Since our humble beginnings, Union Point Church has always been about one mission, "Lifting Jesus and Others UP".  The year 2022 brought us many turns in the road.  New opportunities met with new challenges.  Through it all we saw the church grow and expand in our mission efforts.  We are thankful for what Jesus has done in and through each of us in this family as co-laborers and ambassadors of His kingdom.
As well, we invite you to read through with an ever prayerful focus of offering up prayers for the upcoming year.  Let's pray together that Jesus would continue to do immeasurably more as we seek to Lift Him and others UP.

The Leadship of Union Point

Aaron Golden
Lead Pastor

In light of the Gospel, we see that Jesus gave everything as a sacrifice and to worship God.  In Jesus, we see that God withheld nothing from us but gave all for our sake, for His purpose of reconciliation and redemption.  This perspective is the way we continually view everything in our lives, especially when it comes to financial offerings through the local church.  Because of your obedience, we have seen ministry expanded, local families in need reached and missions/planting efforts funded regionally and abroad.  As you read/examine, give thanks to God for his provisions and faithfulness and pray that we would be able to accomplish even more through Him in 2023. 

Union Point Church operates in accordance with the greater Wesleyan Church, and financially functions within their oversight and discretion.  As well, all financial activity is overseen and directed as a registered 501(c)(3) and by the leadership of the Eldership Board/Team.

Charlie Curtis
CFO | Elder

At Union Point, we place high priority in teaching the scriptures.  Whether through books of the Bible, connecting with the Narrative, or examining how the Gospel penetrates our lives, we believe the word empowered by the Spirit breathes life into our souls.  Click one of the links below to listen in on past series or catch up on the most recent.

MISSION
To cultivate disciples committed to learning, equipped for leading and commissioned for launching through kingdom living.

VISION
To transform communities by leading present, prepared and purposed people.

OBJECTIVE
This will be achieved by establishing around the year teachings, classes and apprenticeship trainings provided to the community for contextualized kingdom cultural influence.
LOCUS currently consists of:
-Bible classes
-Bible studies
-Community Groups

The studies/groups launched since the fall of 2022.
-Genesis
-Bible and Babel
-Covenant
-Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past
-Community Groups
We have 95+ enrolled in the studies.
We have 140+ enrolled in community groups.

More are planned in 2023 and onward.
Some of the subjects to be experienced are:
-Genesis
-The Unseen Realm
-Spiritual Warfare
-Hearing God
-Prayer
-James
-Mark

Dale Moore
Discipleship | Teaching

Locus has a great year planned for 2023. As you know, the objective of Locus is to help people embrace a biblical worldview based on the actual context of scripture, rather than distilling the bible through a denominational lense, theological tradition, or political movement. In continuing this tradition, here are the courses scheduled for this year:

The Unseen Realm Part 1 – Late Spring

The Unseen Realm Part 2 – Late Summer, Early Fall

Spirit of the Age – Late Fall, Winter

The Unseen Realm courses will be based off of the late Michael Heiser’s best selling book.  Unlike typical book subjects, The Unseen Realm is a comprehensive Bible survey and study, which also links to peer-reviewed books and articles covering the material in this in-depth survey.  Anyone familiar with Mike’s work will know that there is nothing original in The Unseen Realm. The only distinguishing factor is that most, if not all, of the topics stay in academic circles and never reach the church.  Whether it is the Divine Council, “Two Yahwehs”, Deuteronomy 32 Worldview, or any other aspects of Scripture that are rarely touched, the catch phrase for these two courses can be summed up with “Let the Bible Be What It Is" and “You Do Not Need to Be Protected from Your Bible.”  We intend to go through all the ‘hard’ parts of scripture and put together a mosaic that the original authors knew, communicated, and embraced in their own context.

Spirit of the Age is a new course that piggybacks on to the Unseen Realm courses.  Its purpose is ‘to go there’ by discussing all the current narratives, popular ideas, events, and distill them through a biblical worldview. This is not a course on eschatology (end times), nor does it subscribe to any eschatological system. It is also not a political indoctrination course, even though nothing will be censored or intentionally left alone.  What this course intends to do is help believers better understand what’s on their social media feeds, broadcast news programs, movies, music, television series, culture, zooming out in such a way that it is easier to see the main drivers to all these things and comprehend how they fit in with scripture.  Although the Bible isn’t written in our context, it’s truth…and truth applies in any context.

Specific dates, times and locations will be announced.

Charles Curtis
CFO | Teaching

Union Point East officially started meeting in October of 2022.  This came after months of building a Community Group Downeast.  Leading up to this “Soft Opening” in October, we had been blessed to gather with our Community Group at the office of Golden Building.  We cannot understate what a blessing this was, especially since at times we had upwards of 30 folks in attendance.  That’s hard to do in a living room for sure!

Aaron and I continued to meet and discuss the Vision for planting a Church in the heart of Downeast.  We were led to outreach at the RV Park on Harker’s Island, which  was like a seed in the ground.  Everyone from the Community Group will tell you, that is where we first felt like a church family!  Many of the people that gathered with us at the RV Park are now still with us every Sunday!  That blessing cannot be under emphasized!  Well, we started looking, hoping, praying.  Excitement seemed to build among the Community Group at the idea of really moving out and being a part of The Union Point East Church Plant.  Everyone started looking at places to meet.  Throwing out ideas, etc… I even had a dream about an older Church Building in our area… and I thought it had potential.  We looked it over, made calls , and prayed for God’s Favor!  We even visited the Church Property!  Back to that dream… it may have been too much pizza.  It fell through, so we scratched it off the list.  Everyone kept telling their friends and neighbors about what was coming.  Union Point East!  We all kept getting the same question; “Where are you going to meet?”  Still makes me think that everyone involved in spreading the word must have felt like Abraham who “Went out not knowing where he was going.”  (Hebrews 11:8) Everyone from the Elders Team to The Staff and Partners, along with all the Church Family from New Bern kept us encouraged that God would make a way.  I had to decide not to worry… and resigned to peace by convincing myself NOT TO WORRY until it looked like Aaron might be getting worried!

It’s amazing, looking back, at just how everything transpired surrounding how we came to get the space we’re in currently.  It all started with a phone call.  My Mother-In-Law, Sue, got a phone call from someone picking up medicine at the Pharmacy Drive Thru… ”The lady at the window said they’re closing permanently at 5:00 today!”  Well, Sue told Pam.  Now Pam’s not much on waiting, so she immediately called Aaron.  Aaron and Ned began to investigate because they already had a relationship with the property owner.  Excitement filled the air.  Out of nowhere it looked like we had somewhere to land!  The property was visited and our excitement grew!  Then, as quickly as our hopes had risen… they fell.  It seemed the Property Owners would be exploring the option of getting another Pharmacy Company to fill the now vacant property.  However, our disappointment was short lived.  The call came and what a blessing… we had found a gathering place.  This was one of many tests for everyone involved with the Church Plant.

Through the test, we saw God’s Faithfulness in action!  Everyone went to work on the new Gathering Space.  Church Family from New Bern and Downeast pulled together and got the building ready.  We are all so thankful.  We had our “Soft Opening” the last Sunday of October 2022. We had our 1st event the very next day!  On that Monday we held a “Trunk or Treat” in the parking lot.  It was a blast!  East Campus was invited to partner with The New Bern Campus for the “TABLES” Project.  Needless to say the East Family was blessed by joining with that outreach!  We also did a Christmas Star Tree and were able to bless 19 kids from our local School System with Christmas.  We were blessed to have the three months leading up to the Grand Opening in January 2023 as a kind of on ramp for us and those who are serving the Church Family East!

We have challenges ahead.  We’re looking to get more people involved in our Services / Gatherings.  God has called us to reach our Community and we will be striving to live on Mission. We’re trying to make the most of the space we’ve been blessed with here in Otway.  The next challenge on the horizon is the need to move to two services.  I often hear the words of the great Apostle in 2Corinthians 2:16…”who is qualified for such a task?”  Yet even the Apostle Paul understood where our help comes from as he proclaimed later in 2Corinthians 3:5….”our sufficiency is from God”.

Jonathan Griffin
East Campus Lead Pastor

Getting out of your Pajamas

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.          Matthew 7:7-8
Have you ever noticed how God brings us full circle ?  At 59 years old , I felt this tremendous urge to find a church home where I could be used to go to the unchurched and develop relationships to bring them to Jesus.  But how?  I was seeking a church that was not all about serving itself.

I had been in several churches since moving Downeast 15 years ago and I am so thankful for each one.  Looking back I see how God was preparing me for my next journey.  I had taught children 3-4 years old in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), lead youth groups, taught women Bible studies,  lead a Christian based afternoon school program in public schools 1st -8th grades, and taught Sunday School to senior citizens.  So now what GOD?

The shut down with covid-19 over the last three years had lured me into a false sense of security in my own house watching church on my TV phone.  I thank God for churches that had to frantically learn to share their services on YouTube, Facebook, etc.  Having church service without people in the church was something we all adjusted to.  
But oh, how the devil lures you to complacency.  
- Sleeping late on Sunday
- Don't worry about getting dressed just stay in your pajamas
- Have church in the privacy of your own den in your favorite soft and comfortable chair
- You don't ever have to go back!

But about a year ago, one of my favorite pastors from Facebook, Pastor Woodie said, "it is time to get out and go back to church where people are gathered together.  You need a church family and our Churches need you!'' God told us to meet and be yoked with other Christians. I don't think he had in mind zoom meetings.

Ask!
It was a year ago I saw pictures on Facebook from a friend who was involved in a church,  Union Point in New Bern.   They were having outreach events and a community bible study just a few miles from my house.  I asked my friend if I could join their community group and I would watch their church service in New Bern in my Den Sanctuary!

Seek!
That was 1 year ago.  What a great group of people, and who knew that their church Union Point was praying and seeking to start a church plant Downeast!!!  So now I had a renewed excitement to see where  God could use me and grow me as a senior citizen outside the four walls of my house and not in my Pajamas!

Knock!
I have been involved almost from the beginning of the community group for the planting of Union Point East Church.   I am in the process of going to First Steps meeting to learn about joining this great church planting movement Downeast.  I can still be used for God's Kingdom.  

It shall be opened!
God has taken me full circle.
I am working back with children and youth in our children's church.  I have been given opportunities with greeting and hospitality to love on people that are coming into our church.  I am leading the Operation Shoebox Ministry for the church.

God has given me a new Church and church family in a season of life where the fields are ripe for the harvest to bring others to Christ.  We are a growing church from 45-88 in 12 weeks.  For the first time ever, I was invited, outside of a church activity, to have coffee by a wonderful lady already in the church.  We have asked other new women who are coming into the church to our coffee time.  It is so great just to get to know these ladies, love on them, develop lasting friendships and tell them about what Jesus has done in our lives.  I think I have found my Church family and Church home!

Never get complacent and think you are too old or too afraid to step outside, back into the world of the living.  It doesn't matter that we lived a life, what matters are the lives we touched and shared in, while we were living.  There is so much God can use you for, and you may find a purpose again for getting out of the house and your Pajamas!!

Kim Overby
East Campus Volunteer

2022 was an incredible year.  In the New Bern Campus we saw moments of God's faithfulness.  One word resonates the most, and that is multiplication.  Our goal has always been to see leaders raised, disciples made and churches multiplied.  This heart has never been far from all we had done, but it has taken years for it to come to fruition.
Much of our year as a local church has been pouring into efforts in seeing this happen with the launch of Jon and Pam Griffin into Downeast Carteret County to plant the East Campus.  It has only happened by God's faithfulness and your generosity.

Our mission has truly become a family of local churches on mission to lift Jesus and others in ENC. 

Accompanying the multiplication of churches has been that of followers of Jesus.  With 14 people being baptized and claiming allegiance to king Jesus, we are seeing the transformation of life happen right under our noses.  It as well comes with an amazing responsibility to continue efforts in bringing faithful discipleship and biblical grounding.  As a means to embrace this responsibility we launched the Locus.  Through this arm we have given great priority to biblical literacy and understanding.  With the leadership of Dale Moore and Charlie Curtis, we are seeing people dive deeper into biblical material and understanding.  This effort will only grow in its impact and influence in the reach of our community.

Our community groups have grown to the point of capacity.  This is an area we hope to see advance in the coming year with more leaders being raised and sent to multiply groups.  The testimonies out of these groups have been amazing.  Groups are more than "bible study" it is caring for and growing as the family of God together.  One of our core values is community, "counter cultural humility."  We are experimenting in community and deepening bonds as we live close with one another.  True community develops in groups, not solely at a Sunday gathering or service.

Finally, our Sunday services have been steadily growing each year.  Our trend this past year put us growing by roughly 100 people.  Thats pretty amazing.  Currently both of our services are running around 48% of our seating capacity (excluding kids space capacity).  The standard rule is once you begin reaching the 70% mark it is time to add another opportunity.  If this trend continues we would be getting close to this percentage by year-end 2023.  We are currently working through what that next opportunity will look like if this pace proceeds.  Good news is, we have more time and the possibility for building expansion when needed.

Finally, the generosity of our church amazes me.  Your willingness to give towards the kingdom only amplifies our ability to equip and release the church for her mission.  While giving remains strong, I sense we can press in even further.  What more will the Lord do as we become an even more generous people.  Challenge always follows the church, and this is the case financially as well.  More people does not always equal more money for mission.  So in this tension we continue to press on, trust God and steward well.

2023 is in full swing.  The Lord is stirring much more ahead.  Let's commit ourselves to full submission, full release and full dedication to the kingdom mission.  As long as we remain, may we continue to hold the banner for Lifting Jesus and Others in ENC and beyond!

Chris Lewis
New Bern Campus Lead Pastor

My name is Chris Lewis.  I, along with my wife Jennifer and our daughter Rachel, have attended Union Point Church for about 6 years. I have never considered myself a church person and often question if I am today.  But I do know that Union Point was the bridge that help me cross the gap between my life and Jesus. I am a better husband, father and person now, more than I’ve ever been before, and that’s all because of Jesus, Union Point Church and my wife, Jennifer.

Jennifer and I host a community group that has been a blessing for us and we are so thankful for our close friends in that group.  I have had the amazing experience of running the tech booth, or tech desk in the early days, for the last 5 years.  And in the last year, I have begun filling in for the band on drums.  Outside of my family, this has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Playing the drums on a Sunday morning with our team has truly shown me what it is to worship our lord and is a feeling I have never felt before.  I love our worship team and everyone who helps in the booth.  I consider all of them dear friends.  I am extremely grateful and thankful for Union Point Church and everyone we have met here.  1 Timothy 5:8

Chris Lewis
New Bern Campus Production Volunteer