UCPC Community Care Line We invite all to faith in Jesus Christ and growth in discipleship through Word, Prayer, and Service. Pastor s Note Special Points of Interest Pastor s Note Birthdays Anniversaries Monthly Calendar Announcements & Events Laura Morton - 1st Bill Wivoda - 4th Rhonda McKay - 8th Pat Babcock - 12th Judy Martsolf - 18th Carol Nielsen - 19th Amber Craine - 23rd Pat Kalen - 24th Hannah Hackett - 26th Jerry Hassel - 27th Curtis & Doreen McNeill - 1st Mark & Susan Carothers - 9th David & Celia Rohwer - 10th Larry & Janet Johnson - 11th Neill & Rhonda McKay - 20th Friends and Family, If I am being honest with myself, this has not been one of my favorite summers. I spent way too much time outside of Alaska, only getting four days of camping in the most beautiful and awesome state in the union. I spent two weeks in North Carolina with my parents, getting some quality time with my mom. While I was with her, we read the book John from start to finish, and those words brought tears to my eyes, hope to my heart and a thankfulness of faith. A faith my mom lifted out. It feels like just yesterday, that I was flying back home in her last hours, but that was several weeks ago now. I preached her funeral message and began taking care of my dad, getting the house in order and working with my brother for the future. It was God's work, it was adult children's work, it was good work, but there was very little time for me to process and grieve my mother's passing through those pearly gates. On the long plane ride from Raleigh-Durham to Seattle, it hit me, my mom was gone and I wept. A depression had set in during my stay with my dad, from helplessness to truly get much done. Depression is a state of mind, and it is one that we cannot always control. Depression can be short lived, or long lasting. We might recognize or we might never understand what has us so down. Depression can come from situations we find ourselves, from physical problems, and mental issues that might hit us in our youth or awaken within us much later in life. In dealing with depression within ourselves, in those we love or those we are around, understanding and forgiveness are key. God teaches us to love, God teaches us to forgive, God teaches us to understand and show the light; for it was the Light of the World that he gave us our Savior, Jesus Christ. And it is truly through Christ that we pull ourselves up, that we find the strength to lift a hand to those around us and to find the beauty, the divinity, the love even in the passing of a loved one. By the Grace of Jesus Christ, Amen, Rev Neill McKay
=[Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Room Abbr. Key : CE= Old Basement FH = Fellowship Hall C = Conference Room OL=Office Lounge M= Music Room N=Narthex S = Sanctuary HS=High School Room L = Lounge 30. W om e n s R e t r e a t 10:30AM Worship Service 2:00PM Russian Church (S) 2. 10:30AM Worship Service 2:00PM Russian Church (S) 9. 9:00AM Sunday Breakfast ( 10:30AM Worship Service (S) 2:00PM Russian Church (S) 3. 12 Step (M) 10. 7:30AM Women s Breakfast (Denny s) 5:00PM Opera Fairbanks (L) 12 Step (M) 16. 17. 9:00AM Sunday Breakfast ( 12 Step (M) 10:30AM Worship Service(S) 2:00PM Russian Church (S) 23. 9:00AM Sunday Breakfast ( 10:30AM Worship Service (S) 2:00PM Russian Church( S) 24. 7:30AM Women s Breakfast (Denny s) 12 Step (M) 4. 6:30AM Men's Coffee (N) 6:30PM Boy Scouts 1 (CE) 8:00PM AA (L) 11. 6:30AM Men's Coffee (N) 5:00PM Opera Fairbanks (M) 6:30PM Boy Scouts 1 (CE) Mission & Outreach (C Room) 8:00PM AA (L) 18. 6:30AM Men's Coffee (N) 6:30PM Boy Scouts 1 (CE) 8:00PM AA (L) 25. Newsletter Due 6:30AM Men's Coffee (N) 12:30PM VOAD (C Room) 6:30PM Boy Scouts 1 (CE) 8:00PM AA (L) 1. Bulletin Deadline Girl Scout Troop 75 (L) Tai Chi (CE) 5. 10:00AM OLLI ( Bulletin Deadline Girl Scout Troop 75 (L) Tai Chi (CE) Choir Rehearsal (M) 8:15PM Gospel Group(S) 12. Bulletin Deadline Girl Scout Troop 75 (L) Tai Chi (CE) Worship Committee (C) Choir Rehearsal (M) 8:15PM Gospel Group(S) 19. Bulletin Deadline Girl Scout Troop 75 (L) Tai Chi (CE) Choir Rehearsal (M) 8:15PM Gospel Group(S) 26. Bulletin Deadline Girl Scout Troop 75 (L) Tai Chi (CE) Choir Rehearsal (M) 8:15PM Gospel Group(S) 2. Prayer Group Al Anon (HS) Sweet Adelines (CE) 6. Prayer Group (C) Al Anon (HS) Deacons (C Room) Sweet Adelines (CE) 13. Prayer Group (C) 5:00PM Opera Fairbanks (M) Al Anon (HS Classoom) Sweet Adelines (CE) Faith Development (C) 20. Prayer Group (C) Al Anon (HS Classroom) Sweet Adelines ( 6:30PM Session (L) 27. Prayer Group (C) Al Anon (HS Classroom) 3. 8:00AM Classical Conversations (M, HS, L, CE, & N, Russian Church (M) 8:30PM NA (L) 7. 8:00AM Classical Conversations (M, HS, L, CE, & N, Russian Church (M) 8:30PM NA (L) 14. 8:00AM Classical Conversations (M, HS, L, CE, & N, 5:00PM Opera Fairbanks (L) Russian Church (M) 8:30PM NA (L) 21. 8:00AM Classical Conversations (M, HS, L, CE, & N, 5:00PM Set up - Sweet Adelines (CE) Russian Church (M) 1. 8. 15. 9:00 AM Session Quarterly Planning 6:00 PM Garage Guys (1606 Ivans Alley) 22. 10:00AM Sweet Adelines (CE & 8:30PM NA (L) 28. 29. W om e n s R e t r e a t W om e n s R e t r e a t 8:00AM Classical Conversations (M, HS, L, CE, & N, Sweet Adelines ( Russian Church (M) 8:30PM NA (L) 2
We invite all to faith in Jesus Christ and growth in discipleship through Word, Prayer, and Service. Announcements & Events Sunday School breakfast resumes September 9th Children and Youth Sunday School will start September 9th at 9:30 AM Preschool meets in the Nursery. K-4th grade meets in the Fellowship Hall Elementary classroom. 5th-8th grade meets in the Fellowship Hall Middle School classroom. Confirmed students through High School meet upstairs in the High School classroom. Sunday Adult Study will start September 9th in the Lounge at 9:30 am Melissa Bierer is September Elder of the Month Meets at 6:30 am in the Narthex every Tuesday. Meets every other Monday 7:30 am @ Denny's on Airport Way We will meet : 10th & 24th If you would like any announcements displayed during church time please email them to Amanda, admin@ucpcfairbanks.org or Celia, akfroggy@gmail.com Send an email to admin@ucpcfairbanks.org to sign up for our prayer chain emails! If you are interested in joining Prayer Group it s welcome to all. They meet the first Thursdays of every month at the Pioneer Home and all other Thursdays at the Church in the Conference Room. You can view the Upcoming Sunday Bulletin on our web page each week www.ucpcfairbanks.org 3
UCPC Member Spotlight ~ Jerry McBeath UCPC is privileged to know Mr. Jerry McBeath. Below are a few things Jerry graciously shared so we can get to know him better. About me: I was born and grew up in south Minneapolis. For a couple of generations my family had a grocery business, where I worked part-time prior to college. My church was Aldrich Ave. Presbyterian. At college (in Chicago) I studied international relations for BA and MA degrees (and while there ushered and often read scriptures at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel). In 1964 I headed west to Berkeley, entering a doctoral program in political science with a specialization in China studies. After passing comps, I headed west again: to join Stanford Center s immersion program in Chinese (then, in Taiwan), do dissertation research in the Philippines, and to travel through Southeast Asia until needing to return home to manage my Dad s store for six months. In 1970 I took a visiting professorship at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ, and then taught three years at the City University of New York, interrupted by a one-year Fulbright lectureship in Taiwan, before moving to Alaska in 1976. I retired from teaching (about two-thirds of my job at UAF) in 2014 but continue work in several areas of research and service. My family: Jenifer Huang is my spouse of 48 years; she s a professor of plant pathology/ biotechnology at UAF. For the last several decades she s worked to ensure that Alaska s agricultural crops remain as disease-free as is humanly possible, and she s devised a plan for export of Alaska s potatoes and vegetables to Taiwan and mainland China. Our first-born, Bowen, is professor of social work and public policy at Portland State U. He and his wife Sarah live in Vancouver, Washington, where they ve raised their daughter (now 21, our first grandchild). Bowen s sister Rowena is an orthopedic surgeon who s a member of the Hand Center (and professor) at Thomas Jefferson U. in Philadelphia. She and spouse David had their first child, Ellie, in 2016, and our second grandkid will be 2 this October. Why UCPC? Of the churches I ve visited in Fairbanks, I liked UCPC the most. Rev. Neill is supercaring, members are heavily engaged in church governance and important activities, and I feel welcome to the church family. The sense of Christian fellowship at UCPC is palpable. I ve joined the men s Bible study group and this week attended my first choir practice. I look forward to more opportunities for service and to getting to know all well. Jerry, we are thrilled you re a part of UCPC and we look forward to getting to know you as well! 4
UCPC Member Spotlight ~ Cyndee Polzin UCPC is honored to know Mrs. Cyndee Polzin. She has attended UCPC for over a year. She volunteered with the Loving Families Celebration in May, 2018 decorating the fellowship hall. We look forward to more of her creative abilities in and around the church! We thank you Cyndee for your willingness to answer a few questions and for sharing your life with us! Where are you from? My parents adopted me at age three from Eklutna. I was born in Anchorage Alaska. Tell us about your family. My parents were Paul and Carmen Newcomer, who are from Pittsburgh, PA. I was raised in North Pole, Alaska and have one sister. My parents taught us how to fish, camp and we did some dog mushing. I grew up attending Sunday School at 1st Presbyterian Church. We did a lot of river boating to fish and camped out in our cabin. My mom taught us how to sew and cook, and do crafts in 4-H Club. What church activities were you involved in? I taught Sunday School for several years at 1st Presbyterian Church for Kindergarten and 1st grade students. I also helped out with decorations for VBS. How did you find UCPC? After my mom passed away I took my Dad to UCPC because the time worked out well for him. I found several friends from New Hope & 1st Presbyterian Church that were attending UCPC, so it felt like my home church. How has UCPC impacted your life? I feel very welcomed and loved by so many new friends. I look forward in doing and being a part of UCPC committee to learn more about how to return the love I have received with God's spiritual guidance and love. I also have always wanted to tithe and since I have been here I have been able to give more than I have in past years. We welcome you Cyndee, to our UCPC family! 5
...Is Returning! Upcoming dates for Loving Families host weeks are coming up in September and again in November. After having the summer off, we look forward to serving those in need of shelter and help them get back on their feet! We will need plenty of volunteers to help with everything from food to staying the night with the families in our church, to financial contributions, to help with set up/clean up. It takes all hands and all hearts to serve, so if you re waiting for someone else, YOU ARE that someone else! We are also looking for folks to join our planning team! If you are interested, we d love to hear from you! Call the church office or email admin@ucpcfairbanks.org. A sign-up sheet for our first host week in September is available in the Narthex. Be thinking of ways you might get involved at UCPC! Questions con- Garage Guys The next Garage Guys event will be no program, no pressure; its a time to get together, tell summer stories and enjoy good food and drink. When: Saturday September 15, 2018 Where: 1606 Ivans Alley What to Bring: Bring something to sear on the grill, a drink and something to sit on like your favorite lawn chair. Or just come, I've got a extra chairs, burgers and drinks in the fridge. Contact: darohwer@solarmoose.com or call David at 378-2554 6
SPIRITUAL BOOT CAMP A Women s Getaway Retreat Friday, Sept 28th - 7:00 p.m., through Sunday, Sept 30th - 11:30 a.m. Bingle Camp, Knox Retreat Center Worship Fellowship Spiritual Growth Praise Music Prayer Inspiration Laughter Relationships Meditation Relaxation Encouraging Words Join with other Christian women for a weekend of Exercising our Faith & Spiritual Growth. Retreat Facilitator: Rev. Carson Overstreet is the pastor of Van Wyck Presbyterian Church (Van Wyck, SC). Prior to coming to South Carolina, Carson served as Associate Pastor of Young Adults and Outreach at First Presbyterian Church (Tupelo, MS). She has also served as Director of Fellowship and Outreach at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church (Decatur, GA). Carson is a graduate of Lynchburg College (Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, 1996) and Columbia Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 2011). Prior to her calling into ministry Carson worked in personal training, restaurant management, and sales. She is married to Doug Overstreet, has two daughters in high school, Devon and Ashley, and two dog-daughters named Bree and Lola. She loves to read, write, paint crazy artwork, work out, cook Pinterest recipes, explore the outdoors, and hang out with her family. Cost $50 Retreat cost is per-person which includes two nights lodging, four meals, and snacks. Scholarships available. Rooms Two bunk style rooms can sleep a group of 18 participants. There are two restrooms with showers and flushing toilets. What to Bring Sleeping bag/bedding, pillow, towels, soap, flashlight, warm and comfortable clothes, walking shoes, Bible, notebook, pencil or pen, camera, Kleenex, water bottle & slippers. Optional: camp chair, sunscreen, ear plugs and mosquito repellent. Directions Knox Retreat Center is located just 45 minutes from Fairbanks on beautiful Harding Lake. It is 3.5 miles past the Salcha River bridge. Turn left onto Salcha Drive. Turn Right at the T in the road. Follow the road 2.9 miles. Knox Retreat Center is on the right. Please remember the speed limit is 25 MPH on ALL of Salcha Drive. Carpooling Spiritual Boot Camp - Women s Retreat Registration **Feel free to come to any part of this weekend ** 7
UCPC Session News Session Highlights from Thursday, August 16, 2018 Mark Wartes moderated August s Session meeting, standing in for Rev. Neill McKay, who was out of town for a family emergency. The elders present were Melissa Bierer, Randy Frank, Brian Dixon, Lanien Livingston, Doreen McNeill, David Rohwer, Roger Smith, Jane Steeves and Norma Wivoda. Sue Fagan was present as a guest, because she is becoming a member of UCPC. Mark called us to order with prayer at 6:40 PM. Randy read Romans 8:1-21 as our opening scripture and devotion. Norma read a note expression of kindness from the family of Larry Knapman. There was no Deacon s report. Since Pastor McKay was out of town, there was also no Pastor s report. The Clerks reported that we gained two new members last month, Cyndee Polzin and Jerry McBeath, and that Pastor Lois Hildenbrand preached on August 12, which was also Communion. Topics discussed at this meeting included the Church Life event, compensation for Carson Overstreet (the speaker for the upcoming Women s Retreat), UCPC s Home Ministry, the Visionaries Gospel group, and the ongoing project to equip UCPC with exterior security cameras. After a break at about 8:00PM, reports from committees were presented. There was no report from the Worship committee. The Finance committee report is below. Representing the Mission and Service committee, Norma gave us the fall Loving Families dates. Mission and Service also has some new fall projects in the works. Norma also let us know that the Hospitality and Membership committee hopes to have the new Church Directory completed by the end of September. They also made a suggestion that short biographies of new members be included in the newsletter. Doreen, giving the Faith Development report, told us that six Sunday school classes planned for pre-school and nursery, K-4 and 5-8 and high school. Milt Wiltse and Neill McKay will also lead separate adult Sunday school classes. Sunday school will start on September 9. Sunday breakfast will start up again in September as well. The Women s Retreat will take place on September 28th-30th. Speaking for the Building Stewards, Brian let us know that it is time for the boilers to be checked, and that the stewards are aware that there are lights that need to be changed in the Sanctuary. They would like to know what the storage needs of the churches various user groups are. After fixing a date for our next quarterly planning meeting (Saturday, September 15), we adjourned at about 9:00PM 8
UCPC Session News Session Highlights from Thursday, August 16, 2018 Finance report for Session Meeting August 16, 2018 Account balances for Aug. 16, 2018 were: Designated: $78,078.38; Last month: $76,130.04 Operating: $33,437.98; Last month: $30,147.08 Fuel: $2396.28; Last month: $2,423.81 Savings: $504.00; Last month: $504.00 Business card: $41.45; Last month: $0.0 All bills have been paid on or before their due dates. The financial situation of UCPC is satisfactory. Income as of August 6, 2018 May: $13,654 June: $18,372 July: $17,657 Aug: $8,350 after 1 Sunday Respectfully submitted, Melissa Bierer, Co-Clerk of Session 9
University Community Presbyterian Church 3510 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: 907-479-6728 Fax: 907-479-8879 Website: www.ucpcfairbanks.org Elders Lanien Livingston 987-4059 ~ Clerk of Session Melissa Bierer 474-0106 ~ Clerk of Session Brian Dixon 452-2651 ~ Class of 2018 Doreen McNeill 388-0544 ~ Class of 2018 Roger Smith 479-8341 ~ Class of 2018 Randy Frank 479-4394 ~ Class of 2019 David Rohwer 378-2554 ~ Class of 2019 Jane Steeves 328-8047 ~ Class of 2020 Norma Wivoda 750-2428 ~ Class of 2020 Deacons Susan Carothers 479-8156 Judy Fowler-Morris 479-6547 Lynne Krizek 479-1279 Donita Lawhead 455-6849 Darlene Peterson 456-6392 Paula Long 687-7444 Theresa Reed 456-7573 Pastor Rev. Neill McKay Email: RevNeill@ucpcfairbanks.org Office: 479-6728 Cell: 799-5534 Choir Director ~ Lucile Hackett 987-9947 Admin Assistant Amanda Murray Office: 479-6728 Email: admin@ucpcfairbanks.org Office Hours: Mon Fri : 9AM 1PM Organist ~ Pianist ~ Kathy Dohner Kathy Dohner Sound Manager ~ David Rohwer 378-2554 10