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

• Treasurer: Francis Law  (C.P.A.)

• Rev. Dr. Alan Graffam

• Rev. Jack Littler

• Dr. Luther Robinson

• Marilyn Law

• Patricia Ragin

UCM STAFF

• Office Manager:  Kathy Jefferys

• Volunteer Coordinator:  Marilyn Law

• Food Bank Coordinator:  Angela Lacey

• Kids Club Coordinator:  Angela Lacey

• Teenage Alternative:  Teresa Bakerx

• Clothing Boutique Ministry:   Roxanne Cumberlander

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

• 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 U.C.M. These dedicated volunteers meet monthly, and assist with the various U.C.M. 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, U.C.M. 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 U.C.M. as two new programs were instituted into our schedule.  Block Club Basketball (B.C.B.) made a major difference on ten city streets in Buffalo.  Conceived as an anti-violence program with a spiritual emphasis, B.C.B. 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, U.C.M. began to conduct our own Missions To Mexico during Easter vacation.

“Kick It To The Curb” was included in our B.C.B. 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, U.C.M. initiated our first “Community Forum” on one of our B.C.B. streets.  This highlighted health information, college presentations, and interviews by our city leadership.  The year 2003 transitioned to become a Community Picnic.  U.C.M. invited vendors, colleges, health care agencies, and businesses to join in the festivities.  Two B.C.B. 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.  (2^nd Timothy 3:16, 2^nd 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, 1^st Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9, John 11:25, 1^st 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, 1^st Corinthians 3:16, 1^st 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, 1^st Corinthians 12:12-13, Galations 3:26-28)

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