Messages from UECF Leadership and Keynote Speakers

“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.

I am extremely delighted to bring you this word of greetings on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebrations of UECF. The theme of our anniversary is “REJOICE”. In his first letter to the Thessalonians in chapter 5: 16-17, Paul reminds the believers to do three things. He tells them to: 1. REJOICE always, 2. PRAY continually, and 3. GIVE THANKS in all circumstances. God has done wondrous things in our midst in these past twenty years, and we indeed have much to rejoice! We also have much to pray for. Prayer is that spiritual discipline that puts us in touch with the power of God. Finally let us resolve as we move into the next phase of our life together, to give thanks to God for everything. Let us resolve to fulfil God’s will in Christ Jesus.

You will see a lot of pictures in this Souvenir, read many accounts of how God has touched the lives of individuals and families. God has used UECF as a powerful instrument in reaching people not only in the central NJ area but surrounding counties and States. There is a constant stream of people who visit UECF who participate in its pulpit ministry, music ministry, and outreach programs. We hear their testimonies and feel encouraged and blessed. The pages of this Souvenir reflect how God is leading and using us to fulfil our calling to provide spiritual foundation and cultural expression to immigrant families, especially to the children. One of the greatest joys of 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. This past year we have witnessed six High School graduates share their ‘faith journey’ before the congregation just before leaving home for College studies. This is precisely one of the principles in forming UECF 20 years ago by the founding families who saw the need for ‘Faith Formation’ of children and young people.

I am constantly encouraged by the faithfulness of many who give of their time, talents and resources to sustain, strengthen and enhance UECF on a day to day basis. I see the evidence and manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people who do so much work and often behind the scenes with no expectation of recognition or reward. I wish to take this opportunity to recognize these 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, VicePresident, Sudhakar Chilaka, Secretary, Joshua Shaik, Treasurer, Anand Devi devote their time to carry out the work. The Board of Trustees and the Pastorate Committee and a host of volunteers make it happen every week.

Once again, this year, the children have excelled in their JBQ 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, Prafulla and Sunil Vuppula, 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, Yuko, and Suneela Ponapalli have provided strong leadership of our Music ministry. Thanks to their dedicated efforts and to the UECF Choir that provides inspiring praise and worship every Sunday. I also applaud the work of the outreach team to Care One facility. The Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies are continued as well as the Men’s and Women’s Fellowship gatherings. Thanks to Kavitha Shaik who takes meticulous care in planning and hosting special events/celebrations. The Couples Fellowship is also going strong after twenty years of ministering to young married couples, which was also started the same year as UECF. Thanks to Asha Dova who continues to coordinate the work of this group which meets on the 4th Saturday of every month in different homes. In recent years special Video Studies have been presented produced by Ray Vander Laan. These popular studies have been enlightening and educational. 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 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 work. In particular I want to mention Bro. Alfred Bhaskar who is now with the Lord.

As I conclude this piece, 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.

Shalom!

Dear UECF Family,

Greetings to you all in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It is time again to rejoice and celebrate God’s goodness and mercy on UECF for the last 20 years. I thank and praise God for enabling me to serve Him over a decade so far in the two decades of UECF’s existence. I praise God for His faithfulness and abundant grace which made what UECF is today.

I believe our regular worship services and messages shared by Pastors and Guest Preachers are uplifting and encouraging to many here and all over the world. Certainly, Bible studies and Lenten devotions helped enriching with Word of God. Our visits to Old Age Home brought hope and cheers to the elderly people. Sunday School activities helped the children to walk in the ways of God. Over the years, Sunday Schoolers transformed into wonderful Youth and now some of the Youth turned into fine married couples. It is such a blessing to see the change in the lives of the people.

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary, a Souvenir is being released with congratulatory letters from Servants of God and other eminent people. Spandana Offset Printers have done a great job in putting together articles and photos within a short period of time and I thank all those who helped in bringing out this memorable souvenir.

I thank Pastors, Executive Body and all the members for making this possible to celebrate UECF’s 20th Anniversary which coincides with the 500th Anniversary of Reformation Day. As the psalmist reminds, let us rejoice in the Lord and be glad! (Psalm 32:11)

Yours in His service,

Joshua (Phani) Pilli

President