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.
Story by WGTS Staff
It’s not every day you hear the WGTS on-air teams singing their hearts out in public, but that’s exactly what happened recently. The WGTS afternoon show challenged the WGTS morning show to a quartet sing-off. Originally scheduled to be live at Tysons Corner Center mall in Virginia, the event moved online because of the pandemic. Fair Trade Services artists Austin French, Colton Dixon, and Phil Wickham joined in the festivities.
In addition to the stressors from the pandemic, in 2020, both Denise Barclay’s husband, David Thompson, and mother faced extremely challenging medical issues. But Barclay believes that “God orchestrated the events that would shape, inspire and facilitate the opportunity to release an album.
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you. ...’ When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her” (Ruth 1:16, 18, NKJV).
I have experienced a bitter spirit like Naomi. As an African-American woman, I have experienced many losses through racism, sexism, classism and misogynoir. Of those losses, it has been the ones I have suffered within my faith community that have been the most devastating because they resulted in misperceptions of God. Like Naomi, my misperception of God evoked anger, disappointment and bitterness. But unlike Naomi, my misperception also led to loss of identity with God.