United Campus Ministry

God With You

By David Moore

In reading my Bible this morning I came across Matthew 1:23

“BEHOLD THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,”

which translated means, “God with us.” I hope that over the next month that you will realize that “God is with us.” God will be there as we sing Christmas carols at the Pioneer Home, as I share about the coming Christ in my messages at Vespers, and as we reflect about the Reason for the Season. God will be there as we provide gifts for our Big Brothers/Big Sisters family.

As we share what God has given to us we say to God we trust you with all that we have. This also means that “God is with You!” in all that you do. I hope that you will feel the presence of God as you study for exams, work on your projects and research information for your papers. Know that God is with you as you go home to be with your family, shop amongst the crazy masses and enjoy a winter walk under the Northern lights. Understand this Christmas season the meaning of Christmas is not found in the presents but in His presence.

Peace,

David

UCM Event Update

Singing At UCPC:

On Sunday the 19th of November UCM’s students took a week off from our respected churches and came together as a group. For that Sunday we were in charge of leading singing, prayer, and the sermon for the University Community Presbyterian Church.

With a lot of students participating it was so much fun to stand up front and sing with Carrie playing the piano, David on guitar and Josh and Harmony on drums. Debbie helped out leading us in song and added to the service by playing her flute. Students led the many congregational readings and David preached the sermon. The congregation at UCPC was all so responsive and supportive of us all and afterwards thanked us for coming and for helping them worship. That evening we all returned to be treated like royalty to a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. It was us that felt truly blessed!

Student Testimony

By Jessica Faulkner.

Last week I, like many, traveled home for Thanksgiving. The semester for me had been an incredibly stressful one, so I was looking forward to a nice long break. I stuffed my bag with books, for assignments that I hoped I would find time to work on, and headed to the airport. While waiting for the plane, I found myself shedding my intellectual, school, self as my stress level diminished drastically. I found that, while I had a lot of work to do, it did not matter. My books were put away for friends and laughs and jokes. The mountains of homework could wait for another time.

For me, Anchorage was a breath of fresh air. I found that, far from the stresses of Fairbanks, I was happy and content. Being home amid family and friends allowed me to recharge my drained batteries and made me realize the blessings in my life. Amid the turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing I thanked God for the incredible blessings he gave me. Sometimes it takes a separation from life, a trip home, to truly realize the blessings in life. I am back now, and am facing the ever towering mountain of homework, but because of those few wonderful days I am ready to face it. I know that God is with me for I have seen what he has already provided me. I hope you take time with your busy lives to see what God has given you. Happy Holidays!