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Swan Song
by the Rev.Ted Lyons, Associate Pastor
 The idea of a Swan Song is intimidating for at least two reasons. First, the metaphor refers to a beautiful song, and I am no singer. Second, the beautiful song is sung by the Swan just before it dies. I guess I don't need to comment on that! But, of course, it is a metaphor. So, I will take it that way, and engage this moment as God is engaging me.
My retirement date is February 28, 2013. On that date I will have been Associate Pastor at UPC for 18 years, 4 months. That is more than a quarter of my life. A number of you were here when I came, there are a lot of wonderful people who have become part of us since then, and there are many who are no longer with us. As I reflect upon that, I see God's incredible way in which he carries out his work, creating a solid core in his church; drawing new life, energy and, vision into his church; sending forth many to encourage and create new energy in other places; and reminding us all of his goodness in our memories of those who are now with him.
I remember two things about coming to UPC. At first, I was not inclined to consider the call. I had been a solo pastor in a small church for 16 years. Why go back to being an Associate Pastor? "Been there, done that!" Bob Rice, our senior pastor then, said this to me. "Tedd, you will be the pastor to those that you serve here." That opened my vision. I realized that it was not a title, but a ministry. This was a place where my gifts would be honored and used. I have been so blessed to be a pastor to so many of you, and to have the resources of this congregation to minister to you and others.
The second thing I rememberis that my family and Iwere greeted with a basket full of notes. Almost all of them pledged to pray for all of us, but specifically for meto be encouraged in this ministry. I still have that basket. There are people who remind me that they have kept their pledge. My family and I have felt it. It has been so good to know your support. It has been wonderful to have a church family and two senior pastors who have both been pastors to me and my family.
Many things have been accomplished in these years, and many things still need to be done. To me the greatest thing is that UPC has grown as a deep community of faith with the emphasis on on both "community" and "faith." This whole time Dione and I have been in a small group withthree other couples who began as a Lenten Study Group. There is such a deep sense of community there, and it extends into the broader community. Faith in the faithfulness of God has been shown to us concretely in so many ways. The deep friendships that I have been privileged to make and that have embraced me are the surest confirmation of the strong reality of Jesus Christ.
There is so much more that I could say, but the space is limited. So I want to end with an invitation to the people of God. Will you please join me in a special worship service that will help us all celebrate and listen to God's call on the next phase of our life? It will be held on February 24 at 3 p.m. Please understand, I was asked about six months ago if I would like to have a dinner party, but I made this choice instead. I understand that there is no way that this cannot be, in some respects, "about me." But I hope that by coming together to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; to pray and sing together; to hear God's Word; and to remember all the things that God has accomplished through us all, he will be honored and we will be envisioned for the future. And he, and all of you, will hear my "Thank You!" |
Nourishing Your Spiritual Life in the 21st Century
byDr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman, Senior Pastor
 In days gone by, pastors spent their mornings praying and working on their sermons; they spent their afternoons visiting people. The first half of the day, they hid away in their studies and read and sought God and scrawled notes on paper with pen and ink. No phones. No computers. A meeting here and there, but no big programs to manage. The second half of the day, they'd visit folks face to face in homes and shops and on farmland. They used their feet to keep in contact with the flock God had given them to shepherd.
A lot's changed in the past several centuries. Like the rest of life, the pastoral life is far more complex and busy, and this makes the calling of the pastor more challenging. The pastoral craft focuses on "the care of souls"--that is, the maturation of people's spiritual lives into the fullness of Christ. But this art demands two things that are increasingly elusive today: time and presence. Most pastors can no longer walk their parish. We're spread out, and the basic rhythms of life are much more fluid than they once were. There's also a lot more that keeps the average pastor busy helping to run the organization. In America, the pastoral art of caring for souls is vanishing at precisely a time when it is so sorely needed.
But with change also comes opportunity. While technology provides us with a zillion ways to become more distracted than we already are, it also affords us with new ways to stay connected. This is the genius, for example, of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
So, here's what I'd like to do. While I may not be able to walk the parish in the afternoons like pastors did years and years ago, that doesn't mean you and I can't be connected in meaningful ways--even though that connection may not always be face to face.
Beginning in the first of February, I'll write regular brief blog posts helping you keep your spiritual life in focus 3-4 times each week, I'll send out a Twitter notice that will also appear on my Facebook and LinkedIn pages. But if you'd find it more convenient, you can subscribe to an email service through my website so that the brief meditations will appear in your email inbox.
Here's how you can get connected with some basic spiritual teaching that will help you live the Christian life:
1. For most people, the easiest way to receive these posts is by clicking Chris Erdman Feedblitz. Clicking on this link will take you to my website's Feedblitz subscription page, then my website will automatically send you an email of the actual blog post.
2. If you're often on the go and would like a text link sent to your phone, you might consider subscribing to my Twitter feed. Click Chris Erdman Twitter Feed. If you don't know what Twitter is, you can watch this short video for more information. Click How to use Twitter.
3. If you use Facebook or LinkedIn, you can follow me in the news-feeds, and with Facebook, you or a friend can subscribe to these posts even if you don' t request "friend" status from me.
I hope this way of using today's technology may also become a way for us to stay connected so that you can grow spiritually and I can practice the timeless work of the pastor: "the care of souls." |
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Pastor Tedd's Retirement Celebration
After nearly 20 years among us as our associate pastor, and nearly four decades of pastoral ministry, Pastor Tedd is retiring at the end of February. He has touched all of our lives in so many ways, enriching us, challenging us, caring for us, and guiding us.
On Sunday afternoon, February 24, at 3:30 p.m. we will gather in the sanctuary for a celebration service, followed bya light reception in the Great Room. More than anything else, Pastor Tedd tells us he wants to worship and pray together. So we're planning a meaningful service of prayer, preaching, testimonies of old friends from the handful of churches he's served, dignitaries, and Holy Communion (over which Tedd will preside). Of course, we plan to have some fun with him as well. But the service will be a way to give thanks to God who has made the mystery of Christ known through Tedd's life and ministry.
In the future, Tedd will continue to worship among us and desires to continue providing us with his gentle and warm pastoral care in his new role as our pastor emeritus. He'll also drink his coffee on the new patio at his home, chat with friends, read his books, tend his vegetables, play guitar, and do anything else Dione may tell him to do.
Please plan now to attend this service and the reception following.
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Worship and Music
ByElisha Wilson, Minister of Worship andMusic
Praise our God with us this month.
Sunday, February 3
The 8:30 a.m. worship service offers a deep-rooted assurance in the faithfulness of God withan inspirational song,"The Mighty One,"sung by the Chancel Choir.
The 11 a.m. service offers heartfelt worship throughan understandingand experience of what it means to be known, claimed and called by God.
Sunday, February 10
Come gather and worship at 9:30 a.m. in a single service. Be blessed by the celtic sounds of a piece called "The Deer's Cry' as worship begins, and enjoy a special piece by the chancel choir called "Celtic Laud" with guest violinist Megan Trang.
Wednesday, February 13
At 7 p.m. an Ash Wednesday worship service prepares hearts and minds to experience the Lenten season. Worship includes the choir singing a powerful piece called "Stay With Us." During a deeply moving part of the service he pastors offer the imposition of ashes. This is a night to be with church family in preparation for this special time of the liturgical year.
Sunday, February 17
Enjoy a special service this day on the first Sunday of Lent. The bells will be ringing at the 8:30 a.m. worship service.
At the 11 a.m. service, enjoy a special piece called "Set the World on Fire" by Britt Nicole, performed by the worship team.
Sunday, February 24
On the second Sunday of Lent, the choir sings an absolutely beautiful piece called "Prayer" featuring a soprano soloist, with a melody based on Bach's Prelude No. 1 from the Well-Tempered Klavier.
In the 11 a.m. service, journey through Lent in a powerful and moving way with worship and song. Come, feast, meditate, worship, and celebrate. |
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Session Summary
By Cindy Correia, Clerk of Session
The UPC Session met for a short business meeting on Saturday morning, January 19, at the session retreatin St. Anthony Retreat, Three Rivers. Here's a brief summary of the meeting and the actions that were taken:
The Clerk of Session took care of the 2013 organizational business with the elders.
Elder Byron Morgan was appointed to be the non-Session elder serving on the 2013 Nominating Committee.
The following 2013 team members were approved for the Ministry of Worship and Music: Chris Gromis, Trish Orr, Susan Quinn, Elisha Wilson, and Donna Lee Zimmerman.
The following 2013 team members were approved for the Ministry of Congregational Care: Carey Berend, Carol Doyle, Barbara Lautt, Marcella Oneida, Sue West, and Dorothy Wood.
The following 2013 team members were approved for Children's Ministries: Anne Klapste, Lisa Leeds, Ann Morgan, and Krista Sunderson.
Moderator Chris Neufeld-Erdman reviewed the agenda for the upcoming January 27 congregational annual meeting with the elders. |
Children's Ministries
 Children's Ministries is offering another Parents' Night Out on February 23 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate a second Valentine's Day, go out with friends, or do whatever you choose, because we're taking care of the kids! Bring yourchildren aged 0-6th grade to the church that evening with a sack dinner. We will provide dessert and an interactive learning program for the kids entitled "Robin Good," based on the parables of Jesus.
Sign up after church or in the nursery during February. If you have any questions, email or call Margie Nunez at 439-8807. |
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Youth Ministries
February is a month jam-packed with awesomeness for UPC youth!
Wednesday, February 6, launches the weekly midweek youth program,Journey@UPC. Middle and high school students and leaders meet together for a time of worship, meaningful discussion, and gamesfrom 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Youth Room .
SnowGo! at Calvin Crest is February 8-10 for our middle school youth and February 22-24 for high school youth. It's not too late to sign up for one of the remaining open spots for either weekend.
February 18 is the first Annual George Watchington Film Festival presenting films with glimpses of faith, hope, and love. This special event includes eating pizza and popcorn. For more details, call or email Dustin at 439-8807. |
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Adult Education
Walt Blore leads the adult education class in a study of "The Acts of the Apostles" through the month of February. He continues tofocus on Paul's second missionary trip into Europe as Paul journeys through Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens, and beyond.
Pastor Tedd guides a class in the study of the book of Revelation. He will continue to open up the apocalyptic themes introduced in January.This study concludes on February 10.
On February 17 the Lao Partnersshare a presentation on their missionary trip to Laos this past fall.
A Lenten Study of the book, How Can It Be Alright When Everything Is All Wrong by Lewis Smedes, begins on February 17 with the first Sunday of Lent. This book responds to the cry, "My God, where were you when I needed you?"
Look for announcements in Sunday's Connection about a new Adult Education class that begins on February 24. |
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Southeast Asia Ministry
 The 2012 Lao Partners Team is looking forward to Sunday, February 17, andsharing the experiences and blessings ofthe latest Living Waters for the World installation.
This past November the team, in partnership with the Lao Evangelical Church and staff of Khan Khay College, conductedthe fourth LWW installation. This one was in eastern Laos' Xhiang Khouang province - noted for the world famous Plain of Jars and intense military damage in the 1960s.
Rev. Sharon Stanley headed up this year's team, with translation support from Tout Tou and Tony Bounthapanya. Tony, Jeremy Dodge and Rev. Woody Rea lead and trained the Installation Team consisting of six Khan Khay students, plus two leaders from the village of Ban Vane.
Each morning Tout Tou, together with Susan Quinn and Pastor Khamphet (LWW Clean Water 'U' graduate 2010) provided Health & Hygiene Training for 18 students. They devoted their afternoons to English-as-a-Second-Language training to three groups of enthusiastic students who longed to simply hear English spoken correctly.
Ban Vane is the site forthe planned 2013 installation. A mission group from the Church of Norway - also working in partnership with LEC - recently piped in water to this village, which helps to facilitate a LWW installation. The team envisions great potential for expandingtheirpartnership with the Norwegians on future Lao water projects.
The team truly feltthe Lord's loving presence - both with this installation project, and in the ongoing growth of their working relationship with the Lao Evangelical Church. They will be sharing more details of this growing ministry during the February 17 worship service, and the adult Sunday School hour. |
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GALS' Night Out
 Come and help with the "Mystery Project" to benefit UPC Sunday Schoolat GAL'S Night on Thursday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the Great Room.Mystery Night promises to provide an easy task, lots of good conversation, and a chance tobetter know some of the "gals" in the church. You won't want to miss out on this night!For more information, email or contact the office at 439-8807. |
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Presbyterian Women
 On Tuesday, February 12, one of theirown, Marcella Oneida, is speaking about her life in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia to Presbyterian Women. All women are invited to the meeting, which begins with light refreshments served in the Great Room at 9:30 a.m. For more information contact the office at 439-8807.
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S.T.A.R.S. (Seniors That Are Really Special)
 On Ash Wednesday, February 13, S.T.A.R.S.is meetingto hear Pastor Tedd talk about Ash Wednesday, the Easter season and, his plans for retirement. Bring a friend and join in the fun at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Room. Refreshments will be served. |
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All Men are Welcome Here
 "All Men" is a dinner gathering on thethirdThursday of the month (February 21) for all men.They meet 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 monththe speakeris Tedd Lyons,soon to be retired as UPC Associate Pastor. Thisis a time to celebrate God's faithfulness and look forward to what he has in store.
The Men's Retreat Committee invites all the men of the church to sign up for the 2013 retreat on March 15-17. Their theme this year is "Fellowship of Saints?" Please return a Registration Form as soon as possible (some forms have been emailed). Forms are availabe at the registration table in the Narthax. Cost is $165 for Cedar Lodge, $130 for Mt. View, and scholarship help is available. |
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"The Art of Meditation: Sustaining the Compassionate Life"
How can I pray when I feel so scattered?
Is there a way to experience more of God in the midst of my busy life?
Can I find more meaning in the daily tasks I do?
What do I respond redemptively to the rise of violence and fear in our world?
Prayer isn't an escape from the world, nor is it merely asking God for things, for security, for safety.
Prayer is relationship with the Beloved, it is the experience of union with the One who made and loves you.
Prayer is, of course, words. But it's got to be more than words just as a relationship must be more than words if it's going to do what good relationships do. And prayer also must turn us outward in meaningful engagement with the daily tasks that are ours to do, and in compassion that helps transform the world into the world God is making it to be.
Prayer is the most basic expression of our faith; in fact, aside from breathing, is is the most basic act of being human.
Each year, UPC hosts the Central California Prayer of the Heart Conference. This year's conference combines our Prayer of the Heart Conference and the Interfaith Scholar Weekend. Fr. Laurence Freeman is one of the world's greatest living teachers of Christian prayer and meditation. If you want your life to count, to act in whatever small or great way you feel compelled to act in this world, then meditative prayer is a necessity. It grounds you in Jesus Christ, the center of life.
This conference helps bring meaning, perspective, power, and dignity to your life, and it will join you with others, who, like you are offering their lives for the sake of healing the world. It will help you walk courageously, yet gently as a redemptive force to bring hope and healing to the world around you.
Schedule:
Friday, February 8: Location: Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno (no charge) | 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 9: Location: Temple Beth Israel, Fresno | 8:30 a.m. | Closing at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 10: Location: University Presbyterian Church (no charge) | 9:30 a.m. Worship with a sermon and guided meditation by Fr. Freeman
Cost: $45 in advance, $50 at the door, $10 students (Includeds two lectures and two meals)
For more information about Fr. Laurence Freeman click here. Or talk with Pastor Chris Neufeld Erdman, Susan Quinn, Greg Faulk, Oscar or Lynette Donahue, or Cathy Wingert.
To register for Saturday's conference click here.
UPC's 2013 Central Valley Prayer of the Heart Conference |
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Thank You Corner
All the willing and generous support of the students in UPC's tutoring program during the Christmas season was heart warming. Know that the smiles on their faces were their "Thank You" to you for the gifts you provided!
-Becky Bartsch, Neighborhood Tutoring Coordinator |
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Birthdays
1 Albert Pulcifer
James Tucker
Kristin Vencill
2 Jan Goyette
Jeanette Hoover
Richard Pelisari
3 Stephen Varvis
4 Marcia Olsen
Zillah Turner
5 Betty Jean Rose
6 Mariah Torres
7 Justin Gaede
8 Becca Freeman Sunderson
Tedd Lyons
9 Jeanette Hodgson
Margie Nunez
David Rose
10 Edie Houston
Jennifer Howells
11 Caleb Morgan
12 Tim Cavagnaro
Alison Gaede
Al Nunez
Susan Quinn
13 Lea Ciabattini
Bryan Heitkotter
Patty Swanson |
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Birthdays cont.
14 Wanda Vert
John Beyers
Liz Dodds
15 Terry Lawrence
Daniel Stolling
17 Nan Barker
Robert Smith
19 Owen Cortes
21 Sally Heitkotter
21 Kenneth Scott
Cindy Wall
22 Craig Hitechew
24 Ben Douglas
Calvin Hoff
Lynette Reid
25 Jennifer Jonas
26 Betty Boos
Sengtheine Bosavanh-Milam
27 Ruth Dymmel
Muriel Laub
28 Rhea Rehark-Griffith
Anniversaries
3 Dan & Judy Scarbery
4 Bob & Carey Berend
Earl & Phyllis Neal
17 Simeon & Elnora Bugay
29 Kurt & Dana Rossi |
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Calendar
4 Centering Prayer 6:30
5 Computer Lab 3:30
Deacons Meeting 7
6 Women's Bible Study 9:30
After School Tutoring 3:30
7 All Men AM 8
8-9 Junior High Winter Retreat
Prayer of the Heart Conference
10 Single Worship Service 9:30
11 Centering Prayer 6:30
Young Adults 6:45
12 Presbyterian Women 9:30
Computer Lab 3:30
Session 6
13 Women's Bible Study 9:30
S.T.A.R.S. 1:30
After School Tutoring 3:30
21 All Men's Dinner 6
22-23 High School Winter Retreat
25 Centering Prayer 6:30
Young Adults 6:45
26 Computer Lab 3:30
Ministry Meetings 7
27 Women's Bible Study 9:30
After School Tutoring 3:30
28 All Men AM 8
GALS' Night 7 |
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University Presbyterian Church
1776 Roberts - Fresno, CA 93710 - (559) 439-8807 |
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