Columbia Union News

On May 22 and 23, some 250 delegates, including pastors, members and leaders representing churches, conferences, schools, healthcare networks, and ministries from across the Columbia Union Conference territory will gather virtually for the Columbia Union Conference’s 28th quinquennial constituency meeting.

“The agenda includes the election of union leaders for the next five years, updates to the Constitution and by-laws, an audit report as well as reports from leadership of the union’s various institutions,” says Rick Remmers, executive secretary for the Columbia Union, whose office heads the meeting planning committee. “Sometimes people are tempted to devalue the reports, but they are an important part of creating transparency and accountability.”

Editorial by Dave Weigley

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living through a global pandemic for more than a year. Our hearts ache for the many lives lost and families impacted. Sadly, our world continues to witness the scourge of wars, terrorism, racial strife, economic stress and extreme weather.

Rob Vandeman Passes Away

Our Columbia Union Conference family is heartbroken to share that our beloved colleague and friend Elder Rob Vandeman passed away this morning at his home in Clarksville, Md., after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Judy, and their family.

Vandeman, a dedicated pastor and administrator, served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for almost 50 years, the last 11 as Columbia Union executive secretary.  

We will share more information as it becomes available. 

Columbia Union President Dave Weigley and other leaders pray over Bibles that were sent around the union.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Yesterday, pastors and Hispanic Ministries coordinators gathered at the Columbia Union Conference headquarters in Columbia, Md., to pray over and take home (in total) more than 13,600 Bibles and 100,000 Steps to Christ in English and Spanish.

“We pray a special blessing on all these Bibles,” said Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president at the event. “As [the Bibles] go forth, may they be a wonderful light so many people might know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and prepare for the great, soon coming of Christ.”