November 6, 2017
Thirty-Second Sunday
in Ordinary Time
Stewardship Celebration Sunday
November 12, 2017

Worship 11:00 a.m.
Matt Gaventa Preaching
Sermon text: Matthew 25:1-13

Celebration Lunch for All
12:30 p.m.
UPC Great Hall

Evening Worship 7:00 p.m.
UPC Fellowship Hall

Watch for a special UPdate with more details later this week!
Please bring your pledge cards on Sunday as we commit our resources for 2018. We will collect pledges and pray over them during the 11:00 a.m. worship, and celebrate our commitments with a catered lunch in the Great Hall following worship. All are welcome to join in the celebration of God's gracious generosity!
Music This Sunday
The Laudate Children’s Choir sings Mark Patterson’s arrangement of the African American Spiritual, “Climbin’ Up the Mountain.” The Chancel Choir sings Leland Sateren’s setting of the hymn, “As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought.”
Your Pledge for 2018
On Stewardship Dedication Sunday, November 12, we want everyone to participate! If you cannot be here to help celebrate, please fill out a pledge card and securely return it to UPC using the envelope included in your 2018 Stewardship packet. Please prayerfully consider what you can afford to support the church in 2018, and bring your card to Dedication Sunday, November 12.

Didn't receive a pledge card for 2018?
or pick one up in the narthex or outside the church office.
2017 contributions must be
postmarked by December 31, 2017.

Celebration Sunday for Stewardship 2018 is November 12.
To pledge online, click the image above and go to our website upcaustin.org

Click the PLEDGE NOW button to submit your pledge online.

Want to schedule your pledges for automatic payment? Click the ONLINE GIVING & PLEDGES button for instructions.

Questions?
Email Jan Hames: upc @upcaustin.org or call the church office.

A Note from Matt
A few weeks ago, Whitney Milan, who has been working at UPC as an event host and general part-time facilities help, let us know that he has received a full-time job offer in video production — his first love — and that he would be moving on from his time in our church. I am so grateful to Whitney for the help that he provided to us, especially in the wake of Danny Dennis’s retirement, and we wish him nothing but the very best!

Whitney’s departure afforded us the opportunity to think critically about our building needs. One of the wonderful gifts of our location is that our church is ideally situated to be a destination for meetings, groups, concerts, and other community events, but, without dedicated building staff, we can’t adequately support these groups. In addition, we need some help with our own ministries during the week — for UPLift, Micah 6, Sunday morning.

In some ways, this gap that came to be in the wake of Danny's retirement. The truth is that Danny was contributing far more to the life and ministry of UPC than anyone ever imagined! We had hoped that a variety of part-time positions (like Whitney’s!) would be able to bridge the gap, but the reality is that we need a full-time person who is on-site, dedicated, and committed to supporting the varied ministries of this church and this facility.

Staff Support Chair Julie Miller and I have been working with staff, Building & Grounds Chair Rey Legett, and Treasurer Bob Bridge to put together a job description for a full-time facilities specialist. To hire this person, we are reallocating some funds within our current budget.
This person will be responsible for the basic upkeep and cleanliness of our church, will provide event support, and will keep an eye on all of the different moving parts that make our facility work. The job description says “Facilities Specialist,” but, in my heart, this is a church sexton. That’s not a regular vocabulary word, but, in so many churches that I know, the sexton is the person who makes the building go; the sexton is the person who loves the building as much as anybody else, who knows it inside and out, and who can invisibly see to its care as a way of caring for the ministry that it provides. The sexton isn’t necessarily a mechanic — we’ll still have contractors, and we’ll still have breakdowns — but the sexton can be on scene to help manage those needs and keep us all ready to serve.

We’re going to be circulating this job description wherever we can, but we also know that word of mouth is the best advertisement. If you know of anybody who might fit the attached description, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Julie Miller. We’ll look forward to getting to know him or her very soon!
Welcome New Members!
Sunday, November 5, UPC Session welcomed Bill and Helen Frick, who joined by transfer of letter. Previously, they were members of Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. Bill is a retired attorney and Helen has retired as a manger at World Bank. Helen has previously served as a deacon. Please introduce yourself to our newest members!
By Their Fruits, Ye Shall Know Them
Once again, UPC, in cooperation with the Northwest Austin Rotary Club, will be selling oranges and grapefruit to benefit Micah 6 of Austin. Fred Morgan will be in the courtyard on Sundays after worship November 12, 15, 19 and 26 to take your orders. If you don’t want a personal box of fruit, you may order fruit boxes to be donated directly to the Micah 6 Food Pantry. Those who order can pick up your box of fruit on Sunday, December 10. Micah 6 receives $10 per fruit box ordered. 
UPC / Northwest Austin Rotary Club
Fruit Sale To Benefit
Micah 6 of Austin
125 th Anniversary Celebration Courtyard Donor Pavers On Sale Now
As part of our 125 th anniversary celebration, the Heritage Ministry Team invites you to add to the church’s history by placing in the UPC courtyard a paver in memory or honor of a person/family who has participated in the life of our church community.

Cost of the pavers is $125. Funds raised from courtyard paver sales will go toward UPC’s continued effort to preserve, archive, digitize and make accessible our stories for future generations.



Stop by the Heritage Ministry Team table in the courtyard after worship to submit your forms and make payment.

A list of each donor courtyard paver currently in place by name and location is available in the church office.
The mission of the Heritage Ministry is to honor and preserve the past, present and future history of UPC . In early November, materials from each twenty-five year era, 1892-2017, will launch in a digital portal created by HISTORY IT. The portal page will be linked on the UPC website for easy access.
It's Almost Tamale Time!
brought to you by Manos de Cristo
Beginning in early November, you can order delicious Manos de Cristo tamales for the holidays. You may order tamales in one of two ways:

  1. If you prefer to order and pay on-line, go to manosdecristo.org/tamales 
  2. Look for Karen Grice in the courtyard after worship Sundays through December 3.

To pick up online orders at the church, be sure to scroll down and choose University Presbyterian Church.
Tamales come in 5 flavors: pork, jalapeño pork, chicken, bean, and vegetarian. The cost is $15 per dozen and $8 of each dozen goes to Manos de Cristo to support their many programs. 
Fresh tamales can be picked up at UPC after 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 8. The reset will be available cold or frozen on Sunday, December 10. Order lots, they are delicious and help raise money for Manos de Cristo!

Questions? Call Karen Grice at (512) 926-7844 or e-mail kwgrice@grandecom.net
Thank you!
UPC Service Committee
Action in Support
of Refugee Family
The congregation's commitment to immigration issues has resulted in the Service Committee's providing rental assistance to a refugee family from Iraq introduced to us by Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church. This family arrived under the auspices of Refugee Services of Texas in 2016. Due to set backs, they are still getting their footing in Austin. Both parents have recently found jobs, and they expect to soon be self-sufficient. UPC can continue to support them by helping the mother with her English proficiency, mentoring the father with career decisions, and showing the family what a great place Austin is to live.
If you'd like to get involved with this family, please contact Robin Dennis: robincrabtreedennis@gmail.com or
512-434-0163.
UPLift Needs Next Week
Every Tuesday morning, UPC volunteers provide some food and coffee, hygiene items, and occasional financial assistance for our clients. While all donations are welcome at any time, here are some items to consider bringing to worship this week.

Thank you for your incredible support of this UPC mission!!




For this week's grocery cart
  
  • 10 lb. box of oatmeal (not instant)
  • Large jars of jelly or preserves
  • Breakfast bars
Please join us as Jon Holmsten continues his discussion with us for a second week. Jon offers amazing insight and balance in his leadership and discussions on parenting issues and questions. This Sunday will no doubt prove to be another wonderful conversation.
The Present Word
Room 3, Lower Level
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
The Present Word Class is a discussion-based class that meets from 9:30 to 10:45 every Sunday. Our background material is provided by the curriculum that gives the class its name. By using the provided scripture readings, we ensure that we are engaging with the whole Bible over time. However, this is not a Bible study class. The scriptures and weekly lessons are our starting point for lively discussions that include the week's events, current issues, and our own Christian journeys. During the fall quarter we have been exploring Covenants with God - historical, contemporary and in our own lives. The class is led by Roscoe Overton. We would love to have you come learn, share and pray with us.
Tuesday Evening Bible Class continues in Fellowship Hall Tuesday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jon Eddision: jbeddison@mac.com or
512-988-0333.
Welcome to The Way!
The Way is a new Sunday School class that offers an introduction to the Bible and is open to all. This Sunday we will continue with Paul and the mission to the Gentiles, discuss the emerging Church, Roman persecution and the Church Fathers.

The Way meets at 9:30 a.m. Sundays in Fellowship Hall. For more information, email Jon Eddison or call 512-988-0333.
Faith & Life Series:
Anchored in Community as Older Adults
Sunday, November 12, The Faith and Life Class will continue the theme of Anchored in Hope through Memory, Truth, Community, Suffering, and Solidarity.  Our own sage of understanding our human condition, Bobbie Sanders, will lead us in a truthful conversation. When it comes to getting older, we echo Scarlett O’Hara's, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” What does our Christian faith have to say to those of us who see the aging process at work in those we love? What about our own attitude that if we just ignore it, the whole issue of getting older will just go away? Time for a little honest talk. 

Join us at 9:15 for coffee and fellowship in the room at the top of the south stairs and the opportunity to explore our thoughts and questions. Room 201, upper level.
Circle Meetings in November
Martha Circle will meet at the church on Saturday, November 11 at 11:30 a.m. Rosanne Becker will be the hostess and Sharyn Reynolds will lead Lesson 3. If you have any questions, call Karen Grice at (512) 926-7844 or e-mail kwgrice@grandecom.net

Ruth-Dorcas Circle meets Tuesday, November 14, 2:30 p.m., at the home of Dottie Penn. For more information, please call the church office.
The Mission of Faith & Grief Ministries is to provide ongoing comfort t o persons who have experienced the death
of a loved one. The Austin area Faith & Grief Gathering occurs November 9 at noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church. For more information, go to www.faithandgrief.org .
iACT Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration
sponsored by Austin Muslim Community
Riverbend Church 
 
Sunday November 19, 2017
Service: 3:00 – 4:30pm
Reception: 4:30 – 5:30pm
 
Please bring your favorite dish, ready to serve and labeled for those with dietary restrictions.
(No pork or shellfish please!)
 
Free, family-friendly and all are welcome!
 
Volunteers needed: If you can volunteer, please fill out  this form
Save the Date!
April 20-22, 2018
Fall is barely here, and winter has not yet arrived. Still, you’re invited to think "Emerging Spring" in the brilliance and beauty of the Texas Hill Country at Mo-Ranch. This view from the cross is a vivid visual reminder of the creator of this beauty.

As you work on your calendars for 2018, enter the dates of April 20-22 in INK.
And watch for announcement of open enrollment in January to assure your preferred space.
Congregations from University Presbyterian Church have worshiped
at this site at least since 1983.
Thirty-four years of annual All Church Retreats at Mo-Ranch!
Celebrations & Concerns
A Message from General Presbyter Sallie Watson
Beloveds,
Our hearts are breaking over the terrible shooting that occurred yesterday in Sutherland Springs. I want to share a few things with you.
  • Members of the Boldtville congregation were directly affected by the shooting. Many have relatives and friends in the Sutherland Springs community. Please keep them in your prayers.
  • Sunday evening, Traci Smith and I represented Mission Presbytery at a prayer vigil held at the First Baptist Church in nearby La Vernia. Our hearts were breaking with theirs as Pastor Josh faithfully led them in praying for their community, their families and their friends.
  • We will gather this Wednesday, November 8, 12:30 p.m. at the Boldtville Presbyterian Church, 6631 New Sulphur Springs Road in San Antonio for a service of witness and prayer. Rev. Jim Kirk, National Response Director for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, will be with us. We may well have some from the Sutherland Springs community with us as well. Everyone is invited.

To have a deacon pray with you, look for the  Deacon of the Day on the pulpit side front of the sanctuary any Sunday following the postlude.
To request prayers for yourself or a loved one, email  upc@upcaustin.org.
To pray for those on our prayer list, download the Celebrations and Concerns folder for October 29, 2017, or pick up a copy in the narthex or outside the church office.
If you'd like to be part of UPC's Prayer Chain, please  email the church office. You will receive emails asking that you pray specifically for people who have requested to be on the prayer list.
Contact
University Presbyterian Church
2203 San Antonio Street
Austin, Texas 78705
512-476-5321

    Rooted in worship

  Growing through education & service

    Connecting to campus & community