A UPC Story

Every month, members of University Presbyterian Church write stories of their experiences at UPC. This story comes from Suzi Parker, a great friend of Austin Agape.

"I knew when I married my husband, John, a construction engineer, our life together would be nomadic - and it has turned out to be just that! After living and working in eleven cities in five countries, I've become an expert and packing and moving our home from place to place. Settling into a new location is inherently challenging, so John and I always look to the church to help us feel at home quickly. After all, the church is supposed to welcome the stranger, to befriend the friendless.

UPC has loved and welcomed us from our first visit. On that day, while we were being greeted by one of the ushers, the father of a friend from our former church in Houston (Bob Higley) recognized us, and made sure that we were introduced to everyone around us, including the usher, who himself was already welcoming us.

Our second visit came a few months later, after we'd returned from an extended business trip. As before, we were welcomed - this time by the family in the pew next to us (Craig and Lydia Deats). In fact, I was recruited to join the UPC Mission and Service committee of the church even before we officially joined the church.

UPC seems to be full of real, down-to-earth people. We have the freedome to think, respond, and even disagree with lessons or preaching. At the same time, UPC has encouraged us to have busy hands along with our busy minds. Thoughtful, caring, interesting, and committed people have mentored us and encouraged us to work in areas both inside and outside the church. A few examples: We made enriching friendships with, to name a few, Bobbie Sanders and Scott Collins, while working on a Habitat House sponsored by UPC. We regularly assist in the UPC food pantry and with the Bill Murray Friendship Fund. We serve on various committees, particpate in the Food for Thought dinner program for college students, and attend the Sunday evening book group led by Keith Wright. For me, a special experience is to be able to sing along with the choir as a member, even though I don't have any vocal training (or talent). It is a joy to be part of this musical group led by a brilliant choral director, Ara Carapetyan, and in this way to share my deep love of music.

These are a few of the true reasons that Austin is now our home."

-Suzi Parker

Update From Patrick

Drew and I are both doing well here in Miraj. The food is very good. The people are great. The rain has come. The first night and following day we were here were pretty dry. The following two days have been wet and rather muddy. I am observing in neurology right now, and Drew in CT. We are learning a lot about medicine in a hospital setting. We are also learning a lot about the local culture. A popular tea here is called chai; the local language is Marathi, though most of the hospital staff speak pretty good English; there are a handful or so of regular tennis players who play when weather allows; and apparently you can be areested by the police for "smooching" in public.

Best! Patrick.

Let the Work Begin!

Let's continue to be mindful and prayerful for Patrick and Drew today. They begin their work in India today!

India or Bust!

Patrick and Drew are heading to India today! We are excited for them, and we want to celebrate what they're doing. We appreciate their leadership in Austin Agape, and we look forward to learning from them when they return to us in the Fall.



So please have a wonderful time. Most of all, encounter people who you'll never forget. Stretch yourself and learn that you have gifts you might not have noticed before. Become even more fully the ministers that you are. We are proud of you, and we celebrate your gifts and meaningful intentions for others.


Here is a note from Patrick to us:

Drew and I, both currently pre-med, are going to be volunteering at Wanless Hospital in Miraj, India, for 6 weeks through an organization partnered with PCUSA called the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF). We will be learning a lot about clinical medicine, hospitals, and in particular CT (cardio-thoracic surgery) as the main guy we're spending time with there is the head of cardio-thoracic surgery (he's also chief superintendent of the hospital I believe, I may have gotten the title wrong, but he has a major administrative role at the hospital). I am looking forward to a great experience full of learning, personal growth, and relationship with new people and new ideas. Peace, Patrick.


Have a great time!

Austin Agape Goes National!

Guess what? July is a special month for Austin Agape!

PACHEM is a fantastic Presbyterian organization that focuses on collegiate ministry. In fact, the acronym is a long but fun name: Presbyterian Association for Collegiate and Higher Education Ministries. This month on the PACHEM website, Austin Agape is featured as the Ministry of the Month. Click here to see our description and pictures!

PACHEM does a lot of work to connect ministries across the country and promote campus ministry as a vital form of outreach and community building for our denomination as a whole. We are tremendously grateful for their service.

There is also a new PACHEM blog. Renee is one of the contributers. Feel free to check it out. Let's celebrate what God is doing in our ministry, and let's connect with others to hear what amazing things are happening around us!