June 27, 2009
Written by Tim Kershner

The UCC comma has a partner: the multiplication sign.

"Vital churches multiply," announced the Rev. David Schoen as the UCC welcomed 70 new congregations to the denomination. Schoen is Minister and Team Leader for the Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team.

Accompanied by a dancing rabbit and dozens of rabbit-ear clad new church advocates, he invited delegates and visitors to General Synod 27 to "immerse yourselves in the celebration of new churches."

"Churches give birth to churches like rabbits give birth to rabbits," announced Rev. Mike Piazza, Dean of the Cathedral of Hope Church, Dallas, Texas. Cathedral of Hope helped launch three churches since the last General Synod – in Oklahoma City, Houston and Dallas.

City of Refuge Church in San Francisco also birthed three churches and Trinity Church, Chicago, birthed six churches now affiliated with the UCC. Four other churches also helped birth new churches.

Schoen emphasizes rather than divert resources "vital churches make a difference by supporting new churches."

In addition to "churches birthing churches," the 70 new congregations also represent existing congregations affiliating with the United Church of Christ and brand new churches launched in homes, storefronts and even a bar.

"God is still speaking," Schoen says, "and people everywhere are looking for a church like the United Church of Christ."

United Church of Christ News Service