Heritage United Church of Christ is back to in-person worship!!!

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    Heritage United Church Of Christ

    • Our Pastor, Rev. Sylvia McDonald-Kaufman


      The Rev. Sylvia McDonald-Kaufman is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the United Church of Christ, and the designated Pastor of Heritage UCC, beginning July, 2023.
      Rev. Sylvia is Assistant Dean (Emerita) for Graduate Retention and Assessment of the Howard University Graduate School. Previously, she has held positions in the federal senior executive service and the private sector.
      A champion of lifelong learning, Rev. Sylvia earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Divinity, a Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law, and a B.S in Government from the Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. She is a member of the Florida Bar, lifetime member of the National Bar Association and legacy member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is a native of Palm Beach County, Florida and wife of Brother Earl Kaufman.

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    • Past Pastors


    • History of HUCC


      In the early part of the year of our Lord 1962, a small group of churchmen and churchwomen sat down to discuss what it was they felt they needed in terms of a church and an effective church ministry. A few of those within this initial group had migrated to Baltimore from other parts of the country.  Before migrating to Baltimore they had been part of the Congregational Church and were rather amazed that Baltimore did not have Congregational churches at this particular time. The group continued to meet informally and pursue their established agenda. The group finally decided that Baltimore needed a Congregational Church with strong community ideals. They felt that this kind of Christian Church would be able to do the following: 

      • Bring about a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of
        ALL LIFE! 
      • A waken foil to civic and community responsibility. 
      • Bring about an awareness of the church as an institution of learning by enabling the participants to learn through the liturgy and programs of the church. 
      • Effect change in society through Christian leadership as exhibited in the lives of each member. 
      • Provide a worship experience independent of the exploitation of its members through promises of unrealistic rewards and emotional appeal.
      • Provide a church for the community where brotherhood and fellowship would permeate the total membership.

      In May of the same year 1962, the three former Congregationalists from Baltimore made a trip to Washington, D.C. to talk with the Rev. Shelby Rooks, who was then Associate Moderator of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of the Congregational-Christian Churches. The three who made this journey were Vallen and Anne Emery and Miss Charlie Harvey. They discussed with Rev. Rooks their feelings about the need for a Congregational Church in Baltimore.  The group discussed what would be involved in beginning a new church in the Congregational tradition in Baltimore. It was a fruitful meeting and Rev. Rooks assured the group that he would follow through in terms of apprising the Conference of the needs expressed by the group. 

      Rev. Shelby Rooks relayed the concerns of the Baltimore group to Mr. Clayton Wallace, who was at that time Field Secretary for the Church Extension Committee of the Conference for the Baltimore-Washington area. Mr. Wallace contacted the group in Baltimore and after having met with them was convinced by their dedication and sense of commitment to their vision. The Spirit moving around within the group proved to be contagious and Mr. Wallace became totally involved in assisting the group to translate their vision into reality as is evidenced from following excerpts taken from a statement written by Mr. Wallace to the denomination:
      "It has been my privilege to work with the Northwest Group ever since the committee became aware of their interest in forming a new church in May. 1962. I have met with them at least twice a month since that time and have attended many of their Sunday worship services which began at St. Luke's United Church of Christ on January 13, 1963. During these months the spirit and determination of the group to move forward has been inspiring. They have been patient and understanding in very trying situations when places for them to worship could not be found in the Northwest area either in the United Church or in churches of other denominations..."

      The Group with which Mr. Wallace initially met was composed of Marian Alston, Anne and Vallen Emery, Wayland and Lettie Wilson, Mildred Forehand, Lillian and Howard Green, Fannette Hughes, Edith Sparrow, and John Wood. 

      In 1962, the Baltimore-Washington area was still in the process of crystallizing the merger of the Potomac Synod (Evangelical and Reformed) and the Mid-Atlantic Conference (Congregational-Christian). Both groups were invaluable in their support and supervision of this mission church. This mission church, which soon carne to be known as the Northwest Congregational Church had its inception at a most historical period in the life of the United Church of Christ.  The merger of two great Protestant bodies-the Evangelical and Reformed Churches-with the Congregational-Christian churches-had just been completed nationally with the adoption of its new constitution in 1961 in Philadelphia. (This transitional period in which the merger was taking place also at different points in our development added to the confusion.) But as we reflect on that part of our history we recognize now that that was a very necessary part of our wilderness experience! 

      The first initial meetings of the group (later to be known as the Northwest Congregational Church) were held at the home of Vallen and Anne Emery at 1620 E. Biddle Street. Meetings were held on a monthly basis from May until January 13, 1963 when the first formal service of worship was held at St. Luke's Church. Subsequent meetings were held at the homes of members on a rotating basis. 

      The first formal worship service was held January 13. 1963 at St. Luke's United Church of Christ on Fayette and Carey Street at 2:00 p.m.  The Rev. Theodore Ledbetter, Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church (U.C.C.) preached the sermon and the 40-voice choir of Plymouth under the direction of Miss Alma Blackman and Mr. Thomas Kerr; organist furnished the music for the service. This was a cold and snowy Sunday, but the Spirit and enthusiasm was felt. Many people carne to the altar declaring their desire to become a part of this growing religious venture. 

      With the help of the Conference and the Board for Homeland Ministries, the parsonage located at 3604 Edgewood Road was purchased and negotiations began to obtain the Second Church of Christ Scientist at 3106 Liberty Heights Avenue. 

      The Reverend Shelby Rooks again appeared in the picture and became the Interim Pastor, February 1964. Reverend Rooks commuted from his office in Princeton, New Jersey to Baltimore on weekends for services.  Rev. Rooks provided leadership to this little band of members in formulating worship services and guidance in denominational understanding. 

      The members agreed to try to raise funds for the well-appointed building in which we now worship. A letter on March 14, 1964 was sent to Members and Friends of Northwest Congregational Church from Wilbert Jones, Chairman of the Trustee Board; Charles Mitchner, Financial Secretary; and Samuel Hicks, Treasurer stated: "Our faith is boundless, just as the five thousand were fed with five loaves and three fish by the Sea of Galilee, just as the widow's jug kept filling, believe we can raise this amount of money." Within one week $1 was pledged and the drive began.

      NORTHWEST CONGREGATlONAL CHURCH BECOMES
      HERITAGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST


      In September 1964, the Potomac Synod and the Mid-Atlantic Conference completed the merger into the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ.  Northwest Congregational Church became Heritage United Church of Christ.

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    About Jesus


    "In response to the love and grace of God we unite in Christ fellowship for the worship of God through Jesus Christ. God's will for our lives and to share with others the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they too may discover God's will for their lives, regardless of race, color, class or ethnic background. We have come together so that we might be sent out in the name of Jesus Christ to assist in the regeneration of society and thereby translating God's Word by our lives into living actuality!" 

    … WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH …

    Monday Morning this time, there was absolutely no question that God had been with us as we sojourned in the wilderness! His goodness and mercy were certainly with us and was certainly a very important part of our history! Because this whole Heritage movement is of GOD, He moved and used us oft times in spite of ourselves! 

    “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He had anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

    Heritage United Church of Christ preaches a strong social gospel. Our life has been intimately intertwined with the life of the total community. Our calling is one of social action, involving ourselves in the issues of the community that we might participate in the total redemptive process. We make our unique witness in the name of our Lord, Jesus the  Christ. Through Christ, unto Him as the "church gathered" that He might send us out as the "church dispersed," as sheep in the midst of wolves!" 

    A look at our history bears this out as one takes a glance at our life as a church as exhibited by our program during our existence. We have always been heavily involved in the Civil Rights Struggle during the days of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and after; Resurrection City’s Poor People's March are a few examples. Our church has been a resting place for many groups involved in the struggle. We believe that God is Lord over all people and therefore the arena of politics is under His jurisdiction. Based on this belief we are actively involved in the political situation as we try to discern what God is saying through this process that we might interpret it for the people. 

    Heritage United Church of Christ’s foundation is based on the following programs: 

    • Sunday Breakfast Program that involved the bussing of children weekly from low income areas for breakfast at the church and to attend Church School. (Most of these children did not have a church affiliation). 
    • Youth Ministry included Friday Night Teen Canteen (dancing, games, discussion, counseling, confirmation classes, and Sunday evening discussion groups. 
    • Tutorial Program that offered free tutorial service to any child in Baltimore in need of such service. The majority of the tutors came from our membership. 
    • Park Community Center was through the efforts of the late Reverend Phillips in cooperation with the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ.
    • Night Ministry involved working the streets and drinking establishments; counseling and caring in the name of our Lord
    • Hotline Operation service was for those in trouble and operated out of the Park Center. 
    • The Well-Baby Clinic was an important health initiative.
    • Housed School Without Building Program supported students academically.
    • Lord's Pantry gave food to the hungry and in some cases limited funds were made available for those in distress as well as clothing was available. 
    • Participated in the Emergency Services Operation of the Community Action Agency. 
    • AMA Black College Fund Drive was involved in raising $17 million for our six Black colleges.

    The above mentioned activities and programs did not exhaust the extent of the church’s involvement, but gives a general idea of our style of ministry at Heritage United Church of Christ. 

    Sunday Services


    Sunday Services

    • Esther Harcum, Summer of Christian Sharing at 8:45 a.m each Sunday
    • Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

    Spiritual Services

    • Pastor and Deacons Prayer Ministry - Monday 8:00 a.m. 
    • Wednesday Night Bible Study (resumes in the fall)
    • Friday Prayer Meeting via Conference Call.  The call in number is: (563)   999-1107 and the access code is 141951.
    • Intercessory Prayer (call church office at (410) 542-1204)
    • Pastoral Care, Crisis Counseling,  Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling and Marriage Enrichment Counseling

    Sermon excerpts


    Links to Pastor Adam’s sermon excerpts are
    COMING SOON!

    Faithful Worshippers at Heritage United Church of Christ Over the Years


    Ministries



    • Congregation All programs and services at Heritage United Church of Christ come from the guidance of the Congregation.
    • Church Council This is the people’s Council that honors teachings of God by providing the foundation for our Church.  This inclusive group works to develop, enhance, and enrich this place of worship.
    • Diaconate  Board The Diaconate Board is responsible for preparing and serving the Lord’s Supper.  The Deacons serve the Pastor and ministerial staff, visits the sick and shut-in members, and comfort the bereaved.  The Board is broken up in sets of two.  Each set of two is assigned a number of families of the congregation which is referred to as their “flock” for whom they are responsible and are charged to “minister unto” specifically  along with their other responsibilities as Board members.  
The “Servants who Serve”…Matthew 20:28
    • Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees is elected by the congregation on a tri-annual basis.  The Board acts as the fiduciary agent on behalf of the members of the church.  The Trustees are charged with receiving and managing the resources of the church to enable the church to carry out the work of the Lord.
    • Communications The Word of God for the People of God.  This Ministry tells our story to the entire congregation, the community we serve, and the United Church of Christ leaders.  Delivering the Word of God in all forms of media.  We want God’s children to join us in rejoicing and celebrating our Savior…Jesus Christ.
    • Pastoral Relations Keeping our Church spiritually healthy and energized is the work of this Ministry.  This Ministry understands the expectations and roles of our Church leadership in carrying out our mission…”To Make Disciples for Christ.”
    • Congregational Ministries “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of the Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid hands on you.” 
Timothy 4:13-14

      Congregational Ministries are the synergy of the Church.  With the Mission as our guiding light we share our gifts and talents for all to partake as bold and faithful servants of Jesus Christ.
      • Spiritual Renewal is the process of growth and transformation into the image of God. It is the constant striving to approach God and become united with God. He is in our midst. By God’s grace we become more obedient to His will. We believe in the triune God, each person is unique and valuable, each person is on a spiritual journey, the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, all baptized belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, all of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion, we are a united and uniting church, God calls us to be servants in service of others, we are prophetic, we believe in the power of peace, and we are a people of possibility.
      • Social Justice “…For the People, By the People…” We continue our struggle for the rights of all of mankind by informing the masses of what is available. Equal rights for all are an “inalienable right.” Jesus gave his life so that we may live and thrive. He provided opportunities for those who were deserving and even those who were not. He established the threshold that we are building on as Christians. We must as a people, be knowledgeable of our rights so that we may forever improve upon this life. “…and Justice for ALL…”
      • Scholarship and Leadership Guild Education is the critical foundation for the masses. The mission is to build the youth up by exposing them to the world through so many stimulating activities. They have been offering one of the longest running Black College Tours in the area for church and community youth. Visiting HBCUs and historical African American sites is the impetus for this educational journey. Overwhelming the youth with the world and all of its parts is the education needed for this next generation of leaders.
      • Discipleship Team The Discipleship Team recruits, orients, and maintains the membership of the church. The Team conducts New Member Orientations throughout the year on an as needed basis. The Orientation provides an overview of the United Church of Christ, its teachings, and the church’s history and organizational structure. We need our members in order to maintain the vitality of the church.
      • Youth Fellowship Council

      • Church School The Church School is connected to the Church. The School offers religious education for everyone in attendance; children, young adults, and adults. The Church School meets prior to the start of the regular worship service on Sundays. The Church School sponsors a variety of activities throughout the year for the children at the Church.
      • Vacation Bible School (VBS) specializes in religious education focused on children. It is a week-long event during the summer (usually June). Each year the Vacation Bible School has a different theme. Children enjoy Bible stories, religious songs, arts and crafts, and skits. There is no cost for Vacation Bible School.
      • Esther Harcum Summer of Christian Sharing Series The Church continues to educate the members in many unique and exciting ways. This series is a wonderful opportunity to share the many programs and services offered by the Church for the community we serve.
      • The Women’s Guild All of the women of Heritage United Church of Christ serve on this Guild to bring an identity of oneness to God. These women serve all of the Church’s Ministries with support and fellowship.
      • Men’s Fellowship All of the men of the Church are the servants who support the Ministries of the Church, the community, and special interest groups.
      • Library Archives Our history is the backbone of the Church. Our history tells where we have been, where we are, and where we are going in the teachings of our Lord and Savior.
      • Ways and Means The Ways and Means Ministry is charged with raising funds to support the beautification of the interior of the church and the exterior of the church. The Ministry sponsors fundraising events at various times during the year. One of the major events is the Yard and Bake Sale in the fall.
      • Culinary Services We must have our sustenance to feed our minds so that we may accept God’s word. The setting allows for the fellowship of the masses. Bless the hands that prepare the sustenance for the nourishment of our bodies.
      • Eliza Lindsay's Place - Seniors Social Club 
    Eliza Lindsay was a faithful member of Heritage United Church of Christ in Baltimore City. She expressed her love for her church by bequeathing the financial resources to support the creation of the Eliza Lindsay Adult Day Care Service. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will allow the Center to serve the maturing population in our immediate community and the community at large. Eliza Lindsay was born on February 15, 1922 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Eliza was one of three children. She attended school in Norristown and graduated from Eisenhower High School. She married Leroy Lindsay and they were blessed with a son, Leroy Richard Lindsay. Eliza migrated to the East Coast where she worked at resorts in Cape May, New Jersey. Eventually she made her way to Baltimore, Maryland. She was employed by Western Electric Manufacturing Company for more than thirty years.

    Eliza Lindsay loved people and loved entertaining. She was a fun loving person with a distinctive wit. Eliza loved to laugh. Her hallmark for life was to live in happiness and enjoyment. She enjoyed traveling.

    While in Baltimore, Eliza was active with the Win Ash Garden Club of Ashburton, Forest Park, and the Windsor Hills Community. Eliza loved gardening and the fruits of labor gave her contentment. Beautiful flowers made the world a happy place.

    Mrs. Eliza Lindsay is a role model. Her positive outlook on life served her well. She has left us with many lessons to live by. Thank you for your pearls of wisdom and for leading a Christian life.

    Giving


    To make a donation, please click the link below. To learn more about giving at Heritage United Church of Christ, visit our Stewardship page.

    Facility Usage


    Heritage United Church of Christ is excited to offer its facilities to the community for rental. We have space for weddings, receptions, funerals, memorial services, repasts, and other events. If you are interested in renting any of our facilities, please contact the Tenia Robinson, Administrative Assistant to the pastor. She can be reached at the Church Office which is located at 3110 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. The office telephone number is (410) 542-1204 and the fax number is (410) 542-1245.

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    Whatsoever You Do -- Let It Be Done in Love”

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    Heritage United Church of Christ
    3106 Liberty Heights Avenue
    Baltimore, Maryland 21215
    Office: 410-542-1204
    Fax: 410-542-1245
    Web: www.heritage-ucc.org
    Email: info@heritage-ucc.org

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