What's Happening in Lowell?

In the summer of 2003, an initial exploration of a new church start was begun in the Lowell/Lawrence area.  This region has a growing Hispanic population and the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, wanted to meet this growing need.

 Under the capable leadership of Cesar and Lisa DePaz, who had already transformed the Hispanic Community Church, UCC, in Jamaica Plain, this exploration was begun on a two-day/week basis.

Many households were visited and small

groups of bible study and discipling were

begun.  Christ Church United in Lowell

graciously provided space for this new

group. The initial funding for this project

came from the Mass. Conference, UCC, and

from a grant from the national church.

In 2004, Cesar and Lisa started working three days/week in Lowell and the church began to grow.   What started out as a small worship gathering in the Chapel soon outgrew that space as more than 80 people began to come to worship.  The process of small groups, going out into the community and leadership training continues.  There are teams of music, small group and youth leadership in place.

In May of 2005, Cesar DePaz’ hours were increased to 4 days/week to meet the growing demand for a pastor.   The goal is to have a full-time pastor in place so that this congregation may continue to grow.  But to make that dream a reality we need your help.  Only through the pledges and support of all the congregations in the Northeast Area can we continue to fund this mission effort and have it continue to grow in the Lowell community.  Ultimately, we want this church to be able to stand on its own financially and organizationally.  But this will take time to gather enough people and to develop resources in a financially-challenged city.  

SO YOU CAN HELP BY PLEDGING YOUR SUPPORT ON “NEW CHURCH START SUNDAY," ON NOVEMBER 6TH.