PATHWAYS (Winter 2023)

IN THIS ISSUE

ADULTS

Get on “The Discipleship Journey!” - Alpha - Essentials - Equipping - Rooted - Flourishing Meet the Pastors

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Bible Study For All Faith & Lit Friendship in The Wayside (55+)

MEN & WOMEN

The Well Mingle MOPS Hope Inspired Women’s Thursday Bible Study The Den Men’s Monday Bible Study Men’s Wednesday Bible Study Women’s Small Group

CARE & OUTREACH

Special Needs Parent Support Group Women’s Cancer Support Group Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Friendship & ESL Group Divorce Recovery Grief Share

YOUTH & CHILDREN

Wednesdays:

- Cornerstone (Grades 10-12) - The Rock (Grades 8-9) - Foundation (Grades 5-7) - Campfire (Grades 1-4) Sundays: - Early Childhood Care (4mo - K) - Elementary Sunday School (Grades 1-4) - Solid Ground (Grades 5-9) - High School Small Groups Fun Fair

Family Sacrament Experience Confirmation (Grades 8-12)

LENT & EASTER

From Pastor Mike and the Discipleship Team:

Dear Friends,

We’re excited to share the all-new “Discipleship Journey!” This five-part experience is designed for every adult to have a comprehensive experience of following Jesus that leads to a renewed sense of purpose in God’s work in your life and community.

Start your journey in Alpha as you get acquainted with some of life’s biggest questions from a Christian perspective. Explore UPPC membership at Essentials, then get equipped with the Four Fundamentals of Discipleship in Equipping. Join a small group startup in Rooted and develop new habits in scripture, prayer, community, and service. Finally, put your faith into practice in a Flourishing group as you explore how God is calling you to be a peacemaker in Jesus’ name.

The order of these experiences is recommended but not required. Feel free to explore them at your own pace, and know that our hope is that every adult at UPPC would experience all five!

FLOURISHING

ADULTS

ONGOING

Faith & Literature

First Wed. of every other month, Zoom

This book discussion group is open to all readers of good literature. For details, contact Marion Tilley at davemannie@ comcast.net.

Friendship & ESL Group

Wednesdays | 9-10am | Zoom

Build new vocabulary, learn idioms, and explore 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.

JANUARY

Equipping

Sundays in January | 12:30-2pm | rm. 123

This brief small group led by Pastor Mike Moffitt is about the four Discipleship Fundamentals. Each week you’ll get an actual piece of discipleship “equipment” and an overview of basic skills for following Jesus. Light lunch and childcare provided. (Recommended prerequisite: Alpha)

Meet the Pastors

Sundays 1/22, 2/26 & 3/19 | 12:30pm Are you new to UPPC? Join us in the Family Worship room after the 11am service for coffee from the Wayside, and meet pastors, staff and other people looking for community! No registration necessary. Questions? Contact Kathy Goertz | kgoertz@uppc.org, or 253.564.2522x147 No registration necessary.

FEBRUARY

Alpha

Sundays Feb. 5 - April 23 | 5:30-7:30pm

Fellowship Hall

In this complex world, more and more people are asking big questions about the meaning and purpose of life. Alpha is a safe, welcoming place to explore how Christianity addresses those questions, through videos and small group discussion. Enjoy dinner, make new friends, explore meaning, faith and the basics of Christianity. Childcare available with registration. Sign up at UPPC.org/ALPHA.

Rooted

Sundays Feb. 5 - April 23 | 5:30-7:30pm

Fellowship Hall

Rooted is a small group experience that will teach you how to practice 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. Childcare available with registration. (Recommended prerequisites: Alpha, Equipping). Sign up at UPPC.org/ROOTED

Flourishing

Sundays Feb. 5 - April 23 | 5:30-7:30pm

Fellowship Hall

Discern your role in God’s invitation to flourish!

Flourishing is a community experience that seeks to bring clarity to two primary questions: What is God’s invitation for human flourishing and how can we seek it for ourselves and others? You will explore the hopes and challenges inherent in God’s vision for human flourishing.

(Recommended prerequisites: Alpha, Equipping, Rooted). Sign up at UPPC.org/OUTREACH.

MARCH

Essentials

Wednesday March 26 | 4-7pm

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. Includes dinner and childcare.

Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16

11:15am - 1:15pm

The Wayside Cafe

Hosted by the Deacons, we’ll have some snacks, 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 hope is just to provide some time for fellowship with each other. If you need a ride or have questions, please contact Jill McMullen at 253.564.2522 x139 or jmcmullen@uppc.org

ADULTS

BIBLE STUDIES

Women’s Thursday Bible Study

Thursdays | 9:30-11am, Fellowship Hall

Do the Old Testament prophets (with interesting names like Obadiah!) have anything to say to us today? Drop-ins welcome. Contact Sharon Moffitt for details: 253-677-0100

Men’s Monday and Wednesday Bible Studies

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

Wednesdays | 9-10am, IHOP in James Center

Choose Monday or Wednesday to renew your time in the Bible and in fellowship with other men! Contact Bob Mohr for details: bobmohr1942@gmail.com

Bible Study for All

Wednesdays, 10-11:30, room 121

Come as you are, no sign-up necessary! Join Gwenn Robertson and friends to explore the Bible through video, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. Contact Gwenn Robertson with questions at gwennandbenny@gmail.com

Men’s and Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Mondays, 6:45pm

This year the Tacoma Evening Men’s and Women’s BSF classes is at UPPC. Men’s groups, Women’s groups, and Kids programming meet in the same facility. It is a great opportunity for the whole family! We also have both inperson and online options. We meet every Monday night at 6:45pm from September through May with breaks for Christmas and Easter. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Somerville at bsomerville777@gmail.com

Drop-in Soccer Tuesdays & Volleyball Thursdays! 6:30-8:00 (13 years old and up, any skill level) Gym

Contact Robin Fawcett for details: rfawcett@uppc.org

The Well

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

Fellowship Hall

Gather in community with other women as we kick off the new year with Jo Saxon and learn to “turn to the One who knows us and loves us intimately and discover how to exchange our identity built on brokenness, guilt and shame, for our true child-of-God self.”

Come early and grab a drink in the Wayside! Register online if you need child care. 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 | 9:15-11:15am

Jan 10-May 9, Fellowship Hall

Unfortunately, registration to attend MOPS is full this year. But we are seeking childcare volunteers who are wanting to love on kiddos while their mama catches her breath. Commit to one, some or all meetings. If you’e able or know someone who is, please email us at uppc.mops@gmail.com.

The Den

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

Fellowship Hall

“As iron sharpens iron, men will benefit from being with other men.” 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 Gospelcentered vision of life. Contact Bob Baker with any questions: rbaker315@gmail.com or 253-720-4593

ONGOING

Special Needs Parent Support Group

2nd Sundays | 12:45-2pm, Zoom

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. PSG meets the second Sunday of each month from 12:45-2pm. If you have questions, contact Martha Greene at mgreene@uppc.org. If you need the Zoom invitation link, contact Amanda Wood at thewoods97@comcast.net

Women’s Cancer Support Group

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

We support each other and watch the Holy Spirit at work among us. Those who wish to meet in person for fellowship, prayer or more information, please come to “Friendship in the Wayside” the 3rd Thursday of the month at 11:15 am.

Contact: Sue Walen frogfingers@comcast.net.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group

4th Tuesdays | 6:30-8:00pm, Zoom

The meeting is devoted to interactive discussion among attendees to share information and ask questions. Contact Bob Freeborn at raf0444@comcast.net.

Divorce Recovery

Thursdays, February 16-March 30 6:15-8:45pm, Fellowship Hall Divorce Recovery will help to answer some of life’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. This is a safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and emotions and to begin the process of healing through faith, hope and love.

Learn more and register at uppc.org/care.

parents are caring for themselves. It’s a place where your children can play and have structured physical activities, crafts, and discussions to help them understand their feelings and discover different ways to process and express those feelings. This is a safe place for your children ages 5+ to share their experience with other children who are experiencing divorce. (Childcare is available for 4mo-4 years as well.)

Register at UPPC.org/care.

MARCH

GriefShare

Beginning March 2023

Find help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts, and we want to help. Learn more at UPPC.org/care.

We are now pleased to offer an opportunity for children experiencing divorce while

Youth & Children

Cornerstone (Grades 10-12)

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)

Wednesdays 8-9pm | Gym

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

SUNDAYS

UPPC Kids Sunday School

Sundays 9:30 & 11am

Foundation (Grades 5-7)

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

Have fun, make new friends (and deepen old ones.) We’ll have 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 Campfire is our mid-week program where students learn about Jesus, play crazy games, and create art.

Learn more about each group at: UPPC.org/cornerstone | UPPC.org/therock UPPC.org/foundation | UPPC.org/children

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 and offer resources to help parents reinforce what their children are learning.

Early Childhood (4mo-K) Sunday Care

Sundays 9:30 & 11am 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. We also have a Family Worship Room off the Upper Lobby where you can comfortably participate in worship without worrying if your child is a distraction to others.

Solid Ground Grades 5-9 | 9:30 & 11am

After beginning in the sanctuary with their families, students are dismissed to gather in the Youth Room and learn more about Jesus together.

High School Small Groups

Sundays | 9:30-10:30am

High School Small Groups meet at 9:30 on Sunday mornings at UPPC. We’ll meet at the Wayside and then attend the 11am worship service together. Dive deeper into your faith with others. Contact Lexi for more info: lbarnett@uppc.org

Family

Lent & Easter

“So many words ready to burst forth. Words of poets. Words of philosophers. Words of scientists. Words of musicians. Words of theologians. Words of artists. All waiting to be born. Words eager to give birth to the one immortal idea of all ages.

And the only words that find life are so simple, so brief, so uncomplicated that many great minds have overlooked them: ‘He has risen!’ The Word is risen.”

- Rev. T. Ronald Haney, Stations of the Cross

Ash

Wednesday

Wednesday Feb. 22

“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.

Palm Sunday Sunday April

2

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.

Maundy (Command) Thursday Thursday April

6

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.”

Good Friday Friday April

7

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.

Easter Sunday April 9 “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)

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!

people and their voices are as vital to the life of the church as every other age group. Confirmation explores distinctives of theology and our denomination, digs into why sacraments are meaningful, and discusses our mission at UPPC and how kids can be an active part of that mission. Upon completing Confirmation, kids will have the opportunity to be baptized (if they haven’t already been) and be accepted as official members of UPPC.

UPPC 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 Art

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, Welcome & Connect

Kathy Goertz, Welcoming Coordinator

Rev. 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

Janie Brooksher, Scheduler

Kaylee Fowler, Financial Administrator

Julianne Bishop, Stewardship Coordinator

Campus Care

Taylor Conrad, Campus Care & Wayside Café Manager

Chuck Benedict, Lead Custodian

Mawiir Deng, Custodian

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.