Update on AUF and the Liotti Family

Dear Friends and Family,

Once again I need to ask for your grace given the lack of updates from us. Much has transpired over the last few months. They have been a whirlwind of change and transition for our family and ministry. In the midst of everything, God continues to be faithful and good…

ANTIOCH URBAN FELLOWSHIP

Looking at the calendar on the wall - it now appears to be over three years since we started the AUF project. What a ride it has been! Many thoughts come to mind when I think about AUF. Tough times, lots of laughs, good friends, worship and prayer… Looking back, it’s been a deep growing time for Melissa and I. We’ve learned to be pastors, community leaders, to push through hard time and disappointments.

Last February we began to again take stock in the project. There were a few factors coming into play. A number of our core team were desiring to move on - mainly due to life circumstances. Our core team, while being very consistent and committed over the years remained small and was now getting much smaller. As we looked at who would remain it became apparent to us that the project had run its course. This was a very tough decision for us. Most of us gave our all to see the project become a success. The relationships that were developed over the three years were very close and family like. However, there was a sense that it ‘was time’ and there was a peace with the decision to close the church.

So closed a chapter in our life. I have no regrets about starting AUF. Sure, in hindsight there are things I would have done differently. In general it was a positive experience for me and, I believe, those who were involved. We learned a ton, had great fellowship, reached out to the community and saw people loved and ministered to. In the end, I feel, that we were faithful to the call.

TRANSITION TO ST. SAMUEL

So - In March the Liotti’s found themselves for the first time in many years without a church. Throughout the AUF experience there were two very important relationships that were consistent; our relationship with Highway (our mother church) and Pastor Bains and St. Samuel COGIC. There was significant personal draw to both congregations. We love Highway and Pastor Dean Smith. Dean is a great pastor who has loved and cared for us since we moved to the Bay. Additionally, Pastor Bains is a great friend and supporter. St. Samuel felt like home. The congregation is loving and graceful.

It was a very difficult decision for us, deciding where we would land. After much prayer, conversation and thought we felt that God was calling us to serve Pastor Bains and the family at St. Samuel. Pastor Bains asked me to come on a pastor, taking over the young adult, youth and children’s ministry. So - we’ve been at St. Samuel since late March. To date it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m learning a ton about multi-cultural ministry, pastoral ministry in a more ‘formal’ setting (AUF was very informal), the Church of God in Christ denomination as well as a variety of other things. My love for Paul and Cheryl Bains is growing day by day - they are amazing leaders and pastors.

The journey is just starting at St. Samuel - I’ll keep you posted!


BCM - NCUDC

As if that wasn’t enough transition for us - I officially gave my notice at Bayshore Christian Ministries on March 1st. As you know - I’ve been working on the Northern California Urban Development Corporation project for about 11/2 years now. In late 2004 we formed a new non-profit corporation to engage in economic and community development in East Palo Alto and beyond. Our first goal is to see a community development credit union in EPA by early 2007.

The project has progressed much in the last few months. We’ve been able to secure enough funding to get us through the next six months; we’re locking up an office space and location for the future credit union. Again, after much prayer and consideration we felt that it was time to step out in faith on the project. Yes, it’s a little scary - but if we’re to see our goals accomplished it’s going to require a higher level of attention and leadership.

Additionally - it was a tough decision to leave Andy Hartwell and the BCM team. I’ve served there for almost six years. Likewise BCM has been a phenomenal growth experience for me. Andy has been a great boss and friend. I know that I can be hard to deal with sometimes - he’s been patient!

When I approached Andy with my plans - he asked if I could stay on as a part time employee through mid may. Andy is currently on an extended and much needed vacation in Italy and the Middle East. He requested that I remain on as interim Executive Director in his absence. I was all too happy to continue to serve BCM in this manner.

So- my last day at BCM will be on May 15th. At that time I’ll be full time with NCUDC. There is a ton of work to be done. Please keep us in your prayers as we pursue to the dream to bring economic justice to our community.

NEW CREATION HOME

Thankfully - Melissa is not in transition! She is still happily and joyfully employed at New Creation Home in EPA. Melissa loves her job. Her director, Katie Fantin has become like family to us. Melissa is doing what she loves, working with kids and babies. NCH is a gem. They do vital ministry in the community to a group of people who are in much need of the Kingdom of God in their lives. We’re thankful that Melissa can serve in this capacity and that God has called her to serve in this way.

UPDATE ON SAMUEL

To continue the theme of transition, early this year we felt compelled to move Samuel into a new school. Since kindergarten he has been in a local school in eastern Menlo Park. To be honest, it’s been a very positive experience for him through the fourth grade. However, this year, due to transitions and changes in the school, the scenario was different. As committed as we are to incarnational ministry in the community, I felt that I couldn’t sacrifice Samuel’s education. Thankfully, God opened up the door for him to attend Los Altos Christian School.

Samuel has been very happy at LACS in many ways. We have found that he is somewhat behind in some subject areas and catching up has been difficult for him. Melissa and I feel like he’s in the right place - but we ask for your prayers for Samuel as he fights to catch up. All in all - he’s in a healthy place… that’s an answer to prayer!

In conclusion…

Whew! It’s been a crazy season for us! Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Many times over the past few years I’ve felt buoyed by the prayers of the saints. I continue to ask for your prayers on our behalf. God continues to be loving and faithful. We’re honored to be in His service and are thankful to be where we are as a family. If you have any questions - don’t hesitate to contact me.

By the way - please change my e-mail address to: jliotti@norcaludc.org in your records. Melissa’s e-mail is Melissa@newcreationhome.org.

Please keep in touch…

- The Liotti’s