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The University Press
"Where love of God and love of others live at the heart of our life together." |
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What are you looking for? Tasting the essence
of Christianity By Rev. Dr.Chris Neufeld-Erdman, Senior Pastor
 Early in the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to ordinary people. Two of them, in particular, are attracted to him (though he's actually said very little). They begin to follow him when Jesus turns and asks, "What are you looking for?" (John 1.38).
Jesus didn't test their theology. He didn't ask them to go into their heads. He invited them into their hearts. It was a deeply personal question, a question about what calls out to them with the inner voice of their deepest desires. Of course, our desires can lead us astray. They can deceive us. But, the truth Jesus is driving at is that unless we know the deepest desires within us, we're not likely to find our way to God. We'll settle for lesser things. We'll seek to satisfy desires that, once satisfied, only leave us hungry for something more. What are you looking for -- really? Not the first thing that comes to you, but beyond that...what's deeper, more basic, more enduring?
Some have said that the two followers replied foolishly; they didn't know what to say to a question like that. So, they replied, "Where are you staying?" (John 1.38). I don't think their question was foolish at all. I think they responded to Jesus' penetrating question with an equally penetrating question. They were burned out with religious answers. They'd had enough of them and they didn't satisfy. Their question, "Where are you staying," is the right question; it is a request for relationship. And Jesus, acknowledging the wisdom in their response, says, "Come and see" (John 1.39).
Christianity is essentially an experience of relationship. It is friendship with God and with one another. It is an enfolding into a community--divine and human--that is on its way toward being safe, secure, and full of compassion. It's not always those things. Maybe Christianity's rarely those things. But, it's supposed to be those things. For Christianity, according to Jesus, is the answer to our deepest hunger, an end to what we as human beings are ultimately looking for: our desire to know and be known.
In 2013, we as a congregation intend to go deeper into this essence of Christianity--the experience of genuine community. And this fall, we'll introduce this adventure in worship and through what those who are leading our new Small Groups Initiative are calling a "Taste of Real Community"--a four-week opportunity for each of us to explore ways to answer our deepest hunger.
Of course, most of us are afraid in one degree or another of getting close to others--no matter how much we hunger for it. People have hurt us, disappointed us, betrayed us. And, we've done the same to them. I get that. I know what it means to hurt and be hurt, to hold myself back from others, even while longing to experience being known and knowing others whom I can trust.
Add to this, many of us just don't feel we have the time. Getting close to others is hard enough, but squeezing out time to do it just doesn't seem possible. Yet, inwardly we long for what seems impossible.
So, in worship this fall, we'll read the New Testament letters of John. These scriptures are a witness to the ways the earliest Christians learned to live the essence of Christianity, to live in safe and compassionate community with one another. It wasn't easy. They were every bit as afraid of community as you and I are.
Then, for four weeks in October, you'll have an opportunity to join in a brief and obviously fairly superficial small-group experience around a study I've designed to help us taste what Christianity is essentially about. Remember, it's only a taste, not the whole meal. I hope this taste will cause you to hunger for more. And then, in 2013, our Small Groups Initiative team will provide a wide array of small-group opportunities you can enter, as fully as you wish, Christ's own invitation for you to "stay" awhile among people trying to grow into their experience of the love of God.
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| Worship and music
by Elisha Wilson, Minister of Music and Arts
 In Sunday worship this month, you can look forward to:
September 2: The last Sunday of Integrated Worship at 9:30 a.m.
September 9: We will be back to the following worship schedule:
8:30 a.m.: Classic Worship
11 a.m.: Contemporary Worship
11 a.m.: Lao Worship
September 16: Jo Dull, Nancy Engstrom, and Lorna Wendt will bless us with a beautiful piece of music called "I Will Lift My Eyes" by Mendelssohn, performed a capella during the 8:30 a.m. service. Jim Brannan will be playing percussion accompaniment in the 11 a.m. service.
September 23: Trish and James Orr will be providing special music in the 11 a.m. service.
September 30: Cactus Harris, resident organist, and Alyssa Pielstick, mezzo soprano, will be providing special music during the 8:30 a.m. service. Aaron Grisez will be playing percussion accompaniment in the 11 a.m. service.
It's not too late!
Join the choir and be blessed! There are many activities and rewarding relationships in store for you. All ages are welcome! For more information, contact Elisha Wilson.
Choir Retreat
Saturday, September 29: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at UPC.
We'll be digging deep into our music for the fall and Advent seasons; getting to know one another a little better, sharing a meal, and we'll also do quite a bit of laughing! Join the choir and enjoy this special event.
The Lao service needs your help
If you are a guitar player, keyboard player, or singer, and you'd like to help the Lao Worship Team, please contact Elisha Wilson .
Save the dates!
Fall Potluck and Talent Show: This third annual fan favorite at UPC will be Sunday, October 28, at 6 p.m. Look for potluck and talent show act signups throughout the month of September.
Bachtober Musical Festival: It's back!! Throughout the month of October, UPC's Worship and Arts will be featuring Bach music during Classic Worship services through the singing of our Chancel Choir, the glorious tinkling of the harpsichord ivories, the majestic pipes of the Skinner organ singing away, and various other guest artists including a Bach orchestra on the October 28. Stay tuned to the weekly Connections insert in the UPC bulletin or other announcements during worship for more details.
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Session summary
The UPC Session met on Tuesday, August 14. Here is a brief summary:
- The following new members had been examined and welcomed at called Session meetings during the summer: Jennifer McKneely Jonas, Joy Neal, Mary Rose, and Philip and Elizabeth Prasad.
- The Session had approved the following new staff members by email vote: Melissa Stephenson as nursery coordinator and Stephen Guizar as a nursery assistant.
- Various ministry teams will cover the UPC parking lot and collect a fee from those wishing to park on the lot during the Fresno State home football games this fall.
- Pastor Chris Neufeld-Erdman updated the Session on the progress of the New Era Evaluation and Development (NEED) Team. The goal of the NEED Team is to provide an assessment of UPC's strengths and weaknesses; envision the direction of our ministry to families; recommend a staff design that includes a revised associate pastor position description; and recommend any support staff necessary to advance our ministry to young families. Hopefully the work of the NEED Team will shorten the amount of time before a new associate pastor can come on board at UPC after Pastor Tedd Lyons retires next spring. The team members are Julie Buchanan, Jenny Jonas, Terry Lawrence, Ann Morgan, and Colin Warnes. They have met five times so far, and are developing a questionnaire to assess where we are as a congregation and gathering some anecdotal information as well.
- The Session approved the Crossing the Threshold dinner fundraisers as follows: Two fall dinners will be hosted by chef Dean Hodgson and Jeanette Hodgson, Jim and Patti Brannan, and Linda Jean Voth. It will include a campus tour, appetizers, beverages, and an elegant meal on round tables with white table cloths and candlelight in the narthex. The meals will be open to the congregation on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations for up to 30 people each meal). Ticket price is $50 each, which goes to Children's and Youth ministries. There will be also be 4-5 dinners in 2013 and 2014 with different hosts.
- The various ministry teams were given budget documents so they can develop their 2013 budgets. These will be incorporated into a "request budget," which will be reviewed first by a Session Executive Review Team, made up of Elders Terry Holland, Bob Mitchel, and Melissa Manion; Treasurer Jim Gabel; and Senior Pastor Chris Neufeld-Erdman. The full Session will consider the recommendations at the Sessions' Oct. 9 meeting.
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Youth Ministries
Youth Group @ Capitola beach!  Come spend a day at the beach in Capitola with the youth on Saturday, Septemer 1. We'll meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. and return at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $25 and includes lunch, dinner, and transportation. RSVP to Stephanie Anderson. New ministry team This fall the youth will be starting a new ministry team with two goals in mind: to reach out and show God's love to others, and to help build up the youth as new leaders in our community. This new ministry team will meet weekly to work on building creative ministry skills--such as drama, music, art, and puppetry--and to grow as a team committed to sharing God's love in a fun and engaging manner. Volunteers needed The Youth Ministries team is looking for a few dedicated volunteers who would be interested in working with the new youth ministry team. If you enjoy music, drama, puppetry, art, or you just want to have fun and make a difference in the life of a young person, we can use your talents and skills on our team. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Anderson at (209) 345-1137. Upcoming events September 1: Beach trip, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Cost: $25 September 29: Parking for Fresno State football, 4:30 p.m. |
Children's Ministries
 It's time to get ready for Children's Ministries Trunk-or-Treat celebration on Wednesday, October 31. Trunk-or-Treat is a fun, exciting, and safe alternative to trick-or-treating that UPC provides for our own families, as well as our neighborhood families.
Here's how it works: Our parking lot becomes a trick-or-treat "village" where children can collect treats from our car trunks. Classrooms and the field are used for games, fun, and frivolity. Some of the ways you can be involved include:
1. Decorating your car trunk and handing out candy
2. Donating candy 3. Helping with set-up or cleanup 4. Donating food or money 5. Organizing the event with a team 6. Leading games 7. Decorating rooms, including donating decorations or props Don't miss this opportunity to reach out to our neighbors and share the love of Christ. |
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Women's Bible study returns for fall
 The UPC Women's Bible Study members have selected the inspiring Gospel of John for study this fall. The group meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Great Room, and begins the morning with a time of sharing and prayer, followed by the lesson and discussion. Study booklets are available in the church office and can be paid for at the first meeting. All women are invited and will be warmly welcomed. We hope you will join them for their first session September 12. If you have questions, please contact the office at 439-8807.
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Adult Education for September
Welcome to fall and the beginning of some new adventures in Adult Ministries.
September 2 : We will treated to a unique class, "The Other Iraq," presented by missionaries Greg and Chris Callison. They have been working among the Kurds of Kurdistan-Iraq, who have fled from violence elsewhere. Amid a sea of change in the Middle East, some places are doing well, though not without struggles. And, a new church is being born in our day, though not without birthing pains. Chris will share stories of amazing generosity, and Greg will tell how the teachings of Jesus have taken on new meaning.
 September 9: Walt Blore will begin a study in the New Testament, beginning with the Acts of the Apostles. The study will cover a good portion of the New Testament with the exclusion of Romans and Revelation. The book of Acts captures the joys and sorrows in the lives of the first-generation Christians for the first 30 years after Jesus' Ascension and documents the expansion into the Mediterranean region. This serves as a guideline for following generations. The study is designed to reveal the key to living a powerful, fruitful Christian life. This is our calling and privilege, to be filled continuously with the Spirit (Ephesians 5.18).
But, by far the biggest new adventure will be the beginning of a new initiative on September 9 that we hope will involve a broad section of our congregation into intimate small-group communities. It is our dream that every person who is a part of our fellowship would have the opportunity to find faith-forming friendships in a small-group setting. This is the
Small Groups Initiative. Pastor Chris will kick this off with a sermon series that each Sunday will be followed by a "talk-back" session during the Adult Education hour, with the pastor on the sermon. This should really be a special experience.
Stand-by for a high-energy fall!
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S.T.A.R.S.
 S.T.A.R.S. (Seniors That Are Really Special) GO BACK TO SCHOOL. Join them on Wednesday, September 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Room and bring photos and memories of your school days to share with the group. Refreshments will be served.
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GALS' Night gets their geek on!
 Join them, Thursday, September 27, at 7 p.m. in the Great Room to learn more about technology. Bring your iPad or smart phone--this is your chance to share your favorite apps, learn about Pinterest, or ask the questions that you've been dying to ask. If you're not into technology, come anyway and join in the debate of the pros/cons of living a plugged-in life. The GALS are looking forward to seeing you all there!
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Clippers
 Join the group for a "Cool Yule on a Dull September Nite." On Friday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Room, Clippers will kick off the fall season with an event sure to please all. Bring a salad and your best cool weather cheer. Dessert will be provided. RSVP by contacting the Dulls at 434-5649 or the Yules at 299-6259.
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After-school tutoring
 John 15.5 says: "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me, you can do nothing." How will you bear fruit in the next school year? Might God want you to consider and pray about joining our UPC tutoring team to serve the neighborhood children? You can bear much fruit helping the K-7th grade students with their homework or honing their computer skills. You can tutor once a week, twice a month, take a vacation break, whatever schedule works for you. You don't have to be familiar with the latest education methods, just have a desire to love and help kids. As tutors, they help one another by elbowing the tutor next and saying, "Okay, what is the process and answer here?" Tutoring begins Tuesday, September 18, (Computer Lab) and Wednesday, September 12, (homework). Both groups meet from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Returning tutors should already have been contacted by Becky Bartsch. For those who want to join this joyful, important outreach to our neighbors, contact the office at 439-8807. Teaching and computer experience is definitely not necessary--just a love of kids. |
Presbyterian Women
What do UPC Presbyterian Women do? Come to their first meeting of the fall, Tuesday, September 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the Great Room and find out! Their speaker will be our own Director of Children's Ministry, Margie Nunez, who will share her plans for the Christian education of our youth. In the past year, PW has supported the UPC kitchen painting project, Calvin Crest scholarships, and has purchased a new crib for our nursery with a portion of the funds raised at the annual Fall Boutique. All women are invited to share in learning about and supporting our missions here and abroad. For more information, contact Sue Smith at 325-3695. |
All Men are welcome here
"All Men" is a dinner gathering on the third Thursday of the month for all men. They meet this month on Thursday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Room for dinner and a program. A nominal donation for the meal is requested. This month their speaker will be Dr. Al Howsepian. Al is a psychiatrist, a professor at University of California San Francisco-Fresno, and is an expert witness in the judicial system. He is a committed Christian and active in his church. You will find his story fascinating. For more information, contact the office at 439-8807. |
Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff
 Calling all those who think their chili is the best! On Saturday, September 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., join in as UPC crowns the "Grand Chili Champion." There will be great food, live music, line dancin' and two-steppin', and pony rides. If you are interested in volunteering or bringing a food donation, sign up at the table after worship. For more information, contact the office at 439-0533.
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Congratulations
 UPC members, William and Patricia Booth celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in August, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Congratulations to the love birds!
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Thank you corner
 Lao Partners thanks everyone who worked on and participated in the Water Festival on Sunday, August 26. The worship, food, and fellowship were all wonderful thanks to so many willing hands and creative volunteers. After expenses, we cleared a little over $1,250 on our way to our goal to raise $5,725 to send our team to install a clean water system in Xhieng Khouang, Laos this fall. Thank you everyone. |
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Birthdays
2 Mark Jonas
3 Gerg Pozovich
4 Thomas DeWitt
5 Lee Erickson
6 Sandra Eaton
Beverly Ellis
7 Keegan Whitsitt
8 Tony Bounthapanya
Dione Lyons
9 Ren Adams
Margie Cobb
10 Tham Bun
Barbara Schlueter
11 Claire Buchanan
Emily Paradise
Melinda Vinicor
13 Laurel Kiel
Deborah Qualle
Patrice Sanders
15 Greg Faulk
Ashley Leeds
16 Robert Swanton
18 Lisa Leeds
Sue Vinicor
19 Virginia Allen
Helen Clark
Charles Small
20 Charles Clark
21 Mark Cavagnaro
Caroline Jackson
Sherry Walling
23 Hilda Sapsezian
Melissa Vinicor
25 Julie Small
26 Ed Gaines
27 Cordie Qualle
30 Nathan Berend
Alyson Small
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Anniversaries
1 James & Donna Tucker
9 Charles & Helen Clark
12 Norman & Sue Christiansen
James & Anne Klapste
16 Carlos & Meredith Cortes
24 Mark & Jennifer Jonas
Kevin & Cathy Wingert
25 Bill & Barbara Schlueter
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Calendar
1 Youth @ the Beach
Fresno State Parking
2 Communion
4 Deacons 7 p.m.
9 Fall Worship schedule begins
8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
10 Young Adults 6:30 p.m.
11 Presbyterian Women 9:30 a.m.
Session 6 p.m.
12 Women's Bible study
resumes 9:30 a.m.
S.T.A.R.S. 1:30 p.m.
After School Tutoring
resumes 3:30 p.m.
14 Clippers 6:30 p.m.
15 Fresno State Parking
16 Poverello House 11:30 a.m.
18 Computer Lab
resumes 3:30 p.m.
Intercessory Prayer 7 p.m.
20 All Men 6 p.m.
22 Chili Cook Off 5 p.m.
24 Young Adults 6:45 p.m.
25 Ministries Night 7 p.m.
27 GALS' Night 7 p.m.
29 Choir Retreat
Fresno State Parking
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University Presbyterian Church
1776 Roberts - Fresno, CA 93710 - (559) 439-8807
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