About Our Church
Welcome to Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church, United Church of Christ where every member is a minister.We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. It is our prayer that you will be inspired to visit us at 11 AM on any Sunday you choose. If you can’t make it on a Sunday we have other opportunities for you to worship and fellowship with us.
Boards & Commissions
Deacons
The Deacons of Lincoln Memorial Congregation are dedicated to the spirituality of the church, its ministries and ministerial staff support. The men and women of the deacon board are an integral part of the church organization.
Each deacon’s mission is to make ourselves available to help with various church matters; which include, but not limited to, involvement with funerals, Youth Group ventures, church outings and church security. Deacons are also active in the choir, as ushers, technology support staff, members of Board of Trustees, Lincoln Life Center Board, Mentoring Group, as well as baptisms.
In addition, deacons also support the church by setting up and serving communion on the first Sunday of each month, visiting the sick and shut-in, assisting the Pastor and ministerial staff, by supporting all church’s ministries and spiritual needs.
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Stewardship
The Mission of the Stewardship Commission is to create a culture of giving that encourages people to grow in faith as they joyfully expand their relationship with God and develop a lifestyle of generosity in their finances, their time and their talents.
The Commission works in conjunction with the Pastoral Staff and the Trustee Board to implement an effective, year-round program where members and friends commit to cheerful and consistent giving. The theme for the 2021-22 Campaign is: “Fulfilling God’s Purpose”.
The church congregation focused, over a period of four weeks, on the various ways that we can serve God by working in his purpose for our lives. Each week we discussed a certain topic, which included, the responsibility of tithing, being a witness for Jesus, the story of ‘The Good Samaritan”, and giving joyfully and generously. Each of these testimonies were welcomed by the congregation and consequently, the pledges for 2021 were 50% greater than any pre-pandemic year. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!
Christian Education Mission Statement
Just as God has commanded us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to study the word, we are diligently committed to instruct, encourage, direct and prepare people of all ages for the secular and spiritual challenges this world presents by:
Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Strengthening individual and families by encouraging them to study the scriptures, obey the commandments, receive the essential ordinances, and keep the associated covenants of our Christian faith.
Lincoln Memorial UCC Trustee Board
The Board of Trustees is elected by the congregation at its annual meeting. Each member serves minimum of 3 years. At the end of 3 years a member can be re-elected. At the end of a second 3-year term, the member must be off the Board for one year and is then eligible for re-election.
Duties & Responsibilities of Board of Trustees
- Hire all persons except Senior Pastor and Associate Pastors. All hiring requires input from the Senior Pastor
- Has care and custody of all property owned by the church
- In charge of all financial affairs of the church, always subject to the laws of the State of CA
- Develop annual budget
- Count all donations made to the Church
- Make all contracts for services
- Support vision of the Pastor
The Welcoming Shepherd’s
The goal of the Welcoming Shepherds Ministry is to make guests and new members feel welcome at Lincoln Memorial Church.
As Welcoming Shepherds, we also strive to introduce new members to each of our church’s many ministries.
Our hope is that guests and members will make Lincoln their new church home and church family.
Our Mission & Vision
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church UCC is a fellowship of believers.
Committed to exalting and honoring Jesus Christ in and through corporate worship, evangelistic outreach, regular study of the Word of God, and through mutual service to one another and to the world.
Our purpose is to exalt our Lord Jesus Christ. Through God’s word we commit ourselves to equip, edify, evangelize and encourage God’s People.”
Get Some Questions Answered
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Lincoln’s Sunday Wordhip Live!
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Service Times
As part of the COVID-19 precautionary measures you can still reach us for:
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Next Steps
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Get Connected
Meet. Join. Enjoy.
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Learn More About Our Ministries
MEN'S Ministry
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church welcomes you to our men’s ministry web page. The purpose of our ministry is to provide support, encouragement and guidance to men of all ages in the development of a Christ-centered life through bible study, fellowship, and discussions focused on the application of Christ’s teachings to modern world challenges of men.
Our vision is to unite Men of All Ages in growing a lasting and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ; encouraging one another to engage in faithful and consistent Christian leadership in serving our church, family and community.
We invite you to visit our ministry, as we are always seeking new ways to serve the needs and spirit of men. If you would like to join or to serve in our ministry, please contact us.
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”
CHRISTIAN WOMEN FELLOWSHIP
The purpose of this ministry is to strengthen the faith journey of the women of Lincoln and their guests. This is accomplished through bible and book study, prayer and being of assistance to each other.
We meet every Saturday morning at 9 – 11 am. Annually we support A New Way of Living as well as other charities and areas of need. We continue to pray for and support our church, its ministers and ministries.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Join us on Wednesdays’ at 7 pm for an intimate study of the Bible. Our discussions focus on real-life applications of the scriptures and aim to equip, edify, evangelize and encourage God’s people. Everyone is welcome.
EVANGELISM Ministry
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us…” 2 Corinthians 5:20.
The ongoing goal of this ministry is a prayerful and purposeful introduction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others who do not know him, and to invite them into our fellowship.
Greeters / Ushers Ministry
The mission of the Greeter/Usher ministry is to serve the Lord through serving his people.
Greeters/Ushers welcome members and guests into the sanctuary with a warm smile and a spirit of love. We provide church bulletins, assist with seating, keep the sanctuary in an orderly fashion, ensure envelopes are available and provide comfort and information to members and guests. We are committed and serve in whatever capacity is required.
The Greeters/Ushers serve the Lincoln Memorial Church to help ensure that the service flows in a decent and orderly manner. This enhances the worship experience of individuals attending the service and hearing God’s word.
Greeters/Ushers are a ministry of hospitality. It goes beyond greeting and welcoming newcomers or members; it begins in the parking lot and extends beyond the foyer or lobby of the church. We serve as an extension of the Pastor. He cannot always greet everyone at the beginning of service, but a Greeter can act in his place welcoming all those who come.
We hope that we provide a personal touch to make everybody feel welcome. A friendly smile and welcoming words greatly bless us all.
HEALTH Ministry
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore; honor God with your bodies.” I Corinthians 6:19-20
Mission Statement: The Health Ministry strengthens the mental, physical and emotional health of community participants by providing basic health screenings, health education and referrals to appropriate resources.
Some of our Partners and sponsors are:
Urban League Los Angeles, Kaiser, UCLA, FAME Corp, Champions for Change, Body & Soul, Netiya, CDU, Angel City Dental Society, Albertsons, Target, T.H.E Health Centers
We Offer:
- Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings
- Monthly Articles on a Variety of Health Topics
- Annual Health Fair
- Monthly Fit 4 Life Health Education Classes
- Monthly Exercise Classes
- Monthly Cooking Demonstrations
- Organic Community Garden
Youth Ministry
Youth Learning To Grow Food
WHEELscape
When deciding upon a new name for the youth ministry, it was clear that the name would have to have relevance beyond the words themselves. What is meant by this is that the name chosen would have to satisfy two goals: describe the intentions of youth ministry at Lincoln Memorial; and describe ministry as a whole. In order to achieve this a combination of two words was needed – wheel and scape.
A wheel is “any machine, apparatus, instrument, etc., shaped like this or having a circular frame, disk, or revolving drum as an essential feature”(Dictionary.com). However, within a biblical context, in this case, wheel refers to a potter’s wheel on which clay is formed and shapened. There are many references in the Bible to the potter’s wheel and/or clay (Isaiah 29:16; 64:8; Jer. 18:1-6; Jb 33: 6; etc.). Christians are being molded into the image of Christ, transformed (2 Co. 4:2 and Rom. 8:29). The second part of the word, scape, is taken from landscape. In contrast, however, where landscape is “a section or expanse of rural scenery that can be seen from a single viewpoint” (Dictionary.com) – a place; scape in WHEELscape is a place where something is formed. For our purposes, that something is someone, more specifically youth. Therefore, WHEELscape is a place where youth are formed on the potter’s wheel. The potter being God, and the wheel being the teaching, hearing, and doing of the Word with all that our youth have to offer.
To conclude, “Let no one despise your youth [Timothy], but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (NRSV 1 Timothy 4:12). Our youth are not only an integral part of our Lincoln Memorial Family but of the body of Christ. By teaching them what it is to have faith and ways to express that faith, they will become better witnesses for our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Music & Media Ministry
Lincoln’s music and media ministry is first and foremost committed to the building God’s Kingdom through praise and worship teams.
***Music Ministry***
The Music Ministry at Lincoln is dedicated to serving and glorifying God with bold and sincere Worship which is our privilege and humble service as we lead others into His magnificent presence.
For those who feel called to join Lincoln’s Music Ministry, we currently have four exciting Praise Teams that meet regularly.
We invite you to join in and experience His blessing.
- You will find the Lincoln family style of worship to be a truly unique experience.
- Music Ministry Teams each lead one Sunday Morning service per month.
***Praise Teams*** - LMAC (Lincoln Memorial Adult Choir)
- The Adult Praise Team serves as our Sanctuary
- Choir on the first Sunday of each month.
- Selections include traditional and contemporary gospel styles. LMAC rehearses on the last two Thursdays of every month at 7:15pm.
- YDS (Youth Driven Sundays)
- Our “sho nuff” high energy Youth Driven Praise Team is lead by Nysa Shenay and serve on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Their practice schedule is at 10am on the two preceding Saturdays. - LIVE (Lincoln Inspirational Vocal Ensemble)
Our young adult inspirational ensemble serves every third and fifth Sunday of each month. This intimate Worship team blends a more Urban/CCM Gospel style and maintains an On Call practice schedule. - ROC (Men’s Chorus)
Our Male Vocal Ensemble serve on every second Sunday while their rehearsal schedule is at 10:15am on the preceding two Saturdays. - Lincoln’s Music Ministry strives to encourage, train, and direct those whom God has called into the music ministry with a spirit of service, excellence, unity, and humility.
“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.”
2 Chronicles 5:13-14
Children Church
Here is a link to the YouTube video for Children’s Church:
It is titled Psalm 23: “Introduction to Bearly and Baaasheba”.
In this video, I introduce an activity for families to make their own puppet show.
I use stuffed animals to demonstrate (ie) Bearly and Baaasheba. This is part 1, I am working on part 2 to actually show a puppet show.
Best,
Stephen Robertson
THE WELCOMING SHEPHERDS Ministry
The goal of the Welcoming Shepherds Ministry is to make guests and new members feel welcome at Lincoln Memorial Church. As Welcoming Shepherds, we also strive to introduce new members to each of our church’s many ministries.
Our hope is that guests and members will make Lincoln their new church home and church family.
SEE OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY IN ACTION
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A Sermon
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What sermon is about
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The church community getting together to worship
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The church community dining together
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The garden progressing
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The children playing and learning new songs
Learn About Our History
“We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord trusting in his holy word.”
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church was organized on December 1, 1912 under the name Metropolitan Congregational by Rev. J.D. Pettigrew. At the time and for more than 30 years it was the only predominantly Black Congregational Church west of the Rocky Mountains.
When first organized, the church met in a home on what was then called “The West Side”. From there, it moved to a storefront on Central Avenue and was renamed Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church. As membership grew, the church moved to a church building, which still stands today on 34th Street just east of Central Avenue.
In October 1915, Rev. E.E. Lightner accepted the call and assumed duties of pastor. In October 1927, the church moved to a larger building on the corner of Vernon and Hooper Avenue. Rev. Lightner served as pastor until his death in 1942.
In 1943, Rev. Lloyd Galloway became pastor and served for more than 40 years. During his time at Lincoln the church became part of the United Church of Christ. The current structure was erected in 1964 and the church also acquired additional property.
Since Rev. Galloway’s retirement, pastors who have served are Rev. Monte Norwood, Rev. Charles Mattison and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Foy.
In June 1995, Lincoln called Rev. Gailen Reevers to its pastorate. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Reevers has taken Lincoln to new heights. We added the Family Life Center, renovated the inside of the sanctuary and transformed the parking lot.
During its history, Lincoln has always served the needs of the greater community. It has provided free meals for school children during The Depression, provided leadership and facilities for YMCA and YWCA in the 1940’s and 50’s. Our Pilgrim Fellowship attracted young people from all parts of the city and at times was 100 members strong.
Lincoln has partnered with many organizations to offer programs and services to families in South LA. Some of our partnerships are The Lincoln Family Life Center, Assurance Learning Academy, Netiya, Charles Drew University and UCLA.
“To God be the glory for what he has done”
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church
Today…
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Welcome to Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church, United Church of Christ where every member is a minister.
We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. It is our prayer that you will be inspired to visit us at 11 AM on any Sunday you choose. If you can’t make it on a Sunday we have other opportunities for you to worship and fellowship with us.
Reverend Wendell Miller
Senior Pastor
Wendell is Senior Pastor at Lincoln Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ in Los Angeles, California. Over the course of his life and ministry, he has been a Youth Minister, worship leader, Men’s Ministry leader, and mentor.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Wendell is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to serving Lincoln, he works as the Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Black AIDS Institute, a national HIV/AIDS non-profit based in Los Angeles.
Rev. Gailen L Reevers, Pastor Emeritus
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”Matthew 6:33 KJV
Gailen L. Reevers was born in Detroit Michigan and received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools of that city. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. He earned a Master of Science in Administration from California State University at Dominguez Hills, CA and a Masters of Arts, Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA.
He began his ministerial journey at Paradise Baptist where he served in many capacities from 1977-1984. He was ordained into the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1983 and accepted the call as Pastor at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in 1984 where he served for ten years.
In 1995, Reverend Reevers was called to be the pastor at Lincoln Memorial Congregational UCC. It is through his dedication to God, his being led by the Holy Spirit and his love for Jesus Christ, that Lincoln has been revived. Under the umption of the Holy Spirit, his God-inspired vision has led Lincoln to: establish Church Programs that involve active participation by all members with the underlying theme that “Every Member is a Minister.” He also led the church in building the Lincoln Family Life Center and establishing The Lincoln Family Life Center, a 501C3 nonprofit organization that has organized and implemented various community outreach programs such as Youth Mentoring Advocacy Project (YMAP), health programs including Fit 4 Life, arts programs for youth and education programs for all ages.
Rev. Reevers is married to Cathy and they have two sons.
Rev. Alvin Reevers, Associate Pastor
As associate pastor, I work with and under the direction of the senior pastor as a member of the pastoral team to enable the church to focus on the Great Commission and to equip the church to carry out the functions of the New Testament church in evangelism, discipleship, ministry, fellowship, and worship.
Peace!
Robert Carlysle, Music Director
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church UCC is a fellowship of believers committed to exalting and honoring Jesus Christ in and through corporate worship, evangelistic outreach, regular study of the Word of God, and through mutual service to one another and to the world.
Our Purpose is to exalt our Lord Jesus Christ. Through God’s word we commit ourselves to equip, edify, evangelize and encourage God’s People. Sunday worship beings at 11 am.
Stephanie Farmer, Exec. Admin to Pastor
Stephanie Farmer is the Executive Administrator to the Pastor. She has held this position for more than 12 years. In her role as Executive Administrator, she is the building manager for the church property and office manager for the church. She also handles all administrative work and works with all the ministries, boards, commissions and committees as well as volunteers and the church congregation as a whole.
She has been a member of Lincoln for over 63 years and her family has been part of Lincoln Memorial Church since it started in 1912 as her great grandparents were founding members of Lincoln.
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