Union Community Church, United Church of Christ Valparaiso, Indiana

Happy new year!!

2012-01-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Lets consider seriously the occupy movement and all the fuss that regular folk are presenting to the the countries leadership.
The bottom line is the rich are getting richer and the poor are being left out the
real participation in this countries decisions.
The time has presented a different attitude within the Christian Community. There are many who believe that the institutional christian church needs to respond to the needs of the people or pass on into history..
We pray for the moment when Christians everywhere will stop taking no for an answer and stand up to power that exploits and oppresses the poor!
Stand up Christians and be counted!!

Pray for Japan

2011-03-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

As global religious communities pray for the people of Japan we must remember that their suffering should awaken the compassion and concern of us all!
Many of the problems that they face today is due to our collective attitude of competition and selfish greed.
We must learn how to help one another and share what we know so that these events will
be avoided.
If we had spent more time in the global community assisting one another instead of pursuing our own self interest this suffering could have bee avoided.
Hopefully one day we will learn that "when one suffers all suffers"

The global community could have helped this nation to make better choices with regard to the construction and location of these kinds of facilities!
We all will learn a lesson from this event.

We are one people!!!

2010-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

We are one people. We are all part of the human Race!
As churches we need to learn to recognize that there is one Christ who died for ALL HUMAN KIND!
As we celebrate Kwanzaa Know that the principles apply to all of humankind .
African Americans have been blessed to give to the world a way to heal and be delivered from the hate filled divisions that attempt to destroy all of Gods creation.

We are one PEOPLE with many cultures!!

Many nations that are all of God`s Creation.
We also share this world with the rest of God`s creation and all of the life created deserves our respect and compassion as well!

If we learn the lesson that God has gifted us through Christ then we might learn how to care for each other and God`s precious creation.
This Kwanzaa recognize that the principles apply to everyone on the planet.
We are one NATION !ONE PEOPLE!

Pray for the people surrounded by the oil drenched gulf coast

2010-05-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

This is a disaster of mind numbing proportion.
The fault lies at the feet of everyone of us who watched the BP oil rig burn for three days and then sink to the bottom of the sea.
The entire nation is at fault for waiting for the people
who have the money to act since the cost to act swiftly
would have been to much for us to bear.
Well we are certainly bearing the cost of this ECOLOGICAL nightmare now.
Pray for the good people on the gulf coast that will lose everything including their way of life because of our nations greed. Pray for this nation that is so blinded by greed that we cannot sacrifice a moment of our time and resource to act in the wake such a natural tragedy.

Why do we need Health care?

2010-04-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

1.We need health care because we are spending more money taking care of each
other from emergency visits than health maintenance visits.

2.We need health care because we are one of the richest nations
in the world and a nation is judged by how it treats its most needy.
3.
We need health care because we need to lead the global community by example
and spend our resources on making people healthy and not hurting
those who do not agree with us.

4. We need health care because to not have it is to live a hellish
life of chronic illness with no recourse but to die in pain and suffering.

It is time for our nation to live up to the principles
of our democracy and really reflect the compassion that our faith proclaims.

Come join us for Christian Education experience

2010-02-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

Help our brothers and sisters in Haiti

2010-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

We need to pray for and send help to this important community of people.
These are the times when the world is given an opportunity to express the best of our humanity in a desperate situation.
Find out how you can be a part of this effort to help our brother and sisters who are hurting.
We believe that this situation can allow us to show the tremendous love that we should have for one another all the time.
Please show your love to Gods children by helping out in any way you can.
Pray and send help to the citizens of Haiti.

Understanding Our Global commitment to Peace

2009-12-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

Part of being a multicultural community means that our concerns must expand globally!
The issue that continues to confront this great nation is the issue of being a peacemaker in the world.During this expansion of our troop strength in a war that has lasted a decade. We pray that the leaders of this world find a moment to consider peace instead of the escalation of violence in the world.
There is much more to do in this world than fight violent wars over land and political control.We spend far to much time and money in this world fighting for control as opposed to helping one another. what would the world be if we could stop all conflict for twenty four hours? What would the world be if we would give one week to peace?
Pray for peace this holy season.

Being a Multicultural Christian at Union Community Church UCC

2009-06-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

It seems that while we are always trying to be politically correct, we never seem to get down to the real issues concerning being a multicultural community.
People are further divided and separated than they have ever been!
We choose a different path at Union Community Church United Church of Christ in Valparaiso.
We are attempting to allow the process of evolving a multicultural perspective to grow along with the development of our Christian Community here at Union Community church UCC.
Why allow different worship services and encourage different perspectives in christian community?

That is what it means to be multicultural! The freedom to explore with one another difference without fear that you will lose your identity in the process.
We spend countless hours on programs and potlucks without really ever experiencing difference in our midst. Christ calls us to lose our specific identity as humanity to gain a different level of humanity with one another.We should not fear that we will lose our identity as African Americans or European Americans or Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans or any other ethnic global or domestic category by obtaining a different understanding of one another! We will grow in our humanity as we begin to better understand one another.

When we we stop playing the game of self interested associations and begin to build the real community God intended?
We cannot be fully human until we are one in Christ.

2009-06-03T08:46:00.001-07:00

Meditations for the centering of the Spirit

2009-05-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

UCC Church
provides Sacred space for the individual to center and focus ones spirit! 8:00 AM
Each Sunday morning we provide a space for quiet meditation on God's word and spirit within our main sanctuary.

Please join us in entering into God's blessed gentle and thoughtful presence as we remain silent and listen for divine guidance within our lives.
Be still and know that God is indeed God!

You can make a difference!!!

2009-03-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

We always seem to find time to complain about the world and the ongoing drama of pain and suffering.

Well you and I and all of God`s children can make a difference in this world!! We need to remember that with God all things are possible even peace on earth and good will to all humanity. We need to stop allowing the negative people and situations of this world dictate how we are to live and respond! Stand up for peace and joy and the love of God. Your perspective and views are important and we all can make a positive difference in this world if we find the courage to try.

Here is a hot topic for us to consider.

2009-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

The issues of race relations seems to have developed when people of color came in contact with their European brothers and sisters a long time ago. We will not go into detail about the history of the relationship at this time.

Lets just say our story has been troubled over these years of relationship. We would like to consider just one of the many issues that confront this long difficult relationship between these two cultures. Why is it always something liberal white people need to fix? Why is it always another self serving agenda item for whites to participate in African American community?

Do whites ever show up and simply say "I want to serve! Where is the work you need for me to do" without trying to overshadow the efforts of the other cultures attempts to create a place for themselves by bringing a agenda that serves their own interest? I know this sounds like a small problem but really it is not. It is at the very heart of the problem between these two cultures!

If Multicultural communities are ever going to function people must respect the efforts of others. The whole history of the relationship between black folk and white folk has been the struggle for Africans in America to hold on to their achievements and efforts without some one coming into their lives to divert the effort or as most Europeans claim "make things work a little better". What is better to the average European who wants to "Help" the colored folk? The better way is always their way.

That is a major problematic to the respect needed to make multicultural communities authentically function. This is why we meet so much resistance by people of color to participate fully in American culture and society. There are however some real
exceptions to this norm but the over all majority of Europeans approach the community of color as a something they need to fix.

We all are in need of an adjustment regarding this very real problem in the relationship between these two ethnic groups. We will never address the issue of multicultural community until we learn how to listen and respect one another!

Multi Cultural Adult forum will begin in March 2009

2009-02-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Please join us in exploring with multicultural families the meaning of living in a multicultural reality. There will be a adult forum presented every second Wednesday of the month the entire year of 2009 on this important topic.

We think that this issue is the vital topic for this year in our community and the nation.

Please consider having a meal and joining in on the discussion of helping our church define and live out its multicultural vision. The world is a place that thrives on division and fear. We want to live without hate, fear and division. come help us!
We seek to help one another to understand what it means to live and work together day by day. Please consider spending time sharing your thoughts about this important topic.

Where Union Community Church UCC 602 Monroe
When Every 2nd Wednesdays of the month starting March 2009
Time 6:30 pm dinner program 7:00pm
Why Because its the right thing to do!

Give the New President a chance .

2009-01-22T05:49:00.001-08:00

We are always looking for someone to clean up our mess. I hope the country gives this president a chance to work out some of the problems that have been delivered by our collective greed and selfishness.

Instead of trying to see if he will fail in the first term, why don`t we try to figure out how to help the country by sharing what we have and helping one another. Obama is not JESUS and we ought not try to put our brokenness on the presidents agenda to fix.

What this country really needs is salvation from the hatred and greed that has had generations to grow without anyone standing up to it. Its time that we change so we can work change in the world.

UCC Banned Commerical

2009-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Contact Us:

2009-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Union Community Church
United Church of Christ
602 Monroe St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-3197
uccspirit@yahoo.com

Celtic Worship Service 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Sunday School 9 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study
Deaconate Study 1st Wed each month
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Violence on the Gaza Strip

2009-01-05T12:03:00.001-08:00

To kill and maim one another is wrong. We should have learned our lesson from history. It is 2009 and we are still killing one another in the name of God! There is no victory when our interest is won by the taking of human life. All life is sacred and God weeps when we destroy one another in Gods name to serve our own interest. This is a Global drive by. Murder by any other name is still murder.

When will it end? There is nothing in the teachings of Christ that advocates murder or the taking of life period. This violence will haunt the world for generations to come.

We are Family and God loves us ALL!

2008-12-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

We are a global family. Each moment we live we must consider that our family is larger than we could ever imagine. We are a global community and we live in a family where there are members who are of different cultures, faiths, and beliefs yet they are still a part of our FAMILY. To reject or hate one member because she/he does not think or act exactly like you do is incorrect and unacceptable. God in Gods blessed and infinite mercy has created all living things.

You and I are a part of God`s creation and thus we are a part of Gods family. The sooner we grow up and realize that we are all family the better the world will be.

Hey and while we are thinking about family please do not forget nature. Whether you understand it or not God created it all so ALL life should be respected and consider a part of Gods family. WE ARE ALL FAMILY!!! We should act like it.

Working with the new president of the USA

2008-11-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

It seems that the country will have its first African American President! I think this is a historic moment but if we do not address the systemic issues confronting this country; he will just become the fall guy for the nations bad financial policy.

It appears that even before he takes office we are hearing the famous quote "SEE I TOLD YOU SO". If the famous election liberal political machinery does not hold together to help the president elect he will have a hard and difficult stay in the White house!!

I personally think that the liberal political machinery will not retool itself well enough to be of service to the local citizens of this nation. We will place everything in the hands of the new president then say "I TOLD YOU SO"

Racism is alive and well in America

2008-10-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

I think racism in America still out weights any voice of reason in this country because the systemic nature of Racist behavior will continue to plague people of color what ever we do or become in this society. The racist attitudes we are beginning to see surrounding the election is just the start of a white back lash that is seeded in fear and ignorance. I do not see anything changing that perspective. Not even a Black President.

Bi Racial relationships and Multicultural community

2008-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

What are the stories surrounding Bi Racial relationships?

Why is it so hard for Bi racial couples from different racial families to understand one another?

How do their children they learn how to live in communities that are different than their own?

Why do people still stare at Bi Racial couples?

How does it feel when people stare?

There should be a separation of ethnic communities

2008-07-31T05:25:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is not a bad idea that certain ethnic groups remain separate until we get our communities in order. It seems that sometimes people rush to integrate and they are not willing to look closely at the problems in their own community. If we would spend more time solving the concerns of our own ethnic communities then we would be in a stronger position to be multicultural when the opportunity permits.

People will never change unless we work together

2008-07-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Society has too strong of an influence on the every day christian.That's why unless the Christian church takes leadership and shows the way toward diversity in our culture, diversity will NEVER happen on its own.

Unless pastors and teachers sacrifice their positions and stand up for unity in the local church our christian churches will NEVER reflect the diversity that God intended!! Member

Will Christian communities ever work together?

2008-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Why are Christians so divided?

Have you ever wondered why Christians spend so much time and effort talking about difference?

Why do we spend more effort at arguing about our difference than working together?

What is your opinion regarding the sometimes petty things Christians fight about?

We spend hundreds of hours on our different points of view but less than a minute on the suffering and pain that the world presents each day. Should we continue this way? How can we change?

We must act on a global scale to address this concern.

2008-07-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Few people think about this issue from a global perspective. We must be willing to dialogue with other communities about this concern if we are to solve any of the problems that multicultural communites experience.

We could talk to one another forever without ever experiencing what a truly diverse community has to offer. How can we invoke an urgency toward intentional community that is nessary to confront the problems of lack of diversity on all levels of culture and society?

Why do we need to be multicultural?

2008-06-25T11:42:00.001-07:00

The world is full of people wanting to be diverse, the question that we need to answer is why should we be multicultural? If we cannot answer this question with sincerity then we should not pursue the concern.

Come Join Us in our Multicultural Journey in Christian Faith Development

2008-06-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Union Community Church United Church of Christ is a Twenty year old congregation found at 602 Monroe in Valparaiso Indiana.

We are a congregation that began as an outgrowth of concerns among African American residents of Valparaiso Indiana to create an christian environment that is opened to all people regardless of race class or Gender designations.

Please join us in these sacred conversations about difference and the faith tradition of the Teachings of Christ.