We want people to visit our churches, but are we helping them feel welcome when they attend? Here are some tips from Columbia Union pastors to help:
Who We Are, How We Serve
The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 150,000 members worship in 860 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 81 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a 49 community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.
We Believe
God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.
According to a study from Harvard University, having no friends can be as deadly as smoking! The social support that comes with friendship reduces stress, increases sense of purpose, improves self-confidence, promotes healthy habits, aids in coping with trauma and may even help you live longer.
5 Tips for Creating a Visitor-Friendly Church
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.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
During the recent Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting, 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.