Only eight years to look back on, but lot more ahead...


I've known Tamil UCC, Chicago (formerly United Church of South India, Chicago) for less than four years. Obviously I can't do justice to its history, I won't try to either. But it is what I know about Tamil UCC that urges me to write this. Clearly, these are my personal feelings. Some might agree with me, others might not. My intention is not to hurt anyone, but to encourage everyone to experience the blessings of God through Tamil UCC. Feel free to express your opinions below by adding your comments.

For those who have never been here, Tamil UCC might give the impression of just another gathering of Tamil Christians. Well, it is just another gathering of Tamil Christians. So, what's different here? Is it the bond of love and care? Is it the innumerable selfless ministries by just a handful? Is it the cheerful giving? Is it the strength of the prayers? Is it the desire to serve God? Is it the spiritual leadership? Is it the work of the Holy Spirit?

It is a spiritually dynamic church. If people come here with the only intention of having a good time, talking and eating, they will find it difficult to hang around for long. If you are here, your prayer life will grow, your bible reading will grow, your urge to serve God will grow and your desire for the kingdom of God will grow. If you've come here and have not experienced this growth through fellowship with the believers, I urge you to take part in the ministries and see for yourself. Is there spiritual pride here? No, definitely not. No one is looked down upon. Everyone is learning. Everyone is encouraged. Everything is done for the glory of God.

The bible teaching is profound. The foundation is strong. "If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work" (I Corinthians 3:13 NIV). If you are here, you will "crave for pure spiritual milk", you will give fruit, you will follow the commandments and you will use your spiritual gifts.

The spiritual leadership is well complemented by the administrative leadership. New ministries are encouraged. Everything is done in order or at least being tried. New comers are welcomed. Children are well taught.

Am I saying it is a rose bush without thorns? No. In spite of all the gifts, ministries and spiritual food there are some short comings. There is some gossip, which seemingly harmless still stretches the bonds of unity to its limits. There is some laziness, which restrains expansion. There is some jealousy, which curtails some ministries. There is worldly cares, which chokes the word of God from being fruitful a hundredfold. But above all these, there is the love of God. He is still working on Tamil UCC.

There have been three to four generations of families in Tamil UCC in the past eight years. Some have stayed firm through all these years. Others have joined recently. There have been major issues that have split the church from top to bottom. But like it says in Job 8:7, "Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." I believe God is using and will use Tamil UCC for the growth of His kingdom. Come and see.

This is our church song, written by our members. It captures the essence of our church.
Church Song