More than 1,400 people attended the 2024 Upper Columbia Conference Camp Meeting, held June 19–22 on the campus of Upper Columbia Academy. The theme was “Christ Our Living Hope,” and Ty Gibson, Light Bearers co-director and Storyline Adventist Church pastor in Eugene, Oregon, was the main speaker.
“Gibson kicked off our camp meeting on Wednesday night, threw it into high gear and kept the momentum going the whole weekend,” said Dustin Jones, UCC communications director and camp meeting event coordinator. “He challenged all of us with our preconceived notions of Adventism, made our sides hurt with laughter and, through it all, kept pointing us to Christ, our living hope.”
Ben Orian, Arkansas-Louisiana Conference media director, presented the mid-morning programs in the big tent and presented seminars on Thursday and Friday. Orian’s focus was on church revitalization and engagement.
There were programs for kids throughout the weekend. When the kids weren’t learning more about God and making new friends, they had plenty of time to enjoy the bouncy castles and games on the lawn.
On Friday, several groups left campus to engage in service projects in the communities around UCA.
Richie Brower, Serve One More initiative associate director, arranged for the projects, including a major removal of overgrowth on one individual’s property.
Brower presented before and after photos of the project during the Sabbath program, along with a video featuring all the work that went into the project the day before.
“The before and after photos of the property were amazing,” reported Jones. “As the teams worked in each community, you felt a real sense of fellowship and mission.”
The Sabbath afternoon concert was presented by Selah, a musical group that has won 11 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and has more than 900 million streams across all digital music platforms.
Among the highlights of the concert was the final song. As Selah led the crowd in singing “Amazing Grace,” the group quietly left the stage and let the audience finish the song a cappella.
“It was truly a meaningful moment,” said Jones. “We all stood there with our eyes closed, singing ‘Amazing Grace’ and praising God. What a blessing!”
The final program for camp meeting was presented by David Jamieson, UCC president. Jamieson presented “Go With God,” based on the story of the prodigal son.
Jamieson challenged the audience to reach out to others in humility and love. As he closed, he shared a few lines from Selah’s song, “Benediction," ending with the phrase, "As you go, go with God. Go in peace!"
With those final words, Selah came onto the stage and sang the song.
“I spoke with Selah earlier in the day, and they related to me how meaningful it was to sing that song for camp meeting,” said Jones. “It was a beautiful way to end our time together.”
To watch the big tent programs and the concert, go to uccsda.org/campmeeting.
The kindergarten division spent time outside playing games and making new friends.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
Several bouncy castles and other structures allowed for kids to play and enjoy the Palouse sunshine.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
The kindergarten division spent time outside playing games and making new friends.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
The Serve One More project during camp meeting involved removing overgrowth from the front of a home in a nearby community.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
On Friday, several groups went into nearby communities as part of the Serve One More project. The projects involved landscaping, mowing and building garden boxes.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
After the Serve One More project, the trees were cut back to reveal the front of the home.
Credit: Autumn Dunzweiler
David Jamieson, UCC president, closed out camp meeting on Sabbath evening with his message, "Go With God."
Credit: Dustin Jones
