NEW & RENEWING CHURCHES

1. NEW & RENEWING CHURCHES LCM/CVD-10-12-A RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FALL 2012 Presentation formatted by Gloria Otis

2. 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 Mid-Cities and the world.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. That LCM enter into covenant with the Southern California Nevada Conference to support the church-multiplication Intercultural-Multiethnic, 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).

6. 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. Grace

7. That LCM enter into covenant with the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference to support the new African American and Stillspeaking church, Grace Christian FellowshipUnited Church of Christ, Philadelphia PA in the amount of $20,000 over 18 months (subject to the availability of funds).

8. IglesiaHispana de la Communidad UCC Lowell MA More than a Church, we are a Family! God is always with us because God is Good all the Time!

9. 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).

10. 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 college-educated, 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.

11. 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, AshevilleNC in the amount of $20,000 over 18 months (subject to the availability of funds).

12. New Vision church was started in 2008 with a vision that is bold and energetic, yet deeply rooted in love of neighbor and God. Withthis cornerstone in place, we are building a community of faithwith others who share the same vision. We invite you to join usin 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.

13. 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).

14. 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.

15. 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).

16. 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.

17. 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).

18. 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 presence is the difference.

19. 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).

20. Fairfax Community Church 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.

21. 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).

22. North Stamford Congregational UCC 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.

23. 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).

24. St. John 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

25. 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).

26. Sycamore Congregational Church 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.  

27. 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).

28. 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!

29. 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).

30. UCC of Paradise Hills 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.

31. That LCM enter into covenant with the Southern California Nevada Conference to support the renewing Intercultural-Multiethnic, 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).

32. From: Funding for New and Renewing Congregations LCM Budget #410-20-25-74100-P-4514 Total Fall 2012 Recommending 10 applications for a total $220,000.00 (From budget account above) Balance Available for Fall Cycle 2012 $ 190,000.00 Reserved for Surviving to Thriving Proposals $ 30,000.00 Total $ 0.00 Presentation formatted by Gloria Otis

33. 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.