Spring Pathways 2021

PATHWAYS FOLLOWING JESUS ONE STEP AT A TIME Spring Quarter APR-JUN 2021 TIME TO COME TOGETHER!

Stepping Out! NEW WAYS TO REACH OUR COMMUNITY

Something for You MEN, WOMEN, PARENTS, YOUTH, AND MORE

In This Issue Adult Ministries ConneXions Bible Study for All Beauty and Truth Café Conversation Meet the Pastors Essentials Painful Reconciliation Faith & Literature Hope Inspired

Dear friends,

As I write this, of spring echo whose resurrec

Men’s & Women’s Ministries Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study Women’s Bible Study The Well The Den Youth & Children Cornerstone The Rock Foundation Campfire Solid Ground UPPC Kids Sunday School Family Sacrament Workshop Confirmaton Summer Camps Stepping Out Care & Outreach ESL Class Parent Support Group

At UPPC, “disc and more like C growing in how

For all activities on campus, please wear your mask!

Learn more and sign up at UPPC.org/events

This quarterly P women, familie as your second to be an agent to-date selecti

So, grab a bev your next step

“Consider how God is calling you to grow!”

MIKE MOFFITT ASSOCIATE PASTOR

my office window has been open all day to welcome the fresh spring air. The newness oes the beauty of the good news of Jesus, whose sacrifice conquered sin and death, and ction guarantees life eternal! Happy Easter!

cipleship” means striving to live as active followers of Jesus, “to grow in every way more Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Discipleship includes growing in our knowledge of the Bible, w we pray, growing as builders of community, and growing in service to our community.

Pathways catalog is one way you can consider how God is calling you to grow! Men, es, children, and youth can find opportunities here. There are opportunities to learn English d language or be an ESL tutor, engage with the pastors in conversation, learn what it takes t of reconciliation, and more. Also, don’t miss the service supplement, Stepping Out: an upion of ways to step out in service as you live the good news of Jesus’ love.

verage at the Wayside some time and peruse Pathways, along with UPPC.org, to explore ps in discipleship.

In Grace,

Pastor Mike

ADULTS

ONGOING ConneXions Sundays 9:30-10:30am | Online ConneXions is an open group, ready for you to join us and experience meaningful community around scripture study, prayer and discussion, following along with the sermon series. Come when you can! Online, moving to in-person soon. Email Jon for Zoom info: jonathan.koetje@gmail.com Bible Study for All Wednesdays 10-11:30am | Fellowship Hall Gather with Gwenn and friends for this mid-week time of study and fellowship. All are welcome!

No registration needed, come when you can!

APRIL Beauty and Truth: Sharing God’s Inexhaustible life Sundays April 11-June 27 | 11-12pm Explore the beauty of God as refracted through various facets of God’s self-revelation: the gospel, creation, church, kingdom. We will attend to the intrinsically attractive quality of all that God is, and all that God has said and done. Taught by Dr. Bo Helmich.

Meeting at UPPC and online.

Learn more & register at UPPC.org.events Café Conversation Monday April 12 | 7pm As we wrap up our A Time to Embrace sermon series about opening our doors and expanding our embrace to those around us, including minorities, Pastor Aaron and our elders will host a final Zoom Café Conversation. The theme of this conversation will be a synopsis of the series, the conversations, and what the Bible says about embracing others.

Meeting ID: 997 5505 6239 Passcode: 106845

Meet the Pastors Sunday April 18 | 12:30-1:30PM Are you new to UPPC? Join Pastor Aaron and Pastor Mike for coffee in The Wayside and learn more about who UPPC is.

Meet in The Wayside.

Register at UPPC.org/events

MAY Essentials Saturday May 1 | 9am-1:30pm There comes a time when being a guest in a church community just isn’t enough. But what does the word “member” really mean? Explore the meaning of membership as you learn about the history, theology, and values of UPPC. Meet at UPPC. Register at UPPC.org/events Painful Reconciliation Sunday May 16 | 4-6pm Hear the stories of our guest speakers who entered the painful journey of crossing seemingly impossible divides to seek reconciliation with their neighbor.

Meeting at UPPC & Online.

Register at UPPC.org/events

JUNE Faith & Literature Wednesday June 7 | 7-9pm Participants discuss the themes and ideas from a selected novel, biography, or other work of literature.

We have a lively and respectful discussion. Through the lens of our Christian faith as well as the lens of great literature, we search for meaning in our lives. Email Marion for details, davemannie@comcast.net Meeting via Zoom.

UPPC

W

W

Women’s

MINISTRIES

HOPE INSPIRED : INSPIRED BY

[IF ]

April 16 & 17 Even if this world falls apart, there is a GOD who has a plan for the “even if” and that is a hopeful promise for us all. Join us for a two-day event when we gather to watch world class speakers from the 2021 IF:Gathering conference along with local prayer and worship.

apr

16/17

UPPC.org/events

y d u t S r e h t e g To

Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study Mondays | 6:30-7:45am Start your week with a fellowship of men devoted to living a life of prayer, fellowship, and truth through scripture. Email Bob for Zoom info: bobmohr1942@gmail.com.

Meeting via Zoom.

Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays | 9-10:15am Join a mid-week pick-me-up of prayer, fellowship, and truth through scripture. Email Bob for Zoom info: bobmohr1942@gmail.com.

Meeting via Zoom.

Women’s Bible Study Thursdays 9:30-11:30am Our last study took a bold look at “things God hates.” But what kind of life warrants God’s blessing? This course will revolve around Jesus’ “blessing statements” in Matthew 5. To tune in via Zoom, email sdmoffitt@hotmail.com.

Meet in Fellowship Hall, no registration.

The Well Every other Wednesday | 6:30-7:30pm Ladies! Come hang out with Lisa, Kathy, Randi and others to explore the Bible’s truth for your real, daily life.

Our time includes video, group discussion, questions, prayer, and great fellowship! Come as you are, when you can! For info or how to attend online, email Lisa, lisallew@comcast.net.

Meet in The Wayside, no registration.

The Den Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm Every other Wednesday Guys! Get together with other men to tackle some of life’s challenges together. This is about men helping men to be better, Godly men, through a gospel-centered vision of a life filled with truth, passion, and purpose! For info or how to attend online, email Ian, ianpaulp@hotmail.com.

Meet in The Wayside, no registration.

SPRING SERIES

STARTING APRIL 11

Men & Women

ONGOING

WEDNESDAYS

Youth & Children

ONGOING

NO REGISTRATIONS NEEDED!

Cornerstone (Grades 10-12) Wednesdays 8-9pm Hang out with friends, de-stress, and play exciting games. Discover who God is and learn life tools to build an identity around the true cornerstone: Jesus Christ.

Meet in the Youth Room.

Foundation (Grades 5-7) Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm Discover who God is and what that means for you.

Hang out with friends and play fun games!

Meet in the Youth Room.

The Rock (Grades 8-9) Wednesdays 8-9pm Hang out with friends and play fun games.

Discover who God is and who you are in Christ.

Meet in The Lodge.

Campfire (Grades 1-4) Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm Learn about Jesus, play crazy games, create art, and make friends.

Meet in The Lodge.

Solid Ground Sundays (When adult services are meeting in person) Grades 5-12: 9:30-10:30am Grades 5-7: 11am-12pm Students gather together for a service designed for youth. and be challenged to learn more about Jesus.

Meet in the Youth Room.

UPPC Kids Sunday School Sundays 9:30 & 11am Every Sunday morning children will participate in a fun Bible lesson, sing worship songs, and engage in other fun activities. It’s our goal to make learning about Jesus an exciting and interactive experience.

Preschool (4yr-K) in The Lodge Elementary (Grades 1-4) in The Lodge

UPPC DAY CAMP July 12-16

INFO AND REGISTRATION MID-MAY

Family Sacrament Experience Grades 1-4 | Sundays May 16 & 23 11am-12pm In this workshop, children and their parents will explore the meaning and traditions of baptism and communion, and they will be given the opportunity to participate in the sacraments at the end of the workshop.

Learn more about each group: UPPC.org/Cornerstone UPPC.org/TheRock UPPC.org/Foundation UPPC.org/Children

Meeting at UPPC. Register at UPPC.org/events

Confirmation Grades 9-12 Class Dates: Sundays April 11, 18, 25 | 12:30-1:30pm Saturday May 1 | 9am-1pm Confirmation seeks to provide youth with a foundational understanding of our faith, tradition, and Presbyterian practices.

The students will be received during Sunday Service on May 2 at 11am Meeting in the Youth Room.

Register at UPPC.org/cornerstone

SUMMER CAMPS!!

GRADES 5-7 Location and dates TBD; Look for more info by May at UPPC.org/foundation

GRADES 8-9 Creekside YL Camp July 17-20 UPPC.org/therock

Grades 10-12 Black Lake Bible Camp July 25-30 UPPC.org/cornerstone

STEPPING OUT

Sharing the love of Jesus one step at a time.

Vaccines are rolling out and it is becoming a little easier to visit with one another in person again – Hallelujah! It is also becoming a little easier for us to follow Jesus’ example of entering the neighborhood and tangibly loving our neighbor (John 1:14).

Listed below are several opportunities where you can re-engage with our neighbor and share Jesus’ love in tangible and personal ways. These are not only great ways to love our neighbor but are also opportunities to embrace many of our neighbors who are on the social margins.

Let them know that we all sit together at God’s table!

Lisa Woicik Lisa Woicik Outreach Minister

REFUGEES UPPC has a long history of welcoming refugees and newly arrived immigrants to the Tacoma area. While volunteer opportunities were limited this past year because of COVID-19, there are now many areas seeking new volunteers. Contact Kathryn Castle (info@safehaventacoma.org) for more info on how you can get involved in any of the following opportunities.

• Safe Haven Weekend Team: UPPC’s Safe Haven Weekend Team stands ready on an assigned weekend or weekday to house (in a home or hotel), feed, and transport refugees released from the Northwest Detention Center to the airport or bus station. The team is looking for new members willing to provide one of these services one day/ weekend per month.

• English Practice: Both World Relief and UPPC provide online ESL assistance to local immigrants. Volunteers are needed who can meet for one hour 1-2 times per week over WhatsApp or Zoom to assist with learning English through homework activities, conversation practice, and building relationships.

• On-call Transportation: On-call volunteers are needed to transport refugees to an appointment or the airport.

Volunteers help as their schedule permits.

• On-call Host Home: Host home volunteers provide a room and hospitality to a local refugee who is waiting for transportation, paperwork, or some other short-term issue to resolve before they can move on to their next destination.

Housing needs can vary from one night to one week.

• Yarn and Art Supplies: Detainees in the NW Detention Center pass the time by crocheting and crafting with donated supplies. Order items from the approved Amazon list and have them delivered to AIDNW Hospitality House, 1915 S. Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405. NOTE: The detention center will only allow the items on the list to be donated. Find the list at www.UPPC.org/outreach.

• Good Neighbor Team: Stay tuned! We are hoping to form our next Good Neighbor Team (GNT) later this summer.

GNTs spend six months walking alongside a refugee family or group, helping them resettle in our area.

SCHOOLS This past year has been rough for K-12 teachers who have had to learn new ways of teaching and connecting with students, while also being on the front lines with students struggling to navigate life under COVID-19. Write a generic note of encouragement for a teacher and drop it off or mail it to UPPC by May 2. Volunteers and staff will compile the notes received into appreciation collages that will be delivered to schools in the area. All notes must be delivered to UPPC by May 2 to be included in a collage.

FOOD ASSISTANCE Through regular donations and volunteer assistance Families Unlimited Network (FUN) serves over 41,000 individuals lacking food and financial security every year. Consider donating food and other essential items or volunteering at FUN and help lead families to a place of sustainability. Learn more at https://www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org.

Have a story about your experience sharing light and hope with others? We want to know about it. Tell us how you saw God working through you at UPPC.org/ShareYourStory.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Friendship Class Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am Open to all adults, English as a Second Language (ESL) exists to help people improve their written and spoken English. ESL beginners and advanced students are welcome to come and make new friends along the way! For details, contact Marion Tilley, davemannie@comcast.net.

Meeting via Zoom

Special Needs Parent Support Group First Sundays | 12:15-1:15pm Parent Support Group is for those with children of any age living with special needs, different abilities, or sensory issues.

Meeting via Zoom.

Register at UPPC.org/events

Sew & Reap Quilt Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 10am We gather for fellowship and to provide quilts for the TG Neonatal ICU, UP Care Center and Family Renewal Shelter. Bring your own sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. Fabric is donated and included. Basic sewing skills required. For more info, contact Liz Asbury, liz.asbury@hotmail.com, 253.752.7490 Meet in Room 121 in the Youth Room, no registration

Care & Outreach

ONGOING

UP PC Staff Pastors Rev. Aaron Stewart Senior Pastor Rev. Mike Moffitt Associate Pastor Worship & Music Rev. Dr. Diana Greene Minister of Worship Loren Tucker Director of Cont. Worship & Technical Arts Melinda Tucker Director of Contemporary Worship Dan Konicek Director of Media Lisa Todd Director of Music & Arts Institute Care & Outreach Rev. Dr. Martha Greene Parish Associate Jill McMullen Minister of Care and Welcome and Connect Kathy Goertz Welcoming Coordinator Lisa Woicik Minister of Outreach & Mission Youth & Children Rob Clark Minister of Youth & Children Robin Fawcett Director of Middle School Julie Mangrum Director of Elementary Laura Richardson Director of Early Childhood Lexi Barnett Y&C Administrative Assistant Operations Mike Bates Executive Minister Randi Downs Executive Assistant Kate Evarts Director of Communications Janie Brooksher Scheduler Kaylee Fowler Financial Administrator Kristen Laramie Stewardship Coordinator Campus Care Taylor Conrad Campus Care & Wayside Café Manager Chuck Benedict Lead Custodian Mawiir Deng Custodian Chris Lange Custodian

The Session, comprised of elders, serves as the governing body of the church. Elders, Deacons and Nominating Committee Members are elected, volunteer positions within the church body who help facilitate the leadership and direction of the church, including the spiritual care of our members. Nominate someone today at UPPC.org/leadershipnominations.

UPPC ELDERS Session Support Lori Jacoby Continuity & Communication Lorina Meade Continuity & Communication Rob Adams Nominating Carolyn Rzesutek Nominating Worship & Discipleship Nancy Keay Worship Ross Parker Worship Leslie Hensley Discipleship Rick Todd Discipleship Care & Outreach Emily Bosh Outreach & Missions Jim Lineweaver Outreach & Missions Robert Arial Welcome & Connect Jim Goertz Welcome & Connect Karen Crosby Care Mitch Sagers Care Youth & Children Holly Bray Youth & Children Mary Pubols Youth & Children Operations Grant Blinn Human Resources Kathleen George Human Resources Cynthia Darland Finance Krista Wallace Finance Campus Care Russell Post Facilities Dan Small Facilities