Christ Our Living Hope Camp Meeting Brings Out 1,400

By Autumn Dunzweiler

More than 1,400 people attended the 2024 UCC Camp Meeting, held June 19-22 on the campus of Upper Columbia Academy. The theme was “Christ Our Living Hope,” and featured Ty Gibson, co-director of Light Bearers and pastor of Storyline Adventist Church in Eugene, Oregon, as the main speaker.

“Pastor 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 director of communications and coordinator of the camp meeting event. “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, media director for Arkansas-Louisiana Conference, presented the mid-morning programs in the big tent, and also 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, there was 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 Upper Columbia Academy. 

Richie Brower, associate director of the Serve One More initiative, arranged for the projects, including a major removal of overgrowth on one individual’s property. 

Brower presented the before and after photos of the project on during the Sabbath program, along with a video featuring all of 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 of the communities, you felt a real sense of fellowship and mission.” 

The Sabbath afternoon concert was presented by Selah, a musical group who 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” Selah quietly left the stage and let the audience finish the song acapella.

“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. To serve fellow man and through our service exhibit the true nature of Jesus. As he closed, he shared a few lines from Selah’s song “Benediction.”

“As you go, may you rest in Christ. Receive His grace and love all men in spite of all of our differences. May your words be filled with life that crumbles walls of fear and pride. Take up the cross and serve the least and the lost. 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 www.uccsda.org/campmeeting.