THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 13, 1996 TAG: 9606120110
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 82 lines
THE REV. CARLTON Upton Sr. sees himself as a shepherd, leading the flock of Tabernacle Christian United Church of Christ.
Since coming to Tabernacle in 1989, he has seen his church take great strides, growing ``in numbers as well as spiritually,'' Upton said.
``The entire church has been receptive to a new vision for doing the ministry we've been called to do as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 and Matthew 25,'' he said: preaching the gospel, discipling converts and providing community service.
One of the congregation's giant steps in ministry was the purchase and conversion of a 3,200 square foot facility from a former Alpha Food Store to a Christian Life Center.
``My ambition is for it to become an information and resource center to help people in their struggles,'' Upton explained.
``We want maximum utilization and plan to use this building as a ministry,'' said Harold L. Nicholson, chairman of the church's Board of Trustees.
Tabernacle now uses the center for such services to the needy as providing food, clothing and emergency funding. Summer plans involve more youth programming - social, civic, religious and recreational activities.
The church also has teamed up with other city agencies to offer services to its East Suffolk neighborhood. Programs sponsored by the Health Department and Social Services are in place, and additional services will be provided by the Police Department and Western Tidewater Mental Health.
``There's a lot to be done,'' Upton said, ``and we want to do what we can to help curb crime and violence and to offer people help and hope for a better way of life.''
Every Thursday throughout the summer, the center will open its doors to all neighborhood children for fellowship and recreation. The day's activities will begin with devotions, followed by games and refreshments - all free and open to the public.
The center is also a pick-up point for a joint effort of the community and the Suffolk YMCA to provide a free swimming clinic to East Suffolk residents. Already, 75 children have signed up.
Tabernacle also has a vision for the education of its membership. There's Sunday School for all ages and an in-depth Bible Study led by the pastor every Wednesday evening. And to motivate students to do well in school, the Pastor's Honor Society plaque records the names of honor roll members. A summer banquet celebrates the academic progress of all school-age children of the congregation.
Youths get an extra portion of training during the school year at the ``Seekers'' classes on Tuesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. More than 80 teens participated in this discipleship training course during this school year.
For summer, Upton's church is promoting ``Come as you are Sundays,'' inviting people to attend worship in casual dress.
``We're seeing a lot of visitors and drop-ins from the community,'' Upton said. ``People seem to feel more comfortable and more accepted, which is good.''
Tabernacle's Sunday worship is a blend of contemporary and traditional elements with four choirs to inspire praise and worship.
``I believe God sent me here as the shepherd of His flock, as His under-shepherd, and that's what I'm striving to do,'' Upton said.
Upton is a South Norfolk native, the youngest of five children. He grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination but was strongly influenced by his grandfather, who pastored a U.C.C. congregation.
Upton's road to the ministry began with his active involvement in the leadership of his A.M.E. Church. Then, after attending Norfolk State University for two years and marrying, he worked as an apprentice shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Several years and several advancements later, Upton retired from his career at the shipyard as a funds administrator.
In 1982, Upton became pastor of the four-member Zion Hill A.M.E. Church in Newsoms, and the congregation grew to 50 during his 18 months there.
Upton next pastored New Hope U.C.C. in Norfolk for seven years. His grandfather had served as pastor there several years earlier.
In 1988, Upton and his daughter graduated from Norfolk State University. Upton later received his master of divinity degree from Virginia Union School of Theology. In January, he will begin work on his doctorate degree with United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The Rev. Carlton Upton, pastor at Tabernacle Christian United Church
of Christ, is proud of the new Christian Life Center, which has
activities for youths. by CNB