The fourth stage of spiritual growth: "Second Awakening"                                                                                                            by Dr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman, pastor 

One of our elders once came to me privately and asked, "Isn't there more to the Christian life than this?"  Here was an elder, active in ministry, highly competent at work, well-established and respected, but who came to a point where all these things tasted like straw, felt empty, no longer life-giving.

       Too often those who begin to experience this arid, desert-like experience in their spiritual lives ignore it and keep doing what they're doing until they just run out of steam.  Sometimes they find another cause that energizes them, or they become angry and frustrated about things at church or the denomination, and this too energizes them.  But this new energy dissipates after a while, and unless they find something new to excite them for a while, that nagging sense of emptiness returns.  Others figure they're facing some kind of burnout, and they drop out of commitments that no longer nourish or satisfy and they find themselves drifting spiritually.

       Too few explore their experience with a pastor or spiritual friend or director.  If they did, and that friend was seasoned enough to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the person's life, they'd learn that rather than a problem to get through by working harder, or burnout that requires them to drop out, what they're experiencing is a genuine sign of an invitation from God to move into a new stage of spiritual growth: stage four, or what I call "Second Awakening."

       In our last newsletter I wrote that most churches place stage three, "Service and Leadership," at the pinnacle of the Christian life.  But if you've followed this series of articles, you'll know that stage three is not even half way along the path of what historic Christianity has understood to be the path to spiritual maturity.  That journey leads from First Awakening, through Believing and Belonging, and into Service and Leadership.  But it doesn't end there.  There comes a point when the Holy Spirit invites a disciple of Jesus to turn inward again in order to awaken to the depths of interior intimacy with the Holy Trinity.  It's a stage of discovering God all over again.  Sadly, without direction and insight, many who experience this invitation to the deeper life believe instead they're losing their faith; they become disillusioned with God or they blame the church for not meeting their needs. 

       This is a stage of profound growth that requires competent spiritual guidance.  The loosening of old certainties is not a loss of your faith, but an invitation toward deeper, though different conviction.  Your search for direction and meaning in life doesn't need to lead you away from the church but can lead you into a deeper life of faith.  Your disillusionment with God or religion isn't a sign of their insufficiency or failure; rather, it signals the necessary break from static attachments and religiosity so that you can open up to a new experience of spiritual abundance through faith.  This, in turn, leads you to new expressions of service that flow from inextinguishable inner resources rather than from the shoulds and oughts of duty or obligation, or the zeal of newfound enthusiasm.  

You'll need at least three things at this stage.  First, an awareness that there is a stage beyond Service and Leadership, because without it you'll think something's gone terribly wrong.  Second, patience and compassion with yourself because this stage can be extremely disorienting, even frightening.  And third, a spiritual friendship with someone who is unthreatened by your questions and your expressions of frustration, someone who won't try to fix you, but who understands God's mysterious ways enough to hold you in faith, helping you believe that God is meeting you in the midst of your experience.  A sure sign that you're moving through this stage is the presence of an expanding sense of love, for love is the only thing that can lead you along these later stages of spiritual growth.  

Presbyterian governance, ordination standards and UPC

Dr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman, senior pastor 

In a sermon on John 14 and Acts 1 preached on May 29, I addressed the ordination crisis within our denomination.  In that sermon and in a pastoral letter to you in mid-May, I told you that while this change in our Book of Order signals a significant change in our denomination's standards of ordination and some congregations and presbyteries will likely ordain gay and lesbian officers to ministry in the church, nothing has changed locally.  I also appealed to members and friends of UPC on both the Right and the Left of this issue to stay with us and work here and now for the sake of Christ's mission.  In the May 29 sermon I also told you that I would ask our elders to initiate a process of discerning a set of standards that will guide our officer-nominating process.

       The elders have studied the Scriptures and the history of interpretation alongside the congregation during our congregational study in 2009.  In November 2010 they also spent time reflecting theologically and ethically under the leadership of Dr. Tim Geddert, New Testament theologian at FPU's Biblical Seminary.  

       At our June elders meeting, I was prepared to ask our elders to develop these guidelines, but on the Saturday prior to the Session meeting, the San Joaquin Presbytery (our local association of Presbyterian congregations) passed a resolution putting in place standards for ordination that allow congregations to call to office only those pastors, elders and deacons who "live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness."  Since the Presbytery governs our local congregations, these ordination standards will guide our own nominating processes, and the elders recognized that determining our own standards would therefore not be necessary.  I have added the resolution below so that you can know for yourselves the standards this Presbytery and congregation will abide by for the near future.

Resolution for Standards of Ordination
Presbytery of San Joaquin
Meeting June 11, 2011 

Whereas: Currently, the ordination standards in the Book of Order require an ordained officer to: "...live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained as deacons, elders, or ministers." 

Whereas: The new language approved by the presbyteries and General Assembly deletes the above quoted language and replaces it with: "The governing body responsible for the ordination and/or installation ... shall examine each candidate's callings, gifts, preparation, and suitability ... the examination shall include, but not be limited to a determination of the candidate's ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions ... governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the Confessions .... " 

Whereas: The Presbytery of San Joaquin interprets the new language of the Book of Order to authorize the governing body of each congregation and presbytery to establish its own standards of ordination beyond those stated in the Book of Order.

Whereas: Presbytery of San Joaquin follows the historical Christian teaching on these subjects and is guided by Scripture and the Confessions, which normatively call for leadership in the church to require those so ordained to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness. 

Therefore, it is RESOLVED that the historical ordination standard known as G-6.0106b, shall still be mandated within the examination process for all called to the office of minister of the Word and Sacrament in Presbytery of San Joaquin as set forth below:  "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historical confession of the church.  Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained as deacons, elders, or ministers of Word and Sacrament."  

 What to "do" this summer                                                 By Pastor Tedd Lyons

Summer has been with us for a while now.  Actually it started June 21, but most of us think of summer as beginning after the Memorial Day weekend.  Our public school teachers and children think of it as beginning when school ends. 

         Whenever it began for you, it is in full force now.  The temperature, which didn't seem to know what it should be doing for a while, has now gotten into full swing as well. 

        Although most of us do not relish the really hot days, summer affords us at least two great gifts.  The daylight hours are longer, and most of us usually have fewer demands on our time.  Most of us schedule our vacations during the summer, and do other recreational things that we don't have time for during the rest of the year. 

        So the question that I have been asking myself is this:  What are you going to do with all that time?  Sleep?  At first, that might sound like a jab, but it is an honest question.  It is a spiritual question.  Can I develop better practices, so that I care for the body, mind and spirit that the Lord has given to me as a gift?  This points toward the true meaning of the practice of Sabbath.  

       The Fourth Commandment is a gift of grace that calls me to care for myself and those around me.  We live in a world that is more and more focused on people's production and consumption.  Taking time for human relationships and our relationship to the Lord are more and more put to the side.  Multi-tasking is the new way to produce and consume more than human beings are able or intended to.  And there is good scientific research, not to say anything about what Holy Scripture says, that confirms that it is not the way we are created to be and do.

          So sleep is a good thing, but what can we do in our waking hours?  The Ten Commandments are listed in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.  Interestingly, the reason for keeping the Sabbath in each is not the same.  In Exodus the reason is related to creation, and in Deuteronomy it is related to slavery.  It seems that God wants us to know two things.  When we overwork and over-stress, we are not free, and we can no longer be creative.  And that is exactly what the Lord intends, that we be free and creative.   

           So it sounds like a simple practice for me this summer would be to focus a bit more on spontaneity and a creative activity that I have wanted to engage in, but have not.  Spontaneity is not planning to do something new, but allowing new thoughts to engage me in the moment.  I have a friend who told me that his psychologist said he needed to be more spontaneous.  So he told his wife, how about if every Wednesday night we go out for dinner.  That is not spontaneous.  Creativity is entering into the very activity of God.  It puts me in touch with what God has been wanting to say to me, but could not because all my "musts" crowd out his voice.

          There is a yearning deep in our hearts for freedom and creativity.  My first thought is to say that God has given us permission to be free and creative.  But God did not give us the "10 Permissions."  We need to take seriously his commands and grow in them, and the gift of summer is like forgiveness and grace to start anew.  Sabbath is one of the past practices that we at UPC have engaged.  With this year's practice of spiritual friendship, I encourage you to ask me how my summer has gone, and I will engage you on how you have used this great gift.

Music and Worship

Summer cleaning! 

Even though spring is almost over and summer is practically here, our director of music needs a little assistance in spring cleaning, or rather, summer cleaning! Elisha is hoping to reorganize her files, rearrange her office and get ready for the fall, and is looking for volunteers to help. If you can assist with filing, organizing or even sorting through papers, please contact the church office to sign up for the dates you are available to help. She will be cleaning  July 12-14, noon to 4:30 p.m. 

Any and all help is much appreciated!!

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Worshipping  with special music 

The weather is sizzling hot, and so is the worship music for the months in July! Come meet with us at 9:30 a.m. in Classic Worship, and enjoy a variety of special music. This month we will be featuring an organ/piano duet, a beautiful ladies' trio, special guest artist Jennifer Nagel (daughter of John and Ruth Kallenberg), some lovely guitar music by Rus Stolling and much more! We look forward to seeing you at Classic Worship!

Deacons ministry  

What do deacons do, anyway?

Deacons serve our congregation in many different ways. Perhaps here you'll learn where to turn for help that you need, or perhaps you'll find a ministry in which you can serve alongside  our faithful deacons:

Shepherding: Care for the members of their shepherding group and lifting them up in prayer, contacting them on a regular basis to represent the church as a body.                         Moderator: Christi Paradise, Vice Moderator: Eleanor Lockhart, Secretary: Leslie Stephenson, Treasurer: Linda Wilson

Communion: Prepare the Communion elements. Chairperson: Eleanor Lockhart

 Bereavement: Reach out to members after a death to provide assistance on the day of the funeral or memorial service. The help may include a meal or refreshments following the service or memorial donation. Also prayer and resource support  during grieving. Chairperson: Jo Dull

Rosebuds for babies: Celebrate new births with a rose on the chancel table during worship service. Chairperson: Edith Barnett and Donna Brady

Food assistance: Prepare food maintained in the church refrigerator for immediate needs during crisis. Chairperson: Chet Hansen

Blood center: Support the community's need for blood in emergency or planned surgeries. Chairperson: David Manion

Nominating: Support the elders in the search for new leadership within the congregation for the upcoming year.

Missions

Earth Angels news alert

Adult Ministries: Summer session travels to ancient Israel 

Our summer program has kicked off, and we'll be continuing to work our way through the series "That the World May Know." This unique video presentation outlines the development of Israel by viewing the sites where significant events occurred in its history and the lives of its people.

On July 3: "Firstfruits": Rahab; The Walls Fell Down; Set Apart for God

On July 10: "Confronting Evil": Sampson and the Philistine Empire

On July 17: "'The Iron Age": Technology and the influence on God's people

On July 24: "Innocent Blood": Digging in a Tel; Baal Worship  

On July 31: "Who Is God": Elijah and the Prophets of Baal        

    Please join us to view these fascinating videos followed by lively discussion each week in Great Room 9.

Youth Ministry

Service with a smile

Summer is in full swing now and the month of July has a lot to promise. The youth are taking the opportunity this month to focus on missions and serving others. With three different service projects throughout the month, we hope to really see how we can help others and share God's love.                                                                                                                                   Our youth service projects will be performed July 9 and July 23. Junior high-ers will have another special project July 25.

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Lake Day!

On Saturday, July 16,  9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.,  join us for a day by the lake, swimming, hiking and relaxing.  For details, contact Stephanie@upcfresno.org, or call her.

We are so fortunate at University Presbyterian Church to have all our pastors --  Chris, Tedd,  Sharon, and now Lorna and John Bosavanh, who lead our Lao worship.

         I have enjoyed the SEA Laotian Service, which meets at 11 a.m.  You don't have to know Lao to attend. You can feel their love and acceptance right away. You are always met warmly with a simple bow, hands in prayer formation, and the greeting "sabai dee."

       As you sit down, you notice a large simple wooden cross hanging on the wall and your eye wanders to the beautiful fresh cut flowers brought by Tout Tou from her garden. There are instruments such as guitars, a piano, an accordion, drums and more, scattered across the front ready for many talented people to use.

       The new projector helps show the words to songs and photos of  the people who will be helping out during worship. The music is very moving and heartfelt. Lorna and John give the Scripture readings and sermon, helping those who speak only English to understand what is being discussed with a few words of English here and there. Tout Tou also shares an English Bible as it is being read in Lao.

       The presence of God is certainly present and the welcome sign is huge for any and all to come to worship Him here at UPC.  

Alison Gaede 

Update on Vacation Bible School  

We are still looking for willing and able volunteers for VBS:  July 10-14, 5-8 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday)

     During the Sunday school hour on June 5, we'll have a VBS meeting for all who desire to be a part of this "Shake-em UP Cafe!"
   Here's what we still 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, and kitchen utensils.

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A-camping they will go!

  Kids from UPC and our neighborhood will be heading up to Calvin Crest the week of July 17. Please keep the campers and their counselors in your prayers, that they'll share fun and God's love.  

 Plan to arrive there at 6:30 p.m. Bring chairs and dinner, or you can purchase your supper at the Farmers Market.  Kingsburg Memorial Park is on 18th Street.  

     The concert is 8-9:30 p.m. We will enjoy melon and ice water at the intermission.

RSVP by July 1 to: Becky Bartsch, Laura Lindegren, or Jo Traugher.

You are invited to our annual Fall Prayer Retreat at the Old St. Angela Bed and Breakfast Inn in Pacific Grove, owned by Dianne and Jerry McKneely. This prayer retreat allows for much prayer time alone with some guided times and group reflection.                                              The retreat begins on Friday night, Nov. 4, and ends at noon on Sunday (full-time participation is required).  

       Registration is on a first-come basis and will close on Sept.15. The cost for the weekend is $200 per room, whether for couples or singles. Dinner on Saturday night will be "an evening out," with each of us paying for our own meal. If more people sign up than can be accommodated, a waiting list will be set up. To secure your registration, full payment must be made, and is non-refundable (but is transferable).  

       To register or for more information, contact Pastor Tedd, 559-439-8807. 

"And who is my neighbor?" -- Luke 10:29

pc(usa)true.neighbors  

From Melissa Stephenson, office manager:

We've had bugs, worms, horses and viruses. We've had new computers refuse to speak with older printers. We've had brief periods of near-panic due to uncooperative technology. But do we fear? Not a bit. We call Charlie Clark. Over and over, Charlie has cheerfully popped by the church office to eradicate Trojan horses, install drivers and so much more. Without his help we would have lost countless time and money -- and a little sanity.

         Charlie also spends every Tuesday of the school year as a volunteer in our neighborhood computer lab, where he teaches children who don't have regular access to technology. Charlie, thanks so much for contributing to the life of UPC by using your unique, God-given gifts and abilities. You are a blessing to us.

Also from Melissa Stephenson:

For far longer than I've been working here, Lorna Wendt has made UPC more hospitable to our neighbors and guests by preparing the bulletin board outside the church office. She has an artistic eye -- we can always count on beautiful colors and eye-catching graphics alongside the newsletter text for the current month. Lorna is also active in Chancel Choir and Bell Choir. Thanks so much Lorna, for the unique way you serve UPC. We really appreciate the beautiful work that you do.

From Pastor Tedd Lyons:

Shawn Simas teaches junior high math five days a week, so some people would wonder why he would volunteer to work with our youth. But that is exactly what he does, and has been doing for more than five years. Not only does he help with youth Sunday school on a weekly basis, but he also takes part in youth activities and mission trips. Over Easter vacation, Shawn gave up four days of his break from teaching to work alongside our youth. And for a number of years, Shawn has held a gathering of post-youth group guys at his home every Friday night to continue to build community and support one another. Why does he do this? Because he cares for our youth, and loves the Lord.  

'A great community of saints' 

From Justin Spurlock    

Thank you for our marvelous wedding

 from Dr. Chris and Patty Neufeld-Erdman

Patty and I want to express our warmest gratitude for the celebration of love and marriage held here at UPC on Saturday, May 14.  So many of you celebrated with us, praising God for the way we've found new love, and pledging to walk alongside us as we deepen our love over the next years, facing both the joys and struggles of a marital commitment that is God's way of making us whole and holy.

       In addition. over 75 of you volunteered to do big and small jobs to make the event possible.  We can't possibly thank you all personally, and though we've tried to remember you all when we see you, we can't keep that long list in mind.  So, please know that we are immensely grateful for what you each did to help bless us and all who came --from making cupcakes and designing the environment, cooking egg rolls and skewered chicken, setting up and cleaning up. Bless you all for the love you've shown us.

 We are writing to thank you for your generous support in giving to meet UPC's per capita obligation to the PC(USA). The per capita giving increased 40% over previous years. This enables UPC to provide greater outreach to our community.  Your generosity during these difficult financial times is recognized and appreciated by the leadership of the church.

 A heartfelt thanks and God's blessing on you for your generosity and support of God's work at UPC.