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The University Press
| August 2011 |
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"For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens,
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. "
Psalm 108:4
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The Wall: a required confrontation in your spiritual journey by Dr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman, pastor
The fourth stage in the spiritual journey will carry you deeper into your heart. At Stage Four, you're invited by the Holy Spirit to turn inward in order to awaken to the depth of interior intimacy with the Holy Trinity. This doesn't mean you've not tasted God until now. But it does mean that your relationship is moving to a different level. At this stage, you're discovering  God all over again. I wrote extensively about this stage in last month's newsletter.
Stage Four, "Second Awakening," is a deepening of your experience of the presence of God, but that doesn't mean it's easy. As in any relationship, there are real challenges as the relationship matures. You are not yet who God's destined you to be and God is different from what you once thought God to be. This tension can cause disillusionment with God, church, and yourself. Disillusionment with God doesn't mean God is insufficient or the church is failing you; it means, rather, that you must change, and change doesn't come easily because you are now coming face to face with the impediments that stand between you and the God who loves you. This leads me to describe an experience you will inevitably have at some point as you move through your "Second Awakening."
At some point, usually initiated by a personal crisis or some other challenge, you will be brought face to face with a confrontation between your will and God's. Some have called this experience, "The Wall" (see Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich in their book, The Critical Journey).
In this confrontation, a subtle idolatry is exposed -- an idolatry you've been able to cover up until now, that's remained hidden from your eyes, though you've been bumping into it for quite some time. The idolatry is this: You want God so long as you can have God on your terms, so long as you really don't have to change in the deep places of your life, so long as you ultimately remain in control. This is, in St Paul's words, "Having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3.5). It is the avoidance of the Cross of Christ. You can believe in all the Cross teaches about sin and salvation, but mere belief isn't what the Cross is all about. The Cross aims at your salvation, your transformation, your death and resurrection spiritually. You must experience the Cross yourself.
When you hit the Wall spiritually, the Cross is no longer an idea or doctrine, something that happened to Jesus long ago. You are united with Christ in his death, and you -- if you walk the way of the Cross -- will be united with him in his resurrection. Here you release your ego, your false and fallen self, which has tried to play God for too long now. And if you do, you will awaken to a face of God that you've not known up to this point, a depth of intimacy you've only longed for.
So, when you come to the Wall, you will need to cooperate with the crisis as a gift of grace, as painful as it may be, as demonic as it may seem. For behind it (while not necessarily orchestrating it) is the Hand of God, guiding you to a new awakening to your life in Christ.
Again, as in Stage Four (in fact, all the higher or deeper stages), you will need guidance, spiritual direction from a competent friend, counselor, or pastor -- someone  who's not threatened by your questions and frustrations, who won't try to fix you, but who knows there's a mystery at work within you and who can hold you in faith as you journey forward past your fears into the newness of God. But here at the Wall, it's your spiritual practices, especially interior prayer, meditation and contemplation that will see you through to the new you that awaits you on the other side.
When you emerge from this confrontation stripped down, leaner, cleaner and more open to love -- and if you have found a way to release your need for control and to play God -- you will be able to say: "What I thought I needed, I don't really need. What I was sure I couldn't live without, I can live without. With God alone I am content." You will be able to say with Jesus, "Lord, not my will but yours be done" (Luke 22.42), and with Mary, "Let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1.38). This is true spiritual freedom and readies you for the new outward engagement with mission and ministry that is Stage Five.
Facing the Wall doesn't mean that you're now free from the impediments and distractions, the temptations and seductions that hinder your relationship with God. But it does mean that you now know how to face them when they come.
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Music and Worship
The Chancel Choir wants YOU!!!!
I've heard many people over the years say, "My voice would never sound good in a choir..." or, "I can't carry a tune in a bucket!" Any time someone learns I'm a choir director, I'm usually asked, "Can you really learn how to sing?" My answer is this: "Yes, anyone can learn to sing appropriately for their level of natural talent."
Of course, this is my extremely diplomatic answer, but what does it mean in plain English? It means we are all born with a specific anatomical configuration. Everyone has limits or boundaries their vocal talents cannot exceed. But you can learn to harness your voice in ways you might have never imagined and create sounds you didn't think were possible! Does this also mean it's possible to increase your range, dynamics and agility levels? Yes, yes and yes!
The reality is, there will always be a singer, on TV or down the block, who can do something better than you. Don't despair. The goal is to fully utilize your talent! Anyone can learn to sing and speak with confidence. Training integrates proper use  of the muscles of the throat, face, chest and abdominal muscles. The techniques can be quickly applied to songs or real-life speaking situations.
The UPC Chancel Choir is looking for any person who loves to make a joyful noise to the Lord. You may think you can't carry a tune now, but I assure you, there is hope! In choir rehearsals, you'll learn to blend your voice, stretch your voice, and you'll learn tips to reading the music and listening for the right notes to sing. A choir isn't always made up of really great soloists -- sometimes the best choirs are filled with voices that sound much better when combined. That's why we need YOU!!
I learned that we used to have a choir of approximately 50-60 people. While I am so deeply proud of our current choir members and very honored to stand in front of them, my mind can't help but wonder.... "Why can't we fill up that chancel each Sunday?" The truth is, there is no good reason why we can't. Our congregation is full of extremely talented and well-educated musicians.
I cordially and warmly invite you to come and check out the Chancel Choir family. We are a group of people who dearly love the Lord and have a joy in our heart when we sing praises to His name. We laugh, we worship, we pray for our community and world, we preach the Word through song, and we make it a high priority to enjoy the company of one another (sometimes to the point of hysterical laughter). I will also create an encouraging and nurturing environment for all singers to grow and learn while developing confidence. We resume choir rehearsals Wed., Aug. 24.
Don't shy away just because of a complicated work or travel schedule-- I will work with you. Some of my choir members work 12- and 13-hour days, and still manage to make it to rehearsal on a regular basis. There's always room for you in our Chancel Choir family.
There will be a Choir Kick-Off BBQ Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21. So please contact me as soon as you can so we can prepare for your arrival. We are looking forward to singing with you! If you have questions about the choir, please email me at elisha@upcfresno.org.
Elisha Wilson, director of music and worship
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Missions: Red tape ties up Habitat project
The start date for the Chandler West Memorial Habitat for Humanity house has been pushed back to September -- tentatively Sept. 10 -- because of difficulties getting permits from the city. But keep those construction aprons and hammers handy and be ready to go when we get the green light!
If you have questions, get in touch with Patt Dodds.
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Adult Ministries: Summer session travels to ancient Israel We continue our visual journey through Old Testament Israel in the series "That the World May Know." Up to now, we have discovered how strategically situated Israel was as a crossroads in the ancient Mideast; the role the Jordan River played in the lives and culture of the Israelites; how the Israelites were to be set apart by God; and the rising conflict with the Philistines and how geography played a role. In August, the series will take us on these new journeys:
--- Aug. 7, "The Lord Is My Shepherd": This class will focus on the metaphor of the  relationship of God as our shepherd. We will view the geography and topography of the Judea Wilderness and the Negev and the biblical events that took place there. And we will learn about the unique lifestyle of the wilderness shepherd and how the shepherd's relationship with his sheep parallels God's relationship with His people. --- Aug. 14, "God With Us": Here we will discover the significance of the city of Arad and the impact on it and all Israelites of the religious reforms begun by King Hezekiah. We will also discover the relationship between the temple at Arad and Solomon's temple at Jerusalem. --- Aug. 21, "The Shadow of Herod": In this lesson, we will view the contrast between Jesus and Herod. We will learn about the great accomplishments of Herod, why the Herodion was built, the relationship between the Herodion and the birth of Jesus, and the importance of Jacob and Esau in the understanding Jesus and Herod. --- Aug. 28, "My Rock and My Fortress": Here we're presented with two biblical truths. First, we must see God, not our own efforts, as our protection and strength. Second, God sent Jesus to be Messiah. We will see the contrast between the kingdom Jesus represented and the kingdom the Jewish Zealots longed for, how and why Herod built Masada, the contrast between David and Herod, and why the battle for Masada occurred.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Centering Prayer If you have a curiosity about centering prayer, please join us in September. On Sept. 10, University Presbyterian Church will host the Fall Centering Prayer Introductory Class. It will be open to everyone at UPC and all congregations in the Fresno area with an interest in this ancient form of prayer. The class, be led by Cathy Wingert, will include: --- Group practice of centering prayer --- Instruction on the method of centering prayer
Consider taking this chance to explore this spiritual practice. |
Youth Ministry Hello, beach! Goodbye, summer Join us Aug. 20 for an exciting end-of-summer, back-to-school  trip. We will go swimming, play Frisbee, eat pizza, build sand castles and simply relax on the beach before we have to think about starting classes again. We'll meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and return at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $20. New take on Old Testament Come help us complete our study and video production of the Old Testament on Sunday nights from 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy good fellowship, fun, and games as we dig deep into stories and create our modern-day interpretations of Noah's Ark, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph and many other stories. For details on these youth activities, contact Stephanie Wright at Stephanie@upcfresno.org or call her at (209) 345-1137.
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Southeast Asian Ministry
New team heads to Laos
In November, UPC will be sending the next team to Laos to install a Living Waters for the World clean-water system in the village of Ban Na Sang Pai. As this article is written, our team consists of John and Lorna Bosavanh, Chanthay Photivongsay, and DonnaLee Zimmerman. (Several others are considering their participation.) They will join up with the partners from the Lao Evangelical Church who, with the support of UPC, have been trained to install and maintain LWW systems.
Ban Na Sang Pai ("Village Near Bamboo") is a small village about 40 kilometers outside of Vientiane. There is no Christian church in Ban Na Sang Pai, but there is one  very determined Christian woman and the Lao Evangelical Church is working to establish a believers community in the village. In 2009 and again in 2010, our Lao Partners team tested the well and found the worst water quality of any well they tested in Laos. However, the contaminants present in this well are precisely the contaminants the Living Waters for the World system is designed to treat.
Village leaders are excited about the prospect of having safe water to use for drinking and cooking. Several people from the village came to Vientiane last year to observe and assist with the installation of the LWW system at Nasai church. Along with our LEC partners, these people have been instrumental in preparing the site and working with the local officials to welcome our installation team this fall in Ban Na Sang Pai.
Please pray for the UPC team as they prepare for our mission, for the Lao Evangelical Church as they witness to the people of Ban Na Sang Pai and for the village as they prepare for the new water system.
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Making a Splash at the Living Waters Festival
Dive right into the the fun as we support the Fall 2011 Lao Partners mission trip to Laos. Games, displays, food and fellowship will rain down on the UPC campus on Sunday, Aug. 28, after worship. Swimwear is optional for kids of all ages as we toss water balloons, run relays, check out the clean water system and enjoy a delicious lunch on the patio. Warm up your pitching arm and see who you can cool off with a dip in the Dunk Tank. We'll have a swimmingly good time and support the great cause of bringing clean water to a village in Laos. Beginning Aug. 7, you can stop by the table after worship to:
--- Reserve your lunch of BBQ chicken, sticky Rice with sauce and fruit: $7 each or four for $25.
--- Buy your tickets for the Dunk Tank: $3 each, two for $5 or five for $10.
--- Purchase tickets for the quilt raffle: $5 each, three for $10
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Children's Ministries
Vacation Bible School rocked! WOW! What a blessing the week of VBS was, with our Shake It Up Cafe! It was amazing. We had up to 63 students attending July 10-14. Guest visitors from the Old and New Testament were: An Israelite woman: Kristen Gearheart; Israelite youth: Mitch Salt; Jesus: played by Chris Erdman and Tedd Lyons; and Peter, Joe Wilson.  A powerful, committed team of leaders for recreation, snacks, crafts and storytime were prepared and joyfully shared Jesus and his Love. Our shepherds in all four grade levels loved our children, moved them from station to station and were energetic and committed to our dear ones. The Morgan-Leeds family graciously fed us meals nightly. Elisha Wilson, our music minister, led us with joy and energy! Thanks to all! During Sunday worship on July 17, more than 25 children sang and shared what God had taught them through music and dance! Please continue to pray that what God is doing continues! God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Kathleen Smith and Aimee Dillon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Let's go to a Grizzlies game Come join Children's Ministry at a Grizzlies baseball game. Tickets are $10, and there will be fireworks after the game! We're going Aug. 19, with a game time of 7:05 p.m. Sign up after worship services at the children's table for a fun event for the whole family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make tracks to Hanford! Sign up early for a return trip to Hanford on Amtrak. We're going Sept. 17 for lunch in the park and then ICE CREAM at the famous Superior Dairy. More details will be available at the children's table after worship services. |
Calling all GALS
Here's an open invitation to all women at UPC. Join us for GALS' Night on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Great Room. On Aug. 25, the Hat Game will be back by popular demand. Come see what it's all about -- you won't want to miss this laughter-filled evening!! |
 STARS take long view
STARS (Seniors That Are Really Special) will meet Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Room. The discussion will cover "The Gift of Years," and we'll talk about some of the challenges we live into as we grow into our elder years. Our leaders will be Marian Amend, Ceci Johnson, and Joan Chittister (via her inspiring book from which the title of our program comes). Join us one and all to share insights, and of course, a homemade dessert and coffee. |
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Clippers....save the date!
The Clippers will gather on Friday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for appetizers (please bring something to share) and talk and program by Cactus Harris, UPC's organist. , Then they'll share dessert provided by Bob and Marilyn Yule and Ray and Jo Dull.
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| Make time for fall prayer retreat
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 wi ll 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. As of July 15, six of the nine rooms had been reserved. 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.
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Border crossing divides us
Illegal immigration is an issue that divides Americans and Presbyterians. A young Presbyterian woman who is nearing the end of her one-year Young Adult Volunteers ministry with the PC(USA) in South Tucson, Ariz.., joined a group of people that followed a 75-mile, weeklong route from Mexico across the U.S. border taken by illegal immigrants. She writes about her experience and her thoughts, and other Presbyterians react in written comments with disapproval and apparent anger. Enter the discussion at pc(usa)migrant.trail.
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The "Thank you" Corner
Honoring UPC friends who make a difference
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Grateful UPC members give thanks
Our sincere thank you to all of you for the caring and love, in your cards and your help in making Glenn's service and reception so very special. We will be forever grateful to a wonderful congregaton.
With love, Betty Douglass and family
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My family and I are so very grateful for all the expressions of love and support that we have received since John's passing on July 4. The cards, calls, food, flowers and sincere offers of help have touched us and will help sustain us in the weeks ahead. John was a very special man and I was so privileged to be his wife for almost 46 years. You are a wonderful church family. Ruth Kallenberg and family |
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Deadline for September newsletter is Aug. 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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