United Campus Ministry

Beautiful Within

By David Moore

Welcome back to a new semester and the beginning of 2007. I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas break and that you are rested and ready for a fantastic semester. This past week I was also able to take a break and escape the Fairbanks’ winter with a nice trip to Phoenix and a peaceful jaunt over to see my mom in Oklahoma.

During this break and my time away I read a tremendously influential book called My Personal Best by and about the legendary college basketball coach John Wooden. Wooden was not just an extraordinary coach but a mentor and a teacher of life’s lessons. As I read through each chapter I found many lessons, lists to live by, and anecdotes that you will be hearing this semester in my messages for Vespers. But for now I would like to share just two quotes from the prelude of Wooden’s book. The first is from an anonymous source,

“There is a choice you have
to make, in everything you do.
So keep in the mind that in the
end, the choice you make,
makes you.”

The second is a quote by Socrates,

“I pray thee, O God that I
may be beautiful within.”

So now as this new semester is about to begin I hope that you will reflect on this quote and include this prayer by Socrates into your daily time with the Lord. As you take time to reflect on each day ahead of you may you make good healthy choices and truly be beautiful within.

God Speed,

David

UCM Event Update

UCM Christmas Party:

On Friday, December 8th we all came together despite the cold to the Pioneer Home. There we spent a great hour with the elderly residences singing Christmas carols and taking time to just chat. Afterwards it was fun to listen to each student and how we each can take something different and special from the same event.

Tired from singing we all met together at First Methodist downtown to celebrate Christmas, friendship and the end of yet another semester. Energetic games of Apples to Apples, Poker and Yatzee were played while we all filled up on pizza and snacks. We all participated in our annual White Elephant gift exchange, which created many laughs and some not-so-valuable results.

Thanks to all the students who were we able to come to all the different events this past fall. We had a wonderful time at each one. Be sure to look ahead at what UCM has in-store for 2007.

Student Testimony

By Harmony Swain

“For we are God’s masterpiece, He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

~ Ephesians 2:10

God presents us opportunities in many ways. Some are obvious, others are not so obvious. If I really think about it I can trace many “God experiences” way back into my past. The reason I like to do this is because it helps me find patterns of opportunity. My most recent opportunity has been a big one.

My first and last roommate from the dorms is a non-believer. We have been friends since September of 2000. Recently my faith has grown a little stronger and my friend wants to known all about my “survival techniques.” The conversations we have had from her asking this question have been intense and full of the Holy Spirit. I have never been down this path before and it has been awesome helping someone find their way to God.