UPC understands its primary purpose to be “to practice the way of Jesus” together.
Worship is central in the life of our church. We use a blended worship format incorporating a wide variety of music and involving children and adults, men and women in leadership roles. We celebrate the Church Year, marking annually the significant events in the life of Jesus.
Spiritual formation is a high priority. A separate hour on Sunday morning is dedicated to this purpose. We want our children to know the way of Jesus and invite our youth and adults to be continually engaged in the application of this way to their daily lives.
We demonstrate compassion toward our members and our community. Every member has a pastoral care deacon who seeks to keep in touch with them. Over and over again we are complimented on the way we show our love and support of one another.
In addition we demonstrate compassion for the wider community through such ministries as Meals on Wheels, preparing and serving meals at Paz de Cristo, housing the homeless through I-Help and Family Promise, participating in the backpack drive in the late summer, and having a Giving Tree at Christmas time for less fortunate families.
We are advocates for peace and justice in the world. We are not afraid to discuss controversial issues or to have them addressed from our pulpit. We annually send letters to our congressional leaders on behalf of Bread for the World. We participate in taking water to stations in the desert and are working for fuller inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church.
We are a mission minded church. We support the mission endeavors of the Presbyterian Church. Annually, we designate February as Mission Month. We seek to engage the whole congregation in the consideration of a particular place or issue that is important to the life and mission of our church.
There are numerous times when the church community comes together for fellowship and for play. The Presbyterian Women’s group has regular Circle meetings. The Men’s Fellowship meets once a month. Small groups of 7,8 or 9 gather to enjoy a meal together and to get better acquainted. Movie nights are periodically offered.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of University Presbyterian Church is to practice the way of Jesus:
- loving God, neighbor and self
- giving witness to the light of Christ in the world
- calling others to be his disciples
- working for the well-being of the whole creation and all its peoples.
Mission Statement
adopted October 17, 1996
University Presbyterian Church is an open, dynamic Christian community that invites all seekers to join with us in glorifying God and discovering God’s will expressed in Jesus Christ. We celebrate God’s love in joyful worship and learning, demonstrate Christ’s compassion in generous service to others, and experience Christ’s love in supportive fellowship.
Vision Statement
adopted October 17, 1996
University Presbyterian Church will be a growing congregation. In celebration of the gift of diversity, we will invite everyone to join our community of faith in glorifying God through varied and inclusive worship. Dynamic education and fellowship opportunities will actively encourage children, youth and adults to trust Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, engage each other around significant issues of peace and social justice, and support one another in all experiences of the life journey. UPC will be known as a serving church. We will respond to our historic relationship with and proximity to the Arizona State University community. We will provide vital support to Valley communities and organizations and take a leadership role in fostering ecumenical relationships and ministries. We will demonstrate our love in Christ by generously offering our human and material resources in the local, national and international mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Session Goals for 2008
Adopted December 15, 2005
1. Increase our church membership through continued intentional efforts focusing on retaining current members, promoting UPC programs, reaching out to the un-churched and being open to greater diversity of members.
2. Restructure the Session in order to facilitate communications, empower members and create greater efficiency in the accomplishment of its mission and ministries.
3. Review the current staffing of the church in light of changing goals, needs and funding with particular attention to the pastors, music staff and parish nurse responsibilities, and in light of this review to implement a new staffing plan.