University Presbyterian Church (UPC) celebrates its 100th birthday next weekend, but its members and leaders are already looking forward to the next 100 years of ministry for the church.Senior Pastor Earl Palmer said the members of the church have always shown commitment to youth - both college and high school students. He noted that its members have always focused on missions, reaching people around the world, around Seattle and on the University of Washington campus. However, the success of UPC's ministry lies far deeper."If there's a secret to the buoyancy and the health of University Presbyterian it is there is a centeredness - centeredness on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior," Palmer said. "And a focus on Christians growing in biblical faith that is thoughtful, intelligent and growing. That has been a secret in the fact that our laity is so outstanding.To keep church members focused on the future, Palmer is preaching a series of sermons, "From Generation to Generation, Preparing God's People for Such a Time as This." The series runs through May 25.FIXED ON THE FUTURECentennial Committee co-chair Connie Jacobsen said while it is easy to celebrate everything UPC has done in the past, its members need to ask, "What would God have us do next?" Jacobsen and his wife, Judi, have a 50-plus year history with UPC."We need to keep our eyes fixed on the future," he said. "We have always had a strong emphasis on missions, but we want to have a strong urban ministry. Our African-American pastor has been named a minister-at-large for the entire community. We want to be available to the whole city."UPC is already extending its urban ministry through Union Church, a sort of satellite church serving the South Lake Union neighborhood. The congregation size itself is about 150, and UPC is providing congregational staff and elders. The church currently meets at the former Naval Reserve Armory. Pam Proske, a member of the UPC board of elders, is currently working with Union Church."I chose Union [Church] because of the leadership of co-pastors James B. Notkin and his wife, Renee, also a Presbyterian pastor. Because of knowing them personally, I wanted to help them in their mission endeavor," Proske said. On the first and third Sundays, worship resembles more of normal worship service. But on the second Sunday, members gather around tables based on where they live and determine what they can do for the neighborhood and beyond. And on the fourth Sunday, Union Church members don't gather in one building but instead meet in specific neighborhoods. Members recently helped clean up Ravenna Park. Palmer said with all of the businesses and new residents moving into the area, it would be a shame to leave the neighborhood without a church - although, the Union Church does work with Denny Park Lutheran Church. Proske said South Lake Union is very limited in the number of actual churches in the area.Another ministry showing UPC's commitment is the Side-by-Side ministry at Children's Hospital. Palmer said it reaches out to families from out of town who come to the hospital to be with ill children. Side-by-Side workers and volunteers reach out to the parents and siblings who are not sick but who may need to come with the parents while another child is ill. When permitted, children from UPC will play with the well children.LOOKING TO THE FUTUREPalmer has announced he is retiring from University Presbyterian Church. He plans to stay on until a search committee finds a successor, but he is not likely to be idle."I am moving into a new era of ministry, which will be Earl Palmer Ministry, but I am staying at UPC in full stride as senior pastor until we have a candidate to present to the congregation," he said. "When that happens, I'll be commissioned to this new era. I don't believe in retirement as such."Palmer already has a worldwide ministry as a speaker, teacher and author. He has written 16 books and countless articles and speaks to many gatherings of pastors and church leaders. The Centennial Committee's Jacobsen said it is also important for UPC to continue its strong college ministry, where Palmer's career began."The college ministry is the DNA of UPC. We have always had a strong college ministry - and that isn't true of church in a college town," Jacobsen said. "We also need to continue our strong lay leadership. Even when we have been without a pastor, the church still flourishes. Our whole concept is 'every member a minister.'"Elder Pam Proske has served nearly a quarter of a century at UPC, so she also has a wider view of the future of the church. "I believe UPC will become even more of a world resource center - that's what we are to this region and the Presbytery (of Seattle)," she said. "We have strong leadership in pastors, elders and lay leaders. We have been acquiring properties across from the church so we can expand. I see our UPC as being more of an intellectual and spiritual arena for leaders."THE BIRTHDAY PARTYUPC's 100th-birthday party features a number of activities, including the Great is Thy Faithfulness organ concert celebrating UPC's music ministry, featuring principal organist Jo Ann Stremler on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the UPC sanctuary.UPC will also have an all-church picnic May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Magnuson Park. The Centennial Committee has secured a spot by the water, with plenty of parking and easy access for handicapped guests. There will be designated areas to connect with friends and former ministry partners, plus activities for kids and adults. Guests are invited to bring items to barbeque.May 4 is Celebration Sunday. All five worship services will celebrate "100 years of God's Faithfulness to the Community," with special music and guests. The annual Ministry Fair in Larson Hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. will allow guests explore the numerous ministries offered at UPC. Also, UPC will hold its annual congregational meeting at 11:15 a.m. that day in Larson Hall.For specific information about the centennial celebration, visit www.upc.org/newsresources.aspx?id=406#UPC's_100th . Or call 524-7300.ABOUT THE CHURCHUPC now offers five Sunday services welcoming an average of 3,700 worshippers, plus a weekly Sunday average of more than 700 children up to sixth grade. More than 250 junior and senior high school students attend Rock or Edge events weekly, and more than 200 people go to the weekly Tuesday-night worship and Communion service. Attendance at The INN draws more than 1,100 university students each week, with nearly half of them participating in small Bible-studies groups.Seeking the Light columnist John Livingston is a resident of the Ravenna neighborhood. He can be reached at needitor@nwlink.com.[[In-content Ad]]
