Columbia Union News

A century ago, another global pandemic brought death and disruption to the United States. Here’s how the Columbia Union Visitor, edited by Emma Silber (1916-1919) and Sara K. Rudolph (1919-1920), reported it.

Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, recently presented NAD President Dan Jackson with a certificate of appreciation for his 48 years of faithful ministry.

Despite the drop in tithe, Columbia Union Treasurer, Emmanuel 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.

Office of Education Vice President Donovan Ross shared that he has postponed school accreditation visits until next year and received approval to extend current accreditations by one year so that schools that are up for accreditation can continue operating.

“We can have distance isolation, but not social isolation,” said Gina Brown. “I believe God is going to use COVID-19 in such a way as to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Members of the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee gathered last week via Zoom to discuss and reflect on the church’s work over the last two months. The main topic? How COVID-19 has impacted the mission and ministry across the eight-state territory.

Au cours de la réunion du mois de mars du Comité Exécutif de l’Union de Fédérations de Columbia, les membres ont voté de retourner la somme de 50 000 dollars à chaque Fédération, ainsi qu’à l’Université Adventiste de Washington à Takoma Park, dans le Maryland. Ces entités peuvent utiliser cet argent pour les projets qu’elles jugent appropriés.

With all churches across the Columbia Union Conference physically closed due to the coronavirus, pastors and members changed—seemingly overnight— the way they minister. In addition to offering livestreamed or pre-recorded services, many churches and conferences moved planning meetings, Sabbath School classes and Bible studies to Zoom, Facebook Live or other digital video platforms.

See the 2019 Columbia Union Conference Annual Report.