LCM/CVD-10-12-A
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR
FALL 2012
Presentation formatted by Gloria Otis
Welcome to CoH Mid-Cities!
We are a loving, diverse, inclusive, progressive and family-friendly church in the heart of the DFW Mid-Cities
Region. ALL are welcome (and celebrated) here!
We strive to be people of Compassion, Inclusion, Liberation and Hope. We are people of Jesus – the ultimate
liberal, who resisted the status quo of oppression and showed us the way to the abundant life God intends for
all people.
We invite you to join us on our journey of faith as we embrace the fullness of God's plans for us, the MidCities and the world.
That LCM enter into covenant with
the South Central Conference to
support church multiplication of
Intercultural-Multiethnic, ONA, A2A,
and Stillspeaking ministry, Cathedral
of Hope (Mid-Cities) United Church
of Christ, Dallas TX in the amount of
$10,000 over12 months (subject to the
availability of funds).
We are a community offering
acceptance and refuge, where all
are welcome to explore their faith.
Together we seek renewing
relationships with God, Jesus, and
one another through interactive
spirit-filled worship, small group
gatherings, and love in action in
our lives and community.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Southern California Nevada Conference to
support the church-multiplication InterculturalMultiethnic, ONA, A2A and Stillspeaking
church, (a)Spire/First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ, Pasadena CA in the
amount of $10,000 over 12 months (subject to
the availability of funds).
Grace Christian Fellowship (GCF) began as a bible study that met at
the home of Rev. and Sis. Cean R. James during the summer of 2005.
Those who attended the bible study were captured by Rev. James’
teaching on the model of the Christian church that is established in
the Acts of the Apostles. Rev. James informed the group that it was
his intention to form a congregation built on that same biblical
structure. From that bible study, twenty-two (22) people became the
charter members of GCF. During the initial organizational meetings,
GCF decided to make Southwest Philadelphia the target community
for its evangelism and ministry outreach. On Sunday, September 4,
2005, GCF held its first worship service at the Williams and Palmer
Funeral Chapel on Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.
Thanks to exponential growth that quickly resulted in a membership
of over 100 people and many visitors each Sunday, in October 2006,
GCF purchased a church building from the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia. On Thanksgiving Day, 2006, GCF had their first
worship service in their new sanctuary located at 6208 Grays
Avenue.
Today GCF has a membership of over 250 souls and is growing every
week. GCF distinguishes itself as an extremely welcoming church.
We make an effort to ensure that every visitor and member are
valued and loved equally. We also endeavor to teach and preach the
word of God as we equip our members to into the world and witness
on the amazing grace of a loving God.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Pennsylvania Southeast Conference to
support the new African American and
Stillspeaking church, Grace Christian
Fellowship United Church of Christ,
Philadelphia PA in the amount of $20,000
over 18 months (subject to the availability
of funds).
More than a Church, we are a Family! God is always with
us because God is Good all the Time!
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Massachusetts Conference to support
the new Hispanic church, Iglesia
Hispana de la Comunidad United
Church of Christ, Lowell MA in the
amount of $10,000 over 12 months
(subject to the availability of funds).
Land of the Sky United Church of Christ is an
emerging, progressive community seeking to
serve the still-speaking God by living justly,
loving abundantly, and walking humbly in the
ways of Jesus. We are people of extravagant
welcome. Whether you are young or old, gay
or straight, single or partnered, happy or sad,
confused or inspired, street smart or collegeeducated, whether you can’t pay your bills or
have more than enough to share—no matter
who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome to join us as we worship the
God who welcomes us all. Worship on
Sundays, 9:15 a.m. Fellowship, Adult and
Children's Education following worship.
That LCM enter into covenant with
the Southern Conference to support
the new Euro-American, ONA, and
A2A Stillspeaking church, Land of
the Sky Church United Church of
Christ, Asheville NC in the amount
of $20,000 over 18 months (subject to
the availability of funds).
New Vision church was started in 2008 with a vision that is bold and energetic, yet
deeply rooted in love of neighbor and God. With
this cornerstone in place, we are building a community of faith
with others who share the same vision. We invite you to join us
in this unique opportunity to be a part of a church that knows
we live in the 21st century. If you have ever said any of these things – I wish I could
talk in church about what I really believe; I’m not sure what I
believe; I’m spiritual, but I don’t like to go to church – you are
welcome to come and see what we're about.
Many people find themselves dissatisfied with the church today.
One of the reasons might be that so many people are asked to
enter the church doors without thinking through the Bible and faith
in the same way they do other issues and situations in their lives.
New Vision is a place where all can worship without discrimination and where
questions are as welcome as answers. We're committed to a spirituality that doesn’t
ask you to check your brain at the door. We are congregational – meaning that
decisions are made in our local church and everyone has a voice. We are a lively
Christian community committed to each other, the community, and to God.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Florida Conference to support the new
Euro-American, ONA, and A2A, New
Vision Congregational United Church of
Christ, Yulee FL in the amount of $20,000
over 18 months (subject to the availability
of funds).
About
Open Table is a diverse congregation-in-formation. We are a new ministry of the
United Church of Christ, a progressive and inclusive denomination. We strive to
follow Jesus’s hopeful ways of Christian love, spiritual and social transformation,
biblical hospitality, grace-filled inclusion, and joyful worship. As we
journey together on a path of faith, we seek to answer the biblical call to “do
justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
In keeping with Jesus’s message of inclusion and equality, Open Table welcomes
all—regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or background. We
are an Open and Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING STATEMENT: Open Table affirms the worth and
dignity of every human being, extending extravagant welcome to all persons. We
affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in particular and assure
them full inclusion in the life, leadership, and ministry of our congregation. We
acknowledge the suffering they have endured in the context of the larger
society. We aspire to develop an increasingly sensitive and informed
understanding of God’s good gifts of human sexuality, gender, and
relationships. We believe that all people are created in God’s image and thus are
loved and blessed equally by God.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Southeast Conference to support the new
Euro-American, ONA, A2A and
Stillspeaking church, Open Table: A
Community of Faith United Church of
Christ, Mobile AL in the amount of
$20,000 over 18 months (subject to the
availability of funds).
About Praxis UCC is a new progressive Christian community gathering in the eastern Metro
Atlanta area to worship, serve, and explore our faith together. Our call is to grow in relationships
with God, each other, and the community around us. We welcome people of all racial and
socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, residential situations, and
ability levels as inherently valuable children of God.
In January we started meeting in small groups in people’s homes around Atlanta and are
launching monthly worship services on the third Sunday of each month. We gather to reflect
together, share our experiences, and strive toward engaging and meaningful partnerships and
service in the community.
Praxis is a Greek word meaning “practice”. It refers to the way that we integrate our spirit and
faith into daily life so that our actions rise out of our relationship with God, and our spirit is
nurtured by the way we act in the world around us. If you’re looking for a faith community that
doesn’t feel like traditional church but still speaks to the root of who you are, come see what
Praxis is all about!
Join us for worship on Sunday evenings, or for our lively gathering every Thursday night at 6:30.
Come for a meal, for some conversation, and an affirmation of life! To chat with us and find out
more, contact Chris at 678.561.0921 or by email.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Southeast Conference to support the
new Euro-American, ONA, and A2A
church, Praxis United Church of Christ,
Atlanta GA in the amount of $10,000
over 12 months (subject to the
availability of funds).
Mission
We are a Christian community that exists so that people can encounter God in their lives and to connect
them with Him, and to affirm them in their faith until they can be disciples that discover and develop
their gifts and their ministry so that they can do the same with others. "For we believe that because of the
commitment that comes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16) and the Great
Companion ( Mark 12:30) and the Great Order (Mark 12:31) we can produce a Great Church.
Description
We believe that just as the Omega (Ω) marks an end to a series of letters in the Greek alphabet that
forms a language; we, here at TOX Ministries want to be the end point to a path with-out God in the life
of the individuals of our society, transforming their hearts through the language of JESUS CHRIST, and
impacting by the same manner the future of the next generation. That is why our slogan says: " We are a
relationship, not a religion, we are an experience, not a demand, we are a place where God with His
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Southwest Conference to support the
new Hispanic, A2A and Stillspeaking
church, TOX Ministries/Comunidad,
Phoenix AZ in the amount of $10,000
over 12 months (subject to the availability
of funds).
We are a warm, loving community of spiritual seekers. Our denomination is the
United Church of Christ - find out more by going to http://www.UCC.org.
We are NOT a typical church, and we're proud of it! We are made up of young and
not-so-young, gay and not gay, all different levels of education, married, single,
divorced, widowed. We come from a variety of church backgrounds, or no church
background.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Northern California Nevada Conference
to support the renewing Euro-American,
ONA, A2A and Stillspeaking church,
Fairfax Community Church United
Church of Christ, Fairfax CA in the
amount of $20,000 over 18 months (subject
to the availability of funds).
We are a church family that not only invites, but welcomes all those who seek the fellowship of
Christ, and would endeavor to be an integral part of the mission of our church. Our church first
gathered in 1782, at which time our original members entered into a covenant in worship every
week and it remains at the heart of our life together as the Body of Christ. We are located in North
Stamford, Connecticut.
NSCC Covenant (1782)
We do enter into covenant with God and with each other to walk in all the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord, and to watch over and assist each other in love and faithfulness, and to
devote ourselves with all we have to the service of Christ, and to promote the interest of His
Kingdom.
United Church of Christ
In 1961, by membership vote, the North Stamford Congregational Church became a participating
church in the United Church of Christ. The church is a supporting member of the InterFaith
Council of Southwestern Connecticut, state and county denominational bodies, and maintains
relationships with community agencies and outreach projects.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Connecticut Conference to support the
renewing Euro-American, A2A and
Stillspeaking church, North Stamford
Congregational Church United Church
of Christ, Stamford CT in the amount of
$10,000 over 12 months (subject to the
availability of funds).
St. John United Church of Christ is a welcoming
congregation. The mission of the church is to worship
and serve God in our church, community, and the
world. Established in 1951, St. John provides family
worship and church school, fellowship for all ages,
and mission
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Illinois-South Conference to support the
renewing Euro American, A2A and
Stillspeaking church, St. John United
Church of Christ, Fairview IL in the
amount of $10,000 over 12 months
(subject to the availability of funds).
Founded in 1904 by three Japanese students, we are a Japanese/English bilingual
member of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC's website has a good article
about the history of Japanese American Congregationalists.
While Sycamore is committed to serving the Japanese speaking community and
celebrating Japanese culture and traditions, we are blessed with a diverse
congregation and welcome all of God’s people, no matter who they are or where
they might be on life's journey. Active in all local and national settings of the UCC,
Sycamore is the birthplace of PAAM (Pacific Islander Asian American
Ministries). Sycamore weaves together English and Japanese speaking worship
congregations, a Christian Preschool and a number of other activities.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Northern California Nevada Conference
to support the renewing Asian/Pacific
Islander, ONA, A2A and Stillspeaking
church, Sycamore Congregational
Church United Church of Christ, El
Cerrito CA in the amount of $20,000 over
18 months (subject to the availability of
funds).
Welcome to the United Church of Christ in CASPER. We are an open and
affirming church that offers a progressive liberal voice in Central Wyoming. All
are welcome. Please join us on Sundays at 10:30 am for worship!
We’ve got lots going on at the United Church of Christ, Casper!
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Rocky Mountain Conference to support
the renewing Euro-American, ONA, A2A
and Stillspeaking church United Church
of Christ Casper, Casper WY in the
amount of $10,000 over 12 months
(subject to the availability of funds).
Our Mission: "The United Church of Christ of Paradise Hills,
a "Rainbow Congregation", celebrates all races, cultures and
ethnic groups; embracing with love, joy and concern the
promises that God envisioned in the Bible and through Jesus
Christ our Lord & Savior; witnessing to this good news
though our words and deeds."
The United Church of Christ of Paradise Hills has been a
community church for almost 60 years serving National City
and we are proud to be a multi-cultural church with 40%
Phillipino, and also African-Americans and Latinos. We know
that Americans are too lonely and we welcome you to our
progressive Christian church. We do not believe in the Bible
literally or that revelations have stopped, but we do believe
that "God Is Still Speaking." We teach that God loves us and
that we are all sacred children of God. The United Church of
Christ is a socially conscious denomination that believes that
we must work for social justice as we, "Do unto the least of
these" Matthew 25:40, and celebrate the glorious diversity of
creation.
Whoever you are, wherever you are on your spiritual journey
- you are welcome here.
That LCM enter into covenant with the
Southern California Nevada Conference
to support the renewing InterculturalMultiethnic, ONA, A2A and
Stillspeaking church, United Church of
Christ Paradise Hills, San Diego CA in
the amount of $20,000 over 18 months
(subject to the availability of funds).
From:
Funding for New and Renewing Congregations
LCM Budget #410-20-25-74100-P-4514
Total Fall 2012
Recommending 10 applications for a total
(From budget account above)
Balance Available for Fall Cycle 2012
Reserved for Surviving to Thriving Proposals
Total
Presentation formatted by Gloria Otis
$220,000.00
$ 190,000.00
$ 30,000.00
$
0.00
We thank the New and Renewing Church Review
Team for their diligent work on reviewing,
evaluating and recommending these
congregations to the LCM Board of Directors for
approval. This team takes seriously their
commitment to this process and have prayerfully
given consideration to each of these new and
renewing congregations for your final approval.
We are grateful for the commitment of Local
Church Ministries to the ministry of church
development and the renewal of existing
congregations. We are grateful for the
opportunity to serve on your behalf in this
important ministry of the church.