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