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The University Press
| September 2011 |
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"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth...Then people go out to their work,
to their labor until evening."
Psalm 104: 14, 23
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The Wind blows where it will by Pastor Tedd Lyons
September brings change. Some of it is very welcome. The temperature begins to ease back into the comfort range, and the nights are cooler. We can give the air conditioner a break. For parents, and maybe children, school is back in full swing, and after a long summer the normal social life resumes.
But there are trade-offs. All the excitement that was anticipated, and hopefully experienced, of summer travel, spontaneity, and relaxation is mostly a memory. Back to normal means back to work, and the reason for the need for a relaxing summer will begin to build once again.
The life of UPC has for many years followed the pattern of these seasonal shifts. Groups that meet regularly take a break in the summer. Worship times change. Activity on our campus definitely moves at a slower pace. And then September comes, and the choir is practicing again on Wednesday nights, the Bell Choir on Thursday nights, Bible study groups resume, and of course we resume our normal 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship schedule, with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. (this will actually begin on Sept. 11).
Now, it seems that "the wind may be blowing were it will." This summer the worship committee decided to keep two services. The first service (traditional/classic) has been held at 9:30 a.m., and the second service (contemporary/Connect) was at 5 p.m. This was an experiment, and proved to have advantages and disadvantages. Session has decided to return to our traditional schedule, as I said, beginning Sept 11. But there has been, and will continue to be, a good amount of conversation about the changes, and what advantages there would be to take a new look at our whole way of being together on Sunday mornings.
The point of my bringing this up is not to ask for your opinion. That has already been done through a survey that was taken last month. And, of course, listening to one another is a part of who we understand God calls us to be. The Session will be discussing and working on this issue in the next few months, and they want to listen to any ideas that you may have.
But I bring it up as a pastoral concern. What we do on Sundays, worshipping God and learning to live into his Kingdom, is the most important thing that we do as followers of Jesus Christ. And the question needs to be framed in the right way. When Jesus said "the wind blows where it will," he was talking about the Spirit of God, who calls every person into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. It is so tempting to say, "I like things, or would like things, in a certain way, because that would be more convenient for me." But the point of Jesus' metaphor is that my convenience or preference may not be the best measure of what God is about. Trying to control God or having him at our service is like trying to control the wind. It may well be that he has begun to move us into new ways of thinking and being, and, if so, he is calling us, as he always does, to focus, not on ourselves, but on the world that he has called us to serve.
This is not a set up. No decisions have been made, or even a bias set in motion. What we must do is pray that the Lord would help us discern which way his wind is blowing. So, I ask you all to open yourselves up to the possibilities that the Lord is laying before us. It may be that he is even opening up new ways for us to be that no one has yet thought of. The Wind blows where it will. All to the glory of God and his blessed Kingdom.
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A simple guide to the Prayer of the Heart by Dr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman
As part of this current series of articles about the stages of spiritual growth, I wrote last month about the experience called "The Wall."
At the Wall, you have to face what's standing in the way between you and God -- and that's never easy. "It's your spiritual practices," I wrote, "especially interior prayer, meditation, and contemplation that will see you through to the new you that awaits you on the other side." This month, I'll tell you about a simple way to practice interior prayer.
The method of prayer I'll teach you is very, very old. Old as St. Paul who taught us to  "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5.12). Old as Jesus, who taught us that the "Kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17.21), and that when we pray we're not to go on babbling as so many religious people do, but are instead to enter the closet of our hearts and commune simply with God (Matthew 6.6). A form of this kind of praying is quite possibly as old as Elijah and the prophets of Israel, who knew that God's voice was best heard in "the sound of sheer silence" (1 Kings 19.12).
The Prayer of the Heart (the Jesus Prayer, contemplative prayer, etc) is the most universal spiritual "technology" for achieving what all people seek: union with God. That it's relatively unknown today doesn't mean it's strange or esoteric. Nor is it only for monks and mystics. The monks and mystics all agree that it's the most beneficial and easily practiced form of prayer available to the most active of people. For millennia housewives and blacksmiths, kings and farmers have practiced the Prayer of the Heart, nourishing a vital spiritual life, cultivating virtue, and living humble lives of love and grace, compassion and courage -- bringing hope and wholeness to our often fragile and wounded, yet beautiful world.
The following is a little guide to this ancient and durable practice that's making a comeback in our day -- and not a moment too soon, for the state of our world sorely needs the kind of men and women who are shaped by it:
Find a quiet place. Sit still. Back straight. Begin by greeting the Light, the Beloved. Follow your easy breath, in and out. Survey your whole body, beginning with the toes and ending with the nose. Release all tension. Sink into the Presence of God. Gently breathe, giving your thoughts the freedom to come and go. Like snowflakes, you may notice them but you mustn't hold them. Simply let them fall.
Letting them fall won't be easy. Your mind will parade many things in front of you. To-do lists, problems you're dealing with, dreams you have for yourself will lure your attention away from God. The barking dog next door will annoy you. Memories from long ago will entertain you. Ugly things too will crowd in upon you -- lusts, fears, ambitions. Don't fight them, judge them, or follow them. Just watch them and become aware that you're aware of them. This awareness is the key. When you're aware, you're present-to God and to your self before God. This is pure prayer. Resting. Waiting. Being.
When something draws you away again -- and it will (for these moments of pure prayer, absolute awareness of nothing but God, are fleeting) -- simply take note that y ou were drawn away temporarily and return to the Beloved. Open your heart to love. Become drunk with love, full of light. Your untamed thoughts and feelings will become disoriented when they encounter a soul aflame with love; they'll recede, I promise. You're forgetting all but Love, and Love will tame the wild beasts inside you -- your mind, your commands and your will cannot.
Wait, wait, wait in stillness until you reach the silence that is the voice of the Beloved, then on the inhale, speak inwardly, "Jesus," and on the exhale, "Mercy," or some other simple prayer. The grace of God will come to you on the wings of this humble, interior prayer. These words, once planted in your heart, will become the seeds of unceasing prayer. Repeat them, following your uncontrolled breath as you rest in God.
When you've come to the end of the time you've allotted for this exercise (you might use a quiet alarm so you don't have to keep looking at the clock), simply bring your soul to an awareness of the world outside you. Thank the beloved Trinity and re-enter the day.
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Music and Worship
Fall worship schedule returns 
Beginning Sept. 11, our worship will resume our fall schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. for Classic Worship
- 11 a.m. for Connect, contemporary worship
Coffee social time and Sunday School will be in-between services.
Be sure to mark your calendars!!
The return to these fall worship times is based upon the worship survey taken this summer. The committees are still evaluating the survey responses to explore the feasibility of the first service starting at 9 or 9:30 a.m.
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Celebrate Bachtober!
Get ready for the passionate and exhilarating sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach all through the month of October. You won't want to miss our Classic Worship services. This "Bachtober" musical event will feature our own UPC Chancel Choir singing angelic Bach chorales, Cactus Harris on harpsichord, our talented pianist, Hailey Groves, Bach's cello suites transcribed for horn in F, the Fresno Pacific Brass Ensemble, and much, much more! Come join us in worship!
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Ringers Wanted!
UPC's bell choir has begun rehearsals -- our five octaves of Schulmerich handbells (61) and three octaves of handchimes (37) could use a few more ringers. Are you musical?  If you have ever sung in a choir or played a musical instrument (even if it was years ago!) we want you! No experience required, though a little musical knowledge is helpful.
Choir members are friendly and sociable and will train you. We rehearse Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and participate in worship about once a month, usually at the 8:30 a.m. service. Come join us! For more information, call David Knudson, or speak to any member of the bell choir.
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Missions: New start for Chandler West Habitat build
 We have new dates for the Chandler West Habitat House build. We are scheduled to start on Sept. 10 and finish Feb. 4. All work will be Saturdays from 7:45 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. No experience is required. All workers must be at least 18 years old. If you would like to help (and have not already been in touch), please contact Pat Dodds.
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Evangelism: Class for new members is here
A New Member class takes place in September. The gatherings, one at the home of Pastor Chris, the other at Pastor Tedd's, are Sunday, Sept. 18 and 25.
For more information, please get in touch with either Chris or Tedd.
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Adult Ministries: Christian education branches out In September, we will begin moving in a new direction for Adult Christian Education. It will eventually evolve into three different tracks. Basic Bible study: Walt Blore will be leading us through the books of the Bible using reading and discussion, but may also make use of video and other special programs. Current classes: We will continue the courses and presentations we're in the midst of. Topic directed study: These will be small groups that can be formed around any topic that perhaps 8 or 10 people may be interested in. For example, it could be people who are of the same age group, family situation (young children, teenage children, etc.), or spiritual interest (e.g., Centering Prayer). They may meet on campus or off campus or during the Christian Education hour or other times. Ultimately, the goal is to grow in Christ without being confined to traditional learning formats. They will be coordinated through but not structured by Adult Ministries. Scheduled for September: Sept. 4: "The Shadow of Herod" views 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 understanding Jesus and Herod. Sept. 11: "My Rock and My Fortress" is the final lesson in the "That the World May Know" series. It presents the two biblical truths that, first, we must see God, not our own efforts, as our protection and strength, and, 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. Sept. 18: Cindy Correia will be continuing her spiritual direction class from the spring, "The Journey of Faith: Discernment". Sept. 25: In a class titled "Peacemaking," the Missions Ministry will be preparing us for the week leading up to Peacemaking Sunday, Oct. 2. There will likely be a guest teacher. |
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Youth Ministry moves from summer into fall
 .....Summer: The sun is setting on summer, but UPC youth made the most of it, with lake trips, Calvin Crest, scavenger hunts, service projects and finally a beach trip. Over all, summer was a BLAST as the group got to spend quality time together in study.
....Fall: This month we will be switching back to regular schedule for Sunday worship a nd Sunday School. Here's a quick heads-up about what to expect!
Youth Group: Get ready to go deep, studying -- and
making a video -- about the 12 Tribes of Israel.
More September stuff: Look forward to movie nights and helping with Fresno State Bulldogs football parking, PLUS a fun event Labor Day weekend.
October: Be prepared for apple picking and cider-making
November: Get ready to be thankful with a Thankful Feast and service project!
If you have questions, contact Stephanie Wright.
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Children's Ministries
Get on board for Amtrak trip! Join Children's Ministries when we ride the Amtrak train to Hanford on Sept. 17. We will meet at UPC at 8:30 a.m. and carpool to the Fresno train station downtown. The train departs at 9:55 a.m. We will arrive in Hanford at lunchtime. You can either bring a bag lunch or eat at a restaurant in town. We will enjoy games in the park followed by out-of-this-world ice cream at the famous Superior Dairy ice cream parlor.  The cost for the train is $5 for children younger than 15 and $10 for adults. The cost of food and ice cream is extra.
If you plan to attend this fun event, please sign up at our Children's Ministry table after Sunday worship or email Aimee Dillon at aimee@upcfresno.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deck the cars.... It is almost fall, so it's time to begin brainstorming about how you'll decorate YOUR car  trunk for our annual Trunk-or-Treat, which will be Monday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m. We are asking for donations of wrapped candy beginning Oct. 16. There will be a sign-up list at the Children's Ministry table to offer your car trunk, help with games that evening and donations of candy.
Please volunteer to take part in this fun way to reach out to our community and our UPC kids with an alternative to Halloween trick-or-treating. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAST but NOT LEAST We need volunteers to help teach Sunday school this fall, beginning Sept. 11, at 9:45 a.m. You can offer to team-teach with a partner so it gives you an occasional Sunday off, or you can volunteer for three months at a time -- whatever works best for your busy lifestyle.
Please call the office or email Aimee Dillon if you are interested in teaching our terrific children! aimee@upcfresno.org or 439-8807. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christmas Pageant Auditions We will hold Christmas pageant auditions in Majesty Theatre on September 18 during Sunday School hour. Contact Kathleen Wilson for more details. |
For Men Only: Season opener is Sept. 15
Men of all ages: Join us on Thursday mornings at 6 a.m. for breakfast, fellowship,
and study. We end around 7:15 a.m. Breakfast (a $12 value) costs a mere $2. This fall our study will deal with the sermon texts taken from II Corinthians. All are welcome, and you may contact Pastor Tedd, James Swanson, Doug Haas or any member of the group. We have met for 20 years and look forward to another 20 to come. |
| Women's Bible Study is tapping you
 Webster's defines "nudge" as "a gentle push with the elbow." Do you perhaps need a little nudge to expand your spiritual horizons and get into a study of the Bible this year? If so, we have a spot for YOU. UPC's Wednesday morning Women's Bible Study invites you to join our weekly fellowship at 9:30 a.m. We gather in the Great Room for a time of sharing, prayer and our self-led Bible study. We will start our year on Sept. 7 with a study of the Gospel of Mark. Study guides cost about $6. Call Laura Lindegren, our study coordinator, to ask her to save you a study book.
Pay attention...are you feeling a little "nudge"?
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University Presbyterian Women: Join us!
All women who are members of UPC and women who are friends of UPC are invited to gather on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Great Room. Presbyterian Women will be hearing from Nancy Youngs as she shares some of her experiences living and working in the Middle East and Africa. Nancy and her husband, David, traveled extensively in this part of the world before the current strife. What does Presbyterian Women actually do? For 100 years, Presbyterian Women has worked together to "...nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom" (Presbyterian Women Purpose). At UPC we meet the second Tuesday of each month to live out that purpose here in Fresno. We hope you will come join us for good fellowship, learning and caring. |
GALS quilt for a cause
Think pink for GALS Night! On Thursday, Sept 22, at 7 p.m. in the Great Room, we will work on the Quilt Pink Project for breast cancer patients. No experience is necessary as we lay out pre-cut quilt squares to design beautiful quilt tops. We hope to have many gals there to help with this important project!! |
 STARS walk in immigrants' shoes
STARS (Seniors That Are Really Special) will meet Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Room. We will explore what it takes to become a citizen of the United States. Louis Volpp will be our guest to tell us about the process and to test our knowledge just as if we were applying for citizenship. As always, we will conclude with dessert and conversation. Join us for this informative afternoon. |
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Clippers share music and munchies
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 a 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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Sing on World Communion Sunday
You are invited to join with Presbyterians from all over the Valley as we worship together on World Communion Sunday, October 2. We will gather at 4:00pm for worship at First Presbyterian Church in Visalia. Our choir will be joining in a choir that could number nearly 100. After worship we will share a potluck meal together. You are asked to bring your favorite casserole.
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| Still room at the inn for prayer retreat
The Prayer Retreat weekend, Nov. 4-6, at the Old St. Angela Bed and Breakfast Inn in Pacific Grove, owned by Dianne and Jerry McKneely, is almost full. Two rooms are still available. The cost for the weekend is $200 per room, whether for couples or singles. To register or for more information, contact Pastor Tedd.
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Caring in Kenya
When Lorraine Stanfield of Milton, Mass., turned 50 last spring, she didn't want a party.
She wanted her family to go with her to Kenya to serve people, and maybe take in a safari after the short mission experience. Under the auspices of the nonprofit organization Lift Up Africa, the Stanfields - Burns, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Boston; Lorraine, a physician; and their three teen children taught classes, led worship and saw patients.
Read how God used them at PC(USA)Kenya.
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The "Thank you" Corner
Honoring UPC friends who make a difference
This month's "Thank You" goes to Mike Guthrie and Lee Erickson.
From Melissa Stephenson, Office Manager
Mike Guthrie has been making a difference at UPC for a very long time. More recently, he drove the youth to the beach for their beach trip. He also has helped out with worship by running the sound booth, moving the organ (time and time again), and generally making time for UPC every time we have some great need, which is quite often. Thanks so much Mike, for coming through each time we're in a pinch. You have been clutch more times than I can count.
Lately I've seen a lot of Lee Erickson around here. He can be found in the attic, on the roof, in the chancel, and wherever else something is broken. We so appreciate his vast array of skills. Recently, he, along with Dave Eaton, improved our drainage system on the grassy area. He also has been working on the A/C system so that the choir won't be so warm on summer mornings. Thanks, Lee! Our campus wouldn't be in nearly as good condition without your careful attention.
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ATTENTION!
Fall worship returns! Sept. 11, UPC will resume our two Sunday services: Classic Worship
at 8:30 a.m. and Connect, contemporary worship,
at 11 a.m.
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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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OFFICE CLOSED
The UPC office will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, to observe Labor Day.
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4 Communion
5 Office closed, Labor Day
6 Deacons, 7 p.m.
9 Clippers, 6:30 p.m.
10 Centering Prayer, 8 a.m.
11 Resume fall worship, two
services, 8:30 & 11 a.m.
13 Session, 6 p.m.
17 Children's Ministry
train trip, 9:30 a.m.
Bulldogs parking, 7 p.m.
18 Majesty Theater pageant
auditions, 9:45 a.m.
20 Prayer & Healing, 7 p.m.
21 STARS, 1:30 p.m.
24 Presbyterian Women,
9 a.m.
27 Ministries meetings,
7 p.m.
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