Q: Our new sermon series explores spiritual practices for the Christian walk. What discipline has been most surprising for how it’s drawn you closer to God?

A: “As a student at Walla Walla University, I began using The Lord’s Prayer as a framework for my devotional life. Each phrase became a prayer unto itself. For instance, when I contemplate the words “who is in heaven”, I revel in that fact that God is, God exists, and that He is real! When I say “Thy will be done,” I place my palms down to signify release of my own hopes and dreams in exchange for His. When I pray “give us this day” I turn my hands upward, inviting God to fill me and guide me. Today, The Lord’s Prayer is like an old friend. I offer it when I have nothing else to say, when I need com- fort in a spiritual desert, and celebration for when it rains.”

-Schaun Carpenter, WWU Church Member

 I would say without hesitation that service has proven to be the spiritual discipline that has had the most profound effect on my personal spirituality and the manner in which I interact with those around me. In acts of service I find myself a component of something much larger than myself, more tangible, a living breathing difference-maker, and though I wouldn't give up on prayer and study and all of the other powerful components of a Christ-filled life, I firmly believe that those other disciplines were meant to be integrated in a fluid and meaningful outreach.

-Meghann Heinrich, WWU Sophomore, Communications Major

Having been raised a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian, I have experienced many aspects of spiritual discipline in my walk with Christ. I have found that solitude in the Lord’s beautiful nature has brought me closer to God and has helped me reflect on this life and how blessed we are to live and witness to others. The psalmist David also recognized the beautiful presence of God in nature when he said: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In the business of life it may be necessary to take a break and reconcile with God in his garden. And what better place to reconcile than here in this beautiful valley?

-Jason Schafer, WWU Freshman, French Major

MUSIC NOTE

We thank some special musicians for sharing their music with us. Debra Bakland, from the music department of Burman University (formerly Canadian University College) brings us the prelude and postlude together with our own Lyn Ritz and Karin Thompson of the WWU music department. We also thank Ron Coleman who plays the offertory and anthem together with Lyn Ritz.

The offertory presents an arrangement of Hymn No.547 by Lyn Ritz. This is a favorite hymn both for the Irish tune and the wonderful text, part of which is given here:

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me Save that Thou art, Thou my best thought, By day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

The anthem features two other favorite hymns, Fairest Lord Jesus (#240) and I Surrender All (#309). Each of these hymns as well as our closing hymn invite us to pause, be quiet, and ponder heavenly things. Right now, as you prepare to worship, I invite you to silently meditate on the texts of these hymns.

-Kraig Scott

GIVE

The University Church Staff and leadership thanks you for your dedicated nancial partnership! As we look forward to 2016, we are excited about the things God will accomplish through us.

As it has in the past, our local church budget supports K-12 schools Rogers and WWVA, Children’s Ministries, worship services, a number of staff members’ salaries, and maintaining our facility. Donations marked “Tithe” support pastors’ and teachers’ salaries as well as the world church.

As always - we welcome your gifts made right here on our website. Click Here to Give!

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Church Potluck Today in the Fellowship Hall at 1:15pm. Everyone is welcome to join!

Walla Walla University Week of Worship begins Monday, January 11 at 11:40am in the sanctuary and continues each day all week. Vespers is Friday, January 15 at 8pm.

A New Sabbath School in Heubach Chapel begins today. Entitled “In Christ” and led by Troy Fitzgerald, the class’s primary focus will be just that: Jesus.

Breaking Bread gatherings continue this quarter. If you would like to host students, please contact katie.palumbo@wallawalla.edu

WWVA Week of Prayer will take place the week of February 1-5. Mark your calendar! 11:45am each day.

Sabbath School quarterlies are available in print at the church office during the week or at the information desk on Sabbaths. Quarterlies are also available online and via the mobile Sabbath School app.

SonBridge Constituency Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 24, at 10am at SonBridge. The agenda will include inspiring financial and development reports of God’s blessings and an update of future plans. This constituency session is for designated delegates, but interested parties are welcome to attend!  Thank you for your ongoing support.

The 6th Annual Spiritual Care Symposium – “Blessed are Those Who Mourn” will be hosted by Walla Walla General Hospital on January 22. The featured speaker is Pam Cress, PhD, MSW, CT. For information and registration visit, wwgh.com/spiritualcaresymposium or call 509-527-8000, ext. 1848.

The One Project still has a few spaces left. It will take place in Seattle, February 15-17. To register visit the1project.org.

“Living Beyond Yourself” is a women’s DVD bible study at SonBridge Community Center. Wedensdays, January 6 - March 16, 12-1pm. (Please bring a Sack Lunch)

50-Plus Club Potluck will be on Sunday, January 17 at 5pm in the Youth Center.

Free counseling for individuals, couples, and families at Pathways to Change, a community counseling clinic managed by the School of Education and Psychology at Walla Walla University. The clinic is located in Smith Hall and is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m.  For more information, call 509-527-2654.

Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Washington, will host its bi-annual Band Clinic January 21 to 23, 2016. This is open to all students in grades 7 through 12. For more information, please contact Dean Kravig, UCA Band Director, at dean.kravig@ucaa.org or call (509) 245-3600.

Depression Recovery Program. Get your life back! Free information session and registration January 5, 6:30 PM, SonBridge Community Center. Through this 8-week course, learn how to overcome depression through lifestyle changes, a positive outlook, and faith in God. The program begins January 19 at 6:30 PM and continues each Tuesday evening through March 8. For more information, call 509-525-0882 or 509-529-3100.

Winter Classes Beginning at SonBridge Community Center: English as a Second Language (ESL) on Mondays and Thursdays, registration January 4 at 6:30 pm. Impact! Life Transitions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting January 5 at 9:30 am. Depression & Anxiety (Neil Nedley DVDs) on Tuesdays, orientation on January 5 at 6:30 pm.

Like us on Facebook for ongoing updates and announcements!

EVENTS

Sabbath, January 9
    1:15pm - Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall
    4:27pm - Sunset

Monday-Friday, January 11-16
    Daily, 11:40am - WWU Week of Worship, Sanctuary

Tuesday, January 12
    7pm - High Five Youth Group, Jr. High Room

Wednesday, January 13
    Noon-1pm - Women’s DVD Bible Study, SonBridge
    6:30pm - Pathfinders Club, Fellowship Hall

Friday, January 15
    4:35pm - Sunset

Sabbath, January 16
    6pm - Children’s Ministries Open Gym Night, Rogers

Friday, January 22
    8:30-4:30pm - WWGH Spiritual Care Symposium

Sabbath, January 23
    6pm - Children’s Ministries Volunteer Banquet

Sunday, January 24
    10am - SonBridge Constituency Meeting, SonBridge

Thursday-Sabbath, January 28-30
    WWU Friendship Tournament