Alumni - Union Church of Guatemala

Dear Friends of Union Church

Connection Point is our first edition of a new quarterly Newsletter designed to keep you informed about what’s happening at Union Church of Guatemala (UCG). Many of you have expressed that your relationship with UCG provided growth and fellowship unlike any you have ever experienced. That’s why we want you to know that no matter how far away your travels take you, you’ll always remain connected to Union Church. You are part of our extended world-wide family!

Introducing Myself For those of you who left Guatemala prior to my arrival, my name is Dave Ginter. I am UCG’s current Senior Pastor. Along with my wife, Sheryl, and two of my three sons, we arrived in Guatemala December, 2005. Although I am from the USA, my wife and eldest son, Elton (living in Seattle), are originally from Australia. Our younger two boys (Ryan and Josh) are originally from The Philippines. I guess our family is a microcosm of UCG; we are definitely International!

Missions & Benevolence

We are here in Guatemala to bless Guatemala. Giving back to our host country is vital for Union Church. I am happy to share with you that last year UCG gave 26% of all income back to Missions and Benevolence works, most of which are located here in Guatemala. We hope to equal or top this percentage this year.

Worship and Music

Heber Morales, our Minister of Worship and Music, continues to wow us with outstanding musical programs. Almost monthly, Heber arranges a special candlelight evening in the Sanctuary with outstanding Guatemalan musicians. Recent concerts have included Opera, Cello and piano, as well as outstanding chorale presentations. These events provide us an opportunity to reach out and invite English speaking residents living Guatemala to Union Church.

Children’s Ministry

A group of dedicated ladies head up our work with children. Ana Lu Herrera is in charge of our new program Kids Blast, which provides monthly fellowship and service opportunities for children. Tracy Farrington designs Special Events for them. Tracy also coordinated the updating and decorating all our Sunday School classrooms. Adorning these classroom walls now are colorful scenes from the Bible. Classes are welcoming and fun. Mariellyn Hilgeman serves as Sunday School Superintendent and Nancy Guzman helps coordinate Children’s Church. These outstanding leaders have developed a balanced and exceptional program to meet the needs of our growing children’s ministry.

New Improved Library

We have the only lending librarywith books in English open to anyone in Guatemala. What an opportunity to serve our target audience here in Guatemala City! Next month, our library will have completed the enormous task of computerizing all our books. In addition, the library has been completely redecorated to provide a welcoming warm place to meet and share learning experiences.

and so much more…

In this limited space, I can’t begin to list the exciting growth among the Youth Ministry, led by Rene Gonzales and Micah Nelson, together with a volunteer staff of six. In the next Newsletter I will update on the explosive growth among the Young Professionals, and dazzle you with details about our amazing Women’s Ministry. Here is how you can stay in touch…

Keeping YOU connected Online

We want to stay in contact with you. To help accomplish this, our new website will have one section devoted to UCG’s alumni. Check the website regularly to keep informed of the latest happenings at Union Church. And check out the alumni page to see what other friends and UCG family members are doing world-wide. Remember to bookmark our web address: www.unionchurchguatemala.com

Supporting Union Church

Many have contacted us and asked how they could send an occasional gift for our ongoing ministry. As you probably remember, the summer months are our most difficult financially due to the large turnover from those leaving Guatemala to return to their homes or to new assignments. If you would like to make a gift, please send it through International Church Ministries at the following address:

ICM
Section 3622
PO box 02-5339
Miami, FL 33102

If you are a US citizen or resident, your contribution is tax deductable.

Thanks for staying connected to Union Church.

Please let us know any way we can continue to serve you!

Warmly in Christ,
Pastor Dave Ginter