News
Unearthing History: The Dino Dig Experience at Southwestern Adventist University
For many, the pull of uncovering ancient relics and the mysteries of the past is an irresistible draw. Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) offers a unique opportunity to step back in time with its Dino Dig Experience, a dinosaur excavation research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming, United States. This program, held annually in June, brings together students, families, and international participants to uncover and study dinosaur fossil remains.
Gillette Residents to Be Welcomed to “Night at the Camporee”
In just five weeks, the International Pathfinder Camporee will have moved west to Gillette, Wyoming. From August 5-11, 2024, roughly 60,000 young people from 100 countries will transform the Gillette Cam-Plex Facilities into a tent and RV city. Over numerous site visits since 2020, camporee officials have found significant interest among community members in attending the nighttime mainstage events. However, because minors attend the camporee, background checks would be necessary for these additional guests. Thus, camporee leaders decided to host a “night at the camporee” on August 4, which will offer community members a 90-minute sneak peek of the "Believe the Promise" evening program.
It is Written Wins 14 Telly Awards
It Is Written is pleased to announce that it has won 14 Telly Awards this year. The awards received highlight It is Written’s versatility and excellence in media production, with several programs earning multiple honors.
Common Ground
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, North American Division leaders met with student leaders from universities across the division. The goal was to determine what young people are concerned with and discuss what they might want church leadership to know. “We really want to know what you have to say,” stated Tracy Wood, director for youth and young adult ministries at the NAD, at the start of the online meeting. “The voices of students from your campuses can and do have a significant impact across North America.” In addition to five church leaders from both union and division levels, eight students were also present, representing Adventist and non-Adventist campuses across the country.
Union College President Set to Retire in May 2024
Vinita Sauder, president of Union College, announced her retirement effective May 31, 2024, in a letter to the board and to the campus on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
César and Carolann De León Elected to Lead North American Division's Family Ministries Department
On June 27, 2023, the North American Division's (NAD) executive committee elected César and Carolann De León to lead the Family Ministries department. The De Leóns will serve as director and associate director, replacing Claudio and Pamela Consuegra, who were in the same respective roles and retired on March 31, 2023, after serving the division for nearly 12.5 years, beginning in October 2010.
Convention to Inspire 6,000 Educators to Strive for “Something Better”
The North America Division’s (NAD) 2023 educators’ convention, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from August 7-10, is the division’s opportunity to honor and empower educators division-wide.
Patmos Chapel Hosts Town Hall on Gun Violence
Amid the rising tide of gun violence in Orange County (OC), Florida, nearly 60 public citizens, neighborhood activists, police officers, pastors, and civic leaders gathered at Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka, seeking ways to stem the bloodshed. The April 19 forum was convened by the OC Citizen Safety Task Force, a working group that gathers public input, reviews policy proposals, and recommends action steps to stem the growing threat of gun violence. Areas being researched include prevention, interventions, prosecution, and enforcement.