Columbia Union News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

Cultivate a Life of Praise: 2022 Columbia Union Conference Calendar Released

The last couple of years have been especially hard, given the pandemic, political strife and natural disasters. In times like these, it’s really easy to get stuck in a pattern of pessimism and overlook the many blessings in our lives. In our humanity, we often notice the prose, yet miss the poetry. We marinate in sorrows, but gloss over gifts. We dwell on past hurts instead of present hope.

Indeed, our world is steeped in sin. The devil attacks relentlessly, seeking to destroy us. But Jesus already claimed the victory, and we know that, in the end, the sword of judgment will be overshadowed by His scepter of mercy.

In the meantime, as we live through this great controversy, how can we cope?

Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union Treasurer, Ordained

Story by Visitor Staff / Images by Stephen Frimpong and Kwame Abrah, WGSDAC

Last Sabbath, December 11, Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union Conference treasurer, was recognized for his ministry through ordination at his home church, Chesapeake Conference’s Washington Ghanaian church in Columbia, Md.

Leaders from around the union and country gathered at the event to affirm the ministry of Asiedu, his wife, Annette, and their daughters, Azaria and Anneliese.

Order Extra Copies of the 2022 Columbia Union Conference Calendar

The 2022 Columbia Union Calendar, themed “Cultivate a Life of Praise,” features Bible verses that honor God and highlight the beauty of His creation.

Health tips from Adventist HealthCare staff are included every month, reminding readers to take care of their mental health.

Extra calendars can be ordered, for the cost of shipping, by calling (800) 447-7377. Ask for the “2022 Columbia Union Calendar.”

Celeste Ryan Blyden Elected to Serve as Next Columbia Union Executive Secretary

Story by Visitor Staff

On November 11, members of the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee elected Celeste Ryan Blyden as the new executive secretary, effective January 2022. She will be the first woman to fill the role in the union's 114-year history.

Blyden has served in her current role as vice president for Strategic Communication and Public Relations since 2014, when she made history as the first female vice president for the Columbia Union . She was re-elected at constituency sessions in 2016, and again in May 2021.

Columbia Union Executive Committee Appoints Four Staff Members to New Roles

Story by Visitor Staff

On November 11, members of the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee voted to promote four Columbia Union employees to new roles: two in the Information Technology (IT) Services Department and two in the Communication Department.

Greg Iverson, associate director of IT, was voted to serve as director, following the retirement of Harold Greene, current IT director, in February 2022.

Iverson has worked at the union since 2001, serving as both an assistant and associate director, with a portfolio that includes network administrator/system administrator.