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The University Press
| May 2011 |
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"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:55
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The second stage of spiritual growth: "Believing and Belonging," by Dr. Chris Erdman, pastor
Last month I introduced the first of six stages of spiritual growth, what I call
"First Awakening." This is the point when you first become conscious of God. There's some need, some precipitating event, some intervention that unsettles you, inspires your search for God, or requires you to make sense of a spiritual experience you simply can't ignore any longer. It's as if you've awakened from a long night's sleep to sunlight streaming through your window and you wonder why you slept so late.
I'm writing about these stages to help you understand the way God generally works in our lives so you can better understand your own growth as well as the growth of others. Last month, I also urged you to be careful not to turn these stages into a program. The pattern of these stages is consistent throughout the history of Christian spirituality, but it's nevertheless an oversimplification. God is always free do blow our little maps apart in order to bring us to the fullness offered us in Christ.
First Awakening usually leads to the second st age, which I call "Believing and Belonging." At this stage in our journey, we connect to a community where we learn the essential doctrines of Christianity. Here, we're formed by our association with others, our attendance in worship, and our involvement in experiences that teach us the faith. This then leads to the third stage, "Service and Leadership". It's quite possible that you might find yourself serving during the second stage, and so, the stages can overlap. But in the second stage, though you may participate in a service project, assist with VBS, or lead in worship, the focus is largely on learning and belonging. Service can be a great way to learn; joining others is a great way to belong and connect.
There are several ways you might get stuck in stage two and fail to move on. First, you might become zealous about doctrine. It's interesting and fun to learn about Christian theology. It can also give you a sense of power. If you understand, say, the Reformed Tradition better than others, or if you learn exegetical Bible study methods, or study New Testament Greek, you can feel like you've got the upper hand in doctrinal debates. Your knowledge can become a source of pride and a tool you can use to prove others wrong and give yourself a sense of superiority. Alternatively, you might feel you never can know enough; driven by perfectionism you may find yourself always learning and never doing much with what you know.
Second, you might come to the place where you love your small group or circle of friends so much that that warmth becomes not only a source of comfort, but a way to exclude others and keep yourself from growth. Most of us don't like change and so, once we know what we think we need to know and have Christian friends we enjoy, we simply stop growing. But Christian growth requires discomfort. In order to grow you need to do something with what you believe in order to let the Holy Spirit teach you more. In order to grow, you need to step out of your comfortable circle and serve among others and find the Holy Spirit growing you through challenging experiences and relationships.
If you do, you will move into stage three: "Service and Leadership," and this will open up to you a whole new experience in your spiritual journey into the fullness of Jesus Christ.
(Next month, the third stage: "Service and Leadership.")
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Finding our way in times of change by Pastor Tedd Lyons
For the last 16 years, I have been your associate pastor, and for the last 37 years I have been a member of San Joaquin Presbytery. For the second time I have the privilege to be the presbytery's moderator. I love our church, our presbytery and our denomination (the PCUSA). We are all true to our Reformed Tradition, which believes the Holy Spirit speaks when we enter into honest and faithful debate on issues of controversy.
Over the last year the presbyteries of the PCUSA have been voting on an amendment to our Book of Order (constitution) that was put forth by the 2010 General Assembly. With just over a month for votes to be taken, it seems very likely that Amendment 10-A will pass.
As with most controversies, the issue(s) are not simple. For nearly 35 years now, the PCUSA has been debating whether gay and lesbian members who believe God blesses their orientation also can be eligible to be ordained as pastors, elders, and deacons. Some believe that this amendment will open that door.
One of the primary issues in this controversy is the authority of Scripture. Some say the Bible is clear: Homosexuality and homosexual practices in any form is sin, and to allow homosexuals to be ordained is a clear violation of Scripture and denies its authority. Others say that the Bible, when it refers to homosexual sins, is condemning sins that are promiscuous, abusive, and/or violent, and that the concept of homosexual orientation and homosexuality in committed relationships is not at issue in the biblical texts.
Some say that if ordination is allowed to people seeking to be faithful to Christ who declare they are homosexual by orientation, it is accommodation to a sinful culture. The other side believes that to deny ordination to anyone seeking to be faithful to Christ is to deny the heart of the Gospel, which is love, justice, forgiveness, grace and new life offered to all people. And the other side asks, "How can you be seeking to be faithful to Jesus Christ if you are in a homosexual relationship?" And so, the arguments continue to loop and loop, with "talking points" that rarely become "listening points."
Another issue has to do with what the amendment actually says and will actually change. For over 10 years now, the Book of Order has had a statement that specifically requires that all people who are ordained either be faithful in a heterosexual marriage or remain celebate. The amendment would remove that language. Some say this simply goes back to the way it had always been written in the past. Others say that the times have changed, and without that specific prohibition, the door is open to manipulate our ordination standards, allowing what was not originally intended.
Even the reasons that people vote "yes" or "no" on the amendment is complicated. Some have voted for the amendment on principle -- they do not want the Book of Order to weigh 5 pounds. There are others who rightly point out that the amendment does not change any ordination standard or our Book of Confessions. But what it does do is allow individual presbyteries and congregations to apply those standards at a greater discretion. This is a more decentralized form of government and is consistent with our historic principles, but presently some worry that it gives too much freedom at the local level.
Many of you will remember that after the 2008 General Assembly, UPC did a very extensive study called "The Bible and Homosexuality." In my estimation it was very balanced, fair and informative, for which I am very proud and grateful. We did, h owever, have some people who left our church, disappointed that we were "even talking about something like this." And as a result of the 2008 General Assembly's vote, which was not approved by the presbyteries, we have had eight congregations leave our presbytery and transfer to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
So now we could be at another point of crisis, depending on the reaction of rank and file Presbyterians. The Presbytery of San Joaquin is asking our congregations and their members, and our Sessions, to pray for our denomination, seeking clarity as to the meaning and workings of the Gospel for a time such as this.
There are many unknowns, and many options for the future. Jesus Christ is Lord of his Church and will not abandon us; though we can abandon him. Our presbytery, which is predominately conservative, is hopeful that we will find our way together, without fracturing further. While people are debating the real impact of this change, we can safely say the following:
- Specific references to standards of sexual behavior for those seeking ordination as minister, elder or deacon will no longer overtly be part of the Book of Order.
- Biblical and confessional standards themselves will not change.
- The new language applies standards in a way that examines all areas of a person's life.
- Each presbytery, Session, and congregation is in complete control over how biblical and confessional standards are interpreted during examination of candidates for office in its jurisdiction.
If you have questions, ask either one of us pastors or our elders, engage concerns prayerfully and practice a healthy skepticism about what the news media will report. Media sources routinely misunderstand the decisions church's make.
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Music and Worship
Summer season brings change
This summer, beginning June 12, the 8:30 a.m. Sunday service will move to 9: 30 a.m., as is the usual custom. But the 11 a.m. service will move to 5 p.m.
In the past, we've combined services, but this year there's strong momentum in both the traditional and contemporary expressions of worship. The worship committee, along with the elders, believes it's important to maintain this strength and the quality of both expressions. We realize this means that we're not all together in a single service this summer, but there are plans for all-congregation events that will help us have face-to-face time with one another.
----- Worship elder Paul Denni
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Evangelism: 'Bring a Guest' Sunday, June 12
Attention all members, friends and worshippers at UPC. Sunday, June 12, is Pentecost Sunday. The Evangelism Ministry encourages you to ask a friend or associate to be a guest at UPC that day. The week before, you can ask your church buddies, "Who are you bringing next Sunday"? Please put this important date on your calendar!!
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Lend a hand
Help extend a friendly hand to visitors after Sunday worship. The Evangelism Committee needs you to join the team. Please plan to attend a meeting Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at UPC. We'll have an orientation session, names put on a roster and prepara tions made to start greeting visitors after the traditional and contemporary services. We need all of you. Don't be intimidated. You may be out of your comfort zone at first, but so are most all of us. The plan is to put together a team of people to implement the Post Service Greeter Program. The Evangelism Committee looks forward to meeting with you.
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Deacons ministry
Meet and greet
The deacons will be celebrating our ministry serving the congregation and "neighbors" of University Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 22, during the coffee hour between services. Your deacon will have a table and would love to meet and greet you face to face. It should be a fun and festive occasion with opportunities to learn about the different ministries of the UPC deacons. See you there!
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Missions: Update on Chandler West Habitat for Humanity house
Habitat for Humanity and the UPC Music Ministry have teamed up to create a spectacular event that you won't want to miss! On Sunday, June 5, at 4 p.m., come and enjoy an afternoon of... ♫"Hymns for Habitat"♫
We'll be singing some of the greatest hymns of our faith in various musical styles, fea turing our amazing new organist, Cactus Harris, and Fresno's finest women's choral group, Soli Deo Gloria.
An offering will be taken, and all donations will be given to Habitat for Humanity. There will be a light reception following "Hymns for Habitat", and we encourage ALL congregation members to attend. It will truly be a glory-filled afternoon, full of joyful praise and worship. It's a perfect arrangement of giving a blessing and receiving a blessing. Mark your calendars now and plan to kick off June in a fabulous way!
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Adult Ministries: Learn with us!
Adult Christian Education for the month of May has some interesting and faith- enriching learning opportunities during the education hour (9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Sundays in the Great Room 9).
- May 1: Brooke Denni leads us in the question, "Who Says It's Sacred"
 (music)? - May 8: Cathy Wingert and Greg Faulk will introduce us to the practice of centering prayer. This is an ancient method of worship dating back to the early centuries of the Christian Church. A centering prayer group meets at UPC at 6:30 p.m. Monday nights..
- May 15: Cindy Corriea will lead a class on "The Journey of Faith: Discernment" (Part A) based on her studies to be a spiritual director.
- May 22: Sharon Stanley will present and discuss the Belhar Confession from PCUSA General Assembly
- May 29: We will take this Sunday off for Memorial Day weekend.
Please join us each week for enlightening and stimulating experiences.
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Youth Ministry Welcomes Stephanie Wright
The Youth Ministry committee is pleased to announce that Stephanie Wright has been hired to serve as the Youth Ministry coordinator. Stephanie brings with her experience in ministry as well as a love for youth and serving. Stephanie has many ideas for the youth program that will be presented in the coming months. We are very excited that she is part of our program!
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Doing missions closer to home
This year our high school youth planned to serve at Calvin Crest during Holy Week (April 17-21). They wanted to help Tom Gravette, who has been guiding construction of the building that will serve both Clean Water University and Calvin Crest when it's complete. But weather forced a change in plans. Instead, our youth went out and served people from our church and community, and received over $300 that was donated toward the Habitat for Humanity project in memory of Chandler West.
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Southeast Asian Ministry
Religious freedom in Laos
The U.S. State Department's 2010 report on religious freedom in Laos offers a concise overview of the evolving relationship between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Christian church. The picture shows:
- Laos has an area of 85,000 square miles, with a population of 6.3 million. About half the people are ethnic Lao, with the rest made up of 48 distinct ethnic minority groups. About 2% are Christian (45,000 Catholics).
- The protestant community has grown rapidly over the past decade. The government-sanctioned Lao Evangelical Church now has about 100,000
 members worshipping in 400 congregations around the country. (LEC is the organization with which UPC's Lao Partners have been working for the past 10 years). - Article 30 of the Lao constitution provides for freedom of religion. However Article 9 discourages all acts that create differences among religious groups or people.
- The Prime Minister's Decree of Religious Practice (Decree 92), issued in 2002, is the main law defining rules for religious practice. The Lao government structure is relatively decentralized. So the government's tolerance of religion has varied by region and by religion. Minority religious leaders are cooperating with the government to help local officials better understand Decree 92.
- Decree 92 permits proselytizing by Lao citizens, but not by foreigners. However foreign NGOs with religious affiliations are allowed to work in the country.
- The LEC continues to conduct an active program of public service, providing development assistance and organizing social welfare projects in several areas that had previously seen religious intolerance.
- Both Catholic and Protestant leaders cited overall progress toward religious freedom, especially in the past five years. Senior LEC leaders have increased their contacts with the international religious community since the LEC became a full member of the World Council of Churches in 2008.
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Children's Ministries
Do the zoo!
Saturday, May 28, come join us for a visit to the animals at the Fresno zoo. We will meet  at church at 9:30 a.m., eat lunch at the zoo then be back at church at 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 2-11. If you have questions, please email Aimee Dillon at aimee@upcfresno.org. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vacation Bible school -- Get in the mix! Children's Ministry is preparing to Shake It Up this summer for VBS, as we will be cooking up recipes for living out God's word. The dates are July 10-July 14. We are looking already for donated items so we can start preparing. Any donations will be great and helpful!!! Any items on loan should be marked with first and last names. Kathleen Wilson and Aimee Dillon are co-coordinating the program, and will be holding a planning meeting soon. Please let them know if you would like to volunteer in this ministry. We will need  teachers, helpers, craft people, music and a variety of daily assistance in all areas! Here's what we need: mixing bowls, wooden spoons, measuring cups, rolling pin, baking sheet, baskets, salad bowls, plastic fruit and vegetables, chef's hats, oven mittens, dish towels, baking peanuts, milk crates, kitchen timers, empty coffee cans, aprons, kitchen utensils -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summer Sunday School Summer Sunday School will be held during the 9:30 a.m. service. We are still looking for people who would be willing to teach during the 5:00 p.m. service. We are asking you to discern if God is calling to to volunteer to teach for one or more Sundays during the summer! If you're willing to serve, please email Aimee: aimee@upcfresno.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Soli Deo Gloria in concert!
"A Kaleidoscope of Song"
A multi-hued program will feature spirituals, patriotic early American folk hymns, motets by Durufle, and Orlando di Lasso, as well as music by contemporary composers. The concert -- on Sunday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church -- will include much of the music the chorus will sing in competition in the International Choral Festival in San Luis Obispo in June.
UPC's own Chancel Choir member Jeanette Hodgson and Minister of Music Elisha Wilson are members of Soli Deo Gloria. Come hear them sing and be blessed with song as you support our church family. Expect to be inspired with a kaleidoscope of song!
Tickets are $15, $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the door or through Soli Deo Gloria at (559) 473-6486 or www.sdgchoir.com. Please see Jeanette Hodgson or Elisha Wilson to order tickets.
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STARS revisit Dr. Seuss
 STARS (Seniors That Are Really Special) invite you to an afternoon with Dr. Seuss on Wednesday, May 18, at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Room. We will hear what the "Cat in the Hat" author has to say to seniors in his book "You're Only Old Once." Whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, join us for a fun afternoon. There'll be homemade dessert, too!
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Presbyterian Women
A spring garden tour
Presbyterian Women will visit Clovis Botanical Garden on Tuesday, May 10. We'll meet at 10 a.m. at UPC to carpool. Some may wish to drive directly there. The gar den is at Clovis Avenue and Alluvial. We will tour the garden at 10:30 and have lunch and elect new officers. BRING A SACK LUNCH, please. Beverages and dessert will be furnished. Sunscreen and umbrellas for shade are recommended. Please contact Florence Ulrich or Margil Vanderhoff if you have questions.
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| GALS chop till they drop
GALS' Night is going GREEN! Join us on May 26 at the special time of 6:00 p.m. in the Great Room for a GREEN event -- green salad, that is! Please bring some type of salad topper to add to our salad bar and your own salad dressing. The GREENs will be provided. Hope to see some new faces there!
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| It's a man thing
"All Men" is a dinner gathering on the third Thursday of the month -- May 19 this month -- for all men. We meet from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Great Room for dinner and a program (a nominal donation for the meal is requested). This month our speaker will be Matt Naylor, a former member of UPC's college group who is doing mission work in New London, a poor community south of Dinuba and Kingsburg.
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| Attention UPC women!
Save the dates of Oct. 7-9 for the Women's Retreat. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us in a meaningful, fun-filled, relaxing and rejuvenating weekend.
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'In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself' -- 2 Corinthians 5:19
Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Mission Council, tells a story of reconciliation among warring ethnic groups in Sudan. Debbie Braaksma, Presbyterian World Mission's area coordinator for Africa, helped bring about the reconciliation serving as a mission co-worker in South Sudan. Linda heard the story during a recent visit to a South Sudanese village with Debbie. Watch her video at
gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/global/reconciliation-sudan/
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The "Thank you" Corner
Honoring UPC friends who make a difference
This month we thank UPC's Work Day crew!
I would like to give my thanks to everyone that participated in our recent campus cleanup on April 16. Our volunteers tackled their jobs with energy, good humor and dedication as took on some of the less glamorous but necessary chores that keep our church welcoming and safe.
Thanks to:
-- Patrice and Carol for making the serving kitchen sparkle. As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness!
-- The Scouts for:
- Adding an oil sealer to our outdoor benches. This protects the benches from sun damage. These benches truly create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for all who visit our campus for worship and fellowship or just to enjoy a quiet time of reflection.
- Removing leftover roots from three trees removed near the west fence. Now Eddie can seed and mow that area to make it as nice as the rest of our campus and extend the play area for the enjoyment of members and neighbors alike.
-- Charley and Jim for repairing nine damaged tables. It was becoming difficult to set up enough tables for the Great Room. Now we have a full set of safe and functional tables to provide a secure place for working, learning and fellowship.
-- Jim for cleaning the sanctuary and some gutters. The last rain revealed this need and our pedestrians will appreciate the shelter of the dry eaves when it rains.
-- Jim for replacing ceiling tiles in the Great Room to remove the ugly stains caused by the roof leaks that were recently repaired. This will present a more pleasant atmosphere as we gather for work and play.
The good maintenance of God's house is our joy and our responsibility. Keeping the buildings and grounds pleasant, secure and in good repair says we care about our church home and all the people who come to our campus.
Dave Eaton
Board of Property and Finance
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Deadline for June newsletter is May 15. Please email articles to Sarah Nettels and Melissa Stephenson or leave written articles in the newsletter mailbox in the UPC office.
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Office will be closed
on May 30 to mark
Memorial Day.
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