chimes january2013

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The Chimes Vol. XXXIV No. 1 Web Edition January 2013 Dear Friends, I write with 2012 winding down and 2013 close upon us to say a word of deep gratitude for all the energy, enthusiasm and support you have helped bring to the life of University Presbyterian Church during the past twelve months. We have finished the year with remarkable strength and with a positive spirit as noteworthy as any I have witnessed in my 21-plus years in Chapel Hill, and it should afford us great encouragement as we turn the page of the calendar together. The Faith Forward Capital Campaign was an unqualified success. It was a success before we ever saw the first pledge totals, because it brought us together enthusiastically around a common task. So many, many people contributed their time and invested their energy in the future of the church; so many people stretched their stewardship thinking; and together we talked openly and often about how much the church—this church—means to us. Along the way, we have managed already to exceed last year’s total pledges for the annual budget and pledge more than $3,425,000 toward our capital projects. We hope and expect to see both of those totals increase in the next month. We are so grateful for such tangible support for the future of our community of faith and for the ways it will enable us to enhance and continue our service to the larger community and world. So, thanks to all who gave so willingly and tirelessly of themselves in the service of our ministry and mission, and thanks to all who continue to lend their support. Years ago Marla and I had supper with some friends, a delicious meal, about which I commented to our hostess. Rather than let the compliment be sufficient, though, I asked a question I shouldn’t have asked. “Did you make this?” I asked. Without skipping a beat, she responded, “No, but I made it possible.” It was an important lesson for me. There are times when we do all the work ourselves, and there are times when, by the investment of ourselves, we make something possible. So, to those who did much of the work and to those who made our efforts possible by your prayers and generosity, in behalf of the Session of University Church, I give thanks to God for you. Once again, you have demonstrated the kind of joy, gratitude and stewardship that makes this congregation such a pleasure to serve. I extend my prayers and best wishes to each of you as we stride now with confidence into the New Year. Grace and Peace, Robert E. Dunham JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY Our Church Family 2 How to Submit Articles for the Bulletin and The Chimes 2 Presbyterian Youth Connection: January Calendar 3 Friends of Christ School for Christian Spirituality: 2013 Winter Enrollment 3 We Celebrate Our New Members 4 Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Wholeness: March 8 Conference 4 Words of Gratitude to Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas 4 Choir News: Tickets for Miss Persia, 2013 Dinner Theater Production 5 Message to UPC Choirs from Tom and Beth 5 Adult Christian Education: Term 4 6 FaithCircles—Bible Reading Groups: January 6 Informational Gathering 7 “Wednesday” Women’s Bible Study 7 Save the Dates: 2013 Women’s Retreat and 2013 Vacation Church School 7 UPPS Response to Connecticut Tragedy 8 Session Digest 8 A Special Thank You for a Joyous Christmas Season at UPC 9 Local Outreach News: The Furniture Project, A Community-wide Effort 10 10 10 10 Global Outreach News: A Man of Peace, A Message from Father Firas to UPC 10 10 10 10-11 11 11 11 2013 Montreat Worship and Music Conference: Register by February 10 12 12 12 12 Join UPC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upcch ) 12 12 12 12 UPPS Enrollment: Begins January 6 2 A Special Presentation: Please RSVP 2 University Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is a Stephen Ministry Congregation

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The January edition of The Chimes, UPC's monthly newsletter, includes program updates for the start of the new year, along with upcoming events, deadlines and educational opportunities. Happy New Year!

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Page 1: Chimes January2013

The Chimes Vol. XXXIV No. 1 Web Edition January 2013

Dear Friends,

I write with 2012 winding down and 2013 close upon us to say a word of deep gratitude for all the energy, enthusiasm and support you have helped bring to the life of University Presbyterian Church during the past twelve months. We have finished the year with remarkable strength and with a positive spirit as noteworthy as any I have witnessed in my 21-plus years in Chapel Hill, and it should afford us great encouragement as we turn the page of the calendar together.

The Faith Forward Capital Campaign was an unqualified success. It was a success before we ever saw the first pledge totals, because it brought us together enthusiastically around a common task. So many, many people contributed their time and invested their energy in the future of the church; so many people stretched their stewardship thinking; and together we talked openly and often about how much the church—this church—means to us. Along the way, we have managed already to exceed last year’s total pledges for the annual budget and pledge more than $3,425,000 toward our capital projects. We hope and expect to see both of those totals increase in the next month. We are so grateful for such tangible support for the future of our community of faith and for the ways it will enable us to enhance and continue our service to the larger community and world. So, thanks to all who gave so willingly and tirelessly of themselves in the service of our ministry and mission, and thanks to all who continue to lend their support.

Years ago Marla and I had supper with some friends, a delicious meal, about which I commented to our hostess. Rather than let the compliment be sufficient, though, I asked a question I shouldn’t have asked. “Did you make this?” I asked. Without skipping a beat, she responded, “No, but I made it possible.” It was an important lesson for me. There are times when we do all the work ourselves, and there are times when, by the investment of ourselves, we make something possible. So, to those who did much of the work and to those who made our efforts possible by your prayers and generosity, in behalf of the Session of University Church, I give thanks to God for you.

Once again, you have demonstrated the kind of joy, gratitude and stewardship that makes this congregation such a pleasure to serve. I extend my prayers and best wishes to each of you as we stride now with confidence into the New Year.

Grace and Peace,

Robert E. Dunham

JANUARYJANUARYJANUARYJANUARY

Our Church Family 2222

How to Submit Articles for the

Bulletin and The Chimes 2222

Presbyterian Youth Connection:

January Calendar 3333

Friends of Christ School for Christian

Spirituality: 2013 Winter Enrollment 3333

We Celebrate Our New Members 4444

Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey

to Wholeness: March 8 Conference 4444

Words of Gratitude to

Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas 4444

Choir News: Tickets for Miss Persia,

2013 Dinner Theater Production 5555

Message to UPC Choirs

from Tom and Beth 5555

Adult Christian Education: Term 4 6666

FaithCircles—Bible Reading Groups:

January 6 Informational Gathering 7777

“Wednesday” Women’s Bible Study 7777

Save the Dates: 2013 Women’s Retreat

and 2013 Vacation Church School 7777

UPPS Response to Connecticut Tragedy 8888

Session Digest 8888

A Special Thank You for a Joyous

Christmas Season at UPC 9999

Local Outreach News: The Furniture

Project, A Community-wide Effort 10101010

Global Outreach News: A Man of Peace,

A Message from Father Firas to UPC 10101010----11111111

2013 Montreat Worship and Music

Conference: Register by February 10 12121212

Join UPC on Facebook

(www.facebook.com/upcch) 12121212

UPPS Enrollment: Begins January 6 2222

A Special Presentation: Please RSVP 2222

U n i v e r s i t y P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h i s a f f i l i a t e d w i t h t h e P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h ( U . S . A . ) a n d i s a S t e p h e n M i n i s t r y C o n g r e g a t i o n

Page 2: Chimes January2013

Page 2

The Chimes Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013

The Ch imes i s a publ i ca t ion of Univers i ty Presbyter ian Church

The Chimes is published monthly. Deadline for submission of articles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s

edition (with a few exceptions to accommodate holiday schedules). Please include your name, phone number and email

address. The newsletter is posted on the church’s Website (www.upcch.org) and on www.issuu.com/upcch. Send article

submissions and inquiries to Newsletter Editor, University Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 509, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0509,

or email [email protected]. The church office may be reached by telephone at (919) 929-2102, by fax at (919) 929-7669 or by

email at [email protected]. Visit the UPC Website (www.upcch.org) or the UPC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/upcch)

for more information. ** Deadline for the February edition is noon on Tuesday, January 15, 2012.

University Presbyterian Church Staff: Robert E. Dunham, Pastor; Anna Pinckney Straight, Associate Pastor; John Rogers,

Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry; Heather Ferguson, Staff Associate for Education; Kim McNeill, Staff Associate for

Youth and Congregational Life; Thomas Brown, Minister of Music; Beth Auman Visser, Youth and Children's Choir Director;

Ellen Parker, Director, UPPS; Jeanette Schmidt, Office Manager; Cristen Mugford, Financial Administrator; Karen Fisher,

Director of Membership; Jennifer Potts, Publications Coordinator; Dennis Dallke, Property Manager; Rob Kurtz, Sexton.

How to Submi t Ar t ic les for The Bul le t in’s Announcements Or for The Ch imes

Please submit articles for the monthly newsletter (The Chimes) or announcements for the worship bulletin (Weekly Announcements) to

our Publications Coordinator, Jennifer Potts. Email her at [email protected] or call (919) 929-2102, extension 113.

UPPS Enro l lment : Beg ins January 6 University Presbyterian Preschool priority enrollment for Fall 2013 begins Sunday, January 6, 2013 and runs through January 22. We have classes for two-year-olds, three-year-olds, four-year-olds and a “transitional fives” class. For more information and to download an application, please visit our Website at www.upps-ch.com or contact the UPPS Director, Ellen Parker, at 919-929-9658 or [email protected].

Join Us for a Specia l Presenta t ion The Adult Education Committee invites you to “Mission Hos-pitals in Malawi (Southeastern Africa)—A Photographic Pres-entation,” by Jack Benjamin, on Sunday, February 3, at 12 p.m. in Vance Barron Hall, following the 11 a.m. service. We will be serving a light meal of soup and sandwiches. Please RSVP for lunch by emailing Heather Ferguson at [email protected]. Childcare is available upon request.

Our Church Family

The UPC congregation and its pastors

take seriously the call to pray and be

present with those who are in need, so

we encourage you, a friend or a family

member to let us know if you have

scheduled surgery or have been admitted

to the hospital. During the week, please

call the church office at (919) 929-2102,

and over the weekend, please call one of

the pastors. Thank you.

“Are any among you sick? They

should call for the elders of the

church and have them pray over

them, anointing them with oil in the

name of the Lord,” James 5:14.

Due to privacy concerns and HIPAA laws,

there are no notifications or lists at any

local hospitals or clinics which would in-

form the church if you are hospitalized,

receiving treatment or undergoing surgery.

Visit our Website: www.upcch.org

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

Friends of Christ School for Christian Spirituality is currently enrolling participants for the Winter term. The School

finished its inaugural Fall term in November with 58 participants taking Class 1: The Christian Journey as Transformation.

Class 1, a prerequisite to the other three classes, will be offered on Tuesdays, 7—9 p.m. at Amity United Methodist Church

(UMC) and Wednesdays, 1—3 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church beginning on January 8 and 9. Orientation sessions

for those interested in finding out more about the school will be held on Thursday, January 3, 7:30—8:30 p.m., and Satur-

day, January 5, 10—11 a.m., both at Amity UMC in Chapel Hill. More information and registration forms may be found on

the school’s website, www.friendsofChristschool.com.

The School is an ecumenical school for spiritual seekers who desire to explore a deeper relationship with God and to discover

the common spiritual path of transformation rooted in the Christian faith and traditions. The purpose of the School is to con-

tribute to the spiritual formation of participants and to supplement what is already offered within our own faith communities.

As Laura Dunham, coordinator of the School, expresses in her book, Path of the Purified Heart, “Despite the myriad of forms,

creeds, doctrines, and belief systems that constitute modern Christianity, the spiritual pathway of transformation still lies at the

heart of our common faith.” The School offers the opportunity to walk the common Christian path, a “path of the heart,”

within an open, inviting community. We explore the riches of the Christian spiritual traditions and experience in-depth its core

spiritual practices of worship, reflection on Scripture and prayer.

Four eight-week core classes form the foundational curriculum for the School: The Christian Journey as Transformation, Spiritual

Wisdom and Guidance, Practices for the Journey, and Discernment and Rule of Life.

Registration will be capped at 25 per class. Participants may register online, through our brochure or by emailing

[email protected]. The cost for each class is only $25, and this amount includes all needed books and materials.

Come walk the path with us!

Presbyter ian Youth Connec t ion in January

Start your new year off right with Presbyterian Youth Connection! All 6th-12th graders are invited to attend PYC from 6-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (drop-off at 6 p.m.) and Youth Center (pick-up at 8 p.m. in the parking lot). This amazing group of teens meet every week as they help one another strive to be faithful Christians in the world. For more informa-tion contact Kim McNeill, Staff Associate for Youth and Congregational Life, at [email protected].

We invite youth and parents to follow our Twitter page @UPCPYC. Go to https://twitter.com/upcpyc

PYC is held on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. and begins in the Fellowship Hall unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, January 6: Wear Your Faith (Parent Meeting from 5-6 p.m. and PYC from 6-8 p.m.)

Sunday, January 13: Esther: Just who was “Miss Persia?”

Sunday, January 20: Make me an Instrument: How can God use us for peacemaking? DC Middle School trip forms and fees due

Sunday, January 27: Game Night!

PYC January Calendar

F r iends of Chr is t School for Chr is t ian Spi r i tual i ty

2013 Winter Term Enro l lment

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

In December, University Presbyterian Church welcomed the following new members into the life of the church. The neighborhood assignment is designated within brackets.

We Celebra te Our New Members

John and Janine McGee (Cole, Connor and Taylor) – The

McGee family comes to UPC by reaffirmation of their faith.

Taylor, age 12, is in the 6th grade at McDougle Middle

School. He plays trumpet in the marching band and is an

active member of PYC and the Youth Choir. Cole, age 9, is

in the 3rd grade at Carrboro Elementary School. He is a year-

round swimmer (his favorite stroke is backstroke) and is an

active member of the Junior choir. Conner, age 6, is in the

1st grade at Carrboro Elementary School, participates in the

Spanish Dual Language Program and is an active member of

the Children’s Choir. Janine grew up in the Los Angeles area

of California and works as a business development director

for a Microsoft Partner company based in Atlanta. John

works at UNC Chapel Hill with the Renaissance Computing

Institute. The McGees moved to North Carolina three years

ago from California where they were members of the First

Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.

Fai th , Menta l I l lness, and the Journey to Wholeness

Faith Connections on Mental Illness will hold its third annual conference—Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Whole-ness—on Friday, March 8, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church in Chapel Hill.

The keynote speaker will be Sister Nancy Kehoe, a licensed psychologist, a nun in the Society of the Sacred Heart, author of Wrestling with Our Inner Angels: Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Wholeness, and a clinical psychology instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Health Alliance (affiliated with Harvard Medical School). She is also a pioneer in incorporating spiritual and religious beliefs with mental health treatment. Save the date!

Faith Connections on Mental Illness is an inter-faith coalition of faith communities dedicated to increasing understanding of mental illness through education, advocacy and support. Faith Connections meets on the third Friday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church, located at 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill. For more information, please visit our website at faithconnectionsonmentalillness.org.

Words of Gra t i tude to Mi tz i Lesher -Thomas

UPC would like to extend its gratitude to Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas for her wonderful work for the past seven years. She has been leading the Women’s Friday lunchtime Bible Study with such grace and devotion that we will surely miss her. Mitzi is always on the go with two children and part-time com-mitments at Chapel in the Pines, and scheduling difficulties prevent her from continuing her work at UPC.

Mitzi has done an amazing job guiding the Friday lunchtime Bible study group along our faith journeys studying the Kerygma series. The group began with Genesis and an entire survey of the Bible and continued on with The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Acts of the Apostles, Romans, First Corinthians and Revelation! We also spent time discuss-ing Christian Doctrine by Shirley C. Guthrie, Jr. with many refer-ences to “Calvin,” and Love Wins by Rob Bell. Along the way, we became a close-knit community, sharing our celebrations and concerns with one another as we met each week for this wonderful study and fellowship experience.

Thank you, Mitzi, for your thoughtful generosity in ministry and loving kindness in this community. Our prayers follow you.

~Mary Ellen Olson

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

Page 5

Choir News: 2013 Dinner Thea ter P roduct ion

Miss Persia, The Story of Esther

Presented by the UPC Youth Choir and Congregational Life Committee

Tickets will be on sale on Sundays, January 20, 27 and February 3 between worship services and following the 11:00 a.m. worship service in the church office.

This year, our first show on Thursday night, February 7, is FREE. No meal is served at this performance; catering the performances on February 8 and 9 is Diane Dodge, Home on the Range Catering. Ticket costs will be $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 years and under.

Performance Dates:

February 7, 8, 9, 2013

This delightful, toe tapping new musical comedy by Eyal Bitton is a cross between Aladdin and My Fair Lady. It's a Disney-like telling of the classic Bible story of Queen Esther, one of the great heroines in history.

The Story ……Hadassah lives in an unfair world where men are at the top and women are at the bottom and where Persians are at the top and Jews are at the bottom. But she's a dreamer who thinks the world can change. So she takes on a new identity, Esther, wins the Miss Persia beauty pageant, and becomes Queen of Persia! But when the evil Royal Advisor, Haman, concocts a nefarious plan against her people, our heroine must decide whether or not to speak up. If anyone finds out her secret identity, she risks losing every-thing - maybe even her life…

It's a classic tale of heroism, self-sacrifice and the battle for equality filled with great songs for you and your family to enjoy! Don’t miss the UPC Youth Choir’s presentation of Miss Persia!.

We are looking forward We are looking forward We are looking forward We are looking forward to another great year to another great year to another great year to another great year with the choirs at UPC. with the choirs at UPC. with the choirs at UPC. with the choirs at UPC.

Happy 2013!Happy 2013!Happy 2013!Happy 2013!

With Love, Tom and Beth

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

Page 6

Adul t Chr is t ian Educa t ion Term 4: January 6—February 10, 9:45—10:45 a.m.

All are welcome to adult education classes at UPC!

If you missed a previous term or week, no worries! Participation and enjoyment are not dependent upon previous classes. Watch for more details for each class and a detailed reading list in the Weekly E-News, the Sunday morning bulletin and the UPC website. Visit www.upcch.org and click “Education.” To sign up for E-News, click “Subscribe to E-News” at the bottom of the Website. You can also find information about upcoming education opportunities on the UPC Facebook page. Visit www.facebook.com/upcch and click “Like” to join.

Feasting on the Word: Feasting on the Word is a resource that incorporates the uniqueness of the award-winning Feasting on the Word commentaries to explore one of the weekly Lectionary passages in ways that engage participants in faithful learning and discussion. The lessons provide comprehensive, accessible biblical background for facilitators from four theological per-spectives.

Beginning with a solid scriptural and theological base, this class invites leaders and learners deeper into the rhythm of the church year. It utilizes a common Bible passage for all learners, making it easy for families or individuals to learn and live out their faith together. Most often, the passage for study is the same text to be used in Sunday worship and offers even more reflection and conversation.

Facilitators: Variety of Members Location: Education Office

The Faith and Wisdom of Wendell Berry: Wendell Berry is a distinguished author of novels, short fiction, essays and po-etry. He is the recipient of many honors, including the 2010 National Humanities Medal. Berry’s experiences as a farmer from rural Kentucky inform his works, which explore themes like the relationships of people with the Earth and with each other. Whether you are already a Berry enthusiast or have not yet discov-ered his writings, please join us as we discuss his life, his literature and topics that affect us each day. Sessions will be led by a variety of speakers with time for discussion.

Class schedule:

January 6: A brief biography of Wendell Berry and discus-sion of short works, led by Al Baldwin and John Blythe

January 13: Berry’s Nonfiction, led by Anna Pinckney Straight

January 20: Berry’s Uneasy Relationship with Christianity, led by Dr. Norman Wirzba, a research professor of Theol-ogy, Ecology and Rural Life at Duke Divinity School

January 27: Science and the Agrarian Ethic, led by Norm Christensen

February 3: The Sabbath Poems, led by Bob Dunham

February 10: “The Mad Farmer” Poems, led by Cotton Bryan

Location: Terrace Room

Mental Health, Movies and Our Faithful Response: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37): This class will describe the most common mental disorders and illustrate each with scenes from popular movies. A guest discussant will share personal experience with the disorder.

Discussion will focus on how we are called to support indi-viduals and families in our congregation and elsewhere who are coping with mental illness.

Class schedule:

January 6: Introduction and Depression (Movie: Ordinary People), discussion with Barbara Nettles-Carlson

January 13: Anxiety (Movies: Matchstick Men, The Odd Couple, Born on the Fourth of July), discussion with Dick Proust

January 20: Developmental and Learning Disorders (Movie: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)

January 27: Substance Abuse (Movies: When a Man Loves a Woman, Clean and Sober), discussion with Dale Osborne

February 3: Psychosis (Movies: A Beautiful Mind, Mr. Jones), discussion with Barbara and Gove Elder

February 10: Dementia and Brain Injury (Movie: Iris), dis-cussion with Clay Stalnecker

Facilitator: Jay Williams Location: Vance Barron Hall

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

“Wednesday” Women’s B ib le

S tudy—An Al tar in the Wor ld

In the wake of Mitzi Lesher-Thomas resigning as the group leader, the Fri-day Bible Study will be in a process of searching and discernment for a suit-able leader. In the meanwhile, the group will gather for a discussion us-ing Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, An

Altar in the World, facilitated by Kim McNeill and Heather Fer-guson, beginning January 9 in the Garden Room. The study will be temporarily moved to Wednesdays from 11:30-1:00 p.m. Childcare will be available.

If you are interested in learning more about this study group, please contact Heather Ferguson at [email protected].

Save the Da tes !

2013 Women’s Retreat: Save the date for UPC’s 2013 Women’s Retreat to be held April 19-21 at Laurel Ridge Con-ference Center in Laurel Springs, NC. Learn more about the conference center at www.laurelridge.org.

Vacation Church School: Save the date for the 2013 UPC Vaca-tion Church School! We are already beginning plans for the 2013 VCS. Please mark your calendar today for June 24-28.

Watch your emails for more details about the 2013 Women’s Retreat and UPC Vacation Church School!

Page 7

FaithCircles—Daily Bible Reading Groups: This is an informational gathering to be held Sunday, January 6, at 12:15 p.m. in Vance Barron Hall

“I wish I knew more about the Bible.” “I want to read through the Bible, but it seems overwhelming.” “I wish I had a group of friends to discuss the Bible with on a relational level, not a scholarly level.”

These are just a few of the comments frequently heard in churches these days. This year, the Adult Education Commit-tee would like to offer opportunities for folks read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and to gather in weekly small groups for reflection and conversation. For the first time, The NRSV Daily Bible makes the entire New Revised Standard Version available in a daily reading format, helpfully divided into 365 manageable readings.

Each day’s reading contains four parts:

READ—Begin with a ten-minute reading of a passage of Scripture. The daily readings proceed in canonical order from Genesis to Revelation, making this Bible suitable for personal study and church use.

MEDITATE—A key verse from the day’s reading focuses your thoughts and attention on a central theme.

CONTEMPLATE—After meditating on Scripture, you are offered a short excerpt from a Christian spiritual classic fol-lowed by reflection questions.

PRAY—Each day’s reading closes with a prayer, lending a sense of completion to your daily encounter with God’s Word.

FaithCircles will meet on a weekly basis to share reflections on the past week’s readings, growing together in biblical knowledge and spiritual reflection in an open, non-threatening atmosphere.

The group will also engage in opportunities to grow in faith and spirit by sharing insights and life experiences. Individuals will have the choice of joining a weekly lunchtime group or an evening group. The timing will depend on the individuals who want to be a part of the groups. The groups might choose to gather at the church, in a restaurant, at a coffee shop or in homes if that seems best.

If you are interested in learning more about FaithCircles, please plan to come to the informational gathering on Sunday, January 6, at 12:15 p.m. in Vance Barron Hall.

The NRSV Daily Bible will be available to group mem-bers at a reduced cost of $12.00. Contact Heather Ferguson for further information at [email protected].

Other Oppor tuni t ies in Educa t ion

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The Chimes Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013

Page 8

Sess ion Diges t

At the December meeting of Session:

• We listened to a devotion and prayer by Alison Kavanaugh on the dove as a symbol of peace and hope—and the importance of hope.

• We examined the 2015 classes of deacons and elders and approved them for ordination and installation on January 6, 2013.

• James Smith presented an Endowment Committee recommendation to disperse $75,000 to the Faith Forward campaign, from the unrestricted portion of the Endowment Fund, to be distributed $25,000/year in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The rec-ommendation was approved.

• James Smith also presented the Endowment Committee recommendations for dispersal of fall funds totaling $22,694. The recommendations were approved and include funding for: the McLaughlin Endowment preacher; new worship registers for the Sanctuary; new cabinetry in the PCM kitchen; a digital flat screen (PCM); some space renovations in the Youth Center (CYM); flip chart easels, wall clocks, projector screen, dry erase board and a room partition (Adult Ed); landscaping for a bio-retention pond at Chapel of the Pines; four birthing simulators (Global Outreach, Kenya); and renovations to Fleming Hall at New Hope Camp and Conference Center (Local Outreach).

• John Blythe presented a report from the Building Committee, and the Session approved their recommendation of the CT Wilson Construction Company of Durham as general contractor for the proposed expansion and renovations.

• We received a Faith Forward update and were very pleased with initial pledges given of $3.4 million and are maintaining the original goal of $4.2 million.

• Commissioners Nancy Oates, Sandy Alexander and Jim Copeland reported on the New Hope Presbytery meeting that took place in October.

• We approved housing allowances for the ordained pastoral staff for 2013.

• John Rogers reported on a new community group ministry beginning in January which brings PCM students and the congregation together, and from the Outreach Committee, he reported the Alternative Market had gone well and noted the men’s Haiti mission trip coming up in January.

~Mary Ellen Olson, Clerk of Session

UPPS Response to the Tragedy in Connecticut Like the rest of the nation, the teachers and families at UPPS grieve for the victims of the shootings in Connecticut on

December 14. It was an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken all of our assumptions of safety because the trust that we

all have in other humans to protect the young has been violated. We realize that this is an event that cannot be expected

to occur again and that also should not hold us hostage to the fear it inspired. The UPPS staff has always felt honored

by the trust that parents bestow upon us when they hand their children over to our care. We continue to put the well-

being and safety of all the UPPS students front and foremost each and every day.

I received numerous notes from UPPS parents thanking us for implementing the security system that keeps the doors

to the preschool locked during school hours. I wanted to pass that gratitude along to you as UPC members. I am fully

aware that it does create an inconvenience for church members who desire access to the preschool area during weekday

mornings. However, the presence of the security system goes a long way to make undesired access more difficult, and it

sends a strong message about how much we value the safety of our children. So thank you all for being a part of our

efforts to protect our children.

Peace to all,

Ellen Parker, Director

University Presbyterian Preschool ([email protected]/919-929-8658)

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Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013 The Chimes

Page 9

A Specia l Thank You to Al l Those Who Made This

Chr is tmas Season a t UPC Tru ly Memorable

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The Chimes Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013

Page 10

Local Outr each News: The Furn i ture Pro jec t , A Community-wide Ef for t

The Furniture Project is a community-wide charitable outreach under the umbrella of the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) for Social Services in Chapel Hill and St. Thomas More RC Church. The project collects gently used furniture, provides a Tax Donation Receipt, and delivers to the family in need that has been re-ferred by a case worker.

The project began this past spring in conjunction with the Or-ange County Partnership to End Homelessness Support Circle’s effort to help families coming out of shelters. The Furniture Project was able to completely furnish an apartment from the generous donations of St. Thomas More parishioners and their Support Circle. This family was absolutely overwhelmed by the amazing display of love and generosity they received and is now proudly working toward starting their new life and rejoining the community. University United Methodist was also able to help their Support Circle family. It was then decided to extend this service to those that are receiving help from the various service organizations that deal with homelessness.

Furniture donations have been received from over 100 donors since May. Permanent residences have been partly or fully fur-nished for over 50 families and individuals who have been re-ferred by case workers, shelter managers and advocates from such agencies as DSS, IFC, Freedom House, CEF, UNC Hori-zons, various agencies dealing with victims of domestic vio-lence, VA, and Housing for New Hope. All those involved in The Furniture Project are able to see firsthand the ripple effect in our community as neighbors help neighbors. Recipients’ lives are being changed by the generosity of caring donors. Although donors and recipients never meet, donors know their items are going directly to families in need and they con-tribute to developing and restoring the gift of dignity and self-esteem in each recipient.

Other community organizations that are involved with the Furniture Project include:

• Interfaith Council for Social Services

• St. Thomas Moore Roman Catholic Church

• University United Methodist Church

• Church of the Advocate

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

• Morningstar Mini Storage

• Triangle Boat Tours

• Christ Church United Methodist

• ZippyShell mobile storage – ZippyShell.com

• First Baptist Church

• Chapel Hill Friends Meeting

Members of University Presbyterian Church are invited to join our efforts and become a partner. Please consider taking one of the following actions:

1. Donate to the Furniture Project through IFC; 2. Volunteer a few hours a month; or 3. Provide some accessible storage for donated items

until families are placed in new housing units.

Please contact Susan Ross at 919-967-8656 or via email at [email protected] if you would like more information about The Furniture Project. Or contact Jane Hathaway, Coordinator of the Furniture Project at 919-612-2759 or email her at [email protected].

Thank you for your generosity and support! ~Jane Hathaway, Coordinator of the Furniture Project for the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) for Social Services in Chapel Hill and St. Thomas More RC Church

This is a new project with a wonderful purpose that the Local Outreach Committee hopes UPC members will embrace. No funds are being provided for this project from UPC but our material donations can make a critical impact.

Global Outreach News: A Man Of Peace

In early October, Sam and I visited the Holy Land with a group led by Rev. Sally French of Church of the Holy Family in Chapel Hill. On our free day, the two of us traveled to Zababdeh on the Occupied West Bank to spend the day with UPC’s long-time partner Father Firas, a Palestinian Christian Melkite priest, his family and many from his congregation. Lunch, a Palestinian national dish called Chicken and Rice Upside Down Casserole,

was lovingly prepared and proudly served by Father Firas’ wife. Their children and other members of the community opened their hearts and welcomed us warmly. The setting for our visit and the time we spent with this peaceful community were in stark contrast to the angry and threatening tone of the political struggle between Israel and Palestine.

Father Firas is a remarkable man. He witnesses daily injustices that are leveled against his community, yet he harbors no malice

Below is a report on a visit by UPC’s Kay and Sam Leaman to our partner Father Firas in Zababdeh, Palestine, as well as excerpts from a letter he wrote after their visit. Global Outreach News continues on page 11.

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The Chimes Volume XXXIV, No. 1 January 2013

Page 11

“God bless you and bless all the peacemakers. Thank you for your prayers and love and work for peace, to help build peace in a land that has no peace because it has no justice. You are always in my daily prayers. It was a great honor to welcome the people from your church. Their visit reminded me I am not a forgotten brother but a beloved brother, not a dirty Palestinian but a beloved adopted child of God.

It's so sad to see this bloody conflict, and the many victims, especially children and women. How can we open the Ameri-can eyes for truth to work for peace and reconciliation? We have too many peace processes but too little peace. The prophet Jeremiah heard the people talking daily peace, peace, peace. He told the people there is no peace. There is so much “peace talking” in the last 20 years, but the facts on the ground are different. The Palestinian territories are like Swiss cheese and we are pushed behind walls

Jesus said ‘Blessed are the peacemakers…’ Jesus had a political program. We read in Mark: he goes from one village to an-other: teaching, preaching, healing. In that land under the Ro-man’s, he lived like us in Palestine under military occupation, experiencing checkpoints, and settlements. He planned to lib-erate his people from occupation, but how? This was the im-portant question.

What was Jesus’ way for liberation? Jesus never had a desire to

go to Rome to tell the Caesar: let my people go. Jesus never had a desire to create a political party. He was very popular, he could have done that, but he did not. This was not in his po-litical program. Jesus had no desire to be a religious leader and use his high position to liberate his people. Jesus understood liberation in another way. Jesus had the opinion that there was too much politics and pollution, too much peace talk but too little peace, too much religion but too little spirit. This was true in Jesus’ time and in our time. Jesus’ political program was to go from one village to another to teach, preach, and heal.

Jesus went to the farmers and villagers, not to educated peo-ple. He went to people who feared for their lives, people pushed behind the walls, people who had nothing to lose be-cause they had no hope, people who no one saw, people who were marginalized.

And he started proclaiming the Kingdom of God. That King-dom was bigger than Rome and Caesar, bigger than Jerusalem, bigger than the security of the state, and bigger than the set-tlers and settlements. In the Kingdom of God everyone can become God’s adopted children. The Kingdom of God, in Jesus teaching, will be inherited by the meek. Jesus made these farmers and villagers his ambassadors to the whole world, who witnessed for his political program. Now we are all invited to be ambassadors for Jesus’ vision for peace and reconciliation. Blessed are peacemakers.

This is our prayer and invitation to the Jewish and Palestinians, to be beloved children of God. And you Americans are invited to be part of Jesus’ political program: to make your hands dirty to build peace and create facts on ground by peace and education.

You are daily in my prayers. ~Father Firas.”

toward those who have made life so difficult for the Palestinians. He expresses love for both his Israeli and Palestinian brothers. He is truly a man of peace. If the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations were in the hands of Father Firas, there is no doubt that peace would be achieved.

Due to the emigration of many Palestinians fleeing Occupation, Zababdeh is the only town in the West Bank that still has a Chris-tian majority. His Melkite flock is small, but he partners with his Latin Catholic priest friend and other pastors in the community to support the Latin Patriarchate School, the only Christian majority

school in the West Bank, a well-run and highly-regarded K-12 institution. The 1000-plus Christian and Muslim students mostly come from Zababdeh, but many travel across treacherous terri-tory to attend classes. Because of the plight of the Palestinians, it is becoming harder and harder to maintain the school and its cur-rent standards. The local sources for finances needed to run the school are eroding. Your support through Global Outreach helps in a small way to ensure the future of this school.

~Kay Leaman, Global Outreach

Global Outreach News, Cont .

A message from Father Firas to his friends at UPC:

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Non Profit Org.

Permit No. 78

U.S. Postage Paid

Chapel Hill, NC

University Presbyterian Church

209 East Franklin Street

P.O. Box 509

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

We w e l c o m e a l l f a c u l t y, s t u d e n t s , n ew c o m e r s a n d

v i s i t o r s . January 2013 The Chimes Newsle t te r

University Presbyterian Church is affiliated with The Presbyterian

Church (U.S.A.) and is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. On Sun-

day mornings, worship services are held at 8:30 and 11:00 and

church school for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Children of all ages are wel-

comed and cherished by this congregation. Childcare for infants

through kindergarteners is provided on Sunday mornings by our

paid sitters and parent volunteers.

The sanctuary is wheel-chair accessible. Handicapped parking

spaces are available, and a parking assistant will be available to

help you out of your car. Assistive hearing devices and large-print

bulletins and hymnals are available during worship. Office hours:

Monday—Friday 8:30-4:30. Call (919) 929-2102 for more informa-

tion. Learn more about our programs from the church Website

(www.upcch.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/upcch).

All active UPC Choir members (rising fourth graders to graduating seniors) are invited to attend this excellent music conference and experience the joy of being together in fellowship at Montreat!

This summer, we will explore how we can prepare for, or rehearse for, God’s promised new Heaven and new Earth. Conferees will participate in choirs, instrumental playing, handbell ringing, liturgical dance and Orff playing, Bible study and fun and games, while living together in a faith community.

The conference fee is $253, and registration is due by Sunday, February 10. Scholarships are available. Contact Beth Auman Visser for more information at [email protected] or 919-929-2102 ext. 118. See you at Montreat!

Stay up-to-date with everything happening at the church, including information about programs, events and

special services, by joining the UPC Facebook page! Visit www.facebook.com/upcch and click “Like” to join.

Montr ea t Worship and Music Conference : June 16-21, 2013

“A New Heaven and a New Ear th”