UPPC Spring Pathways

PATHWAYS

FOLLOWING JESUS ONE STEP AT A TIME

SPRING EDITION

APRIL - JUNE 2024

GROWING TOGETHER!

Dear Friends,

What a beautiful and exciting time of discipleship we’ve experienced in just the last few months! People have had lifechanging encounters with God, made new friendships and strengthened existing ones. From asking fundamental questions from a Christian perspective (Alpha) to exploring how God is calling us to be part of God’s world-changing work (Flourishing), people are building new habits of following Jesus in daily life.

If you are brand new to UPPC stop by the Welcome Center or join us for Meet the Pastors to start your journey with UPPC! Through the spring, there are groups for men, women, couples, youth and children. Bible studies, fellowship events, and opportunities to serve are all features of a life of discipleship. I’d encourage you to peruse these pages prayerfully, asking God where you are being called to grow in your faith. It’s a joy to be on the journey with you.

In grace and peace,

Mike

If you would like to have a discipleship activity included in the April Pathways, please reach out to Pastor Mike at mmoffitt@uppc.org.

WORSHIP TOGETHER

SUNDAY MORNINGS

9:30am ClassiC Worship

11am Contemporary Worship

Worship with us!

ON CAMPUS

We welcome you for worship and fellowship on Sundays! Worship opportunities available at both services for kids, Pre-K through Grade 12.

ONLINE

Worship with us LIVE for services on Sunday at UPPC.org/live. Connect with community and engage online.

Adults

Meet the Pastors

Sunday | April 21 | 12:15pm

New to UPPC? We would love to get to know you. Meet the pastors, staff and others in the UPPC community in the Family Worship Room directly after the 11am service. Coffee is on us! No registration necessary! Questions? Contact Kathy Goertz. kgoertz@uppc.org.

Friendship in The Wayside! (55+)

Thursdays | April 21, May 16, June 13 | 11:15am-1:00pm

Hosted by the deacons in The Wayside. Bring a friend for a light lunch and to catch up with others! The Wayside café will be open and purchases support UPPC youth ministries. It’s a great time of fellowship! Contact Jill McMullen with questions or to arrange transportation. No registration required. jmcmullen@uppc.org | 253.564-2522 ext.139

Faith & Literature

Wednesday | June 5 | 7-9pm | Zoom

UPPC’s Book Club will meet in early June to discuss “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall-Kimmer. Every other month, the group meets to discuss a well-written novel or non-fiction book. For details, contact Marion Tilley. davemannie@comcast.net.

Friendship ESL (English as a Second Language)

Wednesdays through May | 9-10am | Zoom

Volunteers are needed to be conversation partners with students. This class is designed for adults who speak basic English, but who want to improve their conversational skills, grow their vocabulary, or learn more about American culture. For more information about the class or to volunteer, contact Marion Tilley. davemannie@comcast.net.

Serve moms at MOMCO (formerly MOPS)

2nd & 4th Mondays | 9:15-11:30am

Do you have experience to share or time to give? MOMCO is always looking for those who would like to care for babies and kids. We are typically at capacity and need loving arms for babes as their mommas receive some much needed time of rejuvenation. Contact Stephanie Shineflew for details. slshineflew@gmail.

The Discipleship Journey

Alpha

Get acquainted with the landscape of Christianity at Alpha - People need a space to ask the big questions of life in a place where they will be accepted and belong. Alpha is that place. For eleven weeks this fall, enjoy dinner and explore meaning, faith, and the basics of Christianity among new friends.

Essentials

Sunday June 2 | 3-7pm

The Essentials membership class is a great way to learn more about UPPC and to discover how you fit into this community of believers and Christ followers. There IS a place for you, and Essentials is a great way to explore the opportunities. Watch for registration details coming soon.

Rooted

If you are looking to find community and engage, Rooted is for YOU! Rooted is a small group for all, at any stage of any faith journey. Together, we will learn about practicing “rhythms” essential to a healthy and active relationship with Jesus. Enjoy daily reading and journaling in your new book, then come together weekly to share and listen in a safe space. If you have experienced Alpha, Equipping or are ready to find new connections, then Rooted is YOUR next group!

Equipping

Equipping is an intensive small group led by Pastor Mike Moffitt to explore the Four Discipleship Fundamentals. You’ll get actual pieces of discipleship “equipment” and an overview of the basic skills needed for following Jesus.

ASK QUESTIONS, MAKE ROOM AND TAKE THE NEXT STEPS ON YOUR FAITH JOURNEY! UPPC.ORG/EVENTS

The Den

2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm

Join with other guys to tackle some of life’s challenges together. The Den is about men helping men to be better, Godly men through a Gospel-centered vision of life. Meeting in Fellowship Hall. Bob Baker | rbaker315@gmail.com.

The Well

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm

Join other women as we gather to learn, support one another and explore the HOPE and TRUTH in God’s Word for our REAL, daily lives. Our time together includes video, group discussion, and prayer. Come early and grab a drink at The Wayside café! Come as you are, when you can! Childcare available with registration. Meeting in Fellowship Hall. Questions? Contact Kathy Overlease. bravofam2018@gmail.com

Mingle

2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm

Join other women for an informal time of connection and conversation. Mingle with friends you know, and meet new ones! A great way to spend an hour while your kids are at youth group. Jenn Boucher | jennifer-boucher@hotmail.com.

MOMCO at UPPC (formerly MOPS)

2nd & 4th Mondays 9:15-11am | Registration opens in May

Gather with other Moms of Preschoolers to connect, eat and find support and encouragement in a welcoming and friendly place. Contact Stephanie Shineflew with questions. slshineflew@gmail.

Groups for Men & Women Young Adults

CROSSROADS

Crossroads is for young adults age 18+ looking for community at UPPC. Follow @uppccrossroads on Instagram for up-to-date information about our events or contact eriverman@uppc.org.

Bible Studies

Women’s Thursday Bible Study

Thursdays 9:30-11am | Fellowship Hall

Please join us this spring as we look into “The Good and Beautiful Bible Study: Experiencing Stories from the Bible.” Led by Sharon Moffitt. Drop-ins welcome.

Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study

Mondays | 6:30-7:30am | Zoom

Start your week off with a fellowship of praying and devoted men as we read and discuss the Bible. For more information, contact Bob Mohr. bobmohr1942@gmail.com

Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Wednesdays | 9-10am

Join a mid-week pick-me-up of prayer and fellowship as we seek to grow through reading and discussing the Bible. For more information, contact Bob Mohr. bobmohr1942@gmail.com

Bible Study Fellowship

Mondays | 6:30pm | UPPC

Tacoma area men’s group, women’s group and kid’s programs all meet at UPPC. This is a great opportunity for the whole family. In person and online option available. We are studying the Gospel of John. Men contact Pete Siems. petesiems@gmail.com. Women contact Jackie Jones. jackie.jones98@yahoo.com.

Bible Study for All

Wednesdays | 10-11:30am

Come as you are, no sign-up necessary! Join Gwenn Robertson and friends in this weekly exploration of the Bible through video lessons, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. Contact Gwenn with questions. gwennandbenny@gmail.com

Care Ministries

GriefShare | April 7th

GriefShare, a 13-week seminar and support group designed to offer help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. Our caring group of leaders have experienced grief and will help you through the difficult days ahead as you begin to rebuild your life after loss. We know it hurts, and we want to support you Register at uppc.org/events.

Contact Jill McMullen. jmcmullen@uppc.org | 253.564.2522 ext 139

Women’s Cancer Support Group

2nd Tuesdays | 1-2:30pm | Zoom

The Women’s Cancer Support Group welcomes all women who are in the midst of treatment for cancer as well as women who are in remission and have survived cancer. We are there to support each other and watch the Holy Spirit at work among us. Women who have attended have commented that knowing someone else that is going through cancer treatment now or in the past like you is unmeasurable. Hearing each other’s stories and giving support to each other is truly a gift from the Lord. Contact Sue Walen. frogfingers@comcast.net.

Tacoma Prostate Cancer Support Group

4th Tuesdays | 6:30-8pm | Zoom

To learn more about this group, contact Bob Freeborn. raf0444@comcast.net.

Sew & Reap

1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 10am-2pm | Room 121

Bring a lunch and your sewing supplies to gather in fellowship and create quilts to be donated to various shelters such as Coffee Oasis for homeless teenagers. Drop by and share your gifts.

Special Needs Parent Support Group

April 14 & May 19 | 1:45-2:45pm | Zoom

Special Needs Parent Support Group purpose is to provide spiritual, educational and emotional support for parents who have children of all ages with special needs. We meet on zoom monthly and in person quarterly. Parents may also partner with an experienced individual to listen and share their knowledge. Contact Martha Greene at mgreene@uppc. org for more information.

Saturday April 13 | 9-10am | UPPC Gym

Ladies, join us for a time of wellness and body work with a combination of stretching, isometric exercise, and choreographed controlled range of motion. This will increase joint and muscle strength and is empowering for all bodies with any level of physical activity history. More info at UPPC.org/events.

Dinner & A Movie

April 28 | 5-8:30pm

JUST MERCY

Watch and discuss this powerful story about loving our neighbor, confronting justice, and the potential for mercy to redeem us. Discussion to follow movie viewing. Dinner included and childcare provided up to age 12 with registration. UPPC.org/events

UPPC Families

Couples Group

April 21-June 2 | 6:00-7:30pm | Fellowship Hall

Feeling over-scheduled and under connected as a couple? Join us for this six-week session of Couples Group. We’ll be going through the book “The Time-Starved Marriage”. Relationship experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott will help us recognize our time styles to be more engaged with our spouse and maximize the moments we have together. Register early to receive your book for FREE! (While supplies last) More info at UPPC.org/events.

Wednesday Night Dinners

Wednesdays 5:30-6:15pm | The Wayside

Family dinner before children, youth and adult discipleship programs on Wednesdays. This is a great time saver and opportunity to get to know others in our community. Sign up and pay online by noon on the Tuesday before each dinner. More information and details about the food each week are UPPC.org/events.

SCUBA Day Camp

Registration Opens

April 10th at 5pm!

We need over 150 youth and adult volunteers to make Day Camp happen. Mark your summer calendar to be a part of this community-reaching event for kids! Volunteers can register their kids early (4/1) and registration for all campers opens April 10th. Questions? Contact Julie Mangrum at jmangrum@uppc.org or register at UPPC.org/events!

Coming July 8-12

Youth & Children

Campfire (Grades 1-4)

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm | The Lodge

WEDNESDAYS Programs run through June 5

Learn about Jesus, play crazy games and create cool art. We are doing drive-by drop off and pick up so parents don’t need to park and leave their cars. We will be playing on the UPPC playground when it is dry so please dress accordingly.

Foundation (Grades 5-7)

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm | The Youth Room

Come have fun, make new friendships, or deepen old ones. We’ll have lots of fun and discover together who God is and how your story intersects with his story.

The Rock (Grades 8-9)

Wednesdays 8-9pm | The Gym

UPPC’s midweek youth group for Junior High Students. At the Rock, we take a break from the busy week to be together in community, play some games, and discover together what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

Cornerstone (Grades 10-12)

1st & 3rd Wednesdays 8-9pm* | The Gym

A fun time for High Schoolers with games, trivia, raffle prizes and learning more about faith. This is a great time to bring friends who may be new to church activities. *Last Cornerstone will be May 15th

High School Small Groups (Grades 10-12)

2nd & 4th Wednesdays 8-9pm | Youth Room

This is an opportunity to gather in a smaller setting with a dedicated leader to dive deeper into faith together. To be placed in a small group contact Lexi Barnett at lbarnett@uppc.org.

Need to run errands or just have a few hours to yourself? At MDDO, moms and dads rotate to help our nursery staff each semester - It’s a group effort! To register contact Laura Richardson, Director of Early Childhood at lrichardson@uppc.org.

SUNDAYS

High School & Young Adult Sunday Bible Study

Grades 10-12 | 9:45 | Wayside

Meet in the Wayside for Sunday Bible Study. Join us in service at 11am.

Solid Ground on Sundays

Grades 5-9 | 9:30 & 11am | Youth Room

Students start in the sanctuary and then will gather together for a service designed for youth where they will be challenged to learn more about Jesus together.

UPPC Kids Sunday School

Sundays 9:30 & 11am

Children in grades 1-4 start in the Sanctuary with their parents and are released to go to Sunday School in the Lodge before the sermon. At Sunday School the children learn a story from the Bible and engage in other fun activities. It’s our goal to make learning about Jesus an exciting and interactive experience. Our elementary curriculum includes a family devotional. This great resource helps parents reinforce what their children are learning in Sunday School as they continue to build their faith at home.

Early Childhood (4mo-K) Sunday Care

9:30 & 11am Services | 4mo-3yrs in the Nursery, 4yrs-K in The Lodge

Our trained staff will nurture and love your children so you can relax and focus on your time in the worship service. Not comfortable leaving your child during service? We have a Family Worship Room off the Upper Lobby where you can comfortably participate in worship without worry if your child is making noise or moving about.

Soccer

Thursdays | 6-8pm

UPPC Gym

A fun time to learn indoor soccer with friends. Must be 13 or older. All skill levels welcome.

Volleyball

Tuesdays | 6-8pm

UPPC Gym

An easy-going and fun environment to learn and play indoor volleyball. Must be 13 or older. All skill levels welcome. *

JOIN US! Sunday-Thursday | 8:30am-1pm

Stop by for a spring specialty drink before a walk with a friend or stay in the cafe for the free wifi!

A UPPC Podcast on life, the Bible and faith. Join Mike Moffitt & guests for conversations that are improvised and sometimes unusual... just like jazz!

Available from your favorite podcast outlet.

Pilgrimage to China

Trip Dates: October 11-21, 2024

Informational Sessions April 28 & May 19 | More at UPPC.org/outreach

UPPC Staff

Pastors

Rev. Aaron Stewart Senior Pastor

Rev. Mike Moffitt Associate Pastor

Rev. Tina Osterhouse Associate Pastor

Worship & Music

Rev. Dr. Diana Greene Minister of Worship

Loren Tucker Director of Contemporary Worship

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 & Connect

Kathy Goertz Welcoming Coordinator

Rev. Lisa Woicik Minister of Outreach & Mission

Youth & Children

Laura Richardson Director of Early Childhood

Julie Mangrum Director of Elementary

Robin Fawcett Director of Middle School

Lexi Barnett Director of High School & Young Adults

Operations

Rob Clark Executive Pastor

Mike Bates Executive Minister of Advancement

Ashli Veitch Executive Assistant

Lisa Priestley Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Emily Jacobsen Office & Scheduling Coordinator

Kaylee Fowler Financial Administrator

Julianne Bishop Stewardship Coordinator

Campus Care

Taylor Conrad Campus Care & Wayside Café Manager

Chuck Benedict Lead Custodian

Mawiir Deng Custodian

Chris Lange Custodian

UPPC ELDERS

Session Support

Susan Clark

Bob Freeborn

Sven Nelson

Carolyn Rzesutek

Worship & Discipleship

Nancy Keay

Chuck King

Guy Berry

Rick Todd

Care & Outreach

Emily Bosh

Patti Vig

Marty Sanbeck

Cynthia Crosby

Karen Crosby

Youth & Children

Holly Bray

Mary Pubols

Operations

Kathleen George

Jim Maxwell

Cynthia Darland

Krista Wallace

Campus Care

Russell Post

Sean Hensley

The Session, comprised of elders, serves as the governing body of the church. Elders are elected, volunteer positions within the church body who help facilitate the leadership and direction of the church.