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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Rev. Dr. DAVID RAVINDER
Hon. Sr. Pastor.
Dear UECF Family and Friends, Grace and Peace to you in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dear UECF Family and Friends, Grace and Peace to you in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am extremely delighted to bring you this word of greetings/report on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebrations (SILVER JUBILEE) of UECF. The theme of our anniversary is: “TO GOD BE THE GLORY”. This theme reflects what UECF strives to be and do in all activities of ministry. The ultimate goal of all ministry is to bring Glory and Honor to God. If God is not glorified and honored, then our efforts are meaningless and futile. We may be able to project a ‘front’ but it will not stand the test of God’s expectation. During the past 25 years we have seen a tremendous growth of our congregation. New and younger families with children have joined us which has strengthened our Sunday School/VBS/ JBQ/TBQ programs. Not only the numbers show God’s favor and blessings but also in the manner of growth of our children. At a recent TBQ event, our children excelled, by taking the first place! My congratulations go out to the children, parents, mentors and coordinators. Another area of growth is in realm of Prayer ministry. Intercessory prayers are offered every day. Women and Men seeking the Lord through prayer is a sure sign that we are on the right track with God. We are also blessed with the weekly Bible Study attended by UECF families and others as well since the Study is via ZOOM. The diligent preparation and leadership by Sudhakar and Santhi Mondithoka has been a real blessing. In recent weeks we have been blessed by other teachers as well. Corporate worship is offered every Sunday at 4:30 pm. Praise time is led by Bro. Sudhakar Chilaka, UECF Choir and several children. This is an inspiring time when we offer our praise and thanks to God. Various Lay/Clergy guest preachers have been with us in the past who bring a passion for God’s Word. Testimony and Prayer time is very special in all of our gatherings. We listen to each other as to what God is doing in our lives and praise God for His grace and mercy. We are blessed to continue our Missional support to over 30 agencies/individuals serving in India through Gospel preaching, church planting, Orphanages and other the evangelistic outreach. In this Souvenir, marking the Silver Jubilee of UECF, you will see all the families of the Fellowship. We hope these pages will serve as ‘Pictorial Directory’ of UECF. As you thumb through these wonderful pages, take time to pray for all the children, young people, adults and the elderly. Another vital connection we are able to extend to the Community at large is through the uecf.net website, maintained by the untiring efforts of Joshua Pilli. The website is a portal that brings together hundreds of sermons by well known preachers, thousands of songs both classical/traditional and contemporary. Countless number of people who constantly visit the website have attested that this is one of the best Christian websites for Telugu and non-Telugu people. My joy as a Pastor is to see the little children growing up in the faith, nurtured by the love of God’s people to become vital witnesses for Jesus Christ as they get older and move into Colleges and careers. I believe that strong spiritual foundation is the key to our lives. This is especially true of children who learn good behavior from seeing parents and other adults who lead good exemplary lives.
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I want to take some time to recognize several individuals and families and express my personal gratitude and thanksgiving to God. As President, Joshua Pilli has continued to work hard to put UECF on the world map through his personal skills and untiring efforts. Most people who have never attended our worship do know of the vital work we do through the website which is second to none in reaching the global community with inspiring messages, powerful testimonies, dynamic music/songs and other avenues. Our children and youth have also been able to present their gifts and talents of various art forms through this medium. Additionally, the leadership Team including, Vice-president, Sudhakar Chilaka, Secretary, Joshua Shaik, Treasurer, Anand Devi continue to devote their time and talents to carry out the work. The Board of Trustees and the Pastorate Committee and a host of volunteers make it happen every week. In recent years, our children have excelled in their JBQ/TBQ performances. I extend my congratulations to all the teams who participated this year. I am so very proud of their achievements and thank the coordinators, Ashok and Esther Vellore, the parents and volunteers. The Sunday School and Youth Ministry have also showed a very strong growth in recent years. Thanks to all the teachers and volunteers, and specially Emily Myla and Vivek Sandela and Clarence Ponnapalli, (coordinators), for their invaluable leadership in these vital areas of ministry. As the coordinator of Missions, Clarence has done a wonderful job of overseeing the selection and distribution of dedicated mission funds on a timely manner. Sudhakar Chilaka, along with Josiah Srigiri, and Suneela Ponapalli have provided able leadership of our Music ministry. Thanks to their dedicated efforts and the UECF Choir that provides an avenue for praise and worship every Sunday. I also applaud the work of the outreach team to Care One facility. This is on hold right now due to Covid-19. The Men’s Fellowship held a retreat recently attended by many who gave great testimonies. My thanks to Prasad Mare for organizing the same. Women’s Fellowship is thriving. Thanks to Kavitha Shaik who takes meticulous care in planning and hosting special prayer events/celebrations. The Couples Fellowship is also going strong after twenty five years of ministering to young married couples, which was also started the same year as UECF. Thanks to Asha and Chakravarthy Dova who continue to coordinate the work of this group which meets on the 4th Saturday of every month in different homes. The Couple’s Fellowship, for the past several years has sponsored two orphan children at the Ramabai Mukti Mission (RMM). In recent years during the Lenten Season, special Video Studies have been presented, produced by Ray Vander Laan. These popular studies have been enlightening and educational. Each year we look forward to new resources. The Carol rounds ministry has been quite successful during the Advent Season. Christmas and Easter services have been well attended. I want to praise God and thank all the Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Bible Teachers who have ministered from the pulpit over the past twenty five years. They are too many to thank individually. UECF has been blessed in so many wonderful ways, that it is difficult to name all of them. We can never forget the founding families’ vision and commitment to make UECF what it is today. God has honored their faith and work. As I conclude this report, I want to say that God has been good and faithful in so many ways. We will look to God’s guidance in the years ahead to fulfil His will, plan and mission. I want to place on record, my personal thanks to all of ‘UECF Family’ for your continued love and support over these 25 years of the past. You ALL made it happen. Recently when my mother, Mrs. Mary Jayakar went home to be with the Lord, our family and I have received much love, comfort and encouragement through your prayers, get well cards and visits. Mom used to look forward to seeing you, and whenever you did visit her in our home, the Hospital, or the Rehab made her very happy. Many of you have shared photos of mom. These will be a part of our memorable collection for the days ahead. You all have blessed us during this difficult period of life’s journey and we will always remain grateful. As I end this report, I want to echo Paul’s sentiment expressed so well in his letter to the Philippians Ch. 1:3-6 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Pastor David Ravinder
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Beloved UECF Family and friends,
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
It’s my great privilege and pleasure in greeting you and welcoming you to UECF’s Silver Jubilee celebration!
We are filled with immense joy while reflecting upon what has been accomplished through UECF in the past 25 years of faithful journey by the abundant grace of our God! Glory and honor to the Lord who has led us thus far! Accordingly, this year’s theme for the celebration is chosen as -To God be the glory!
As God has kept us safe all through the pandemic, I truly believe our worship services and messages shared by our pastors and guest preachers either online or in-person are uplifting and encouraging to many both locally and globally. Certainly, Bible studies and Lenten devotions have drawn us closer to God. Sunday School activities, VBS, JBQ programs helped the children to walk in the ways of God. Youth activities and adult programs are truly a blessing to all. We received God’s continued blessings upon our vision and mission.
I thank and praise God for His steadfast love showered on us. I take this opportunity to express my profound thanks to the honorary pastors, guest preachers, executive body, pastorate committee and all the members of congregation and visitors.
Marking the Silver Jubilee Year, a souvenir is published. A lot of effort is gone into compiling the pictorial directory of UECF families, friends, visitors and the associated Christian leaders. As always, Spandana Offset Printers, Vijayawada did a great work that is much appreciated.
As the Reformation Day follows our 25 years milestone celebration,may we all exalt the mighty God remembering Marin Luther’s greatest hymn – A mighty fortress is our God!
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Yours in His service,
Joshua (Phani) Pilli
President
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Aramaic Broadcasting Network.
September 22, 2022
I want to congratulate you and the UECF congregation as you celebrate God's faithfulness to you and your perseverance in the past 25 years in “lifting Jesus” through your ministry and providing a God-centered community for the Indian diaspora in the greater New Jersey area and beyond.
Apostle Paul's commendation to the church in Thessalonica aptly describes your ministry which is marked by “work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 1:3). Amidst the many cultural shifts, we see around, UECF has provided Word-centered, worship to the multigenerational Indian community who appreciate and espouse interactions in their heart-language and the traditions that the first generation has grown up with in India.
For years, I have been a distant admirer of your ministry who appreciates your robust website which ministers to people in their heart language in providing beautiful Christian lyrics, holistic and godly sermons and highlighting Christ's redeeming work in the lives of individuals through the many personal testimonies.
May the Lord continue to bless your leadership and congregation as you connect people to Jesus and His mission for the next twenty five years.
Dr. Chris Perumalla, Ph.D.
Regional Director for AsiaProfessor Emeritus,Department of PhysiologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Toronto
Aramaic Broadcasting Network., PO Box 724 Walled Lake, MI 48390; Telephone: 248-416-1300; www.abnsat.com. Signatory contact: 416 575 7760; c.perumalla@utoronto.ca
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THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH OF GOD (Branch of Church of God International, Cleveland, TN, U.S.A – Branch NO: 14109) — St. James Chapel
August 24, 2022
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (II Pet. 2:18)
Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Grace divine from the Living God and faithfulness from the mortals has helped us enjoy these 25 years leading us to celebrate silver jubilee. Congratulations!
Let your hearts remain grateful towards those used by the Lord in the formative years. Having known the fellowship a little over a decade now, I have witnessed the sincere love toward God and one another. “Set the Lord always before you” and He will be a very Guide till the end and your ministerial outreach shall remain as a spiritual monument. May you all be filled with the love of God, grace of Christ and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Let your labour of love be evident. “Their works shall follow them”. May your leadership, music & worship team, Men's & Women's fellowship, Children & Youth ministries, weekly Bible studies, retreats & activities, support to ministries, etc continue to grow.
May the God of hope afford you with peace and joy on this special occasion and beyond for His glory and our joyous testimony.
Joseph V. Theophilus
Lead Pastor.
St. James Chapel, 581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043; Telephone : (973) 979-4779; Mail: pastor.newcovenant@gmail.com
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First United Methodist Church, Westfield (FUMC Westfield)
September 15, 2022
On behalf of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Westfield, I wholeheartedly celebrate your 25th anniversary with you. I offer up gratitude to God for your faithful ministry that shares the good news of Jesus, gathers a community in praise and prayer, and furthers God's mission in our time and place.
Thank you for your ongoing friendship in ministry. We feel your presence, prayers, and connection to us as siblings in Christ, and we are stronger because of your partnership. Please receive our thanksgiving, our support, and our prayer with and for you.
May God bless you with joy as you celebrate this anniversary (John 15:11).
May God bless you with peace as you reflect on your fellowship (Philippians 4:7).
May God bless you with faith that carries you forward as a vibrant community (1 Corinthians 1:9).
May God's love continue to overflow through you, a blessing to this world (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Rev. Alison VanBuskirk Philip
PastorFUMC Westfield
1 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 • 908.233.4211 • www.fumcwestfield.org
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State of New Jersey, Office of the Governor
October 29, 2022
It is my honor to recognize the United Evangelical Christian Fellowship Church (UECF) in commemoration of the Church's 25th Anniversary.
For the last twenty-five years, the UECF has provided Union County and surrounding areas with extraordinary leadership. In your commitment to the mantle of service, the UECF stands as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and comfort for the Union County community, and beyond. As Governor, I am grateful for the church's ministries and members for making a meaningful impact on the lives of many.
Your congregation's dedication to faithfully enriching your community has changed lives throughout Union County. Congratulations on this wonderful milestone and best wishes to all for a memorable anniversary.
Philip D. Murphy
Governor
P.O. BOX 001, TRENTON 08625, (609) 292-6000
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Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515
September 6, 2022
United Evangelical Christian Fellowship Church
1 East Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
Dear Friends:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of United Evangelical Christian Fellowship Church. This is a significant milestone for the church and occasion for celebration.
For 25 years, United Evangelical Christian Fellowship Church has continued to enrich the lives of its congregants through spiritual teachings and social activities. Your commitment to faith and service to the community throughout New Jersey and abroad is admirable.
Once again, congratulations and best wishes as you celebrate the 25th anniversary of United Evangelical Christian Fellowship Church.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
REPLY TO: 2107 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, (202) 225-4671 | 504 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, (732) 571-1140 | 67/69 Church Street, Kilmer Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, (732) 249-8892 | Toll-Free Number: (888) 423-1140 | https://pallone.house.gov/
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TELUGU CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION - KUWAIT, NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH
యునైటెడ్ ఇవాంజలికల్ క్రిస్టియన్ ఫెలోషిప్ చర్చి రజితోత్సవము జరుపు కొను శుభసమయ వార్త విని ప్రభువును ఎంతోగానో మహిమ పరచుచు తెలుగు క్రైస్తవ సంఘం కువైట్, గ్లోబల్ తెలుగు క్రిస్టియన్ మినిస్ట్రీస్ మరియు నా పక్షమున శుభాకాంక్షలు అందించుచున్నాను. ప్రభువు మీ సంఘమును గత 25 వత్సరములు తన మహా కృపలో ఆధ్యాత్మికముగా న్యూజెర్సి(యు.ఎస్.ఎ) ప్రాంతములో నున్న తెలుగు ప్రజలకు సువార్తను అందించి ఆధ్యాత్మికముగా ప్రోత్సహించుచున్నందుకై దేవునికే స్తుతి మహిమ ఘనతా కలుగునుగాక!
మిమ్ములను ఆధ్యాత్మికముగా నడిపించుచున్న రెవ॥ డా॥ రవీంద్రనాద్ (సీనియర్పాస్టర్) , సహో॥ జాషువా పిల్లి(అధ్యక్షులు), సహో॥ సామ్యూల్ సుధాకర్ చిలక(వైస్ ప్రెసిడెంట్), సహో॥ జాషువా షేక్ (కార్యదర్శి), సహో॥ ఆనంద్ దేవి (కోశాధికారి), ఇతర కార్యవర్గ సభ్యులందరిని మరియు సంఘ సభ్యులందదరిని ప్రభువు నామములో అభినందిస్తున్నాను.
ఈ శుభసమయమందు ఒక విషయము జ్ఞాపకము చేయబడుచున్నారు. ప్రభువు ఇచ్చిన ఆజ్ఞ “సర్వలోకమునకు వెళ్ళి సర్వసృష్టికి సువార్తను ప్రకటించుడి” ఈకర్తవ్యము ప్రతి విశ్వాసి యొక్క బాధ్యత అయియున్నది. మనము స్వదేశమును వదలి తెలుగు వారముగా ప్రపంచమంతా ఆయా దేశములలో వ్యాపించియున్నాము కనుక తెలుగు వారముగా మనవంతు మనము ప్రపంచ సువార్తికరణలో నిమఘ్నులమై యుండవలెను.
హబక్కుకు 3:2 “యెహోవా, సంవత్సరములు జరుగుచుండగా నీ కార్యము నూతన పరచుము”
పిలిఫీ 3: 13 “వెనుక ఉన్నవి మరచి ముందున్న వాటికొరకై వేగిరపడుచు క్రీస్తు యేసునందు దేవుని ఉన్నతమైన పిలుపునకు కలుగు బహుమానమును పొందవలెనని, గురి యొద్దకే పరుగెత్తుచున్నాను.” మన గురి మనలను మనము సిద్ధపరచు కొనుచు ఇతరులను కూడా ప్రభువు రాకడ యందు పరిశుద్ధముగాను నిర్దోషులునుగాను నిలబెట్టుటకు సిద్ధపరచవలెయును. ప్రభువు రాకడవరకు పరిశుద్ధాత్మ దేవుడు మీ పరిచర్యను కొనసాగించవలెయునని నాప్రార్థన అయియున్నది.
ప్రభువు సేవలో మీతోటి పనివాడు
అపొ॥ డా॥ లివింగ్స్టన్ గద్దె,
వ్యవస్థాపకులు : తెలుగు క్రైస్తవ సంఘం - కువైట్వ్యవస్థాపకులు, అధ్యక్షులు : గ్లోబల్ తెలుగు క్రిస్టియన్ మినిస్ట్రీస్
Post Box - 80, Safat, 13001, Safat Kuwait, Tel/Fax : (965) 25668216, www. tcckuwait.com
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Telugu Christian Fellowship New Jersey Inc.
September 21, 2022
Dear Rev. Dr. David Ravindar, President Joshua Pilli, other leaders and the members of the UECF: Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Praise be to God and hearty congratulations to you for completing 25 years of faithful service to God, the members of your Church and others outside of your Church as well. It is a very important milestone in the life of UECF which is also referred to as Silver Jubilee Celebration. To God be the glory great things He has done for you.
At this time we also want to fondly remember and thank God for past leaders like late brother Alfred Bhaskar and others living who established this Church, At the same time wepraise God for the present leadership that is carrying on the ministry of this Church. We thank God for the members who support this Church and it's ministry so faithfully,
In closing we want to say that we rejoice with you and pray that God would help this Church to continue to spread the good news of the Gospel till He comes into midair to catch away His bride the Church.
Co-laborers together with you.
Uncle David for TCF NJ
Dr. DAVID V. CHIGURUPATI — Sr. Pastor & President — 201-532-6082Mrs. CHRISTIE R.E. CHIGURUPATI — Vice President & Secretary — 973-573-0667Mrs. RATNAKUMARI PITTA — Treasurer — 973-743-8142Rev. RAVINDAR BHASKAR — Assoc. Pastor & Trustee — 732-642-2591Mr. SUNIL ROBERT VUPPULA — Trustee — 732-331-3084
92 GABRIEL COURT, HILLSBOROUGH, NJ 08844. Phone & Fax: (973) 743-8142 | Website: www.tcfnj.com | Email Id: dchigurupati@gmail.com | info@tcfnj.com
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Dear UECF family,
It is such a joy to witness UECF celebrating Silver Jubilee Anniversary!
Our hearts are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the amazing grace of our Lord on UECF for the past 25 years. Praise to the Lord the Almighty!
Started with a few families in the year 1997, UECF has grown into one large family that catered to the spiritual needs and provided opportunities to worship and serve Him at various levels. Many families have grown along with UECF. The congregation is so closely connected that the joys, concerns and sorrows are shared appropriately with each other.
UECF’s Sunday worship services, Sunday School and youth programs, Bible studies, Lenten meditations, Men & women prayer groups, retreats, picnics and fellowships certainly helped in mutual edification, strengthening of faith and maintaining the cultural values.
Great is His faithfulness to UECF that it became achannel of blessings to many people in different parts of the world through the web ministry, music ministry, TV ministry and missions support.
Particularly, Virginia Christian Family Conferences have been blessed by the active participation of UECF choir year after year. We congratulate the UECF leadership and all the congregation on this milestone year of jubilee! “To God be the glory” is truly an apt theme for this Silver Jubilee celebration!
May the Lord continue to pour out His grace upon the UECF family and friends with hundred- fold blessings!
But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Psalm 79:13
In His service,
Syam Pilli
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