JOIN US FOR SUNDAY ONLINE WORSHIP

10:00am WorshipUPC will gather online for worship each Sunday. You are invited to joinus for virtual worship via phone, Zoom Webinar, or YouTubeLive (there's a short delay on this platform).

As we find ourselves in unusual times, worship will also be different.However, live-streaming from Dries' home and pre-recorded music inthe Sanctuary, we will emphasize God's abiding presence and offer anauthentic way of connecting amid physical distancing.

CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM WEBINAR

CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LIVE

DIAL ONE OF THESE NUMBERS:346-248-7799, 669-900-6833, 253-215-8782, 301-715-8592, 312-626-6799, 929-205-6099ENTER MEETING ID: 427 660 200

You can also watch the service later at your convenience on YouTube CLICK HERE.

10:45am Joys and ConcernsWe miss the personal connection when we join services online. Not seeing each other in worshiptakes away a critical connection we have come to love about worshiping at UPC. Join Dries and othersafter worship for sharing joys and prayer. CLICK HERE TO JOIN or dial 346-248-7799 and enterMeeting ID 742 807 278.

WORSHIP INFORMATIONApril 5 - Palm/Passion Sunday - 10:00amPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: Matthew 21:1-11Music: Mary Lowder, Tom Williams, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

April 9 - Maundy Thursday - 7:00pmPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: John 13:1-17, 31b-35Music: Mary Lowder, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

April 10 - Good Friday - 7:00pmPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: John 18:1-19:42Music: Mary Lowder, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

April 12 - Easter Sunday - 10:00amPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: Matthew 28:1-10Music: Mary Lowder, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

April 19 - 2nd Sunday of Easter - 10:00amPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: John 20:19-31Music: Mary Lowder, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

April 26 - 3rd Sunday of Easter - 10:00amPreaching: Dries CoetzeeScripture: Luke 24:13-35Music: Mary Lowder, Keith Martinez, and Scholar Singers

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT DURING THE WEEK

SEE ALL EVENTS ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR

With the suspension of both internal and external activities, UPC realizes thatthese measures come with an enormous amount of inconvenience and sacrifice.Yet the reality we face is that we are all learning to adapt to our current fast-changing environment. While these measures are in place to ensure socialdistancing, we will not allow them to create social isolation within our churchcommunity. Please join us for the following Zoom opportunities:

Tuesdays10:00am Meditation Tuesdays: Centering the Week with Dhawn MartinWhether you've never meditated or are a transcendental sage, join us for communal meditations.Together we will breathe in new possibilities for how we shape our days, setting intentions that nurturepeace, generosity, and compassion. We will open the hour with centering prayer and wisdomliteratures from diverse traditions, and then move into the contemplative. This is a Zoom Webinar. ToJoin, Click Here

7:00pm Lenten Small Group "Called To Die"Join Pastor Dries on Tuesday evenings for a virtual gathering. Connect via Zoom from the comfort ofyour home. After Lent/Easter, this group will continue to meet and discuss weekly lectionary. To Join,Click Here

WednesdaysWednesdays7:30am Zoom Knit-InAll knitters and crocheters are welcome to join. For further information contact Caryl Gaubatz. Eventhough we may not be able to enjoy each other's physical presence, we realize the need to remain a"knitted-together" community. Plus there are real psychological benefits to working with one's hands:the repetitive motions of knitting activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the "fight orflight response." (British Journal of Occupational Therapy , 2013). To Join, Click Here

9:00am Midweek Check-In and Prayer with Dries These are trying times. Not seeing each other in worship takes away a critical connection with oursiblings that many of us need at this time. Join Dries for a midweek check-in and prayer as we cultivatea community of faith that seeks to nurture and support one another through life's trials and triumphswhile we minister to the brokenness in the world. To Join, Click Here

TThursdays7:00pm Theology 101 with Dhawn MartinDeepen your faith with Dhawn Martin as you engage in a theological conversation. Dhawn has taughtcourses in Philosophy and Theology, Civil Engagement, Peace and Power, and Utopias andDystopias, at Drew University, St. Mary's University, and Hanover College. Her areas of academicstudy include political theology and peace-making. To Join, Click Here.

TREASURER'S REPORT

COVID-19Since the end of February, things have changedvery quickly for our church and community as astate of emergency was declared and shelter inplace orders were given. The church staff isworking from home and the church has shiftedto worship services online and offering otheropportunities to virtually connect with oneanother. UPC leaders have been seeking out ways tohelp the community through a two-prongedapproach to help the community at large as wellas help UPC/UPCC families and staff on an adhoc basis. We have also looked at our budgetswith an eye to shifting around funds prioritizingpeople first. We appreciate those who can keep their pledges current to help sustain churchoperations. We ask those who may have extra funds to donate for the COVID-19 efforts of thechurch. Click to make your pledge online or to donate extra to the COVID-19 effort:

OverviewThanks to all who have kept up with their pledges in 2020 and to the many new members and visitors.Expenses were generally a bit lower than planned. We currently have a surplus of $18,412. We have ahealthy balance in most of the special funds which are non-operating funds, usually designated for aparticular purpose. The overall balance in the special funds account is $354,164. There was a verygenerous anonymous donation of $125,000 which will be used to seed some campus improvementsor capital campaign. The SoL Center offers interfaith adult education and has an operating budget of$34,825 and separate endowment accounts. In addition to operating funds and special purpose funds, we also have Endowment Funds which arelong term funds that help support UPC and The SoL Center. The current market value of UPCEndowments is $543,563 and the book value is $414,773. The current market value of SoLEndowments is $128,061 and the book value is $105,061. Endowments are invested and only theearnings or a percentage of the current value may be used regularly.

SOLAR PANEL PROJECTThe Session of UPC approved the project of installing 266 solar panels on acarport structure in our parking lot. The solar panels will generate 97.09 kW ofelectricity which is the equivalent of 94% of the average electricity needs ofthe church. This will decrease our average electricity bill from $1,596 to anaverage of $69 per month. The system cost is $198,064 less a rebate of$42,500 for a contract value of $155,964. We currently have around $125,000but need to raise about $30,000 so we hit upon the idea of having a short-termcongregational fundraiser during March and April to try to raise the remainingfunds. Any donation or pledge amount is welcome; however, the Earthcare Taskforce put together thisfunding chart to help inspire people to help:Sponsor One Solar Panel = $585.00Sponsor 1/2 Solar Panel = $292.50Sponsor 1/4 Solar Panel = $146.25Sponsor 50 Watts = $80.00Sponsor 25 Watts = $40.00Sponsor 1 Watt = $1.60

A bonus of installing the solar panels on a carport structure in our parking lot is that we will not loseany parking spaces, yet we gain some covered parking for those hot summer days! Contact Sandy

Nicholson with questions.

UPCC HAPPENINGSUPCC is closed until further notice except for providingemergency care for current UPCC families on the front lines ofthe COVID-19 crises. Prior to cancelling school for the extendedperiod, we surveyed our current families with preschool agechildren that work in the medical field, first responders, andother essential jobs to identify who were having difficulty findingchildcare at the time. Only two families indicated they wouldneed this emergency care for their three children. The hours ofcare are shorter than our usual full day with one teacherspending quality time with the children, primarily outside on the extensive UPCC outdoor classrooms,and one UPCC office staff person present at all times for support and breaks.

It is eerily quiet at UPCC this spring for sure! Yet we are using this time to finalize pending updates tothe landscaping of the outdoor classrooms, with even a few small areas of soft grass taking hold. Weare also finishing the painting of the school building and rails without having to work around 80 childrenand 19 UPCC every day.

Teachers are meeting weekly via Zoom and all classrooms are reaching out to their families, somevery creatively.

SOL CENTERThe Source of Light (SoL) Center has suspended all events, classes,and activities until further notice and the staff is working from home checkingvoice mail and email regularly.

The SoL Board continues to meet (via zoom) and to brainstorm about what adulteducation might look like now and in the future. If you have some ideas orsuggestions, please contact Dhawn Martin. Be well and take care.

THE BIG GIVEThe Big Give platform has been re-purposed as an emergency donation site, in response to the COVID-19 emerging situation.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

The regular BigGiveSA will be rescheduled.

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND COLLEGEWe hope you are healthy, safe, and saneduring these unusual times! Since UPChas suspended all of its in-personactivities until further notice in responseto COVID-19, here are someopportunities for families, children, youth,and college:

For all Parents:For all Parents: Click on this link for a helpful article from Psychology Today about talking to kids andteens about the Cornavirus.

For all Parents: For all Parents: UPCC Director, Cindi Catlin Gaskins, and UPC Interim Director of Children's andCollege Programs, Dakota Kohfield, would like to connect with families to touch base, share ideas,and learn about your needs. Please complete this survey with times that you are available to meetonline via Zoom.

For Parents of Young Children:For Parents of Young Children: We are still including Children's Moments as part of online worship! Ifyou can't catch it live or want to see it again, you can find the services on the church YouTubepage. We are continuing to explore how to best connect with young children in the absence ofChildren's Church. If you have ideas of what would be helpful to your family, please let Dakota know!

For Parents of Elementary-Aged Children: For Parents of Elementary-Aged Children: Here is a video of Sunday school teacher Melissa Almsteadreading this week's story from the Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum! Melissa and Dakota

plan to continue to offer videos and resources for Sunday school.

For Parents of Youth: For Parents of Youth: What do youth need at this time? How can staff and church leaders help to meetthese needs? Dakota has hosted Zoom chats for the college group, and the students enjoyed just"hanging out" and talking with each other. Is that something youth would be interested in? Please letDakota know.

For Mission Trip Participants:For Mission Trip Participants: It has been cancelled for summer 2020. The deposit will be carriedforward to a 2021 mission trip and the first payment will be refunded. Please contact the church officewith questions. For College Group:For College Group: Many of the UPC college students have returned home to other parts of the stateor country. We hope to stay connected despite the distance! We will chat every other week viaZoom on Thursdays at 8:30pm. Contact Dakota for the log in information.

We know this was a lot of information! Please know that we care deeply about you and your family andwant to support you. We appreciate your patience while we navigate this uncharted territory in ministrywhile also taking time to care for our families and ourselves. Please note we miss all of you!

VIRTUAL JOHN KNOX RANCH SING-A-LONGJohn Knox Ranch is looking for ways to stay connectedand invite you to join them on Facebook Live for aVirtual Camp Sing-Along on Saturday, April 4th at 1:00pm (you know... right after lunch butbefore rest time).

Click here for the link to the Facebook event and inviteyour friends! Download the song sheet here so you cansing along with us.God calls us to make a joyful noise!

IWC NEEDS YOUR SUPPORTThe South Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC, also knownas Dilley Family Detention Center) is currently detaining 81 families whoare plaintiffs in 6 different federal lawsuits (2 additional plaintiff familieswere recently transferred from STFRC to adult detention after thechildren turned 18). All but two of these families have been detained withtheir children for 5-7 months, just because they had the nerve to sue thegovernment over unfair changes to the asylum process that haveresulted in overwhelmingly high rates of negative credible fear decisions.After so long in detention, these families have become sick, frustrated,and hopeless. They need your support more than ever to let them knowthey are appreciated and not alone. The Dilley Pro Bono Projecttherefore requests your help in the form of Spanish- or Portuguese-language letters expressing:-your support for these plaintiffs-your belief that they deserve justice-your encouragement to fight for their own families and those that will come after them-your best wishes/prayers/blessings for them-your thanks for having the courage to stand up to a government doing everything it can towear them down and get rid of themChildren are also welcome to send drawings. Unfortunately, due to STFRC rules, we cannot pass outany food or gifts of any kind, even stickers.Please mail letters to:Mackenzie LevyC/O Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid1111 N Main Ave.San Antonio, TX 78212

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

In times of crisis, there is a renewed need for caring andcomfort. A willing team of knitters is ready to mail shawls or laprobes by request. We have been privileged to serve individualsfacing challenges in Boston and N.C. already.The regular Wednesday meetings and the monthly Fridaymeetings will continue via zoom. For more information, contactCaryl Gaubatz.

CLICK HERE to join the weekly Wednesday 7:30am group.

CLICK HERE to join the monthly first Friday 12:00pm group.

HISTORY PROJECTAs of mid-March, the UPC oral history team has completed five(very interesting) interviews. We would like to continue thispace, even if some may need to be conducted via telephoneduring this time of "social distancing." If you have a long historywith the church, don't worry; you are on our list and we willcontact you in the next few months. However, this is a long-termproject which will almost certainly extend well into 2021, so wecould use some extra hands in brainstorming, scheduling,assisting, feeding, etc. If you have an interest in history or just want to pitch in, please contact BetsyPasley or contact Janifer Meldrum.

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORKIn light of the new "stay home-work safe" and "social distancing"rules, the I/CAN Executive Committee met twice in March viaZoom. We will be meeting every two weeks for the foreseeablefuture. Executive Committee members have been hard at workcontacting political candidates to schedule meetings via Zoom inorder to introduce our ratified agenda and gain their support.Recently Central Texas Interfaith and COPS Metro joined I/CANin this effort to give us a bigger voice.

The following issues are high on our priority list and are all related to the I/CAN agenda which weratified at our Assembly in November:

a. Ask the Governor for $500 Million for Texas residents who used ITIN to file taxes instead of anSSN and are not included in the Congressional relief package - approx. 4 million people. b. Ask the Governor to invest $11.2 billion dollars in job training programs for Texas residents. c. Medicaid expansion- to loosen requirements and expand eligibility period.d. Payday and title loans- prohibit access to personal checking accounts as collateral.e. Homestead exemptions- increase exemption from $2,500 to $100,000.f. Extend grace periods or forgive payments due for rent, mortgage, utilities, car loans andinsurance payments or add on the end of loan with no penalty. g. Raising the State and Federal minimum wage to $15.00/hr h. Work with Senator Cornyn to request additional money to maintain our state, county, citybudgets.i. The San Antonio Food Bank is in dire need of food/donations - local churches are working toraise funds/donations for this.

We are scheduling meetings with the Governor and County Judges in an attempt to gain their supportto use the state's Rainy Day Fund to support Texas residents not covered by the Federal Stimuluspackage. Executive Committee members will be coordinating with our pastors to schedule Zoommeetings with small groups within our congregations to discuss these issues and whatever else is ontheir minds. We encourage all who are interested in joining us in scheduling meetings with candidatesand/or attending those meetings to let us know. Please contact Nancy Campbell, Joseph Luedecke,Anne Pearson, or Andy Hull.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

It's amazing what happens when we join together. Presbyterians are part of a remarkable tradition and the PC(USA)'s fourchurch-wide Special Offerings help share Christ's love with millions ofpeople around the world.

For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyteriansa way to share God's love with our neighbors in need around the world.Thethree programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - PresbyterianDisaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals andcommunities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing communitydevelopment, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

UPC will receive this offering on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Please mail checks to the churchoffice made payable to UPC with OGHS in the memo line.

FORUM ARTWORKLearning to play the violin at a young age led Sonya to painting laterin life. A native of San Antonio her art is also influenced by theHispanic culture and nature. Her art was featured on the covers of Showcase, the Minnesota Orchestra magazine, AmericanRecorder, SA Poet, Southwestern Musician and the Music Educator'sNational Conferencebrochure. She has exhibited at the InternationalWomen's Juried Show in Miami, Beeville Art Museum, Viva Gallery,San Antonio Art League and Museum, Carver Community CulturalCenter and numerous others. She has done commissioned work forthe Youth Orchestras of San Antonio and the Opera Guild. Hermural, Cuentos de mi Vida was installed by the San Antonio PublicLibrary System at the Las Palmas Branch Library. She has writtenand illustrated several children's books, one of which was purchasedby the San Antonio Public Library System. Her most recentbook, Sunflower Sun has sunflower paintings with upliftingaffirmations from the Silent Unity Prayer Line. Sonja's art will bedisplayed in the months of March and April.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWSWe celebrate this new arrival:Margaret Elizabeth Cathey was born on January 10, 2020, to parents, Helen Tellegen & Steven Cathey, and big brother, Dylan Cathey.

We share the message given to Larry Adamson on his 87th BirthdayWe share the message given to Larry Adamson on his 87th Birthdayfrom Carole & Howard Hovde - a poem by Irish poet, John O'Donohue:from Carole & Howard Hovde - a poem by Irish poet, John O'Donohue:On this echoing-day of your birth,may you open the gift of solitutde in order to receive your soul;enter the generosity of silence to hear your hidden heart;know the serenity of stillness to be unfolded anew by the miracle of your being.

PRAYER CHAINOver 160 people are currently united in praying for others as needs arisethrough an email distribution list.

If you would like to participate or if you have a prayer request, pleasecontact the church office or contact Ruth Ann McIver.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS1- Bob Wise2- Amanda Adams3- Oliver Rodriguez4- Joseph Luedecke4- Marilyn Ward5- Fred Johnson5- Joseph Kuykendall

5- Lauren Morris6- Betsy Pasley7- Lexi Saenz8- Barbro Hesselager8- Steve Spriester10- David Anthony10- William Cox11- Stan Cobbs12- Sharon Schweitzer13- Caryl Gaubatz14- Allan Catlin16- Gary Gaubatz16- Zachary Maxwell17- Mark Vaughan18- David Young19- George Kawanami19- Jacob Palmer20- Ann Mar21- Caroline Rivera22- Jennifer Tingle23- Rachel Brownlee25- Cindi Catlin Gaskins27- Kevin Erwin27- Dakota Kohfield27- Melinda Louden28- Jeanna Balreira29- John Strybos30- Randy Whitworth

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES6-Mariel and Dave Garber

9-Sally and Barry Smith

11-Patti and Harry Jewett

16-Ruth Ann and Tom McIver

18-Bonnie Flake and Frank Garcia-Treto

GIFTS & MEMORIALSUPC Memorial Fund in memory of Carolynn CobbsStan CobbsJanice Zitelman & Fred Johnson UPC Memorial Fund in memory of Ruth SheldonBarry Hubbard

UPC Memorial Fund in memory of Diane HutchinsMargaret Cairnes

LOAVES & FISHESLoaves & Fishes is the first Sunday of each month with the items collectedrotating each quarter. Since we are unable to collect physical items, pleaseconsider sending a check to the church marked "Loaves & Fishes" to help buy these monthly items:January - May - SeptemberToiletries: toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

February - June - OctoberBasic items: 2 lb. bags of sugar, 2 lb. bags of flour, 1 lb. cans of Crisco, 1 pt. bottles of vegetable oil,unsweetened cereal, and oatmeal.March - July - NovemberCanned items: soup, fruits, veggies, meat, tuna, and peanut butter.April - August - DecemberBaby supplies: diapers, wipes, formula, cereal, and food.

FALL 2019 PHOTO DIRECTORYHave you picked up your copy of the UPC Fall 2019 photo directory?

If not, please contact the church officeduring the week to see about mailing options.

STAFFAndries Coetzee, PastorAnastasia Bernal, Church AdministratorAllan Catlin, Facility & Event StewardCindi Catlin Gaskins, Children's Center DirectorDakota Kohfield, Children's & College Ministry DirectorMary Lowder, OrganistDhawn Martin, SoL Center DirectorKeith Martinez, Choral Music DirectorLeroy Sebesta, Music Administrative AssistantMaggie Sorrell, Children's Music DirectorFrank Villalpando, CustodianVacant, Youth Ministry Director

SESSIONRuling Elders - Committee ServingMelissa Almsted - Christian Education, Co-Chair (Children)David Anderson - Stewardship & Finance, Co-ChairRobert Browning - Christian Education, Co-Chair (Adults)Eva Dupertuis - Youth ElderTerry Fried - Stewardship & Finance, Co-ChairDevon Hile - Youth ElderKeith Kendall - Mission Outreach & Justice, Co-ChairHanna Kuykendall - Worship & Arts, Co-ChairMelinda Louden - Mission Outreach & Justice, Co-ChairArt Nicholson - Facilities & Operations and Co-Clerk of SessionDennis Richard - Welcome & FellowshipMolly Roth - Facilities & OperationsAriel Simpson - Personnel, Co-ChairSally Smith - Welcome & Fellowship

Non-Session Members - Committee ServingBen Henderson - Facilities & Operations, ChairSandy Nicholson - Church TreasurerBetsy Pasley - Co-Clerk of SessionMelissa Richard - Welcome & Fellowship, ChairLou Williams - Personnel, Co-ChairTom Williams - Worship & Arts, Co-Chair

DEACONSCarol Brown - Northwest ParishMargaret Cairnes - ModeratorBonnie Flake - Northwood ParishMarlyn Gibbs - Windcrest ParishPaula Henderson - Castle Hills North ParishLinda Ireland - Northeast ParishKaren Jensen - College Students, SecretaryGail Olsen - Alamo Heights ParishCarlos Rodriguez - Fredericksburg ParishDavid Sanders - University ParishDon Sheldon - Stone Oak Parish, Treasurer

Nancy Vaughan - Olmos Parish, Vice-Moderator

OUR MESSAGE TO YOUWherever you may be in the journey of faith, UPC welcomes you.

We are a community where honest questions are valued and where faith is considered a process, not an arrival.

Affirming that every person has worth as a unique creation and a child of God,

we welcome into full participation people of every age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, culture, immigration status, political affiliation,

economic condition, physical and mental ability, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

If you are passing through, we extend God's blessings to you as you continue on your way.

If you are seeking a home, we invite you to join us in the adventure of serving Jesus Christ in a challenging world.