Practicing the Presence
UPC encourages every member to engage in a spiritual practice that shapes, guides, and transforms our daily living. We suggest a holistic understanding of spiritual practice that centers around Worship, Service, and Community.
We encourage members to practice their faith in all
aspects of their lives including active stewardship of finances and time and talents to
support Christ's ministry.
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 Practice Corporate Prayer. Be present each Lord's Day for Corporate worship. Corporate worship proclaims who we are and shapes our life together as disciples of Christ.
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Practice Personal Prayer. Set aside some time each day for time alone with God. The pastors can assist you with ways to structure this time, as well as resources.
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Practice Unceasing Prayer. Practice a prayerful stance toward each moment of every day. This involves learning to see all things as God sees them, and to see God's presence in all things - all people, all creatures, all situations.
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 Practice serving those nearest to you. Seek to express a servant attitude toward the people closest to you each day--your spouse, children, friends, co-workers, and so on--those you encounter throughout the day.
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Practice serving those you might otherwise forget. Choose at least one service project that brings you in contact with people in need of assistance. (Volunteer at IHN, Micah 6, UPC Food Pantry and Assistance Program, the Mexico Mission Trip, and others. See Mission Opportunities and Contacts for further options.)
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Practice doing justice, seeking peace and caring for creation. Seek to do justice, make peace and care for God's creation in all areas of your life. In addition, join with others in some cause, organization, or movement that is working for justice, peace, and/or the care of creation.
 Practice nurturing friendship within and outside the congregation.-
Practice hospitality by being open to new relationships, showing kindness, welcoming visitors into our midst, and inviting others to experience our community of faith.
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Practice sharing your faith with others by being a part of at least one small group in the congregation where honest conversation about spiritual matters can take place, and mutual support can be offered.
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Practicing financially demonstrates much about our faith. How we
invest, what we spend more on in shops and how we
give financially to Christ's work and the community
reflects on on personal commitment and calling.
Financial stewardship at UPC allows us to respond to
the prayers of many we serve on behalf of Christ.
Commitment by members using pledge cards or e-pledge allows UPC to
administer a financial plan to make best use of the
gifts God has granted us to return to his works.
For your convenience, we offer the ability to pledge
your financial commitment using:
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Practicing God's presence may
sometime be difficult with all the demands on on
your time. At UPC, we believe Christ has given
each of us unique talents and a special calling.
We offer members the opportunities to share their
time and talents and contribute in a meaningful way,
writing them down, and contributing their commitment
of time in the Sunday offering or simply emailing
them to the church. Below are 2 time and
talent sheets to guide you and help us in assisting
you succeed with your specific calling.
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