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LIVING OUT OUR PURPOSE
Welcome to 2023! A year for new opportunities, healthier living, stronger relationships and a deeper spiritual walk with God.
This year, our 2023 Columbia Union Conference calendar, themed “Living Out Our Purpose,” focuses on the Columbia Union’s priorities and values, which were voted by the union’s executive committee for the remainder of the 2021–2026 quinquennium.
These priorities and values embody a wholistic approach to stay relevant by recognizing and addressing the current needs in our world and responding to them as Jesus did—with love, compassion and purpose. They identify those things that we must be intentional about in moving the mission forward.
We can do nothing without Christ at the center. As such, we wholeheartedly embrace these priorities and values by striving to exemplify a spirit of Christlikeness. With Jesus at the forefront, the fruits of the Spirit will naturally grow and thrive within us.
Jesus was extremely committed to His Father’s priorities and values in everything He did and said. Let us experience the mission by being intentional in advancing and emphasizing the initiatives that have defined us as a union. We hope that each member will join us this year as we live by, in, and through the Word of God, implementing these priorities and values in our lives, churches, schools and ministries throughout the Columbia Union and beyond.
Blessings and Courage,
Dave Weigley, President
Celeste Ryan Blyden, Executive Secretary
Emmanuel Asiedu, Treasurer
Our Priorities ...
• Spiritual Renewal
• Mission Engagement
• Leadership Development
• Education
• Community Engagement
... and Values
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Respect
• Equality
• Unity
• Diversity
• Service
We Love
because He first loved us.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
—1 John 4:19–21, ESV
