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OUR STORY
In May 1991, United Methodist congregations, First Filipino American and Centenary, merged into one body giving birth to Umphress Road United Methodist Church. The merger offers valuable gifts from God; namely, a diverse membership composed of African-Americans, Anglos, Asians, and Hispanics; a wider opportunity for welcoming new immigrants and ethnic groups in the community; and a larger facility for nurturing and equipping membership through worship and fellowship.
The joy and excitement of ministry, celebrating lessons learned from accepting diversity as a gift from a multicolored God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the life of the congregation are the blessings that inspired URUMC to continue to grow. As called to make disciples for Christ, URUMC decides to be a beacon of hope “in the heart of Pleasant Grove” and a “sanctuary” for all sojourners in our community and the world. Our “hearts, minds, and doors” are open to all people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds who seek new life in Christ. |
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“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12 (KJV) |
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OUR VISION
As we prepare to build the new facility in 2011, it is imperative that we look past the physical building to see the spiritual fruit. Phase I construction will include a new sanctuary. Imagine a new multifunctional and multimedia-equipped sanctuary where diverse people come to praise and worship the living God. In Phase II, we envision a new education and community center where church and community are nurtured and served. We hope for a new fellowship hall/gymnasium where people of all ages are physically and emotionally cared for and are incorporated into a wider community.
OUR PURPOSE
We hear it loud and clear, our mandate from our Lord Jesus Christ is to “Go… make disciples of all people” (Matthew 28:19). This mission calls us to continue to grow and move on beyond where we are now.
We thank God who allows us to grow our membership and ministries and to develop new outreach and mission projects. However, our growth reaches the space limit of our present facility. To be faithful to our calling we need a new facility to accommodate what God is doing in and through the church.
Our church appointed a Building Committee to launch a capital campaign entitled “Believe to Achieve.” The campaign will focus on fund raising for a new building facility that can sustain our growing congregation as it continues to expand the works of Christ.
The new building facility will offer a multimedia-equipped sanctuary with future plans to build an education and community center and a fellowship hall/gymnasium equipped with a commercial kitchen for our community events. How can you be part of such a phenomenal undertaking?
• Be thankful for God’s Providence. • Pray and ask how much God would have you give. • Be obedient and give as the Lord leads.
On Commitment Sunday, April 11th, everyone in our church will be given the opportunity to make a three-year commitment over what they are currently giving to the operating budget. Plan to be a part of this Commitment Sunday and let’s join together in our commitment to sacrificially give toward this exciting vision.
We must BELIEVE in what God has been doing through Christ Jesus and in what we are called to do, and we’ll ACHIEVE. |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
This is a wonderful time in the life of Umphress Road UMC as we look to the opportunity to continue the expansion of our ministry. A diverse group of members has been called to serve as leaders in the Believe to Achieve Capital Campaign.
So, what is your part in the campaign?
Please take this time to learn more about what the new building facility means to Umphress Road UMC in terms of much needed spacious rooms, and more I importantly, the empowering impact that will be felt in our worship services, ministries, outreach efforts, and services to the community.
As faithful stewards, we must communicate with God through prayer and listen to what God would have us do. In the days and weeks ahead, you will be asked to prayerfully consider your Individual or family gifts to the Believe to Achieve campaign. You now have the same opportunity to share your blessings and extend the grace of God for generations to come.
I am confident in what God will help us Achieve in building the new facility because we Believe in what God can do through us. I hope that you will share that affirmation with me and continue walking with me on this journey.
Sincerely,
Rev. Levy E. Laguardia Senior Pastor |
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