Staying the Course Atlantic Union Conference Commemorates 120 Years of Service and Community Engagement - Atlantic Union Gleaner
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APRIL 2021
Staying the Course
Atlantic Union Conference Commemorates
120 Years of Service and Community Engagement
7 God’s Gift to Man
8 Through it All, Give Thanks!
18 Texas Food Pantry Receives Help from Massachusetts and New York
Inside A PR I L 2 0 21
3 Committed to Advancing the
4
Mission
4 Staying the Course
7 God’s Gift to Man
8 Through it All, Give Thanks!
9 Bermuda Conference
7
10 Atlantic Union Conference
12 New York Conference
14 Northeastern Conference
16 Northern New England Conference
8 18 Southern New England Conference
20 Healthy Choices
22 Advertisements/Announcements
22 Sunset Calendar
23 General Conference Session: New
18 Date, New Location
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Cover: The image used in the cover design is from iStock.com/grapix.
April 2021, Vol. 120, No. 3. The Atlantic Union Gleaner is published monthly (except for January/February, July/August, and November/December) by the Atlantic Union Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists®, 400 Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523-2804. Printed by Pacific Press Publishing Association®, 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Standard postage
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Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of
Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. | Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
FROM THE TREASURER
Committed to Advancing
the Mission
G
enerally speaking, the people ing of the Lord. “The work which the
who made history were often church has failed to do in a time of
unaware of how far their peace and prosperity she will have to
actions and decisions were going. The do in a terrible crisis under most dis-
job that the Seventh-day Adventist couraging, forbidding circumstances.
Church and the early pioneers did was The warnings that worldly conformi-
an extraordinary work. The proclama- ty has silenced or withheld must be
tion of the Sabbath truth, the ministry given under the fiercest opposition
of the heavenly sanctuary, and the from enemies of the faith. And at
warning of a fallen Babylon were some that time the superficial, conservative
of the revelations God intended for the class, whose influence has steadily
world to know during a time infested retarded the progress of the work, will
with spiritual darkness. renounce the faith”—Testimonies for
History teaches that one of the the Church, vol. 5, p. 463.
greatest apostolic doctrines of all Today, our generation is writing
time is Christ’s second coming. In the the new history. What will the next
middle of the 19th century, an era in generation read? Like the early pio-
which faith and evolution were in a neers, we must invest our resources
very heated debate, both with allega- in utilizing the best methods avail- “Let our commitment
tions of new discoveries, the Adventist able to communicate. The effect will
Church emerged as a beacon of light enhance the voices of the three angels
to the earth. Men and women arose of Revelation, with the proclamation
preaching and studying the Word of of the gospel in the most cost-effective to advance the
God in various places, teaching people and relevant manner.
to obey God’s Ten Commandments, As we commemorate another anni-
while awaiting His second coming.
All this exciting history began right
versary of the work of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church in this region, let’s
mission of this church
here in the territory of the Atlantic remain truthful to the One who has
Union. The message, the methodolo- given us the task. Let our commitment
gy, the mission, and the money were
all combined to extend the work that
to advance the mission of this church
remain in us as we continue to write
remain in us as we
was given to our early founders during the final pages of the history of this
those challenging times in our church’s world. Ellen G. White wrote, “I have
history. They used the most advanced received most precious assurances that continue to write the
transportation, communication, media, our early experiences were of God.
building construction, and publishing I wish that every one of our people
technology of their time. The sentiment might know, as I know, of the sure and
and high sense of calling was charac- certain way in which the Lord led us in final pages of the
terized by a similar spirit to that of the times past”—Letter 262, November 24,
church in the book of Acts, where Jesus’ 1903. She also said, “We have nothing
disciples had all things in common
(Acts 2:44).
to fear for the future except as we shall
forget the way the Lord has led us, and
history of this world.”
The famous writer-philosopher His teaching in our past history”—
George Santayana was the first to say, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
“Those who cannot remember the Workers, p. 31.
past are condemned to repeat it.” As
a movement of the end time, we must Elias F. Zabala, Sr., is the Atlantic
never forget how dark it was and how Union Conference treasurer and
obscure it will get just before the com- stewardship director.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 3
COVER FEATURE
By Ednor A.P. Davison
Staying the Course
Atlantic Union Conference Commemorates
120 Years of Service and Community Engagement
A
pril 16 is a significant England, New York, Pennsylvania, The membership stood at 8,510, with
day in the history of the Quebec, Vermont, Virginia, West 276 churches, and 39 companies.
Atlantic Union. On that Virginia, and two mission fields: The Seventh-day Adventist Church
day in 1901, the Eastern Union the Maritime Provinces, and added Union Conferences to the
Conference, the forerunner to the Newfoundland. The territory covered church’s landscape in 1901 as a
Atlantic Union Conference, was Connecticut, Delaware, District result of a recommendation made
organized. At that time, the territory of Columbia, Maryland, Maine, at the thirty-second session of the
was called the General Conference Massachusetts, New Brunswick, General Conference. The addition of
District No. 1, or the Atlantic New Hampshire, New Jersey, New union conferences would “distribute
District, and was comprised of 12 York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, the responsibilities of the General
conferences and two missions— Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, Conference, placing them more fully
Atlantic, Chesapeake, Maine, New Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. and definitely upon those who are on
1901 1902 1903 1906
• Apr. 16: Eastern Union • Greater New York • Southern New England • New York Conference
Conference organized Conference organized Conference reorganized reorganized
• Dec. 1901: Eastern
Union Conference
renamed Atlantic Union
Conference and the
territory divided
4 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
COVER FEATURE
the ground where the work is to be was renamed the Atlantic Union
done and the issues to be met”—The Conference.
General Conference Bulletin, vol. IV, The territory continued to “There are great
no. 3, p. 514. experience growth and, in 1907,
With the reorganization to include delegates voted to divide the Atlantic
Union Conferences, “more men and Union Conference even further. difficulties and trials
more talent will-be brought into the By combining conferences in the
management of the work. A thousand
details will be transferred from the
former southern area of the Atlantic
Union Conference—Chesapeake, before us. It will
General Conference Committee to Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West
those whom the Lord has called to
his work, and whom he has placed in
Virginia—with the Ohio Conference
that was formerly in the Lake Union
require strong courage
the field where the details are to be Conference, the Columbia Union
worked out. If this plan is managed Conference was formed. and persevering
wisely by those first placed in charge In 1915, the islands of Bermuda
of the different conferences, a large were assigned to the Atlantic Union
number of men and women will be Conference. Previously, the General effort to go forward.
brought to the front, with the experi- Conference directed the work in
ences necessary to make them safe and Bermuda as one of the “miscellaneous
valuable burden-bearers in the various missions.” In 1959, the Bermuda But all now depends
departments of the cause”—Ibid. Mission was organized.
The Eastern Union Conference
existed for only a short time. At the
During the growth of the work in
the Atlantic Union territory, the New
on our faith in the
first biennial session of the union York, Northern New England, and
conference, held at the church in Southern New England conferences Captain who has led
South Lancaster, Massachusetts, went through reorganization. In 1944,
from November 27 to December 5, the Northeastern Conference was
1901, the Canadian territories— organized and added to the field. Then us safely thus far”
Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and in 1986 Bermuda Mission became
Newfoundland—separated to form, Bermuda Conference, bringing the —The Review and Herald,
along with the province of Ontario, total number of conferences in the November 29, 1881.
the first Canadian Union Conference. Atlantic Union territory to six, and
The remainder of the territory that is where it remains today.
1907 1915 1922 1926 1945
• Atlantic Union • Islands of • New York • Southern • Northeastern
Conference Bermuda assigned Conference New England Conference
territory further to the Atlantic reorganized Conference organized
divided Union Conference reorganized
• Northern
New England
Conference
reorganized
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 5
COVER FEATURE
For 120 years, the Atlantic Union conducting business while completing Atlantic Union Conference theme for
Conference and its six conferences the mission of the organization. 2021 is “I Will Go to Multiply.”
have served and continue to serve The administrators turned their The words of Ellen White remind
as beacons of hope to proclaim the attention to planning how they would us, “Now is the time for the friends
gospel of Jesus Christ, lighting the move forward during this unpredict- of Jesus to be decided, faithful,
way for others to prepare for His soon able time. Considering guidelines and valiant for the Captain of their
return for His people on planet Earth. established by various states and salvation. Now is the time to show
Today the Atlantic Union governments in the territory, the who are the true Calebs, who will
Conference territory covers the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), not deny that the walls are high,
islands of Bermuda and the states of the Seventh-day Adventist Church the giants mighty, but who believe
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, at its General Conference and North that this very fact will make the
New Hampshire, New York, Rhode American Division levels, as well as victory more glorious. There are
Island, and Vermont. Its membership the Atlantic Union Conference and great difficulties and trials before
stands at 127,771, with 603 churches, the local conferences, they developed us. It will require strong courage
and 93 companies (Atlantic Union a strategic plan. Each department will and persevering effort to go forward.
Conference Statistical Report, Fourth continue to monitor the situation and But all now depends on our faith in
Quarter 2020). assess any further steps needed while the Captain who has led us safely
The mission of the Atlantic Union collaborating with local conference thus far”—The R eview and Herald,
Conference is “to support our six leaders and departmental directors November 29, 1881.
conferences in reaching all people (Atlantic Union Conference Strategic The work in the Atlantic Union
with the Christ-centered Seventh-day Plan: 2020 and Beyond). Conference continues to move forward
Adventist message of hope and whole- As the Atlantic Union 120 years later. The timeline for when
ness.” The vision “is to collaborate commemorates 120 years of ministry, the COVID-19 crisis will be over is
with the six conferences and assist in addition to its focus on evangelism, uncertain, but with God at the helm,
them in reaching their full potential in the administrators are placing we must stay the course and move
the development of their ministries.” major emphasis on three strategic forward in faith, believing that He
In March 2020, the Atlantic Union imperatives: Leadership Development; will guide us safely through these
Conference administrators entered Youth and Young Adults, and uncharted waters.
uncharted waters as they began to Education. These are not the only
navigate through the impact of the areas on which the administrators will Ednor A.P. Davison is the communication
COVID-19 pandemic. Out of necessity, place emphasis, but they will receive director for the Atlantic Union Conference
and editor for the Atlantic Union Gleaner.
they identified new pathways for greater attention at this time. The
1959 1986 2020 2021
• Bermuda Mission • Bermuda Conference • Coronavirus pandemic • Apr. 16: Atlantic
organized organized declared Union Conference
commemorates 120
• More than 200 church years of ministry
members, mainly from
the New York City area, • Statistics: six
died as a result of the conferences; 127,771
coronavirus members; 603 churches;
93 companies; 52 schools
6 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
God’s Gift to Man By J.W. Watt
“F
or God so loved the world that he gave his only Yes! Actually fond of them?—Yes. Will he be fond of them
begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him during eternity?—Yes. How wonderful is the love of God!
should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Mr. Webster still continues, “to delight in with exclusive
John 3:16. affection.” What! God delight in me with exclusive affection!
God’s gift to man is a wonderful gift. What caused God What does this mean?—It means that through Jesus, the
to bestow this gift?—Love. Whom did God love?—The precious gift of God to man, each member of God’s family
world. What is true of the world as a whole, is true of each may receive and enjoy God’s love and care just as though
individual in the world. God so loved us, that he gave he or she was the only one in all the universe who had this
Jesus Christ to us an individual Saviour. All there is of privilege. “Unto us a son is given.”
Christ is mine. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son “That the world may know that thou hast sent me, and
is given.” Isa. 9:6. Why was this Son given? Because God hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23, last
loved us. What is love? Mr. Webster says in defining the clause. Does God love his Son with exclusive affection?
word love that it is “preeminent kindness or devotion to Does he love you, my brother, in the same way? Not
another.” What a wonderful truth is this! God, the living because of your own goodness but because of the obedi-
God, despite all our sins, our waywardness, our selfishness, ence of his Son Jesus who has been so freely given to you
yet has manifested to us the highest degree of kindness of God? Is this so?
that the human mind can conceive. He has shown such If all who profess the name of Christ would accept Christ
devotion to us that the best gift that heaven could afford as he is, a perfect cure for all spiritual maladies, one who
was bestowed upon us. brings to us forgiveness for every sin, one through whom
Again, Mr. Webster says on the word love, “to be pleased we are actually accepted of God, and by whom we are to
with or fond of.” God pleased with men who have sinned?— be guided daily in all our ways, by the agency of the Holy
Spirit, there would be greater activity in the work of the
Lord than we see at the present time. What we need as a
people is a greater appreciation of God’s love than we now
have. We must come to appreciate more fully what God has
done for us through Jesus Christ.
One who takes hold upon God by faith, as the tender,
loving Father that he is, and makes these grand truths with
reference to his love as manifested to us through the gift of
Christ his own cannot remain silent. Such an one must and
will work for God. They will show to God by active service
that they appreciate what he has done for them.
This being true, we should labor earnestly to get all men
to see and appreciate the love of God, and help them in
every way that we can to gain a living experience for them-
selves. An individual experience in the love of God is the
greatest need of this people to-day. When this experience is
gained, then all lines of the work will move rapidly forward,
and the Lord will soon come to take his people home. Oh
hasten, glad day of deliverance.
iStock.com/Bohdan Bevz
This article by J.W. Watts appeared in the Atlantic Union
Gleaner, vol. 1, no. 5, February 5, 1902, less than one year after
the Atlantic Union Conference was organized for ministry in the
Northeast United States.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 7
[A Journey to Excellence]
By Marlene Alvarez
Through it All, Give Thanks!
I n 1990, Andraé Crouch penned the
words to the song “Through It All.”
He shares that through it all, he has
am thankful for allowing the members
of my family who were affected by
COVID-19 to recover and give their
from what we were lacking to what
we have in Jesus. Cultivating a spirit
of gratitude helps us to know that we
“learned to trust in Jesus,” and he has lives to Christ. I am thankful to God can:
“learned to trust in God.” The year for allowing me to have my wedding
2020 was an unforgettable year filled in spite of the circumstances!” Give thanks in all circumstances.
with uncertainties and unexpected As we entered into the 2020-2021 Rely and rest on God’s promises to
surprises. Many people in our church- school year, many were thankful for never leave us or forsake us.
es and our educational system became their students returning and for an Appreciate the storms because storms
ill. Some recovered and others died. influx of students in their school. Yes, come to make us stronger for the
Students and teachers quickly transi- there are many reasons to be thankful. journey.
tioned to remote learning. The sting In spite of the circumstances, our edu- Trust God to always be by our side,
of isolation and separation threatened cational system has learned to echo and we will find
to break us. The sadness and fear hov- the words of David written in Psalm Inner peace as we shelter under His
ered over us like a dark cloud. Where 9:1, which says, “I will give thanks to wings.
Thank God, for He is good.
Understand that God offers hope in all
“When we give thanks, God is pleased. His heart is circumstances.
Decide to rely on God, and this leads
full, and we free ourselves from the oppression and to happiness because He is
Everywhere at all times. His watchful
bondage of the darkness that surrounds us.” eye is on us and our families.
Through it all, we “Give thanks
could we go for a solution to our situa- you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell with a grateful heart, give thanks to
tion? What could we do? We hunkered of all your wonderful deeds” (NIV). the Holy One. Give thanks because
down and placed our trust in God. Psychological research provides He’s given Jesus Christ His Son. And
Even in this situation, did we have evidence of wonderful things that now, let the weak say, ‘I am strong;’
a reason to adopt an attitude of grati- happen when we choose an attitude let the poor say, ‘I am rich, because of
tude? Yes! Suleima Godinez, a teacher of gratitude. Giving thanks makes us what the Lord has done for us.’ Give
at Greater Boston Academy, said, “I more resilient, improves our health, Thanks!”—Henry Smith
am thankful for the community that reduces stress, and strengthens our
surrounds my family and me. Their relationships. When we give thanks, Marlene Alvarez is the
prayers gave us strength and hope that God is pleased. His heart is full, and Atlantic Union Conference
associate director of
we would get better.” Leslie Colon, we free ourselves from the oppression education and children’s
a teacher at Jackson Heights school, and bondage of the darkness that ministries.
said, “I am thankful for the tireless surrounds us. An attitude of gratitude
efforts and time essential workers put helps us to see the blessings in every
in to help keep our cities running. I situation, and this shifts our focus
8 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
BERMUDA CONFERENCE
How to Forgive When You Can’t Forget: Seven Steps to
Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Freedom
“W e struggle with forgiveness
because we prefer revenge or
because we are afraid that justice will
of love. I cancel my demand that you
should change as a condition for me to
love. I am holding you responsible for
to forgive, God will act as the king
and take back His forgiveness.” Jesus
prayed, “Father, forgive them, because
not be served,” claimed Paul A. Bryant, a your thoughts and actions. I take back they do not know what they are doing”
retired pastor and Family Ministries lead- my freedom and power to love and (Luke 23:34, CSB). “Christ forgives us
er at Patmos Chapel in Apopka, Florida. express love.” for hurting Him, and we must ask God
In his Zoom presentation to viewers Step 4: Get a change of memory. to empower us to forgive the one who
of the Bermuda Conference in February, “One reason it is difficult to forgive is has hurt us.”
Bryant admitted that forgiveness can that the hurt lives on in our minds. Step 6: Use loving confrontation.
be difficult and requires effort, but is We photograph those things that are “It is difficult to forgive until we face
possible, even if reconciliation was not. associated with emotions. Unclogging the offender squarely and say, ‘You did
To understand the essence of forgive- those memories requires changing me wrong, and I feel hurt because of
ness and why it is so critical, Bryant the channels of our minds.” Bryant it.’” Bryant suggested speaking to an
suggested following seven crucial steps encouraged getting a memory change empty chair to build up the courage
to move from hurt, blame, and punish- to confront the offender. “When
ment to peace, pardon, and emotional, confronting, state the facts; express
physical, and spiritual healing. true feelings; say what ‘I’ want, and use
Step 1: Understand the nature of ‘I’ statements.”
forgiveness. Bryant said forgiveness Step 7: Experience the healing
is the willful process in which the benefits. Forgiveness has substantial
forgiver chooses not to retaliate but emotional, physical, and spiritual
responds to the offender lovingly, advantages and frees both the offender
letting go of a record of wrongs. It does and the victim. Bryant concluded that
not deny that something happened; forgiveness “aids digestion, improves the
it does not excuse the offender, but immune system, lowers blood pressure,
it does not allow the experience to aids in providing a restful sleep,
control attitudes and behavior. increases energy, creates awareness,
Step 2: Acknowledge all of your and sharpens the intelligence. It also
emotions. This is important because provides relief from resentment and
Courtesy of Paul A Bryant
“suppressed emotions hurt and depression, reduces stress, creates a
deny the peace and healing needed. more positive outlook, restores self-
Aroused emotions can escalate and esteem, and ultimately creates peace of
become destructive.” Bryant suggested mind and happiness. Keep on praying;
we often have burning hate for people The Bermuda Conference Family Ministries Department hosted keep on desiring to forgive, and God
who do us wrong. “When we admit “How to Forgive When You Can’t Forget” with Paul A. Bryant, a will give the ultimate victory.”
our hate, anger, or negative emotion, retired pastor and Family Ministries leader at Patmos Chapel in
Apopka, Florida.
we can forgive.” “How to Forgive When You Can’t
Step 3: Choose to forgive. God by (a) changing your companion(s), (b) Forget” was presented by the Family
said, “Nothing they plan to do will be changing your expectation that life Ministries department and hosted by
impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6). should be fair, and (c) separating the Ulric Hetsberger, Bermuda Conference
Choose to forgive the offender for person from the hurt. Family Ministries leader and pastor of
each wrong, and then say, “I choose Step 5: Look to the Cross of the Midland Heights and St. David’s
to stop hurting myself for what you Calvary. Using the parable in Matthew churches.
have done or are doing to me. I choose 18:23-27, Bryant said, “If we act like —Joi Tyrrell, communication director, Bermuda
to forgive and restore a healthy flow the unforgiving servant and refuse Conference
“One reason it is difficult to forgive is that the hurt lives on in our minds. We
photograph those things that are associated with emotions. Unclogging those
memories requires changing the channels of our minds.”
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 9
ATL ANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
GODencounters Draws Hundreds in Virtual Event
I n 2003 on Valentine’s Day weekend,
some 150 young adults braved the
cold weather to worship together at
Camp Winnekeag in Ashburnham,
Massachusetts. They came out for the
first-ever GODencounters Collegiate/
Young Adult Retreat weekend under
the leadership of Bill Wood, former
Atlantic Union Conference Youth
Ministries director. Eighteen years
later, GODencounters continues to
be a place for a new generation of
young adults in the Atlantic Union
Conference to worship together,
hang out, and have a life-changing
experience with Jesus Christ.
Naquan Taitt
While the coronavirus pandem-
ic eliminated the opportunity for Pictured are some of the in-studio crew who helped to make the GODencounters weekend a success.
an in-person event this year, the
GODencounters planning committee General Conference Youth Ministries and YouTube channel and connected
moved forward to hold a virtual event, director; Abraham Henry, Lake Region with the hundreds of viewers—both
February 12-14, with more than 525 Conference Youth Ministries direc- registered and non-registered—via
young adults registered. Under the tor; Shonelle George, motivational the chat, as well as on the Yapp
theme, “One in Him,” David McKenzie, speaker, blogger, and psychotherapist; app that was available to registered
Atlantic Union Conference Adventist Teddy Williamson, Greater New York attendees. If you missed this year’s
Youth Ministries (AYM) director, and Conference Youth Ministries asso- GODencounters, be sure to watch the
cohosts Teddy Williamson, Mitsuka ciate director; Israel Mora, Carolina videos by visiting the Atlantic Union
Attys, and Samuel Cruz, set the tone Conference ShareHim coordinator and Adventist Youth Ministries Facebook
and kept each segment moving from pastor; Jonathan Coicou, a Northeastern page (facebook.com/AtlanticUnion
their cozy, living-room-style set. Conference Youth Ministries area coor- AdventistYouthMinistries) or YouTube
Guest speakers and presenters dinator; and Eric Walsh, physician and channel (www.youtube.com/c/
for the weekend included Heather health care administrator. AUYouthMedia/videos).
Thompson Day, interdenominational Atlantic Union AYM streamed the —Debra Banks Cuadro, assistant communication
speaker and author; Gary Blanchard, programs live on their Facebook page director, Atlantic Union Conference
Cohosts Mitsuka Attys and Samuel Cruz, left, speak with Friday-night presenter Heather Cohost Teddy Williamson, Greater New York Conference Adventist Youth Ministries associate director,
Thompson Day, an interdenominational speaker and author. left, talks with David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference Adventist Youth Ministries director.
10 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteATL ANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
Atlantic Union Youth Participate in NAD Youth Sabbath
School/Youth Church
T he North American
Division (NAD) Youth
and Young Adult Ministries
who led the discussion; and
the Northeastern Academy
Choir which provided music.
Department partnered with On February 13, Abdiel
young people and Youth Nieves of the Framingham
Ministries leaders from Spanish church in
around the Atlantic Union Framingham, Massachusetts,
Conference during the cohosted on behalf of the
month of February to cohost Southern New England
Momentum Youth Sabbath Conference. Danielle Jean-
School and Youth Church. Baptiste, director of Youth
Representatives from the and Young Adult Ministries
NAD Youth and Young Adult for the Village Church in Givens Lubin, Shiloh Bilingual French church youth director, top left, prays with youth from the
Ministries, Tracy Wood, direc- Lancaster, Massachusetts, Greater New York Conference before discussing the Sabbath School lesson on February 27.
tor; Vendeon Griffin, asso- gave the message; Kirosha
ciate director; and Armando Sidelca, Shalom Rodriguez,
Miranda, associate director, and Shayanya Rodriguez
hosted each live-streamed provided music.
episode and were assisted Trevor Schlisner, NNEC
by youth leaders from four Youth Ministries director,
conferences in the Atlantic cohosted the program on
Union: Greater New York February 20 with special
(GNYC), Northeastern (NEC), guest Janely Pierre, who pas-
Northern New England tors the Derry and Manchester
(NNEC), and Southern New churches in New Hampshire,
England (SNEC). to give the spoken word.
Each week, cohosts brought Ben and Jasmine Blanchard
visitors to the program from provided music for NNEC,
their territory to share music, and Janel Tyson, Pine Tree Janel Tyson, Pine Tree Academy vice principal and seventh- and eighth-grade teacher, top row, second
from left, leads the Sabbath School lesson discussion on February 20, joined by Trevor Schlisner,
present an inspirational mes- Academy (PTA) vice principal Northern New England Conference AYM director, top center, and several Pine Tree Academy students.
sage, and teach the Sabbath and seventh- and eighth-grade
School lesson. Each segment teacher, led out in the Sabbath
also included youth from var- School lesson discussion with
ious churches located within several PTA students.
the hosting conference or stu- Representatives from
dents from a local Adventist the Greater New York
school to participate in an Conference ended the month
interactive Sabbath School by cohosting the February
discussion. 27 program. Ariel Manzueta,
Cohost Ingrid Pierre, GNYC Youth Ministries
Adventist Youth leader for director, and cohost Kebrina
the Flatbush church in Stephenson, a young adult
Brooklyn, New York, rep- from Bronx, New York, led
resented the Northeastern out in the program. Gregory
Conference and led out in Carrol, pastor of Queens
On February 13, Jeamela Guilloteau, assistant Pathfinder leader from the Brockton church, top
the program on February Faith Temple in Laurelton, left, leads the team, including Daniel Velez, Southern New England Conference AYM director,
6 with special guests New York, provided the bottom left, in discussing the Sabbath School lesson.
Edsel Cadet, pastor of the message, and musical artists
Cambridge church in Everett, Keila Lopez and Mildred Bilingual French church in young people from various
Massachusetts; Jonathan Laventure brought special Brooklyn, New York, and area churches.
Coicou, a NEC Youth music. Givens Lubin, youth Stephenson led out in the —Debra Cuadro, assistant communica-
Ministries area coordinator, director for the Shiloh Sabbath School lesson with tion director, Atlantic Union Conference
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 11NEW YORK CONFERENCE
The Indicator Magazine Gets a 21st Century Makeover
W hile doing some
research on the New
York Conference (NYC)
live on Facebook (facebook.
com/NYConference). Each
episode provides conference
of the church. Rodriguez
and his cohosts, Miguel
Crespo, NYC president, and
in the Facebook comments
section.
In its first season, The
history, Claudio Gomez, Indicator transitioned to a
NYC executive secretary, monthly program as church-
discovered some old copies es reopened and resumed
of The New York Indicator, services, but that change has
a magazine published in not affected the number of
the 1900s by the New people tuning in, which has
York Conference and Tract more than doubled. Topics
Society. At the same time, covered in 2020 included
Reynolds Rodriguez, NYC the mission and diversity
communication director, of the conference, church
was finalizing plans for the planting, and the corona-
conference’s new weekly virus and its impact on the
online program. Gomez pre- church. In January 2021, The
sented his hidden treasure, Indicator kicked off its sec-
and they all agreed that The New York Conference representatives Miguel Crespo, president, bottom left; Claudio Gomez, ond season discussing reli-
Indicator was a fitting name executive secretary, bottom right; and Reynolds Rodriguez, communication director, top left; gious liberty, and focused on
for this new program. discuss church planting with Jonathan Perez, One Connection church assistant pastor, top right, emotional and mental health
On May 8, 2020, The during the November 2020 edition of The Indicator. during the coronavirus in its
Indicator made its digital news and updates, and Gomez, interview guests, February broadcast.
debut. The program utilizes features a special guest to take prayer requests, pray, —Debra Banks Cuadro, assistant
an interactive video format discuss current issues as and share testimonies communication director, Atlantic
via Zoom that is streamed they relate to the mission from viewers interacting Union Conference
Westvale Celebrates a Virtual Prayer Walk
T hings at the Westvale church are
done differently due to COVID-
19, but that does not stop ministry
via Zoom. Payne showed pictures of
the different rooms or people—Seong
Cho, Westvale church senior pastor, the
Payne and Hayford are planning a
prayer walk once a quarter this year
because they realize that prayer is
from happening. In the past, before audio visual team, officers, and more— especially important for the church
COVID-19, the Prayer Ministries and then someone said a prayer for the and church school. Payne feels it is
and Health Ministries teams joined different people, rooms, activities, and important for the Health Ministries
together to conduct a prayer walk for ministries of the church. team to join the Prayer Ministries
the church and church school. They Sue Hayford, Westvale church team in these walks since prayer is a
did not let the virus prevent that from Prayer Ministries leader and one of part of spiritual health and exercising
happening this year. the church school teachers, led out (walking) is good for one’s physical
Leaders held the first prayer walk of in the prayer walk around the church health.
2021 virtually. Instead of walking in the school, Parkview Junior Academy, —Reynolds Rodriguez, communication director,
church or church school, Joan Payne, showing pictures of the different New York Conference
Westvale church’s faith community rooms and students. Various people
nurse, led the walk around the church then said a prayer for them.
12 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteNEW YORK CONFERENCE
Joy of Troy Church Delivers Food to the Homeless
J oy of Troy church
members made and
delivered a total of 60
“Thank you for supporting
Kendal House’s work on the
Outreach Van with your
lunches for Joseph’s House donation of bottled water
& Shelter (Kendal House) in and sandwiches. . . . Your
Troy, New York, on the last gift is helping us provide
Sabbath in January. Joseph’s support and housing
House & Shelter has a van services to the individuals
that travels through Troy living on the street in
each afternoon, making Albany.
deliveries of sandwiches to “We couldn’t do our work
the homeless in Troy. without caring friends like
The lunches Joy of you. With your help, we will
Troy assembled included reach even more people in
Sandwiches and water are ready for Joy of Troy members to deliver to Joseph’s House & Shelter
sandwiches, granola bars, need of housing and shelter for distribution to the homeless in Troy, New York.
mandarin oranges, and two in Albany this year.
cases of bottled water. Due “While our overall vision Gleaner, November 2020, relationships and touching
to COVID-19, the Gonzales is for everyone in the p. 12 ), the church in Troy, hearts in a meaningful way
family volunteered to make community to have safe New York, has cordoned off by providing much-needed
and deliver the lunch bags. and affordable housing, an area around their church services.
Joy of Troy members plan we also do what we can which they refer to as the —Annette Barnes, elder, Joy of Troy
to perform this ministry to alleviate the stresses Quadrant. In the Quadrant, church
quarterly in 2021. Until it endured during episodes they are strengthening
is safe to meet as a large of homelessness. Your gift
group for such an activity, helps us do just that.
a different family from the “We are so pleased to have
church will volunteer to you as a friend of Kendal
make the lunches each time. House. Again, thank you for
In response to the your support and gift.”
compassion initiative, Joy Joy of Troy members
of Troy church members are blessed to help meet a
received a response from need within the Quadrant
the Joseph’s House & and to be the hands and
Shelter development feet of Jesus. As mentioned
assistant Andrew Barnes, in a previous article (see
Food supplies to pack lunch bags for people in the area surrounding Joy of Troy church include,
granola bars, mandarin oranges, and other items.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 13NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
God’s Hands Keep the Bethel School Community Safe
“A pandemic?” “Are we all
going to die?” “What
is going to happen to
Fortunately for the
Christian, all things work
together for good to them that
home, neither could they
afford to pay for someone to
stay at home with them.
For those who work with
small children, you know
what happens when one
my grandmother and love the Lord. While they With the challenge ahead child gets a cold—the entire
grandfather?” “Is it true that are not suggesting that God of preparing for online building is sick. However,
this can kill us?” “How do brings bad things to others, learning, which would be during this pandemic, they
we keep ourselves safe, and they rest assured that when difficult for young children, witnessed something they
will we survive it?” What in they put their lives in His the school had to figure out had never seen before. Not
the world is a pandemic to hands, no matter what hap- the best way to educate its one single child in the
an elementary child? These pens, there will be a bright students. It also had the school became ill because
were all questions that side for the Christian whose ominous task of getting the of COVID-19. No one had a
students were asking. eyes are on the Savior. So, the building ready to receive the cold, or flu, or sniffle of any
Their questions echoed
the fears of the students
and the fears of many
teachers and parents who
had no answers to give.
Nonetheless, the Bethel
school curriculum was
immediately changed
to seek out and provide
answers to the many
troubling questions and to
settle the hearts and minds
of little ones, whose only
concern before now was
“Do I get to play with my
friends today?”
Aside from adding a new
vocabulary word to the
list of words for the period At Bethel school everyone wears masks and each class is set up to give the students the space required to practice physical distancing.
under study, teachers gave
students the dictionary question is, “How did this students when September 4, kind. The administrators
meaning for “pandemic,” work for the good of anyone?” 2020, arrived. and staff did not take this
which became a teachable Well, at the Bethel school, a The building was blessing lightly. They saw
moment, one that would last K-8 grade school located in sanitized and cleaned, that when they obey God,
much longer than a moment. Brooklyn, New York, some following CDC, local, He protects them and, even
The 2020-2021 school year good things did happen. state, and Northeastern when He chooses not to act
began with the knowledge When the school year Conference guidelines. Each in the way they think He
that the academic landscape began, the administration class was made ready with should, He works out all
had changed. These were and staff got busy making hand-sanitizing stations, things for their good.
not times they had seen all the necessary prepara- portable hand-washing Everyone had to wear
before, nor were they times tions for students to return. basins, extra supplies of masks. Mask wearing helped
that could be compared to At the end of the previous face masks, markings on to prevent the spread of the
any in their short lifetime. year, parents indicated that the floor for distancing, virus in the building. They
For many, the change was many of them needed the Clorox wipes, regular cleaned their hands with
so drastic they immediately school to open for in-person cleaning during the day, soap and water and sani-
recognized that things would learning because they could and deep cleaning at the tized them often. They wore
never be the same again. not leave their children at end of each day. gloves where appropriate.
14 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteNORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
This helped decrease the James 4:8 says, “Cleanse connotation as well as a implications for the class-
spread of the virus, espe- your hands, ye sinners; physical need to be clean. rooms and meeting places.
cially preventing them from and purify your hearts, ye According to Ellen G. As Bethel school practiced
putting their hands on their double minded” (KJV). 1 White in The A dventist the principles laid out in
faces. Each class was set Thessalonians 4:7 says, “For Home, p. 22, “A neglect of God’s Word, as they were
up to give the students the God hath not called us cleanliness will induce dis- reminded by the scientific
space required to practice unto uncleanness, but unto ease. Sickness does not come community of the need to
physical distancing. holiness” (KJV). Ephesians without a cause.” She also put these measures in place,
All classes became their 5:26 says, “That he might says, “Perfect cleanliness, they could see God’s hand
own bubble, allowing no sanctify and cleanse it plenty of sunlight, careful in keeping the children and
one in who was not a part with the washing of water attention to sanitation in their school community
of the class. The school also by the word” (KJV). These every detail of the home safe. They were reminded
denied open access to their texts remind them of life, are essential to freedom that all things work together
building. By controlling the how important cleansing from disease and to the for good unto those who
environment and practicing themselves is. In doing cheerfulness and vigor of love the Lord and conduct
the principles that God gave this, they allow God to the inmates of the home”— themselves according to His
to them, they have been able clean their souls so that Counsels for the Church, way (Romans 8:28).
to keep their children safe they prepare for Him. These p 219. While this passage —Celestine Creighton, principal,
thus far. texts suggest a spiritual relates to the home, it has Bethel school
Northeastern Conference Communication Presents
“The Zoom Where It Happens”
B ryant Taylor, worship
and media pastor at
the Azure Hills church in
being a participant in a vir-
tual church service. For the
viewer, they simply click a
audio software, streaming
equipment, and presentation
platforms. Taylor also noted
the Southern California link on Facebook, YouTube, that just because a church
Conference and president Zoom, or other platforms, has the best of everything, it
of the Society of Adventist and they are instantly mem- does not always mean that it
Communicators, presented bers of a virtual church ser- will have the greatest results.
a virtual media workshop vice, board meeting, or even He emphasized that
titled, “The Zoom Where It a concert program. However, they need to take time to
Happens” to Northeastern to achieve the highest level grow and learn about the
Conference pastors and of professional quality, many equipment and use it to
communication leaders on people are behind the scenes each church’s best needs to
February 23. Taylor has a to make that happen. minister to those who will
wealth of knowledge and In his presentation, Taylor be watching the programs.
experience when it comes to provided information on He told the workshop Bryant Taylor, worship and media pastor
at the Azure Hills church in the Southern
technology for churches. how to get the best out of participants, “I love California Conference and president of the
In this time of virtual liv- the online church experience developing digital disciples.” Society of Adventist Communicators, shared
ing, working, and socializ- by using the best equipment He also emphasized information on how to get the best out of the
online church experience.
ing, perhaps one of the most that will enhance any that they can still make
rapid changes since the pan- program. He demonstrated an impact by using this
demic began is how every- how to use the latest video technology to reach others —JeNean Lendor, communication
one has had to adjust to cameras, microphones, for Christ. director, Northeastern Conference
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 15NORTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
She Found a New Religion, Love, and Then Marriage in the
Middle of a Pandemic
W hen Melinda Durller
was first invited to
an Adventist church, she
Right after her baptism,
the Atwoods invited
Melinda to a health weekend
agreed to go out of curi- at Camp Lawroweld, and
osity and reciprocity—for Melinda not only thoroughly
the Adventist friend who enjoyed the health
invited her had previ- presentations, but fell in
ously accepted Melinda’s love with the camp. When
invitation to attend her she got an opportunity to
Baptist church. But Melinda chat with the camp director,
found that her visit to Trevor Schlisner, she found
the Adventist church in that a renovation of the
Bennington, Vermont, had camp was going to start
awakened a vague nagging almost immediately with
at the back of her mind. the help of a group called
Mark Atwood, Bennington church pastor, baptizes Melinda Durller while Chris Schmid waits to
She attended a few more Maranatha. Schlisner invited be baptized.
times, and the nagging her to join with Maranatha
blossomed into a realization and gave her the contact Maranatha and found that campfire at night. I loved it,”
that the Sabbath truth had information. the project was full and new she said, “And I jumped right
been tugging at her heart for With the help of Mark registrations were closed. in. I signed up to give my
literally decades. She engaged and Ruth, Melinda looked Melinda expressed her testimony on the third night,
in Bible studies with the into Maranatha and liked disappointment to Mark and even though I didn’t know
Bennington church pastor, what she saw. It was a good Ruth, and when Mark heard what a testimony was. Well,
Mark Atwood, and his organization that worked her story, he frowned. “Let when the first testimony was
wife, Ruth. By the time the with volunteers to build me make a call,” he told her. given, the man who gave it
Bible studies were over and churches or repair buildings She’d been told registrations went on at length. All of a
Melinda was to be baptized at Adventist projects all over were closed, and the project sudden, I was really nervous.
in September of 2020, the the world. She was delighted started in only days, so she I was awake the whole night
ceremony itself was a bit with the prospect of return- held out little hope. It wasn’t before I was to give my tes-
more muted and sparsely ing to the camp and taking long, however, before she timony, praying to God to
attended than it would have up important work with heard from a smiling Mark help me know what to say.
been, because the pandemic good people. But her hopes that her registration had been At the end of the night, I felt
was in full swing. were dashed when she called accepted and she was an God telling me to use my
official part of the Maranatha drum—which I had for some
project at Lawroweld. reason taken with me. ‘Talk
Mark never told her who about finding Me and play
he called or how he man- your drum,’ He seemed to be
aged to pull the right strings, saying. And so I did, and it
but Melinda now sees the helped start several conver-
whole chain of events as sations with people on the
part of God’s plan—a plan project that I hadn’t met yet.”
that was only beginning One of those people was
to unfold. When Melinda Alan Stevenson, who had
joined the Maranatha group, traveled with his dog and
she also got an immersion some friends to the proj-
into Adventist culture and ect from North Dakota.
mission mindset. “There “Apparently, he liked my
was worship morning and drum playing,” said Melinda,
evening and amazing spiri- “because we started spend-
Melinda Durller and Alan Stevenson prepare to exchange vows. tual discussions around the ing quite a bit of time
16 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteNORTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
together, including taking That dinner led to the couldn’t make it happen Even in the middle of a
his dog for walks most eve- couple spending still more because of work commit- pandemic, God works His
nings. It wasn’t long before time together and, when ments, but he did invite plans out. Melinda and Alan
he invited me out to dinner.” the project was over, it was Melinda out to North Dakota now have a home in both
Melinda confesses that she difficult to part. Melinda for an extended visit, and North Dakota and Vermont
hadn’t gone to the project signed up for another she accepted. A few weeks and are trying to figure out
looking to meet someone. Maranatha project, this time later, on December 7, 2020, what the future holds for
“My husband of 45 years in Tennessee. Alan returned on the shore of the lake at them. Two things they know
passed away a couple of home and kept in touch with the Dakota Conference’s for sure: God and Maranatha
years previous to my becom- Melinda by text and phone, Northern Lights Camp, Alan will be in their future.
ing an Adventist, and I but found after a few weeks asked Melinda to marry —Scott Christiansen, communication
wasn’t looking for a relation- that he really wanted to be in him. They were married on director, Northern New England
ship, but it seems God had Tennessee and see Melinda January 21 at her church in Conference
other plans.” in person. In the end, he Bennington, Vermont.
What Does It Take to Stop a Pathfinder from Pursuing
Their Mission?
W hat does it take to stop a
Pathfinder from pursuing their
ministry? Before you answer that,
Even though the meetings were all
virtual, the weekend was as packed
with activities as it would have been if
clubs with membership of about 150
Pathfinders and leaders. True to their
“git ‘er done” nature, the meetings
consider that these are the young they were meeting in person. started early in the morning and went
people who take their Pathfinder The scope of the agenda helps until late at night. When chided about
pledge seriously: “By the grace of God, people who are not deeply familiar the non-stop nature of the weekend,
I will be pure, and kind, and true. I with Pathfinders to understand just conference Pathfinder director Kurt
will keep the Pathfinder Law. I will be how broad and important this critical Amos said, “Hey, we expect a lot
a servant of God and a friend to man.” ministry is. There were excellent from our kids, and we know they
That is quite a pledge, and obviously, worships and devotionals, of course, expect a lot from us, so putting in the
it would take quite a lot to stop young and there was also a multitude of hours is just part of leadership in the
people who are so intent on carrying useful break-out training sessions. Pathfinder ministry.”
out the mission and ministry God has Becky Barcelow led a session on But, even though the passion and
given them. Small Club Organization. Paul and dedication that Pathfinder leaders
Now consider a second question: Seth Noyes led a session on Suicide have for their ministry were on full
What would it take to stop Pathfinder Awareness (how to spot risk signals display over the weekend, there was
leaders? Specifically, Northern New and what to do). Mark Tamaleaa led one common refrain that, if not a
England Pathfinder leaders? The a session on Realizing Your Spiritual complaint, was a heartfelt observation:
answer, just going by the available Gifts. Beverly Tier led a session on “I can hardly wait until we can do all
evidence, seems to be that we haven’t Adolescent Development, and Karen our Pathfinder activities in real life!”
found anything yet that stops them. Amos led a session on Medical, Risk None of the attendees knew exactly
Certainly not COVID, at any rate. Management, and Child Safety. There when all clubs could resume regular
Pathfinder leaders just keep going and were, in all, 34 break-out sessions over schedules, but there was one thing for
going and going. Proof of that is the the weekend. certain: all Pathfinder leaders were
recent NNEC Pathfinder Leadership NNEC’s Pathfinder Leadership praying for a rapid resumption of all
Meetings. Club directors, regional Meetings were spread out over three aspects of their ministry (including
coordinators, and conference directors days with 51 leaders in attendance, camporees).
kept their appointed time for their including 17 teen leadership trainees. —Scott Christiansen, communication director,
annual worship and training weekend. Those in attendance represented 11 Northern New England Conference
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 17SOUTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
Texas Food Pantry Receives Help from Massachusetts and
New York
N icole Broushet and her
husband, Victor, are
personal ministries leaders
at the College Church in
Lancaster, Massachusetts,
and are owners of The Vegan
Nest, a café in Worcester,
Massachusetts. Broushet,
originally from Texas, saw her
fellow Texans’ plight during
the arctic outbreak that
slammed the state, bringing
Photos courtesy of Nicole Broushet
snow and one of the lowest
five-day average temperatures
seen in some 40 years. “I
knew we needed to get help
down there,” Broushet said.
“They just don’t have the
infrastructure to support Frankie Vasquez, Southern New England Conference Adventist Community Services director, far left, and Shawn Santana, far right, pose for a group
weather like that and even to picture outside the Pleasant Grove Spanish church in Dallas, Texas, after unloading a rental truck they drove from Massachusetts filled with donated
food and water from the Southern New England and Greater New York conferences. Starting second from left are Alyssa Valenzuela, Nicole Broushet,
know how to respond.” Ana Carmela Cotrina Poncedeleon, Ray Valenzuela, a member of the Pleasant Grove Spanish church, and Miguel Mares.
Fueled with only a desire
in their hearts, the Broushets Dallas, Texas. “We prayed food and supplies at a steep Massachusetts. Broushet con-
didn’t know what to do and for God to touch our hearts discount and donated 1,100 nected with Frankie Vasquez,
how to get started. They and the hearts of those who pounds of water. Southern New England
sought the Lord in prayer, wanted to be involved in this Armed with this news, Conference Adventist
asking Him to show them project so that we could move they approached their Community Services (ACS)
how to provide some relief forward together to support church pastor, Einar Rom, director, to coordinate send-
and do whatever they could our brothers and sisters in the who got their church family ing another truck to Dallas.
do from 1,800 miles away. Dallas area.” Broushet shared on board to contribute to Luis Biazotto, ACS director
Broushet connected with the idea with their food dis- the cause. She also took to for the Greater New York
Carmela Cotrina Poncedeleon, tributor, who, upon learn- social media and tapped into Conference, heard about the
a friend who had contacts ing that this was a charity their loyal customer base initiative and also wanted to
at the Dallas First church in mission, offered to transport for donations. A mere four get involved. “It makes me so
days later, help was on the happy to see members and
way to Dallas in the form of churches talking and com-
almost 5,000 pounds of food municating, laying aside pref-
and water that went to God’s erences and self, and uniting
Table Food Pantry operated under the banner of Christ
by Dallas First Seventh- and the cause of God. That,
day Adventist Church. The to me, is a blessing beyond
church also shared some measure,” says Broushet.
of its supplies with area Less than two weeks
food pantries in Austin, after the first delivery, two
Arlington, and Fort Worth. trucks—a rental truck driv-
As more people heard en by Vasquez with multiple
about the project, donations pallets of food and water
continued to pour in after donated from the Southern
the first delivery, including a New England and Greater
donation of blankets and hats New York conferences, and
Volunteers at the Pleasant Grove Spanish church in Dallas, Texas, organize the food and water from the Leominster Spanish another tractor trailer from
donations that arrived in a tractor trailer from Massachusetts to distribute to their local community. church in Leominster, Broushet’s food distributor—
18 Atlantic Union Gleaner, April 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteYou can also read
