Category Archives: UCC

What can you tell me about small groups?

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Small Groups LogoWe’ve started a new small group ministry within the bilingual group that I work with at the University Church of Christ. Going on the theory that late is better than never, let me ask for some input.

Have you been involved in small groups? Have you been in an especially successful group? Have you been in a group that was unsuccessful?

What works and what doesn’t in terms of…?

  • frequency
  • size
  • location
  • format
  • study/discussion materials
  • childcare

Any other thoughts or suggestions you’d like to share?

Image from CreationSwap.com

2014 Cuba Youth Conference

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Last week I was in Cuba with a group from the University Church of Christ in Abilene. Our church sponsored the conference, along with 3 churches in Tennessee and some other individuals. It was especially nice for me to travel with my wife, Carolina, and daughter, Andrea.

I feel like a broken record when I tell about Cuba. It was wonderful, great, exciting…. The work in Cuba continues to be one of the most encouraging works I’ve been a part of. Half a century of socialism coupled with an economic embargo imposed by the U.S. have left the island’s economy in shambles. People live constantly on the border of disaster. Yet being there makes me think of James’ words:

“Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)

I’ll share some pictures from the trip:

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The ladies from our mission team

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Tony Fernandez, Herald of Truth rep in Cuba

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Tony leads singing Sunday a.m.

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One of several baptisms Sunday a.m.

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Worship at the church’s farm Sunday afternoon

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Baptism at the farm

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Youth conference

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Paul Rotenberry and Steve Austin, elders from UCC

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Some of our team with a family from the province of Las Tunas

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Andrea sharing her story with the young ladies

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Ladies sent by the Madison church in Tennessee

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Lighthouse built by the young people. Each box had a Christian virtue printed on it.

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Tony Fernández and Ammiel Pérez, two of the principal leaders in Cuba

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Alejandro Ezquerra speaks to the young people

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There were 3 baptisms the last night of the youth conference

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The church had a party for the elderly of the congregation

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Me and one of my favorite people: Pastor Cardenal. I call him “Bishop,” which always makes him laugh.

Bilingual ministry in Abilene

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DSCN6505I realize that my last couple of posts could leave people a bad impression of our church and our bilingual ministry. So let me try and point out some good things.

Abilene is a city of about 120,000 people. (According to Wikipedia, Abilene “metro” is about 165,000) The ethnic makeup of the city includes about 25% that identify themselves as Hispanic.

There are over 30 churches of Christ in the city and immediate area. As far as I know, there are only two which offer a service in Spanish. Only one of those functions within a larger, predominantly Anglo church: the bilingual service at University.

This work has been functioning for over 25 years. It has had its ups and downs but has always counted on the full support of the congregation. The elders have made it clear that the bilingual ministry is an important part of the University family.

The average age of UCC members trends toward the upper end of Abilene’s population. The bilingual group trends much younger. A large percentage of UCC members are longtime members of the Church of Christ; the bilingual group includes many who have been converted to Christ within the last 5 years or so.

It’s only fair that I point out some of these good things even as I’ve mentioned a few negative ones. To refer again to Jason’s analogy from Sunday, our church is working hard to look like a Cliff Huxtable sweater.

New preacher

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churchIt’s a new phase of life for me. For the first time, the pulpit minister at the congregation where I attend is younger than I. Since I’ll continue to work with the bilingual group at our church, I won’t be hearing him on a regular basis. Still, it’s a bit strange.

Part of it, admittedly, is the fact that it’s not easy for me to think of anyone else as “the preacher.” I love to preach and feel that God has given me some gifts in that area. It was easier for me to “sit at the feet” of the previous minister because he was the preacher at this congregation when I attended back in my university days.

It has been strange for me to know that our congregation was searching for a minister yet to have no idea who was being considered nor even what qualifications were being looked for. Strange to not have any part in the process. Not surprising given the size of our congregation and the number of elders that we have. It’s hard not to feel a bit left out at times, yet I’ve got my own ministry with Herald of Truth.

Now a new minister has been chosen. It will be yet another battle with my pride. A battle that needs to be fought again and again. Our elders know this congregation and its needs and have made a prayerful choice. Now we move forward with prayer and optimism. May God bless his church and those who seek to serve her. I hope that I can always seek the good of the kingdom and not my own good.

{Photo by Simon Cautado, sxc.hu}