Columbia Union News

Story by Visitor Staff

Last Sabbath, July 30, Charlotte Pedersen McClure, former director of Communication for the Columbia Union Conference, former managing editor of the Visitor magazine, and retired pastor from the Spencerville church, was ordained to the gospel ministry.

McClure, who retired in 2010 after pastoring for eight years, has longed for this day to become a reality. “I've always felt welcomed by the brotherhood of pastors—always,” she says. “This is something that I wish would have happened earlier and I wish it would happen for more women, but I just encourage them, whether they are ordained or not, to continue working for God and for the mission of the church to spread the gospel, baptize people, comfort them.”

In less than two months, Pathfinders from across the Columbia Union Conference will gather at Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) in Glen Jean, W.Va., for the 'Relentless' Columbia Union Camporee. 

This week several of the planning committee members and event staff visited the grounds again to make final preparations for the event with more than 2,000 registered participants. Frank Bondurant, camporee planning chair and the union’s vice president for ministries development, urges attending clubs to also start preparing for the big event, by doing the following now: 

Editorial by Donovan Ross

When I was in the classroom, one of my favorite verses for morning devotion was Proverbs 3:6–7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (NJKV). These verses reminded us that when we trust in God, we will be blessed by His direction. I’m still comforted by that reminder, especially as our Columbia Union Conference schools contend with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.