seeds of the gospel that in time will not only take out the weeds but will provide a healthy green lawn for all to enjoy. Matthew 13:31-32 (NKJV)

MANASSAS CHURCH PROVIDES

LOAVES AND FISHES

We've all pulled up to a street corner and seen homeless people standing there asking for money. Often, we have wanted to help, but we do not want to give them money because we are afraid they will use it to support undesirable habits. But the Manassas SDA Church decided to offer loaves and fish to those who are hungry. They have purchased $5 gift cards to McDonald's to hand out to the homeless. Why McDonald's? Because there are thousands of McDonald's throughout the country - and one nearby where people are asking for money. By giving them a $5 gift card to McDonald's, you know they are getting something to eat and will not be spending it on alcohol. They will know that Jesus cares about them, and so do you. So, the next time you pull up to a stop sign, and there is a homeless person there, give them a gift card to McDonald's and let them know Jesus loves them and you do too. Matthew 25:34-35.

TAKOMA ACADEMY HELPS DISTRIBUTE FREE GROCERIES

In a show of support, thirty students from Takoma Academy (TA) recently volunteered at the Takoma Park Church (TPC) in Takoma Park, Md. to help distribute free groceries throughout the community. TPC provides the free food every first and third Friday of the month. Thank you to the TA students for assisting the church in Moving Beyond the Walls.

NIXON AND GRAHAM TAKE ON NEW ROLES

The Potomac Conference Executive Committee voted on October 25, 2022, to appoint John Nixon II, Senior Pastor of Takoma Park Church, as the new associate director for Pastoral Ministries, North. 

Paul Graham, the previous associate, transitions to the role of pastor for Community of Hope Church and assistant to the vice president of Pastoral Ministries for Revitalization. Our heartfelt congratulations to them both.

SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Camp Blue Ridge was the location for the recently held Spiritual Retreat. The retreat was developed as a time to get away from all the deadlines, busyness, and weight of work to enjoy a rejuvination. Time is spent together and alone, focusing on scripture. Attendees gather to discuss the passage and see how it applies to their lives. The retreat also includes time for fun, resting, fellowship, an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, and tasty food. Thanks to the CBR Staff who work diligently to ensure their guests are comfortable and well provisioned. 

Refreshed, Renewed, and Recharged was the theme of the Columbia Union Women Clergy Retreat recently held in Marriottsville, Md. Some fifty pastors, chaplains, students, interns, elders, and volunteers were able to share their unique ministry experiences, expand their networking opportunities, develop new skills, and learn tools to boost their gifts and talents. Potomac President Charles A. Tapp, brought greetings to attendees at the luncheon. Afterward, representatives of women clergy from the conference laid hands on and prayed for his leadership.

WOMEN'S RETREAT

POWERFUL WOMEN IN JESUS was the theme for this year's Potomac Conference Hispanic Women's Retreat held October 14-15 at the Convention Center in Hampton, Va. More than 1,100 women from around the territory gathered for powerful sermons, impactful seminars, and great fellowship. Kudos to all the leaders who helped make the event a success!

WAU OFFERS FIXED TUITION

FOR COLUMBIA UNION MEMBERS 

The Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee recently approved the Columbia Union Strategic Plan. The following are the five priorities of the strategic plan: 

* Spiritual Revival 

* Mission Engagement 

* Leadership Development 

* Education 

* Community Engagement 

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is continuing to be a strong partner in the Mission and strategic initiatives of our Columbia Union Conference. We are excited that education is continuing to be identified as a priority. We will continue to grow and develop WAU into a thriving and distinctive Christian institution of higher education, defined by its excellence in student success, for the Columbia Union Conference. Moving forward together will allow WAU to continue with its emergence as a premier private Christian university that engages minds and transforms lives. 

Because Christian education continues to be a priority and the fact that Christian education transform lives by growth in wisdom, physical development, and the personal relationship with God and humanity, Washington Adventist University is offering to all SDA members of the Columbia Union a flat tuition rate of $12K per year. Our intention is to eliminate the obstacle of cost in order to gain access to Christian education. Christian education is the guaranteed pathway to the workplace and to eternal life.

“The location that has been secured for our school and sanitarium is all that could be desired. The land resembles representations that have been shown to me by the Lord. It is well adapted for the purpose for which it is to be used… Were Christ here upon this ground, he would say, ‘Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white and already to harvest.’ We have work to do in leading precious souls onward, step by step. Many will have to be taught line upon line, precept upon precept. The truth of God will be applied, by the spirit’s power, to the heart and conscience. We must present the truth in love and faith and hope and courage. My hopes for this place are high.” Ellen G. White 1904

-PRESIDENT WEYMOUTH SPENCE

BOOKING FOR 2023 DATES NOW!

Have you already booked your church retreat, group event, or family getaway for 2023? Don’t delay! CBR is already accepting Guest Reservation Requests for next year! 

To request dates, please visit: https://campblueridge.org/guest-reservations/ and complete the online reservation request form.  

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

10,000 Friends of CBR x $1.00 month/recurring gift = $10,000 month

It’s That Easy!

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Beltsville (Beltsville, Md.) – Lead Pastor

Takoma Park (Takoma Park, Md.) – Associate Pastor

Solid Rock (Arlington, Va.) – Pastor

Norfolk (Norfolk, Va.) - Pastor

Sligo (Takoma Park, Md.) – Young Adult/Media - Pastor

Buena Vista (Buena Vista, Va.) / Staunton, Va. District - Pastor

Elkton/Stanley/Luray District, (Va.) – Pastor

Woodbridge (Woodbridge, Va.) – Pastor

November 10th, 2022

PASTOR/EDUCATOR

ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Chantilly, VA

NOVEMBER 13-15, 2022

Westfields Marriott 

14750 Conference Center Dr. 

Chantilly, Virginia 20151

Cambridge Hyatt Resort

100 Heron Blvd 

Cambridge, MD 21613

BLITZ CALENDAR

The Potomac Conference Administration team, along with directors and associate directors are gearing up for the 2022-2023 Blitz and Listening Session season.

They will be visiting these locations:

November 12 – VA Capital Area

January 28 – VA South Central Area

February 4 – Valley Area

February 25 – MD/DC Area