Columbia Union News

Last week we witnessed a tragedy in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. As a result of this, as well as the recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others, many people across our nation, and in our union, are in a state of turmoil. Thousands, including law enforcement officials, are appalled by the actions of the individuals who failed to serve and protect their communities. The anguish and pain is evident by the protests in 140 cities.

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we rise with all who condemn these actions, and we, too, call for justice.

Graduates from academies across the Columbia Union Conference are continuing to celebrate their accomplishments in socially-distanced ways.

Visit the following links to see celebrations already held and upcoming events:

By Celeste Ryan Blyden

Columbia Union Visitor archives from 1918-1920 provide a snapshot of life and ministry for members of the fledgling Columbia Union Conference, which was only in its 11th year at the onset of the “Spanish Influenza Pandemic.” During a deadly two-year period, some 50 million people perished globally, including 675,000 in the United States. Conference and school reports in the weekly, eight-page Visitor noted its impact on members, ministry, frontline workers and the community at large.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Dan Jackson, president of the North American Division (NAD), shared a worship thought on Ruth during the recent Columbia Union Conference Executive Comittee Meeting. “There is a tempest blowing in our land. There is desolation in many places, but we have the hope, the faith and the promise that we may shelter under the wings of the Almighty with our kinsman redeemer, Jesus Christ,’’ he said.

Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, then presented Jackson with a certificate of appreciation for his 48 years of faithful ministry. Jackson will retire in June.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

For the first time in many years, the Columbia Union Conference experienced a drop in tithe, reported Treasurer Emmanuel Asiedu. Tithe was down 5.40 percent (approximately $1.6 million) from January to March, compared to last year.

Despite this drop, Asiedu says he has been impressed with members’ generosity during this hard time. “Their giving was more than my expectation, given the COVID-19 crisis and overall financial crisis we are experiencing,” he added.