A Time to Grow: 2026

Transcript of David Jamieson

Upper Columbia Conference President

"Hello Church Family!

At the beginning of this new year, I would like to take this opportunity to talk to you about seasons of growth.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that every season has a purpose, and growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when we are faithful in the season we’re given.

I believe that in 2026, God is providing us with a time to grow deeper in our stewardship to Him.

Now when we hear the word stewardship, many people immediately think about money. But stewardship is much bigger than that. Stewardship is about how we manage everything that God has placed in our hands — our time, our talents, and our treasure.

First, we, grow when, we steward our time. Did you know that the average lifespan in the United States is just about 80 years? The average person spends 26 of those 80 years sleeping. 11.4 years are spent on screen time. 1.4 years are spent commuting to jobs that consume 13.2 years of our lives. But only 1.2 years, or 1.45% of our lives, are spent attending church.

I encourage you to invite God into every moment of your life - into both the secular and the sacred activities of your life, -to intentionally make Jesus the center of the entirety of your life.

Second, we, grow when, we steward our talents. I believe that God is calling each of us to use our unique skills, abilities, and passions to serve His purposes in our church and community.

I invite you and your church to reach out to your community in creative ways this year and the conference is here to help you by providing ideas, funding, and support through our Serve One More initiative.

Thirdly, we, grow when, we steward our treasure. Jesus taught us that where your treasure is there will your heart be also. I am genuinely thankful for the dedicated faithfulness of God’s people in the Upper Columbia Conference who have returned a faithful tithe and offering to fulfil the mission He has called us to accomplish together.

Since 2015 our tithe has increased by 25%, but unfortunately, our average employee costs increased by 50% which caused us to have to make some reductions. But can you imagine what could happen in Upper Columbia Conference in 2026 when we steward well together in every aspect of our lives?

More lives could be changed, more needs could be met, more ministries could be strengthened, and there could be more impact beyond our church and school walls.

During February or March, we have invited our pastors and elders to share a conference-wide stewardship emphasis in our churches to focus on growing every aspect of our stewardship.

I believe that when we choose to be faithful in this season, God can and will bring incredible and miraculous growth — in us, through us, and beyond us and it is my prayer that your faith will grow deeper, your joy will overflow abundantly, and that your life will be a faithful testimony to God’s goodness and grace through your time, your talents, and your treasure."

Watch the full video below, or at news.uccsda.org/timetogrow26