Rohs Street Cafe Grand Re-Opening

Our c0ffee house, the Rohs Street Cafe, will be re-opening this Saturday night, April 9, at 8:00 PM. We have been closed six weeks following the fire, and are ready to re-open in time for our second anniversary. Here is a link to an article in the University of Cincinnati newspaper: http://www.newsrecord.org/news/2005/04/07/News/Local.Caf.Bounces.Back.From.Fire-915363.shtml?mkey=1595296&page=1

Christian Church Magazine Article

The Christian Standard, a periodical of the Independent Christian Churches, chose a photo of UCC for a cover of its March 27 issue, titled "What Kind of Church is This?" The decision to use the photo happened prior to our fire, but after hearing about it, we were able to write an article for the web-based version of the newsletter. Here is the link: http://www.christianstandard.com/pdfs/1101.pdf

Easter Service at Hughes

UCC met at Hughes Center on Easter Sunday, and again local 9 news showed up. We must have somebody on the inside over there that I didn't know about. Here's the link to the video: http://www.wcpo.com/news/2005/local/03/27/hughes.html

Our message was that we need to engage a world filled with crucifixions. Jesus' death was not unique in his day, and tragic suffering continues in our world two thousand years later. While Jesus is unique, his suffering is not. The cross is not. Referencing Hotel Rwanda, we reflected on the need for followers of Jesus to not be isolated from the rest of the world.

We also ought to avoid the tendency, when engaging the world around us, to not become so overcome with crucifixions, that we are unable to see and celebrate a world filled with resurrections. With faith, we can engage our world, not with a spirit of despair, but with hearts of hope.

Living Water for the Thirsty

Recently my small group saw "Hotel Rwanda." My reflections on the movie are many, and I would highly recommend it. It certainly reminded me that a small church fire is next to nothing on the global stage, especially when compared with genocide and hunger. In this spirit, let me share an opportunity. Sarah Bowman, a UCC attendee, let me know about a fundraiser this Thursday, March 24, sponsored by the group Jars of Clay. The focus of the funds is to provide clean drinking water in Africa. As you engage God this Holy Week, please think globally, and act!

Here is the clip from a local radio station:

"On Thursday, Jars of Clay will be live on-air in the K-LOVE studio asking for your financial support of their Blood Water Mission in Africa. The HIV/AIDS crisis is the greatest humanitarian threat in the world today and the need for clean blood and clean water in Africa is urgent. The Blood:Water Mission’s 1000 Wells Project seeks to build and repair 1000 clean water wells in sub-Saharan Africa. They hope to funnel 100% of the donations from their fundraiser directly to Africa."
"To donate click here"

God Stories at UCC

I would love for anybody who sees this, and has been shaped by God through UCC in some way, to share the story here. In the hectic pace of life, we often fail to remind one another of the good things, and fail to celebrate the blessings of God in our midst. If you have something you'd like to share, please post it here.

UC Student Newspaper Story

Another positive story in the News Record, the student newspaper at the University of Cincinnati:
http://www.newsrecord.org/news/886994.html?mkey=1595296

WCPO Article

We had a great service today at Hughes High School. Here is a link to footage and a story that led the evening news on the local ABC affiliate in Cincinnati: http://www.wcpo.com/news/2005/local/03/06/church_fire.html