How would you complete the sentence: I would like to hear a sermon about__________? 

The pastors are planning for a summer sermon series addressing such questions. We won't promise to take on every subject everyone names; we only have twelve Sundays, after all. But we'd like to hear from you as we plan for the summer. Please send us your requests (via email, snail mail or a note in the offering plate) by March 1. 

Please consider volunteering for one or two shifts a month to help out the church office staff, and share this information with any church members who may be interested. Shifts need to be filled ASAP! 

 Monthly shifts we need filled:

- 1st and 3rd Friday afternoon (12:30-4:30) 

- 3rd Thursday afternoon (12:30-4:30) 

- 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning (9:00-12:15)  

You may volunteer for a few shifts per month or just one. Responsibilities include welcoming visitors, answering the phone and simple clerical tasks.

 If you're available, or if you'd like to volunteer as a substitute instead, please call Shelley Adams at (919) 942-2525. Or click here to email Jennifer in the church office. Thank you!

Calling all PYC high schoolers! Our high school beach retreat is coming up on April 17-19. We will travel to Ocean Isle Beach to enjoy time together at the coast while we plan our fall All Youth Retreat. All 9th-12th graders are encouraged to attend. We will work though a streamlined planning process to get from a blank slate to a full retreat theme grid by the end of the weekend. We will also have some time on the beach Saturday afternoon, great food and time to enjoy just being with one another. 

 The deadline to sign up is this, Sunday, March 1. The cost is $150 (includes t-shirt). Email Kim McNeill with questions or to sign up. Checks can be put in Kim's box in the church office, or your can pay online under the PYC trips section of the UPC Website.

The congregations is invited to Second Sunday Lunch next Sunday, March 8, following the 11 a.m. service in the Fellowship Hall. Stephen Ministry will host and provide the main course and drinks. 

Those who attend are asked to bring a vegetable dish, a salad or a dessert for approximately 12 people. Please be generous! All new members, visitors and students are welcome without contribution. If possible, please add a label to your dish specifying allergens to help UPC show hospitality to those with food allergies. Labels such as "gluten free," "contains peanuts/tree nuts" or "vegetarian" are helpful for those with allergies and other dietary needs wishing to enjoy food and fellowship at church. All are welcome! 

The session has called a Congregational Meeting on March 22 after the 11:00 a.m. worship service to review the 2014 Annual Report to the Congregation. The report will be made available to church members through the UPC Website and through the Weekly E-News. Some printed copies will also be available in the narthex a few Sundays before the meeting. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please call the church office at (919) 929-2102. 

Looking for a Lenten discipline that you can do on the go? Sign up for UPC's daily Lenten text messages. Each day of Lent, subscribers will receive a text picture that presents a question designed to generate a lively discussion about faith and the role faith plays in our lives. Each picture contains a Lent related vocabulary word or phrase, its definition, a scripture reference and a question for further reflection. This is an easy way to bring meaningful Lenten practices into our busy lives and can provide a daily focus for children, youth and adults. 

To sign up, text the message "@upcch" to the number 81010. Following the welcoming messages, you will receive one message per day during Lent. Your text message rates will apply. This service will only work with smartphones.

This year our mission trip to Haiti (March 27) to train about 100 Haitian teachers will include a gift bag for each teacher. Along with supplies needed for teaching, we plan to include some personal items in each bag, such as jewelry, scarves and ties. Specifically, we are looking for jewelry pins or necklaces in good shape, preferably in a small gift box. In addition, small neck scarves and ties (for men) are needed. And lastly, we are collecting new, blank journals, hoping to give each teacher this gift for personal reflection. 

Collection boxes will be in the Parlor on March 1, 8 and 15. If you wish to support the trip in other ways, please call Lisa Lord at (919) 490-8635 or Annette Munson at (919) 929-4501 for suggestions. 

This year's theme for Vacation Bible School (June 29 - July 2) will be Message Received: Hearing God's Call. 

Registration begins this Sunday! Click here to register and pay online. VBS is open to all children ages 3 years - rising 5th grade and is held at New Hope Camp and Conference Center (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.). Cost is $40 per child ($80 maximum per family). Scholarships are available. If you have questions, please email Nancy Myer or Tracy Lovelady.

Join us for the fifth Annual Women's Retreat, Pray, Eat, Love, from Friday, April 24, 6:00 p.m., through Sunday, April 26, 1:00 p.m. in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. 

This year we'll head to the beach, with time to walk along the water or take a dip in the private pool. Our leader will be Deb Guess, a full-time jewelry and mixed media artist, producing artwork for galleries and teaching in the Soul Whispers Arts studio.  

Click here for more details and to register online. Paper copies of the registration form are in the church office. Scholarships are available. Please email Kate Fiedler Boswell or call her at (919) 929-2102, ext. 130, with questions. 

Term 4: February 15 - March 29 (9:45 - 10:45 a.m.)

Feasting on the Word: This class expands our understanding of the lectionary scripture for each Sunday. This curriculum is coordinated with the children's ministry planning. This Sunday: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. Facilitators: Bob Dunham and Anna Pinckney Straight. Location: Terrace Room.

Faith Issues in Literature: Featuring the poetry of Mary Oliver found in New and Selected Poems, Volume One. Facilitators: Nancy Benjamin, Ruth Moose and Kelly Ross. Location: Stephen Ministry Room. 

Connections: Dementia and Alzheimer's - Finding Comfort in Knowledge, Faith and Hope: This class will explore brain changes associated with normal aging, Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Each class will have a specific focus and will be led by an expert in the field. Topics will include the most recent research on causes and treatment options; practical advice and resources for loved ones and caregivers; a theological perspective on dementia and healthcare; a discussion of the film Iris; and preventative measures to keep aging minds sharp and healthy. This Sunday: "Alzheimer's Family Care: What Happens? What Helps?" Panel Discussion with Lisa Gwyther, MSW, LCSW, Director of the Family Support Program and Associate Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University. Facilitators: UPC Mental Health Taskforce. Location: Vance Barron Hall.