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Words of Life: Welcome to the Year of the Bible

2021 Columbia Union Conference Year of the Bible

Welcome to the Columbia Union Conference Year of the Bible. Throughout 2021, we will place special emphasis on the primacy of the Word of God and how it informs and impacts our mission, ministries and lives. During this special year, we invite you to join us in spending more time reading the Bible, digging deeper for knowledge and understanding, and meditating on its precepts, promises and prophecies.

At a time when many of Christ’s followers turned away, Jesus asked His disciples, “'Do you also want to go away?' But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:67–68, NKJV).

Welcome to the Year of the Bible Video Series

Welcome to 2021, and what we in the Columbia Union are calling “The Year of the Bible”. For Seventh-day Adventists, the Bible is EVERYTHING, and remains our only creed.

So 2021 seemed like a great time, as a Columbia union family, to spend a little extra time in our bibles. To facilitate this special initiative, we published a devotional book, are producing videos (like this one!), promoting this project in our annual calendar, and creating opportunities to engage with each other through social media.

Follow us on youtube.com/columbiaunion to see our videos throughout the year.

Tips for Building a Better Social Media Ministry

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 Devotional Books or Calendars?

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?

Retired Mountain View Conference President Larry Boggess Passes Away

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.

Prayer Emphasis Day

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.

Try These Recipes from Past Visitor Magazines

Looking for a new dish to make this Christmas? Try some of the Visitor staff’s favorite recipes from the December 2018 issue:

Download the Columbia Union App

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.

WGTS Announcers Battle It Out to Benefit Salvation Army

The WGTS afternoon team Johnny and Stacey Stone, producer Cleavon Davis and special guest Jackie Ventouris sing their hearts out.

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.