The Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NEC) held its first Chaplaincy Congress on September 21-22, 2024, under the theme, “Chaplaincy Beyond the Walls.” The guest speaker for the Sabbath service was Chaplain Gilda Dholah Roddy, Assistant Director of Chaplaincy Ministries, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, who delivered a powerful sermon to a packed congregation at the Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church in Queens, NY.
Later, Chaplain Dholah Roddy and Dr. Joshua Deonarine, Chaplaincy Director, Northeastern Conference, engaged with individuals who are interested in the chaplaincy ministry.
On Sunday, over 100 attendees from across the Northeastern, Greater New York, and Atlantic Union Conferences gathered at the NEC headquarters for an interactive seminar. Chaplain Roddy shared valuable insights on the types of chaplaincy ministries, including healthcare, military, law enforcement, campus, corrections, workplace, and sports chaplaincy. She answered questions about ecclesiastical endorsement and certification.
Pictured left – Chaplain Gilda Dholah Roddy presenting at the Northeastern Conference headquarters.
Dr. Deonarine explained how NEC facilitates Clinical Pastoral Education, both online and in-person as well as through Lay Chaplaincy training. Other presenters and guests included, Pastor James Herndon (Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists), Dr. Asnel Valcin (Episcopal Health Services), Rabbi Dr. Hillel Fox (Director, Spiritual Care and Education, North Shore University Hospital), Chaplain Deborah Bannister Sealy (Clinical Palliative Care Chaplain, Staten Island University Hospital), and Pastor Shervin Evan (Coordinator, Adventist Lay Chaplains Association – Atlantic Union Conference) & Mrs. Evans.
Dr. Eldeen King, President, Northeastern Conference, addressed the audience stating the importance of the chaplaincy ministry. Dr. Warner Richards, Assistant to the NEC President and Associate Ministerial Director, gave a stirring challenge to the attendees. Dr. Nicardo Delahaye, Executive Secretary, NEC, closed the event with a charge and prayer of consecration.
The seminar, chaired by Dr. Joshua Deonarine, left everyone inspired and equipped for chaplaincy.
Stay tuned for exciting updates from our Chaplaincy Department for 2025. If you feel called to the chaplaincy ministry, email Dr. Joshua Deonarine at jdeonarine@northeastern.org
Article by Dr. Joshua Deonarine, Chaplaincy Director, NEC.
