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Meet The Staff   |   History   |  Mission Statement  Statement Of Faith

 

Meet The Staff

Rev. Cleveland P. Howell, Executive Director

 

 

"Changing The Face Of Our Community, One Young Person At A Time"

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

·    Board Chair: Mark Vincett

·    Vice Chair: Pastor Patrick Tharp

·    Rev. Owen Lewis Clark

·    Francis Law

·    Rev. Dr. Alan Graffam

·    Rev. John (Jack) Littler  

·    Minister Shareef Ali II

·    Anthony Hairston

·    Marilyn Law

·    Patricia Ragin 


UCM STAFF

·    Assistant Director: Rev. William Coplin

·    Office Manager: Kathy Jefferys

·    Volunteer Coordinator: Marilyn Law

·    Teenage Alternative Coordinator: Curtis Alford, Jr.

·    Food Bank Coordinator: Angela Lacey

·    Kids Club Coordinator: Angela Lacey

·    Block Club Basketball Coordinator: Curtis Alford, Jr.

·    Clothing Boutique Ministry: Cheryl Anderson

·    Women’s Prison Ministry: Rev. Jan Stewart, Joanne Betzold and 

    Mother Quincie Mae Hunter

·    Prison Correspondence Bible Course: Tina Sutkowski and Rita Blair

·    Summer Camp Director: Michael T. Turner  

 


 

URBAN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES ~ AUXILIARY

   

This a  “grass roots” group of city and suburban men and women that are committed to the ministry of UCM These dedicated volunteers meet monthly, and assist with the various UCM projects throughout the year.  They are a vital arm of this ministry.

 


 

History

In 1970 a group of concerned Christians began seeking God’s direction regarding ways to develop a witness in the City of Buffalo.  Throughout the intervening years, UCM has engaged in social, economic and Christian programs designed to bring Christ to the urban area through many programs that change hearts and minds of people we serve.

   

In 1990, the leadership changed and God gave clearer direction for the ministry.  The youth of our city have become our main focus.  They are the hope of the future and are increasingly being destroyed by the blight of drugs and violence.

 

1995 was a banner year for UCM as two new programs were instituted into our schedule.  Block Club Basketball (BCB) made a major difference on ten city streets in Buffalo.  Conceived as an anti-violence program with a spiritual emphasis, BCB was an instant winner in the city.

 

A 1995 mission trip to Juarez, Mexico with “Youth With A Mission” was a life changing experience for our youth and adults alike.  In 1997, UCM began to conduct our own Missions To Mexico during Easter vacation.

 

“Kick It To The Curb” was included in our BCB schedule in 1998 as a means to reach young children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It can be described as an on the streets Vacation Bible School program.

 

In 2002, UCM initiated our first “Community Forum” on one of our BCB streets.  This highlighted health information, college presentations, and interviews by our city leadership.  The year 2003 transitioned to become a Community Picnic.  UCM invited vendors, colleges, health care agencies, and businesses to join in the festivities.  Two BCB streets were chosen during the summer with a great picnic meal for all in attendance.  These are all ongoing programs in 2007.

 


 

Mission Statement

Committed to young people in the city of Buffalo and around the world, it is the mission of Urban Christian Ministries to reclaim our neighborhoods and support our youth.  Through a combination of instruction, activities, mentorship and compassion, we build productive young adults with self-esteem and good character.  We work to empower youth to identify, and then capitalize upon the skills, qualities and talents that God has placed within them.

 

By incorporating these qualities into their lives, we are Changing The Face Of Our Community One Young Person At A Time.

 


 

Statement Of Faith  

1.                We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.  (2nd Timothy 3:16, 2nd Peter 1:21)

2.                We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)

3.                We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood; in His body resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.  (John 10:33, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35, Hebrews 4:15, 7:26, John 2:11, 1st Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9, John 11:25, 1st Corinthians 15:4, Mark 16:19, Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11)

4.                We believe the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.  (John 3:16-19, John 5:24, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5)

5.                We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life.  (Romans 8:13-14, 1st Corinthians 3:16, 1st Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18)

6.                We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.  (John 5:28-29)

7.                We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 8:9, 1st Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)

 


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