Upper Room Ministries

Current Events in UR Life

“Need Help During the SNAP Pause? Free Food & Community Support Available Weekly!”

🌾 Faith in Action: Helping Families Thrive During the SNAP Pause

As our community faces the temporary pause in SNAP benefits, Upper Room Ministries and the Community Impact Corporation remain committed to standing in the gap. Through our partnership with Bread of the Mighty, we’re ensuring that families, seniors, veterans, and caregivers have continued access to free groceries, vital resources, and compassionate care. Join us every Tuesday for “Take What You Need Tuesdays” and at our special Veterans & Senior Caregivers Fair on November 11th — where we remind each other that we’re truly better when we stand together.

Meet the Pastors of UR Life

Pastor Pearlie Shelton

Pastor Shelton is the Co-Founder of Upper Room of Greater Gainesville Church of God in Christ, a ministry that began in her living room on September 24, 2000.

Presently, Pastor Shelton is a faithful and loyal member of Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr. and Jurisdictional Mother Mildred L. Eason. She serves as the District Missionary for the Greater Gainesville District. Additionally, on the Jurisdictional Level, she is on the Jurisdictional Mother’s Executive Board, she serves as the Jurisdictional Chairlady for the Young People Willing Worker, and she is the Dean of the Missionary and Auxiliary Institute for the Women’s Department for the Jurisdiction.

Throughout the North Central Florida Community, she serves as an Executive Board Member for People Against Violence Enterprises, Inc. (P.A.V.E.), member of East Gainesville Initiative (E.G.I.) through Santa Fe Community College.

Superintendent Karl Anderson

Serving as one of the Founders and Senior Pastors of Upper Room Church of God In Christ, Pastor Anderson is instrumental in implementing several ministries which include the Widows Wings and Fosters’ Fruits ministries at the local church. These ministries help widows, widowers and foster children realize the Love of God through fellowship and networking with partners of the ministry and community to help restore their quality of life.

Pastor Anderson also serves as Superintendent over the Greater Gainesville District of the Church of God In Christ where he oversees several churches. He is also the State Youth President and Axillaries In Ministry (AIM) Convention Chairman for Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ.

In 2003, Pastor Anderson was selected as Gospel Announcer of the Year by the GMWA Florida Gospel Announcers Guild. He is also the President and Founder of PAVE, INC. (PEOPLE AGAINST VIOLENCE ENTERPRISES). He serves as President of the Alachua County Christian Pastor Association (ACCPA)

Pastor Anderson also recently brought the new concept to Striking Out Hunger in North Central Florida by having more stable families and individuals to fill baskets of food.