PATHWAYS FOLLOWING JESUS ONE STEP AT A TIME
WINTER EDITION JANUARY - APRIL 2024 GROWING TOGETHER!
Happy New Year! At this time of year, some people make new year’s resolutions, while others choose a single word or theme to guide them. Still others seize the opportunity to reiterate their priorities. Approaches to the new year often focus on what to do. It’s also important to remember why. January marks the beginning of a new period of discipleship at UPPC. “Discipleship” refers to ways in which we actively follow Jesus. As you peruse this edition of Pathways, consider what God is calling you to try. What will help you grow in knowledge of the Bible, improve habits of prayer and spiritual practice, deepen your friendships, or bless your community through acts of service? As you consider “what” to do in the next few months, be encouraged by “why”: “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:10-12 NIV). May we all encounter the Holy Spirit in new and powerful ways this year! Pastor 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.
NEW Series in 2024!
WORSHIP
TOGETHER SUNDAY MORNINGS
9:30am Classic Worship 11am Contemporary Worship
Worship with us
ON CAMPUS
Gather in person for worship on Sundays. We are here to welcome you! Worship opportunities available at both services for kids, Pre-K through Grade 12.
ONLINE Worship with us via the LIVE stream for both services on Sundays! Visit UPPC.org/live to connect with community and engage in worship.
Adults Meet the Pastors Sundays | January 21, February 25, March 17 | 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! Questions? Contact Kathy Goertz | kgoertz@uppc.org. No registration necessary! Faith & Literature Wednesday | February 7 | 7 - 9pm | Zoom UPPC’s Book Club will meet this winter to discuss the classic novel “Catch 22” by Joseph Heller. 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 in The Wayside! (55+) Thursdays | January 18, February 15, March 21 | 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 Friendship ESL (English as a Second Language) Wednesdays | 9-10am | Zoom 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. Volunteers are needed to be conversation partners with students. For more information about the class or to volunteer, contact Marion Tilley. davemannie@comcast.net. MOPS Volunteers 2nd & 4th Monday mornings | UPPC Do you have experience to share or time to give? MOPS is looking for those who would like to care for babies and kids in our MOPS program. We are at capacity and need loving arms for babes as their mommas receive some much needed time of rejuvenation. If you are able or know someone who is, email us! uppc.mops@gmail.com
MORE INFO ONLINE
The Discipleship Journey Alpha Sundays beginning in January | 5:30-7:30pm 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. Enjoy dinner, and explore meaning, faith, and the basics of Christianity among new friends for eleven weeks. Next session info coming soon! Flourishing Sundays beginning in January | 5:30-7:30pm Explore God’s vision for human flourishing, the challenges that hinder flourishing within our local community, and how God is inviting us to bring healing, hope, and transformation for others. Hear from guest speakers, examine your own gifts and context, and reflect upon how God has uniquely prepared you to help others flourish. Next session info coming soon! Essentials Sunday March 3 | 3-7pm Our 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 at UPPC.org/events. Equipping Sunday April 14 | 3-7pm Equipping is an intensive, one-day 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. Watch for registration details coming soon at UPPC.org/events. ASK QUESTIONS, MAKE ROOM AND TAKE THE NEXT STEPS ON YOUR JOURNEY!
Groups for Men & Women 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. Contact Bob Baker | rbaker315@gmail.com. Meeting in Fellowship Hall. The Well 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm Join us on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month as we walk through a new study together, “The Struggle is Real” by Nicole Unice. Our time together includes video, group discussion, and prayer. Come as you are, when you can! Childcare available with registration. Questions? Contact Kathy Overlease at 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. Contact Jenn Boucher with questions. jennifer-boucher@ hotmail.com. MOPS 2nd & 4th Mondays | 9:15-11:30am Registration for MOPS this year is full. Look for 2024-2025 registration this spring. Gather with other Moms of Preschoolers to connect, eat and find support and encouragement in a welcoming and friendly place. Contact Kallie Williams with questions. mattiesgirl79@hotmail.com
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 winter/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 Gwen with questions. gwenandbenny@gmail.com
Care Ministries Divorce Recovery Thursdays February 15-March 28 | 6:15-8:45pm | Fellowship Hall Do you know someone who has experienced divorce? It takes courage and humility to confront our deepest questions and fears. Divorce Recovery at UPPC is a safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and emotions and to begin the process of healing through faith, hope and love. Registration includes dinner and space for kids experiencing divorce. Register today at UPPC.org/events. 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 have survived cancer. We are there to support each other and watch the Holy Spirit at work among us. 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 at 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. *In January we meet on the 9th & 23rd. Special Needs Parent Support Group January 14, February 11, March 10 | 1:45pm-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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE MINISTRIES AT UPPC.ORG/CARE
Prayer at UP PC There are multiple opportunities to pray for others at UPPC. Prayer Chain: This group prays for requests that come in through prayerrequests@uppc.org. Thursday Morning Prayer: Gathering Thursday mornings, this group prays for the church and its ministries. If you are interested in joining us in prayer, please contact Jill McMullen. jmcmullen@uppc.org | 253.564.2522 ext 139
Hope Inspired 2024 Saturday | March 16 With Special Guest Nicole Unice
Mark your calendars and join UPPC Women’s Ministries for an amazing day of fellowship and rejuvenation as we explore how to reconcile the dreams we have for ourselves with the plans God has for us—and how surrendering to God’s way leads to new resilience and hope. Registration opens February 1st at UPPC.org/events. The first 100 registrants will receive a copy of Nicole’s new book!! Nicole Unice is a speaker and leadership coach, and the author of The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships. She has a passion for bringing God’s Word to life in a personal and relevant way. Her training as a counselor informs her work, as she emphasizes the importance of facing our own reality and embracing the transforming power of God’s grace. Nicole is the host of Let’s Be Real, a podcast dedicated to the pursuit of healthy relationships. She also holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and serves on the board of CHAT, a local nonprofit focused on restorative work with young people in poverty. Learn more at NicoleUnice.com!
UP PC in the World
American South Peacemaking Pilgrimage June 25-July 3, 2024
Informational Session January 14 Join us in the Gym after each service. You are invited to engage in the story. The American South Pilgrimage,gives an opportunity for us to learn how to tell a more true and honest American story and help bring healing and repair within our local community. Register by March 8. Email lwoicik@uppc.org for details about trip scholarships. More at UPPC.org/events.
UP PC Families Fun Fair Saturday February 3 | 11am - 2pm Volunteer to join us for Fun Fair 2024! This is a free event for families in our community with toddlers through 5th grade. There will be carnival games, bounce houses, crafts, lunch and more! Sign up to help at UPPC.org/events. As a FAMILY of FAITH, we LOVE KIDS! Family Sacrament Experience March 10 & 17 | 9:30am In this workshop, children and their parents will explore the meaning and traditions of baptism and communion. They will be given the opportunity to participate in the sacraments at the end of the workshop. (This class is geared toward children in grades 1-4). Watch for more info and registration at UPPC.org/events. Wednesday Night Dinners Wednesdays 5:15pm-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.
SAVE THE DATE for Day Camp 2024! July 8-12
Youth & Children WEDNESDAYS Cornerstone (Grades 10-12) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 8-9pm | Youth Room A fun time for High Schoolers of games, trivia, raffle prizes and learn more about faith. This is a great time to bring friends who may be new to church activities. High School Small Groups (Grades 10-12) 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 8-9pm | Youth Room This is an opportunity to gather in a smaller settting with a dedicated leader to dive deeper into faith together. To be placed in a small group contact Lexi Barnett at lbarnett@uppc.org.
The Rock (Grades 8-9) Wednesdays 8-9pm | The Lodge 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. 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. Campfire (Grades 1-4) Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm | The Lodge 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!
Easter Jam Wednesday March 20 Watch for more information and registration coming in February! (grades 1-4)
SUNDAYS High School Sunday Bible Study Grades 10-12 | 9:45 | Wayside Meet in the Wayside at 9:45 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 adult, 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.
DROP IN Volleyball
Soccer
Tuesdays | 6-8pm UPPC Gym An easy-going and fun environment to learn and play indoor volleyball. Must be 13 years or older. All skill levels welcome. *No volleyball 1/16, 1/30, 2/6, or 2/13
Thursdays | 6-8pm UPPC Gym A fun time to learn indoor soccer with friends. Must be 13 years or older. All skill levels welcome.
Stop by Sunday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm and cozy up by the fire with one of our Winter specialties. Catch up with friends or find a comfortable place to work at...
The Wayside A UPPC Podcast on life, the Bible and faith. With Mike Moffitt & guests join us for conversations that are improvised and sometimes unusual... just like jazz! Available from your favorite podcast outlet.
Easter at UPPC Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 14 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit with me.” The ashes of this day remind us of our mortality and need of a Savior. Join us for this service which introduces the season of Lent, 40 days before Easter.
Good Friday Friday, March 29 After his arrest, Jesus’ suffered humiliation, torture, and finally death on the cross. This solemn but lovely service tells of the final hours of our Lord’s life on earth, and why his death has eternal significance for us today.
Palm Sunday Sunday, March 24 As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he faced the last week of his earthly life. So he entered the city as he should: as the King. On this day, we celebrate his kingship and courage as he embarked on the week that would lead him to the cross.
Easter Sunday March 31 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5)
Commandment (Maundy) Thursday Thursday, March 28 At Jesus’ final meal before he was betrayed and arrested, he instituted the sacrament of Communion. At this service, we remember his command to his disciples: “Love one another.”
Celebrate the final defeat of death and inbreaking of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection, which is our hope! Invite your friends, neighbors, and family to enjoy this glorious news!
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 Dir. of Contemporary 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 & 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 Director of High School & Young Adults Operations Mike Bates Executive Minister Ashli Veitch Executive Assistant Lisa Priestley Communications & Marketing 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.