At a staff retreat held Monday, March 29, 2021, Upper Columbia Conference celebrated the official kickoff for its "One More" campaign. Titled “Mission Ignition,” the event served to focus staff and departments on how best to bring one more to the kingdom.
“During these tumultuous times, our conference is singularly focused on serving Him and completing His mission,” says Minner Labrador Jr., UCC president. “In our churches, our schools and our communities, the love of Christ is so needed. It is our goal to support and inspire others to maintain focus and finish His work strong."
Each director presented their department plans for 2021–2022 and how they would support the overall strategic plan. Initiatives ranged from building a new studio set for video recording to working with schools and churches to successfully navigate polarizing topics.
The overarching themes of the strategic plan are unity, engagement, equip and empower, and excellence. Each department organized their strategic priorities under these themes to better facilitate a cohesive approach to the One More campaign.
“As we work together with one focus, we allow the Holy Spirit to better work through us to His glory,” says Labrador. “Jesus is coming again soon, and it is time for all of us listen to His calling, use our spiritual gifts and work to save as many as we can.”
The conference is planning several local workshops to train and empower churches to better connect with their communities and bring "One More" to the kingdom. These workshops will range from developing strong children’s programs to establishing a strong web presence and reaching out to those in need through Adventist Community Services.
The One More campaign was developed during the constituency meeting of 2019. Work to establish the campaign began soon after. The campaign continues the mission of the conference to equip and empower churches and ministries that reach communities with the Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness.
More information about the One More campaign and the strategic plan of the conference will be released in the coming months. To learn more about what is happening in UCC, visit uccsda.org.
Eric Brown, UCC ministerial director, presents his department plan during the "Mission Ignition" planning event at the UCC office.
