FEBRUARY, 2025

Many years ago, while a college student, a good friend gave me a book that would change my life forever. The book is titled “Living God’s Love” by the author Douglas Cooper. For me, the most profound aspect of this book was Cooper's definition of love. His definition resonated with me so strongly that I memorized it and have used it countless times since. On page 126, here’s how Douglas Cooper defines love. He says, “Loving is using one’s God-given power of choice, to do or say, that which is in the best good or interest of another, regardless of feelings.” 

Simply put, according to Cooper, to love means that as believers, we do what’s in the best interest of others, whomever they might be, regardless of how it makes us feel. But here’s the point that we dare not miss. Not only has God given us that choice, but God also gives us the power to follow through with that choice. 

Although February 14 may be referred to as a time for love, as believers, we are admonished by God not to limit our demonstration of love to a month or even a day, but rather to every opportunity to choose do what’s best for others 365 days of the year. 

Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

At Potomac Conference, diversity is central to who we are. Our conference family reflects many cultures and traditions, united by faith, service, and shared purpose. This year, the nation marks 100 years of recognizing and celebrating Black history, making this observance especially significant. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week, established by historian Carter G. Woodson, has grown into Black History Month, a time set aside to acknowledge the vital contributions of African Americans to our nation’s story. As we join this national recognition, we celebrate the voices, leadership, and legacy that continue to shape our conference and enrich our shared witness.

COMMUNITY PRAISE CHURCH HOSTS AN AFTERNOON WITH NDABA MANDELA

The Community Praise Church was blessed by a powerful and transformative Black History Month celebration featuring honored guest, Ndaba Mandela. Through an intimate conversation with Claudia M. Allen, attendees were reminded that the legacy of justice, unity, and freedom modeled by his grandfather, Nelson Mandela, comes with responsibility and action. The celebration was beautifully enriched by the uplifting ministry of the CPC Children’s Choir and by a moving spoken-word presentation by MJ Sirls. As a faith community, observers were challenged to move beyond silence and indifference and to boldly live out their calling to stand for justice and love. In commemorating 100 years of Black history observances, we were encouraged not only to remember the past but also to shape a more just and unified future actively. Ndaba Mandela’s closing charge reminded us that each of us carries leadership potential and a divine responsibility to serve our communities with courage and faith. Adding to the significance of the moment, Mr. Mandela was presented with one of the highly treasured Potomac Conference jackets by Debra Anderson, Special Assistant to the Office of the President, and Dr. Fred Warfield, Human Resources Director for the conference, as a symbol of respect, partnership, and shared commitment to service.

SETTING THE TONE: A CONSECRATION FOR A NEW SEASON

On January 10, Potomac Conference administrators, office staff, and members of the Executive Committee gathered at New Market Seventh-day Adventist Church on the campus of Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Virginia, for a consecration service marking the start of the new quinquennium. For the first time in conference history, leaders intentionally paused to dedicate themselves to God before stepping into a new season of service. The gathering affirmed prayer as the foundation for leadership and decision-making, setting a tone of humility, unity, and spiritual dependence as leaders moved forward together, anchored in mission and guided by a Prayer First commitment.

HISPANIC LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONFERENCES

In an effort to continue discipling Potomac’s Hispanic lay leadership, Hispanic Ministries hosted two leadership training conferences over consecutive weekends. The events focused on key leadership topics tailored to equip leaders from fourteen different local church departments and ministries, with an emphasis on intergenerational discipleship, effective servant leadership, and intentional community engagement. On January 24, more than 250 leaders from across the Conference's southern region gathered at Richmond Academy in Richmond, Virginia. The following Sabbath, January 31, more than 800 leaders convened on the campus of Washington Adventist University. The closing ceremony was held at the Sligo Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, where both the President of the Potomac Conference, Elder Tapp, and the Vice President for Hispanic Ministries, Pastor Rafael Soto, addressed the enthusiastic audience. They offered words of encouragement and hope in light of the recent, troubling events affecting our Hispanic community.

PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE

Presidents from conferences across the North American Division gathered in Corpus Christi for their annual meeting, centered on the theme Leadership in a Changing World. The Potomac Conference was represented through the ministry of Lola Moore-Johnston, pastor of the Restoration Praise Center, who served as the featured devotional speaker. Drawing from the biblical account of Nehemiah, her morning devotionals, presented under the theme The Restoration Project, offered timely spiritual insight and encouragement. Through Nehemiah’s example, leaders were reminded that effective leadership in times of change requires vision, courage, perseverance, and a deep dependence on God. It’s always good to bump into the president for a selfie between workshops.

A FOND FAREWELL AND A WARM WELCOME

At the January staff meeting, the Potomac Conference family gathered to honor meaningful transitions marked by gratitude, prayer, and hope. Colleagues shared stories and laughter as they celebrated Daryl Hevener, associate treasurer, whose nearly four decades of faithful service have left a lasting imprint on the Conference. While Daryl is stepping into part-time retirement, he isn’t going far and will remain a familiar presence among the team. The gathering also recognized Karen Senecal, vice president for finance, who, after four years of dedicated service, has accepted a call to serve as under treasurer for the Mid-America Union in Lincoln, Nebraska. Good food, warm memories, and a few tears filled the room as prayers and blessings were offered for both as they begin new chapters. In the same spirit, members of ADCOM took time to pray over and warmly welcome Dr. Amilcar “AJ” Gröschel Jr. as Potomac Conference’s new vice president for administration, affirming God’s leading and the shared commitment to move forward together in faith.

WELCOME A NEW SHEPHERD AT SEABROOK

Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lanham, Maryland, marked a significant milestone with the installation of Dr. Dedrick Blue as its new senior pastor. The service was led by Dr. John Nixon, vice president for Pastoral Ministries, as the 1,350-member congregation transitioned from 15 years of faithful leadership under former pastor Damien Johnson into a new season of ministry. Dr. Blue and his wife, Dr. Elfreda Hines Blue, were warmly welcomed as partners in service and community engagement. Joining Seabrook from the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Blue brings more than four decades of pastoral experience to guide the church forward with vision and purpose.

Moving into a new space always brings a list of details to address, and the Ministry Center is no exception. Since the move into our new headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, activity has steadily increased as work continues throughout the building. Renovations are well underway, and each update brings us closer to a fully finished, welcoming space. From brighter meeting rooms to newly created offices and refreshed shared areas, every improvement reflects thoughtful planning and good stewardship. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this season of transition. We are encouraged by the visible progress as the Ministry Center continues to take shape as a place for collaboration, service, and community.

A FRESH DIGITAL HOME FOR POTOMAC CONFERENCE

The Potomac Conference is preparing to launch a new website designed to serve members, churches, and the wider community. The updated site will feature a cleaner look, improved navigation, and easier access to news, resources, and ministry information. Built with today’s users in mind, the new platform reflects Potomac’s commitment to clear communication and connecting people more effectively to the life and mission of the Conference.

The site is built within the hosting structure now available free to churches and schools across the North American Division and is meant to allow our institutions to see what is possible with this important resource at significant cost savings.

The new site should be available next week.

Congratulations to our Pathfinder teams who competed in the Area-Level Pathfinder Bible Experience! With 39 teams representing 25 clubs, the dedication, teamwork, and commitment to God’s Word were on full display. We celebrate our 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place teams and cheer on the 27 teams advancing to Conference-Level PBE on February 14. Well done, Pathfinders!

POTOMAC YOUTH FUN DAY

Over 250 youth from across our conference gathered at Canaan Valley Resort to make memories and enjoy meaningful time with church friends. In the busyness of life and our constant desire to achieve more, we often miss the simple moments, taking time to enjoy sports, laughter, and fellowship together. The cold weather and falling snow became a beautiful and unforgettable reminder of God’s incredible creation. Surrounded by His handiwork, our youth had an amazing time filled with joy, connection, and fun. Join us at our next event as we continue creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories together. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." — Psalm 19:1

Family Camp registration is now open, and plans are underway for an unforgettable summer at Camp Blue Ridge. Families are invited to begin planning now for a season filled with connection, faith, and fun, with new activities and programs designed for all ages. Three Family Camp sessions are scheduled for 2026: June 21–26, June 28–July 3 (featuring a special Fourth of July celebration with professional fireworks), and July 5–10. In addition, Camp Blue Ridge is now hiring for its 2026 summer staff. With exciting opportunities ahead, the camp is looking for dedicated team members to help make this summer a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Apply today by clicking on this link: https://portal.laserfiche.com/c1764/forms/TF3Al

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

What’s happening in your church or school? What ministry initiatives are you leading in your local community? How is your congregation or school moving beyond the walls to serve others and share God’s love? We believe your stories can inspire and encourage others across the Potomac Conference. Share your experiences with us—big or small—and celebrate how God works through His people. Your journey might be the spark someone else needs to begin theirs! Send your information by the 24th of each month to: debraa@pcsda.org

FEBRUARY 12, 2026

FOR SALE: SAMSUNG REFRIGERATOR (LIKE NEW)

The Potomac Conference is offering a Samsung refrigerator for sale in excellent, like-new condition. The unit has barely been used and is clean and well maintained.

Dimensions: 72” H × 36” W × 34” D

Price: $800

If interested, please contact DebraA@pcsda.org for additional details or to arrange pickup.