Angel Tree Ministry
Contact: Eloise Edwards
In Partnership with Prison Fellowship Ministry, UBC members support the children with incarcerated parents, by providing Christmas presents for them. The church combines the giving of gifts with an annual program held in December. Work on this ministry is seasonal, with meetings beginning in October.
Blended Families
Contact: Robin Key Banks
The UBC Blended Families Ministry is intended to be a source of hope, encouragement, and support for Blended Families to learn how to bring unity out of diversity. We seek to provide an integrated model of blended family life education / enrichment that speaks directly into the lives of individuals, couples, and families, supports and ministers to and through the home, and draws the family together and back to the heart of God.
Boy Scouts
Contact: Pamela Davis
The Boy Scouts is an organization that provides young boys an opportunity to learn community and civic values and principles as they acquire life skills, build self-esteem and grow towards responsible men. We have troops for various age ranges: the Weblows, Cub scouts and Boy scouts.
Challengers Ministry
Contact: Sherman Newman
The Challengers is the next step beyond the Royal Ambassadors. Teen boys, ages 13-17, are mentored by Christian men in spiritual matters as well as skills for becoming responsible young men.
Christian Education Ministry
Contact: Dr. Daphne Wiggins-Obie
This ministry is multi-faceted and is committed to helping disciples learn the scriptures and apply biblical principles to all areas of their lives. Elements of this ministry are Sunday school, midweek Bible study, Vacation Bible School, discipleship training, leadership seminars and workshops. There are classes for all ages.
Couples Ministry
Contact: Minister Harry Lawson
The Couples Ministry focuses on preparing persons for marriage and strengthening existing unions through forums, bible studies, creative programs and social activities.
Discipleship Intake Ministry
Contact: Eloise Edwards
This ministry is responsible for the initial processing of all new disciples joining the church. In addition, this ministry coordinates the new disciple fellowship which helps familiarize new persons with the range of ministries and opportunities for service at UBC.
Food Ministry
Contact: Leon Parker
This ministry prepares and assists with church meal functions or those of specific ministries. They also oversee and coordinate use of the kitchen.
Economic Ministry
Contact: Sharon Coleman
The mission of this group is to educate members about sound financial stewardship, economic power, and financial literacy. In addition they evaluate the merits of financial drives and business opportunities for the UBC family.
Education Committee
Contact: Evelyn Hammond
The focus of the education ministry is to keep the membership abreast of educational training opportunities, scholarships, and various educational issues emerging in our society. This is done through networking with area schools and community agencies, and collaborating with other UBC ministries that address the educational process. Initiatives of the education ministry consist of periodic workshops, group discussions, tutorial classes and test preparation.
Equipped Young Adult Ministry
Contact:Minister Tonetta Killens-Worth
The Young Adult Ministry targets persons 18-35 to equip them to become more confident in their relationship with Christ, vibrant in their witness and more engaged participants in the Christian community through fellowship, study and service. College students are included in this ministry.
Girl Scouts
Contact: Michelle Terry
Girl Scouts is an organization that provides an opportunity for girls to learn civic values and participate in activities that help strengthen leadership skills, develop self -esteem, and develop new friendships. There are troops for all ages including Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cadets.
Family Ministry
Contact: Deacon Ray Bryant
Union Baptist is a family oriented church that is ever mindful that we live in a society where the definition of family is constantly evolving. The goal of our family ministry program is to ensure that consistent contact is kept with all disciples and that any special needs are duly addressed. Our Diacaonate ministry is responsible for this ministry. All UBC disciples are assigned oversight by a cluster of deacons and deaconesses based on last names. Our ultimate goal is not only to reach individuals for Christ but also whole families.
Health & Wellness Ministry
Contact: Janet Morton
At UBC, we believe Christian stewardship is not limited to how we handle our financial resources or our time; it also includes the care of our bodies. The scriptures tell us our bodies "are the temple of the Holy Spirit"; thus, we believe we have a mandate to have healthy bodies. The Health and Wellness Ministry takes a proactive role in educating our church family on diet, diseases, prevention and all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to help everyone take care of their bodies so they can be of maximum service to the Lord.
Hearts of Praise
Contact: Cordie McIntyre
The UBC Mime/Drama ministry seeks to provide an opportunity for youth and adults to enhance their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, further their spiritual gifts. Wee seek to lift up the name of Jesus and praise the Lord with all thy hear and pour out our hearts to Christ so that we may usher in the Spirit's presence. Wee seek to minister the word of God through visual illustration, interpretation and representation of song and scripture.
Hospitality Ministry
Contact: Eloise Edwards
This ministry serves as the official welcoming arm of the church to everyone that enters. They are vital to providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for guest worshipers and members. Members greet worshippers and officially record their visit to UBC.
Instruments of Praise
Contact: Pam Pagan
This ministry demonstrates the power of worshipping God through the beauty of movement and dance. Through choreographed and original performances this dance troop (ages 6-22+) enriches our worship services and provides service to the larger Durham community as they embody the mandate "to let everything that have breath praise the Lord."
JUMP (Jesus Understands My Purpose)
Contact: Ivy Wilcox
JUMP is a mentoring program for young girls, ages 10-12. Through creative programming, instruction and group activities, the girls are inspired to pursue their goals, develop skills toward womanhood and be anchored in the Christian faith.
Media Ministry
Contact: Minister Ray Watkins
This ministry provides audiovisual services for UBC including duplicating worship services. It also seeks to extend the Christian witness through the use of technology.
Ministry of Congregational Care
Contact: Dr. Tonya Armstrong
The Ministry of Congregational Care and Counseling offers Christ-centered counseling for difficulties related to spiritual, emotional, family and life challenges. Even Christians, need a little help sometimes to balance the stresses of life. These services are provided by a licensed psychologist and are offered to individuals, couples, families and groups. In addition to individual sessions, this ministry also coordinates the Stephens Ministry program (see below), and provides congregational education through periodic bulletin inserts. There is no charge for these services.
Mission Ministry
Contact: Georgetta Parker
The Missions ministry is the rubric for our various mission circles to provide outreach to persons in need of assistance. There are two adult missionary circles, (36+_ a young adult circle (18-35) and youth missionaries (17 and under). All of them have the mandate to practice Christian compassion and to use their talents to the glory of God These group also participate in the Durham Missionary Union.
Music Ministry
Contact: Ray Watkins
The ministry of music presents an opportunity for persons to worship God by rendering their music gifts unto God. Music is not an end in itself, but a medium to teach, preach and share the Word of God. A multi-choir program is the centerpiece of the church's music ministry. Our choirs and ensembles perform a broad spectrum of music including hymns, anthems, spirituals, gospel and contemporary music.
New Disciple Intake Committee
Contact: Eloise Edwards
This ministry is responsible for the initial processing of all new disciples joining the church. In addition, this ministry coordinates quarterly new disciple fellowships that orient new disciples to the range of ministries and opportunities for service in Union Baptist.
Partners in Ministry
Contact: Dr. Daphne Wiggins-Obie
This ministry partners new members with a disciple who will mentor them and help them in their adjustment to Union Baptist Church. We’re glad when people unite with us, and are dedicated to making UBC feel like a church family you’re glad you united with.
Pastor's Aide Society
Contact: Algene Vereen
This ministry is committed to demonstrating to the pastor and first family the high regard UBC holds of its spiritual leader. It coordinates events and church wide efforts for the membership to express their love and appreciation to them.
Prayer Partners Ministry
Contact: Minister Bernadette Cooper
This ministry promotes a consistent prayer life for every UBC disciple, emphasizing that the call to prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God and an effective tool for God's work. Persons are available to pray with you individually or disciples may join the weekly intercessory prayer time on Wednesday nights. Annually, this ministry coordinates the Family Intercessory Prayer nights, The Back To School Prayer Breakfast and the Annual Prayer Conference.
Prison Ministry
Contact: Herman Scott
The Prison Ministry is committed to making relevant the gospel of Christ to those who are incarcerated. Members visit the local jails to provide literature, and share the Word through conversation and study. They focus on persons becoming reconciled to God and acquiring the skills needed to be reconciled to the community upon their release. This ministry also supports The Angel Tree program.
Publicity & Communications Ministry
Contact: Evelyn Hammond
This ministry assists the church in promoting ministry and congregational events to the general public and produces the church’s newsletter.
Recovery Ministries
Union Baptist is deeply committed to providing a support system for individuals who are recovering or seeking recovery from substance abuse. We provide space for Alcoholics Anonymous to meet weekly. UBC also sponsors a group for persons in recovery who want to discuss the toll their addiction has taken on their relationships. This group is called "Relationships in Recovery". It is officially listed with the Narcotics Anonymous organization and follows the 12-step principles. However, participation is open to anyone who is/has been in a relationship with someone who abused an addictive substance.
Royal Ambassadors
Contact: Reggie Reavis
Royal Ambassadors is a Christian mentoring program for males ages, 5-18. It is affiliated with the International ministry by the same name. Boys receive instruction in Christian faith, discipline, manhood skills and service to others. The group sponsors occasional trips and a basketball team as well.
Samaritan Men's Ministry
Contact: Fred Purvis
The Samaritan Men's Ministry works to promote Christian growth, fellowship and service among the men of the church and community. They have a commitment to being role models for the male youth in our congregation and neighborhood. They also provide invaluable assistance to our senior citizens, witness in the immediate area, and represent the church in community parades. Men ages 18 and older are welcome to participate in their weekly time of fellowship.
Singles Ministry (inactive)
Contact: Presently Vacant
One of the fastest growing groups in American society today is single adults. At Union Baptist, we recognize the need to minister to this group with intention. The singles ministry includes the never married, divorced and widowed persons. Activities such as retreats, classes and conferences are planned which address the complexity of being single and seeking God's will for your life.
Sisters of Promise
Contact: Kennetta Perry
A ministry designed for young ladies, ages 14-18, this group provides a forum for young ladies to address issues shaping their journey toward responsible Christian womanhood.
Stephens' Ministry
Contact: Kim Nichols
Stephen Ministry is one of the programs sponsored by the Ministry of Congregational Care and Counseling. Through trained laypersons, this program provides distinctly Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing life or spiritual challenges. Anyone can approach the Stephens Ministry intake person to receive services. To become a Stephen Minister there is a process of assessment and training.
Transportation Ministry
Contact: Rene' Johnson
As part of our outreach ministry, transportation is provided to persons who need assistance getting to church. We regularly provide transportation to Sunday school and 11:15 a.m. worship service. Members of this ministry also provide a valuable service, supplying transportation to and for church wide activities and outings for other ministries. This ministry has been vital in enabling many persons to come to worship and to find Christ.
Usher Board
Contact: Nancy Clements
Ushers provide a vital dimension to our worship service through warmly greeting all that enter, orderly seating of worshippers, lifting the offering and helping maintain proper decorum in worship. There are several boards in the church for adults and youth to participate in this ministry. This ministry also is part of the Durham County Ushers Union.
Women of Sprit Ministry
Contact: Sharon Oliver
The women's ministry of UBC, Women of Spirit (WOS), is committed to the spiritual, growth, affirmation and empowerment of godly women. Their mission is fulfilled through times of biblical instruction, education, promoting self-care, fellowship, conferences, and service to the community. WOS aims to be broad in their appeal and holistic in their approach to address the complexities of women's lives. Activities are open to women 18 and over.
Young Adult Ministry
Contact: Minister Tonetta Killens-Worth
Young adults are persons in transition. From the stage of pulling up roots, the trying twenties, to the catch-30s when our illusions are shaken, to the forlorn 40s when dreams are reassessed, young adults have many issues confronting them. From educating themselves to choosing mates and careers, young adults face critical decisions. Our ministry is designed to help them deal with their transitions. Activities are planned for this age group on a periodic basis.
Youth Ministry
Contact: Minister Derrick Wilcox
The youth ministry of UBC is centered on Christ, His church and Bible study. We realize that reaching young people for Jesus Christ is very important and a firm commitment of the UBC mission. Initiatives are coordinated by the Youth Advisory Council, which plans activities designed to promote the spiritual, social and recreational development of youth (ages 6-18) The Youth ministry includes Youth Church, Royal Ambassadors, Instruments of Praise, the Almighty Steppers, and the Girl Scouts.
Youth Missionary Ministry
Contact: Lena Reavis
This ministry's purpose is to enlist and train children and youth to live Christian lives, to study the Bible, to engage in missionary work and to share their faith in Christ. The Young Adult Missionary circle undertakes community projects and participates in the Durham Missionary Union.