PATHWAYS FOLLOWING JESUS ONE STEP AT A TIME Offerings!New DATE COMMUNITIESCARENIGHT QuarterFall SEP-DECTOGETHER!GROWING2022 SomethingforYou MEN,YOUTH,PARENTS,WOMEN,ANDMORE
Men’s
EssentialsAlphaRooted BIBLE
In This Issue
MingleMOPSDenin The
Tacoma PRostate Cancer Support Group Divorce Recovery Special Needs Parent Support Group
YOUTH & CHILDREN Cornerstone (Grades 10-12) The Rock (Grades 8-9) Foundation (Grades 5-7) Campfire (Grades 1-4) Solid Ground on Sundays
Bible Study for All Faith & CouplesLiteratureGroup MEN & WOMEN Women’s Bible Study Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study Wednesday Morning Bible Study The Wayside CARE Women’s Cancer Support Group
The Well
ADULTS Friendship ESL Class MOPS Volunteers Bible Study Fellowship Safe Haven Hospitality Volunteers Care FriendshipCommunitiesinTheWayside (55+) Date Night Meet the Pastors STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS
Truly, Pastor Mike Pastor Mike
UPPC Kids Sunday School
Learn more and sign up at UPPC.org/events
Dear Friends, Like all seasons, the summer has come and… well, it has not yet gone, but fall is definitely in the air. Labor Day camping trips, football openers, the electricity of a new school year, and the approach of cool autumn evenings all remind us that a new season is around the corner. So it is at UPPC! Four times a year we release a new Pathways. Pathways is a celebration of what God is doing in this community, and opportunities for you to explore new pathways in your journey through life with Jesus. The word for that journey is “Discipleship.” We hope you’ll find new ways to grow as a disciple by maturing in your knowledge of scripture, your practice of prayer, building community, and blessing the world through service. I am excited for this next season and am praying that the Holy Spirit will empower and inspire you as we journey with Jesus together!
Early Childhood (4mo-K) Sunday Care Bible Sunday THE HOLIDAYS Find out what we’re planning for the holidays!
WORSHIP TOGETHER SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30am Classic Worship 11am Contemporary Worship ON LINE Watch live streams of all services every Sunday! Wherever you are, visit UPPC.org to connect with your community and engage in service. ON CAMPUS Gather in person for worship on Sundays! There’s something special about gathering together to worship. Join us on Sunday mornings! NEW FALL SERIES SEPTEMBER 11-NOVEMBER 20
Friendship ESL (English as a Second Language) Class for Advanced Students
Volunteers are needed to provide this much-needed support to UPPC families and others caring for these children. Learn more at UPPC.org/ outreach.
Safe Haven Hospitality Volunteers
Wednesdays beginning Sept. 7 | 9-10am | Zoom Classes emphasize building vocabulary, learning idioms, and exploring American culture and history. If interested in joining the class as either a student or as a tutor, contact Marion Tilley at davemannie@comcast.net.
This year both the men’s and women’s Tacoma Monday Evening groups will meet simultaneously at UPPC. A Kids Program and an online class are also offered. The study this year is “People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided,” and will continue weekly through May. For more information, go to www.bsfinternational.org, then click on the “find a group” button to register.
Bible Study Fellowship Mondays beginning September 12 | 6:30pm | UPPC
ONGOING
Be a warm and friendly face welcoming a refugee or asylum seeker as they begin their resettlement journey! Home to the nation’s fourth largest immigration processing center, dozens of refugees and asylum seekers arrive at World Relief and AID NW’s Welcome RV every month needing a temporary place to stay, a warm meal, and transportation to the airport. Volunteers are needed to join teams who tangibly welcome a couple of these folks one Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday per month. Learn more at UPPC.org/outreach.
Adults
Care Communities Provide tangible, emotional, and spiritual support to a foster or adoptive family! Over 10,000 children go through the Washington State child welfare system every year, and many of them need a higher level of care than your average child. Families who courageously sign up to parent these children easily burn out without others providing them ongoing care and support.
MOPS Volunteers 2nd & 4th Monday mornings | UPPC Seeking childcare volunteers to love on kiddos while their mamas catch their breath. Commit to one, some, or all meetings. If you are able or know someone who is, email us at uppc.mops@gmail.com
Date Night Saturday September 17 | 4:30-8:30pm | Fellowship Hall
Are you new to UPPC? Join us after the 11am service for coffee, and meet pastors, staff and other people looking for community! No registration necessary. Questions? Contact Kathy Goertz | kgoertz@uppc.org, or 253.564.2522x147.
The Wayside
SEPTEMBER
Friendship in The Wayside! (55+)
Hosted by the Deacons, we’ll provide snacks and drinks, and you’ll have the opportunity to support youth missions through buying coffee from The Wayside Cafe. We’ll have a devotional and some table conversation starters, but our goal is to provide time for fellowship. If you need a ride or have questions, please contact Jill McMullen at 253.564.2522 x139 or jmcmullen@uppc.org.
Get going with Jesus, learning to practice essential rhythms of discipleship. Rooted launches at UPPC with a dinner event (childcare available). Enjoy dinner, then meet your Rooted group leaders, break off into your groups, get to know each other and make a plan for your Rooted experience! Rooted is FREE and an important step toward incorporating our heads, hearts, and hands into well-rounded Christian lifestyle. Sign up at UPPC.org/events. For an online option, contact Stan Hearn, stanhearn06@gmail.com.
Rooted Launch Party | Sunday September 18 | 5:30pm
Come for a Date Night at UPPC. Speaker and therapist Dr. Elisabeth Wilson will talk about intimacy and communication in relationships. Dinner and childcare provided for ages 6 months to 10 years. Join us for door prizes, a catered dinner, and a fun Saturday night! Cost is $25 per person and $50 per couple. This is an event for singles and all types of couples. Sign up at UPPC.org/events.
OCTOBER Essentials Essentials | Coming in October
Meet the Pastors
Sundays 9/18, 10/16, & 11/20 | 12:15pm | The Wayside
Alpha Sundays beginning Sept 18 | 5:30-7:30pm |
As the world begins to emerge from one of the longest lockdowns in history, 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 this fall. Childcare is available. Learn more at UPPC.org/alpha.
There’s a place for you at UPPC. Explore what that means at our next Essentials class, you will learn about what it means to belong to the UPPC community by learning more about the mission, theology and ministry of UPPC.
Third Thursdays | 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/8 | 11:15am-1:30pm | The Wayside
Faith & Lit is the UPPC, bi-monthly book discussion group open to all readers of good literature. Our next discussion will be Ribbons of Scarlett by Kate Quinn. If interested, contact Marion Tilley at davemannie@comcast.net.
Tuesdays: 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29 | 7-8:30pm | Zoom
Want to rekindle the spark in your relationship? Interested in meeting other couples at UPPC? Learn the six pillars of intimacy to strengthen your bond and grow into a deeper, closer relationship with your significant other. Join us for this virtual group to enrich your relationship and connect with other UPPC couples! Contact Amanda Wood with any questions at thewoods97@ comcast.net
Wednesday October 5 | 7-9pm | Zoom
Bible Studies & Small Groups
Faith & Lit
Bible Study For All Wednesdays | 10-11:30am | Room 121
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.
Couples Group: Six Pillars of Intimacy
As a symbol of her faith, Ellen recently got the tattoo pictured to the left. It means: He came, He died, He rose, He ascended, and He will come again.
Ellen’s Story
After spending my young adult life being led by the Holy Spirit and not knowing it, I had a family member hurt me very badly with their judgement and words earlier in the year. I was already in a fragile state and so this broke me and pushed me to a very sad place. I came across UPPC and immediately felt the warmth of the Lord after speaking to Pastor Mike and experiencing the community support from the first moment. The teachings of love, acceptance and grace have helped me be able to start living my life to my full capacity. My hope after accepting The Lord into my life is that I continue to feel his presence and guidance as I navigate this crazy world. And to be confident in my choices, the lives I impact and my relationship with Christ as I continue to learn more and more about eternal grace.
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) 2nd & 4th Mondays, 9/26-5/8 | 9:15-11:30am | Fellowship Hall
Women’s Bible Study Thursdays beginning September 15 | 9:30-11am | Fellowship Hall
Men & Women
Join with other guys 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! Contact Guy Berry with any questions, guyberry767@gmail.com. Register for childcare at UPPC.org/adults.
Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study Mondays | 6:30-7:45am | Zoom
The Well 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm | Fellowship Hall
Join us for a priceless time of gathering and connecting with other moms and mentors! Childcare will be provided. Infants under 6 months are welcome to stay on mom’s lap. Learn more at UPPC.org/adults.
Join other women for an informal time of connection and conversation. Mingle with friends you know, and meet new ones!
Our focus this year is “Family Relationships.” Families bring both joy and challenges! Join us as we explore narratives about families in the Bible. You might be surprised! Contact: Sharon Moffitt, 253-566-0806, sdmoffitt@hotmail.com
Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays | 9-10am | James Center IHOP
Start your week with a fellowship of men devoted to living a life of prayer, fellowship, and truth through Scripture. Email Bob Mohr with questions: bobmohr1942@gmail.com.
Join a mid-week pick-me-up of reading and discussing our favorite scriptures. Email Bob Mohr with questions: bobmohr1942@gmail.com.
Ladies, gather in community as we explore the video study, “Chasing Vines,” by Beth Moore. We will join her on a “journey of discovering the delights of bearing fruit and fully embrace God’s brilliant design for us to live a fruitful, abundant, meaningful life.” Meet us early in The Wayside Cafe at 6:15 to socialize and grab a drink. Come as you are, when you can! Questions? Contact Kathy Overlease at bravofam2018@gmail.com. Register for childcare at UPPC.org/adults. The Den 2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm | Fellowship Hall
Mingle in The Wayside 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, beginning 9/14 | 6:30-7:30pm | The Wayside
Women’s Weekend Sep 30-Oct 2 Washington Family Ranch Info & Registration at UPPC.org/events. WW Women’s MINISTRIES UPPC Enjoy a weekend of fun, fellowship and growth at Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch! Cost is $179 per person. Registration is open at Questions?UPPC.org/events.Contact Leslie Hensley at leslie.hensley@comcast.net
Parent Support Group is for those with children of any age living with special needs different abilities, or sensory issues. Join us for a time of sharing and support. Email Martha Greene at mgreene@uppc.org for the zoom link.
“The Special Needs Parent Support Group helped to normalize the emotions and frustrations of dealing with my child and helped me to empathize with other parents coping with similar issues.” - Lehlia
Special Needs Parent Support Group
Care Ministries
4th Tuesdays | 6:30-8pm | Zoom
To learn more about this group, contact Bob Freeborn at raf0444@comcast.net.
Thursdays Sept 15-Oct 27 | 6:15-8:45pm | Fellowship Hall
Women’s Cancer Support Group
The Women’s Cancer Support Group welcomes all women who are in the midst of treatment for cancer and 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
Second Sundays | 12:45-2:30pm | Zoom
Divorce Recovery
Divorce happens for a variety of reasons, and when it does, Divorce Recovery will help to answer some of divorce’s most difficult questions: How deeply has this affected me? How will I ever recover from it? It takes courage and humility to confront our deepest 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. More info at UPPC.org/care.
2nd Tuesdays | 1-2:30pm | Zoom
October 22 at 1pm Cozy up to fall with pumpkin spice and everything nice at The Wayside! Stop by Sunday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm to try our new fall flavors. Catch up with friends or find a comfortable place to work at The Wayside!
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!
Trunk or Treat Friday October 28 Save the Date!
Wednesdays 8-9pm | Youth Room
Time for High Schoolers to hang out with friends, de-stress, sing songs, play games, and learn more about faith. Together, we discover who God is and give students the life tools to build an identity around the true cornerstone: Jesus Christ The Rock (Grades 8-9)
September 14 will be kickoff for all midweek student ministries
Wednesdays 8-9pm | The Lodge
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
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)
Foundation (Grades 5-7)
Youth & Children
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm | The Youth Room
If your child is in grades 1-4 and does not have a Bible of their own, UPPC would love to give them one! Bibles will be presented to students during worship services on Sept 25. Register online at UPPC.org/children Learn more about each group and find contact info at: UPPC.org/cornerstone UPPC.org/therock UPPC.org/foundation UPPC.org/children
Students gather together for a service designed for youth where they will be challenged to learn more about Jesus together.
high
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.
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. Bible Sunday Sunday September 25 | 9:30 & 11am Services
Early Childhood (4mo-K) Sunday Care 9:30 & 11am Services | 4mo-3yrs in the Nursery, 4yrs-K in The Lodge
Solid Ground on Sundays Grades 5-9 | 9:30 & 11am | Youth Room
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Looking for a school group? Contact Lexi Barnett at lbarnett@uppc.org.
Christmas is a magnifier. It can make the good in life seem really good, and the difficult things more challenging. But, we also know there is hope and peace beyond those circumstances. Join us for a service designed to acknowledge our grief and loss and focus on the promise of hope. Christmas Eve Services Friday December 24 | 11am, 7, 9 & 11pm
Blue Christmas Service
Join us for a festive concert at either service!
Community Christmas
Tuesday December 21 | 7pm
Invite your friends and family to join you at one of our Christmas Eve services to celebrate the birth our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Sunday November 27 | 6:30pm
Every year we help hundreds of children in our community have a merry Christmas. We’ll be doing it again this year, so stay tuned for how you can participate.
Bring the kids and join other families to nibble on cookies, make a family advent wreath, light a candle and celebrate the first Sunday of Advent around tables. More info coming!
The at UPPC
Join us as we take a moment to pause and show gratitude to God before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. Launch Your Family’s Christmas Season
Let us help you and your family experience traditions that make the Christmas story fun, meaningful and memorable!
Christmas Concert Sunday December 11 | 9:30 & 11am
Wednesday November 23 | 7pm
Holidays
A UPPC Podcast on life, the Bible and faith. With Mike Moffitt & weekly guests, join us for conversations that are improvised and sometimes unusual... just like jazz! Available at your favorite podcast outlet. Come Away to The Skies:A High BluegrassLonesomeMass November 6 at UPPC 9:30 & 11am services Incorporating traditional Southern hymns such as Do Lord Remember Me, Brethren We Have Met To Worship, and Brightest and Best.
Lexi Barnett Director of Young Adults & High School
Youth
Pastors
Robin Fawcett Director of Middle School
Rev. Dr. Diana Greene Minister of Worship Loren Tucker Director of Cont. Worship & Technical Arts
Chuck Benedict Lead Custodian Mawiir Deng
Rob Clark Minister of Youth & Children
Lisa Todd Director of Music & Arts Institute Care & Outreach
UPPC Staff
Jacoby Continuity & Communication Bob Freeborn Continuity & Communication Sven Nelson Nominating Carolyn Rzesutek Nominating Worship & Discipleship Nancy Keay Worship Ross Parker Worship Guy Berry Discipleship Rick Todd Discipleship Care & Outreach Emily Bosh Outreach
Campus
Children Holly
Mike Bates Executive Minister
Lori & & & Crosby & Bray & &
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.
UPPC ELDERS
Ashli Veitch Executive Assistant
Connect Karen
Melinda Tucker Director of Contemporary Worship
Rev. Aaron Stewart Senior Pastor Rev. Mike Moffitt Associate Pastor
Lisa Woicik Minister of Outreach & Mission Youth & Children
Custodian Session Support
Care Youth
Children Mary Pubols Youth
Worship & Music
Julie Mangrum Director of Elementary Laura Richardson Director of Early Childhood Jessica Carey Director of Sunset Christian Preschool Operations
Children Operations Jim Maxwell Human Resources Kathleen George Human Resources Cynthia Darland Finance Krista Wallace Finance Campus Care Joel Postma Facilities Dan Small Facilities
Missions Jim Lineweaver Outreach & Missions Marty Sanbeck Welcome
Kate Evarts Director of Communications Janie Brooksher Scheduler
Julianne Bishop Stewardship Coordinator Care Taylor Conrad Campus Care & Wayside Café Manager
Dan Konicek Director of Media
Rev. Dr. Martha Greene Parish Associate Jill McMullen Minister of Care and Welcome and Connect Kathy Goertz Welcoming Coordinator
Kaylee Fowler Financial Administrator
Connect Jim Goertz Welcome