“But His hand is stretched out still” (Isa. 9:12, NKJV).
This verse in the Bible caught my attention. I wondered if I was reading it correctly. I looked at it in several versions, each showing a different picture than the New King James Version. I decided to see what Ellen White wrote about it:
Welcome to the Columbia Union Conference Year of the Bible. Throughout 2021, we will place special emphasis on the primacy of the Word of God and how it informs and impacts our mission, ministries and lives. During this special year, we invite you to join us in spending more time reading the Bible, digging deeper for knowledge and understanding, and meditating on its precepts, promises and prophecies.
At a time when many of Christ’s followers turned away, Jesus asked His disciples, “'Do you also want to go away?' But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:67–68, NKJV).
Welcome to 2021, and what we in the Columbia Union are calling “The Year of the Bible”. For Seventh-day Adventists, the Bible is EVERYTHING, and remains our only creed.
So 2021 seemed like a great time, as a Columbia union family, to spend a little extra time in our bibles. To facilitate this special initiative, we published a devotional book, are producing videos (like this one!), promoting this project in our annual calendar, and creating opportunities to engage with each other through social media.
Follow us on youtube.com/columbiaunion to see our videos throughout the year.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Ten months into the pandemic, many churches and schools are still meeting virtually. The Visitor staff asked leaders around the union what they’ve learned about online ministry during this time, and gleaned tips on how local leaders can make the most of these important communication tools—no matter how long the pandemic continues.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Want More Copies?
For those interested in ordering additional Year of the Bible Words of Life devotional books, call (800) 447-7377, and ask for the “Columbia Union Devotional.” Each book costs US $5, plus shipping, while supplies last. Take advantage of this 50 percent discount, through January 31!
For those wanting more copies of the 2021 Columbia Union Calendar, call (800) 447-7377, and ask for the “Columbia Union 2021 Calendar.” Extra calendars are free, with only the cost of shipping.
Didn’t Get Your Book or Calendar?
Story by Valerie Morikone
On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Mountain View Conference (MVC) constituents and friends were saddened to receive the news that Larry Boggess passed to his rest. Boggess retired as MVC president in 2017. He and his wife, Jo’an, then moved to their country home in Ohio to live near family.
Boggess arrived to MVC in 1989 to pastor the Beckley (W.Va.) church, and pastored several churches for more than a decade. In 2002, Boggess was elected to the office of executive secretary, and, in 2006, became MVC president, a position he held for almost 12 years, also adding the title of superintendent of education for several years.
In a year filled with natural disasters, a pandemic and sadness over racial injustice, Columbia Union Conference members and others who visited columbiaunionvisitor.com clung to hope, at least in their article selections.
Here are the top 10 most read 2020 news stories on columbiaunionvisitor.com in 2020:
10. Pottinger Retires, Celebrates 50 Years of MinistryLeonel Pottinger, the ministerial director for the New Jersey Conference (NJC), recently retired after nearly 50 years of selfless ministry.
By Ohio Conference Staff
The Ohio Conference will begin 2021 with its annual “Prayer Emphasis Day” January 2—the first Sabbath of the new year. Visit ohioadventist.org for resources and more information. Conference leadership thanks the members and churches for their support, dedication and prayers.
Looking for a new dish to make this Christmas? Try some of the Visitor staff’s favorite recipes from the December 2018 issue:
Want to read the Columbia Union Conference Year of the Bible devotionals on your phone? You can also see the latest news stories from around the union. The app goes live December 24.
Download our free app by searching for "Columbia Union Conference" in the Apple App or Google Play stores.