The University Press

 

November is a threshold.  It marks the transition of seasons.  The autumn harvest is gathered in, and we ready ourselves for the coming winter.  Of course, our experience of this transition is much more subtle than it is in more severe climates.  And we who spend most of our time inside cars and buildings and homes don't encounter this threshold as our farmers and field workers do.  Few of us practice the same threshold rituals as our ancestors did. 

 

Failure to mark the transition can leave us modern people poorly prepared and unable to receive the gifts God sends our way as the year turns toward darker and colder days.

 

For Christians, November also closes the Christian Year and welcomes the dawning of a new journey through the gospel story all over again.  At Thanksgiving we look back over the year and open our eyes to see the hand of God guiding and directing and providing, regardless of how challenging or painful certain times of the year were.  Then on Sunday, November 25, the last worship service of the year, "Christ the King" or "Reign of Christ" Sunday, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Sovereign over all creation.  This triumphant closing of the year readies us to turn again toward the quiet, sobering whisper of hope that comes to us as Advent begins on Sunday, December 2, when we listen longingly for the promise of Christ's coming again to restore all things, inching our way toward Christmas.

 

Speaking of Christmas, isn't it a wonder that this news of the bright Light of salvation comes to us in the north at almost precisely the darkest day of the year?  In the southern hemisphere, it comes during the brightest days--and that has gospel beauty too.  But I love this light that shines in the darkness and the hope it brings me each year, reminding me that no matter how dark, there is a light that shines bringing hope and the promise of the fullness of God inhabiting all creation.

 

This year, I invite you to enter this threshold season and mark the time with intention.  Between Sunday, November 18 through Sunday, January 6, we're offering you "Twelve Gifts for the Holy Season."  The season begins on Sunday, November 18 with a concert of "Lessons and Carols" by the Fresno Pacific University music program.  It ends on Sunday, January 6 with our Epiphany services and evening potluck dinner.  Twelve events to help you experience the season with meaning.

 

The modern world may have lost touch with the rituals and habits that once helped people stay connected to God's good earth and remember their dependence upon the Creator.  But we Christians can still keep pace with time in a way that keeps us connected to God, cultivating a healthy dependence upon the goodness of God, and humbly seeking God in the ordinary experiences of daily life.

 

These "Twelve Gifts for the Holy Season" will help you do just that.

 

 

 

Through worship, music, and special events, University Presbyterian Church presents twelve opportunities to celebrate the Holy Season. Look for more information about each event at services, in our weekly email blast, and on the website (www.upcfresno.com). Come and celebrate the promise of peace that is the birth of our Savior.

 

Sunday, November 18 | 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | UPC Sanctuary

Fresno Pacific University Choir - "Lessons and Carols"

Start the season of intention with a marvelous concert of celebration with the FPU choir. Their annual Christmas concert has become a "must hear" in the Fresno community, and we are fortunate that UPC has been chosen as this year's venue.

 

Wednesday, November 21 | 7 p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

If you aren't travelling out of town, or need a break from all the Thanksgiving dinner preparation, take an hour and come worship with us. This service is an opportunity to focus on the abundance our Lord has bestowed upon us, and an ideal way to set the tone for your Thanksgiving celebration.

 

Sunday, November 25 | 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship & 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Christ the King Sunday

During the last worship service of the church year, "Christ the King" or "Reign of Christ" Sunday, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Sovereign over all creation.  This triumphant closing of the year readies us to turn again toward the quiet, sobering whisper of hope that comes to us as Advent begins.

 

Sunday, December 2| 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship & 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship

First Sunday of Advent

On this first Sunday of the new church year, we begin to listen longingly for the promise of Christ's coming again to restore all things, inching our way toward Christmas.

 

Friday, December 7 | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Parents Night Out

Get your shopping done, wrap the gifts you don't want the children to see, spend an evening together - the babysitting is on us. We will open the nursery to children birth to four-years-old to give parents the much needed time to do what they need to prepare for the holidays.

 

Sunday, December 9 | 7:30 p.m. | UPC Sanctuary

Soli Deo Gloria - "Christmas: Past and Present"

Dedicated to making the highest quality choral music possible to the glory of God, this concert promises to reflect the beauty and splendor of traditional and contemporary Christmas music.Featured in the concert is local brass quintet, Tromba Musica.

 

Sunday, December 16 | 5:30 p.m. | UPC Sanctuary and Great Room

Believe: Christmasfest and Children's Christmas Pageant

Lift your heart in the spirit of the Holy Season and join in an evening of beautiful, fun, and inspiring Christmas music performed by our Chancel and Bell Choirs, and orchestra. As well, delight in the children's Christmas Pageant, The Mouse's Tale.  Experience the joy of Christ's birth through the eyes of the stable animals.  A reception follows in the Great Room. 

 

Friday, December 21 | 6:30 p.m. | UPC Neighborhood

Christmas Caroling

Our UPC family joins together in a longtime tradition of bringing the Good News of Christmas to our neighbors in the apartments around our campus. Enter again in the joy to see children's bright faces and their parents' deep appreciation. Instruments, played by UPC members, accompany the caroling. Great singing voices not required, a love of hot chocolate necessary.

 

Sunday, December 23 | 9:30 a.m.

Single Service - Fourth Sunday in Advent

We gather together as one to worship in anticipation and longing for the coming of our Savior.

 

Monday, December 24 | 7 p.m. & 11 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services

We eagerly anticipate the coming of the Lord Jesus on this last night of Advent as we gather for communion and candle light. Our Chancel Choir, along with a string quartet, makes this service contemplative and reflective. We always anticipate seeing old friends and members of the community that join us in awe and wonder.

 

Sunday, December 30 | 9:30 a.m.

Single Service - First Sunday After Christmas

We worship God in the knowledge (which the world does not have) that Christmas is not over. Join the entire UPC family as we listen to the promise of Christmas that continues to be with us.                      

 

Sunday, January 6

Epiphany "Living the Life of Praise" - Services & Potluck

We worship in the morning, and in the evening at 6 p.m. we join together again, celebrating the light that has come into the world. The star that the wise men followed calls people of every nation, tribe, and tongue into new community, full of joy and unity.

 

We'll worship our God this month with joyful sounds!

November 4: The Chancel Choir presents a spirited gospel, "He Never Failed Me Yet," featuring vocalists Dean Hodgson and Elisha Wilson. We will also honor, in a special way during Communion at both services, loved ones who have passed way.

 

November 11: UPC's Bell Choir, under the direction of Davin Knudson, is featured during the Classic Worship service at 8:30 a.m. Hailey Groves, our resident pianist, is featured during Contemporary Worship at 11 a.m.

 

November 18: Be blessed by a special "Celtic Laud" performed by the Chancel Choir and a guest artist playing the flute. A special guest artist plays violin during Contemporary Worship.

 

November 25, Christ the King Sunday: Celebrate the end of our liturgical year! The Chancel Choir will rock the sanctuary with a spirited gospel, "We're Gonna Worship Christ the King."

Youth Ministries                                           

 

 November will continue our adventures in the Acts of the Apostles and our "Taste of Real Community."

 

Walt Blore takes us along in the book of Acts as the apostles now head out into Asia and Europe. The focus will primarily be the first journey of Paul.

 

We also continue in our small groups as we sample a "Taste of Real Community."  The groups keep exploring as long as they are led and then -- hopefully -- continue new journeys.

 

On November 11, we are treated to a special presentation by Lou Paradise on "Truth."  This has the potential to be a really fascinating experience.

 

On November 18, we have one of two guest speakers, to be announced!  Stay tuned. 

 

November 4 is our Congregational Meeting and November 25 is Christ the King Sunday, so we have no Adult Ed classes.

 Get ready for the Holiday Boutique 

UPC's Presbyterian Women will hold their annual Holiday Boutique in the Great Room on Saturday, November 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Sunday, November 11, between and after worship services.  Come browse and buy...your generous support helps assist mission projects such as FIRM, Evangel Home, Calvin Crest, Earth Angels, Living Waters for the World, our own Children's Ministry, and many more.  You'll find white elephant items, baked goods (REALLY homemade!), jellies, jams, lots of green growing things, handmade crafts, etc.  A fun mix of tables full of things you cannot do without!  Plus we'll have the weekly Coffee Corner, with goodies.

 "All Men" is a dinner gathering on the third Thursday of the month.  They meet this month Thursday, November 15, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Great Room for dinner and a program.  A nominal donation for the meal is requested. This month the speaker is the Rev. Adam Knudon.  Adam grew up at UPC and is currently an ordained Presbyterian minister serving at Hope Lutheran Church here in Fresno.  Adam has been doing fantastic youth ministry and will share his journey with us.  For more information, contact Pastor Tedd at 439-8807.

 

 S.T.A.R.S. turn to the art of bonzai in November.  Join them Wednesday, November 14, in the Great Room at 1:30 p.m. and bring a friend to learn from Ben Douglas how to create bonsai trees.  Enjoy the refreshments, too!  To learn more, contact the office at 439-8807. 

 
   Clippers gather to plan for next year AND enjoy a movie and dessert on Friday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room and Majesty Theater.  There is a short planning meeting to gear up for 2013, and the movie -- a surprise, as always -- is rated X-tra fine!  Bring a small dessert to share and join in the fun.  For more details, contact the office at 439-8807.

 Daylight-saving time is coming to an end...Turn your clocks back ONE HOUR before you go to bed on Saturday, November 3, or you will arrive an hour too early for worship on Sunday, November 4!

The University Press has been faithfully and joyfully edited by Sarah Nettels each month.  Sadly, Sarah is turning her duties over to another UPC member starting with the January 2013 issue.  Although her's will be tough shoes to fill, we are putting out the word that we need a new University Press editor, or guest editors.  The program for the newsletter is easy to use, and Sarah or Kerry, in the office, will be available for training and support.  If you want to try it out for a month, share it with another member, or commit for a year, email Sarah or Kerry.