UPC Headlines

UPC Empty Bowls Event a Big Success

On March 29, 2008, UPC hosted our first Empty Bowls event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. The event was a huge success, generating much interest from community members and the media. All of the bowls that were donated by the Alabama Clay Conference were sold or were purchased in a silent auction, and all-told, the event raised almost $2,000 for the UPC Deacon's food pantry. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and successful!

Empty Bowls was sponsored by several community groups who generously donated soup and bread. Thank you to all our sponsors, including:

The Globe
Jason's Deli
15th Street Diner
Publix
Manna Grocery
Cypress Inn
Chuck's

New Event Album Service

UPC now has a new photo album service. CLICK HERE to check it out. Currently posted photos include Opening Academic Sunday and Festival of the Earth.

Pat & Annabel on the Road - Updated on Sept. 19

Pat & Annabel have departed on their 4-month journey to and from Alaska in their camper. So that we can all enjoy the trip vicariously, they will be keeping a blog. To check out their latest adventures (complete with photos and narrative), visit http://patdunbar.typepad.com/my_weblog/ - you can even post your thoughts on their adventures there, too...

UPC Remembers Rickey Yanaura

We are very sad to announce that UPC family member Rickey Yanaura suffered a stroke on the morning of May 17 and was pronounced dead early Friday, May 18. We are all profoundly saddened to lose our dear friend, Rickey, who has been a long-time member of our congregation. Click here to read the article that ran about Rickey in The Tuscaloosa News.

A memorial service was held on Monday, May 21, at UPC, with well over 200 people in attendance. The service was co-lead by Rev. Erica Durham and Rev. Patrick Laney. Remembrances were offered by both Rev. Laney and Rickey's brother. It was a joyful and moving service for all.

We know that you join all of us at UPC in sending our heart-felt condolences, love, and support to Denise and all of the Hutton and Yanaura family members. If you would like to see Denise and offer her a hug that might be a reciprocal of the wonderful hugs and love she shares with each of us - feel free to visit her at her mother's home.

Pat & Annabel on the Road - Updated on Sept. 19

UPC Becomes an Ebay Charity

Now there are 2 ways to support UPC when you buy or sell on Ebay. As a seller, you can elect to share 10% to 100% of the price of the items you sell directly to UPC. Through a partnership with missionfish, the selling price of your item will automatically by deposited to UPC and a tax-deductible receipt will be mailed to you. As a buyer, visit the UPC page on Mission Fish to see what items are currently for sale that will benefit UPC, and make your best bid. Click here to see what's for sale now!

Stewardship Sunday

On Sunday, January 28, a covered dish luncheon (formerly known as pot luck), will follow our service. This luncheon will focus on stewardship - through both time and monetary contributions. In addition to completing your pledge form, you will also be given the opportunity to serve on one of UPC's newly restructured committees. All contributions are both valued and needed! To download a PDF pledge form, click here.

New Group: Spiritual Travelers - Coming Soon...

Richard Keenam and Steve Borrelli are starting a new group that will meet on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the student center. This new group is intended as an inter-faith discussion group. The goal of the group will be to share beliefs across different faiths and different beliefs in an effort to find common ground. For more information, or to get involved, contact Richard Keenam at rchrdknmtupc@yahoo.com.

Recipes & Memories Cookbooks are Ready!

The new Recipes & Memories Cookbooks are now ready. For a (minimum) $12 contribution to the Deacon's Food Pantry, you, too, can own a copy of this wonderful UPC keepsake. Don't forget that it also makes a wonderful Christmas present or anytime gift. For more information, contact Deacon Pat Dunbar!

UPC Hires Rev. Erica Durham as Interim Pastor

It's official! UPC has entered an agreement with Rev. Erica Durham to be our Interim Pastor as we enter our discernment period and search for a full-time pastor. Welcome, Erica, to the UPC family! If you'd like to contact Erica, please call her at the church or email her at erica.durham@pcusa.org.

Dedicate a New Hymnal Supplement

UPC has recently adopted Sing a New Creation as a supplement to the Presbyterian Hymnal. If you would care to dedicate one or more copies of one of the new Hymnal Supplements in honor or memory of a loved one, you may do so by underwriting the cost of each copy that you want to dedicate for $10.95 each. Download a recent newsletter for a donation form.

Got Flowers?

The Member Care committee needs individuals to volunteer to supply the flowers each week. Making a flower arrangement donation in honor or in memory of someone can be a wonderful tribute. If you would like to supply flowers (from your yard or from the store) but would prefer not to arrange them, Margie would be happy to arrange them for you. Please contact Margie Harris or sign up at UPC on the bulletin board.

Welcoming Sundays

The Welcoming Committee and the Deacons have teamed up to create Welcoming Sundays. From now on, anytime there is a Deacon's Lunch after church, that Sunday will be declared a "Welcoming Sunday." All church members and friends are encouraged to bring one or more guests on these days in particular, so that guests will get to enjoy a free meal after the service and get to know our current members a little better.

PCUSA Responds to Hurricane...

Although the national media is no longer focusing on the aftermath of Katrina, the reality of its devestation is still a daily truth for the residents of New Orleans. For information about the Presbyterian Church's efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, please visit the national website at http://www.pcusa.org/.

Choir Members
URGENTLY Needed
We have a superb and dedicated choir; However, it has been increasingly difficult to plan ahead with any specificity due to our relatively small group and their busy schedules. Therefore, this is a special invitation and an exhortation to join our choir, with a special need for SOPRANOS and ALTOS. If you or others you might know who might be looking to participate in such a meaningful relationship singing with our choir to worship our God, please contact: William Henderson, Choirmaster and Organist,
PHONES: 556-7471 (h) or 454-0750 (c)

Order Sandy's Book of Sermons or a DVD of her Retirement Celebration

Click Here to download a PDF orderform for the 2-DVD set of the video taken during Sandy's final sermon and retirement celebration or a copy of her collected sermons. Just print out the form, fill it out, and return it with payment to UPC. You can even drop it in the offering plate during an upcoming service!

UPC Named
More Light Church of the Year!

On Thursday, June 15, 2006, UPC received the More Light Church of the Year Award at the GLBT Banquet. A large group of UPC members and friends attended the celebration. Click here to read Sandy's acceptance speech. Also, if you'd like to read Sandy's summary of UPC's history with More Light, click here.