"A Great Time was had by All!" - Clergy United for Christ 2017 Faith Summit

“A Great Time was had by All” are the words Rev. Robert K. Williams joyfully exclaimed about the 2017 Faith Summit sponsored by the “Clergy United for Christ” Alliance.

During Rev. Robert K. Williams, Second Baptist Church Keyport first year as pastor (2004), he had a vision for collaborative effort with other churches of historical African-American descent in the area. This effort became known as the “Clergy United for Christ” (CUFC) in 2005 and remains an important alliance for the Upper Monmouth County area. CUFC’s original group of churches that are still going strong are: Second Baptist Church, Keyport (Rev. Robert K Williams); New Light Baptist Community Church, Cliffwood Beach (Rev. John H. Armstrong); Providence Baptist Church, Cliffwood (Rev. Dr. Amelda L. Lee); St. Mark’s AME Zion Church (Rev. Maurice Daniels, Sr.), Cliffwood; Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Cliffwood Beach (Rev. Eddie E. Aikens); Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Morganville (Rev. Sarah E. Benjamin); Second Baptist Church, Matawan (Rev. Stephen J. Moore); Wicker Memorial Baptist Church, Morganville (Rev. Joseph L. Pickett); and St. James AME Zion Church, Matawan (Rev. Martha V. Tomlin). Recently withdrawn is Community Church of Christ, Cliffwood (Pastor Clayton C. Carothers III).

What a week this has been with CUFC celebrating their 12th year of summer celebrations! These celebrations started out as a weekend filled with praise, fellowship & worship that had taken place at the now, new home of Providence Baptist Church, Cliffwood (Paul’s Place) and then, on the ground of New Light Baptist Church, Cliffwood Beach. It only made sense this year, that a change was in order. The summer celebration would expand beyond spiritual well-being to include personal and health well-being. The pastors listened to their congregations and knew this was the way they had to answer. Rev. Joshua Armstrong, Associate Pastor of Second Baptist Keyport was charged to develop all the events of the week.
CUFC’s “2017 Faith Summit” was in full swing starting on July 17th and would have events through July 22nd.

On Monday, July 17th, two workshops were held at Second Baptist Church Keyport. Rev. Eli Smith spoke with attendees about “Wills & Estate Planning” followed by Steven Lawson, Manager/Director of Lawson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, Long Branch on “Funeral Planning”. Many questions were asked and all walked away with literature and resources about the topics.

Tuesday, July 18th, children of all ages, who attend the churches had a great day of fun and fellowship at Keansburg Amusement Park. While in the evening those registered attended the 1st of 2 part Mental Health First Aid training at Providence Baptist Church, Cliffwood from was provided by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.

Wednesday, July 19th Second Baptist Church Matawan hosted an “Ask the Clergy” Panel Discussion that was composed of Rev. Armstrong, Rev. Williams, Rev. Daniels, Rev. Dr. Lee and Rev. Tomlin. Difficult questions related to faith and 21st century living were a main focus.
Then, on Thursday, July 20th the 2nd part of the Mental Health First Aid training continued in the evening, while as a daytime event, that was held at St. Mark’s AME Zion, Cliffwood hosted a discussion about
Tax & Financial Planning”.

Friday, July 21st, New Light Baptist Church, Cliffwood Beach hosted the large culminating event for all age-groups … “Joy Night”. Participation from all of the churches of the CUFC Alliance gathered together for a joyous night of music ministry, praise and fellowship. Many in attendance voiced about it being like a reunion as so many have such busy lives, but all the while knowing it was about faithfully worshipping together as one.

Lastly, on Saturday, July 22nd, St. Mark’s AME Zion, Cliffwood hosted “Wellness Screening and Heart Health Lecture” presented by Hackensack Meridian, Bayshore Medical Center, Community Outreach. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Glucose, Stroke Risk Assessment, Pulse & BMI screenings were performed followed by lunch lecture that opened all to the importance of maintaining good health.

All that can be said is this was a great direction to take for the CUFC Alliance as faith-based organizations are really being vetted to provide health-related information and activities for communities. Moving forward to 2018, surely the “Clergy United for Christ” will be planning an even more spectacular week of events!

The “Clergy United for Christ” has gain such momentum and doesn’t only celebrate together during the summer, but throughout the course of the year there are a number of celebrations and opportunities of praise, fellowship and worship. For more information, leave a message for Rev. Williams at Second Baptist Church 732-739-3777.

Looking for a place to worship?

Visit any of the churches in "CUFC". Call or check website for service times.

Second Baptist Church Keyport website - click here
New Light Baptist Community Church, Cliffwood Beach website - click here
Providence Baptist Church, Cliffwood - 732-566-4450
St. Mark's AME Zion Methodist Church website - click here
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Facebook page - click here
Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church - 732-591-5722
Second Baptist Church Matawan website - click here
Wicker Memorial Baptist Church - 732-591-9226
St. James AME Zion Methodist Church - 732-566-3373

Past Patch article (2011) about CUFC - click here