From our Virtual Gathering Today

From our Virtual Gathering Today

At today's virtual gathering and Visio Divina, we lifted up the prayer requests sent in from across the country as we paused to reflect on a beautiful image from the St. John's Bible. If you would like to receive the list of prayer requests, please email Gini at...

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Thank You for Your Ministry and Partnership

Thank You for Your Ministry and Partnership

Friends,  First, we want to express our deep gratitude for all you and your ministry do to serve students, staff, and faculty in your community. The ministry you lead plays a vital role in helping young people grow in faith, navigate the challenges of college life,...

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Last UKirk Virtual Gathering of the Year!

Last UKirk Virtual Gathering of the Year!

Join your UKirk Network colleagues next Thursday, December 12th, at 2 pm Eastern/1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11 am Pacific for our last virtual monthly gathering of the year. Rachel Penmore (UKirk UTK) and Allison Wehrung (UKirk Ole Miss) will be leading our Advent...

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy!: Philippians 1:4 (CEB) This Thanksgiving, our hearts are filled with gratitude for each of you and the ways you support young adults by embodying God's love and grace and invest in...

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UKirk’s Advent Devotional “Words for Waiting”

UKirk’s Advent Devotional “Words for Waiting”

Advent begins this Sunday, December 1st, and you still have time to sign up for our 8th annual Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas! Provided in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource...

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Emerging Leaders Program @ Auburn Seminary

Emerging Leaders Program @ Auburn Seminary

Do you know a student or young alum from your UKirk Network Ministry who wants to learn more about how to bridge divides, build community, pursue justice, and heal the world? Auburn Theological Seminary's Emerging Leaders Program may be something they want to look...

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We Were Made for Times Like These?

We Were Made for Times Like These?

Friends, This week - this month - this Fall semester has contained a lot for all the students, faculty, staff and volunteers connected to our UKirk Network Ministries. I've talked to many of you who are carrying the hopes, fears, concerns, and questions not only of...

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2024 UKirk Advent Devotional

2024 UKirk Advent Devotional

The eighth annual edition of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas is available now. Provided in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource includes daily Scripture readings, reflections,...

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Register Now for the 2025 Montreat College Conference!

Register Now for the 2025 Montreat College Conference!

All are invited to the 2025 Montreat College Conference, January 2-5, 2025! College Conference @ Montreat invites college-aged young adults to spend three days in the mountains of Western North Carolina nurturing their faith and connecting with others as they engage...

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Last Call – Enneagram Leadership Cohort!

Last Call – Enneagram Leadership Cohort!

Do you want to grow your leadership skills and awareness? This is your last chance to register for the 3-session cohort Sophie Maness will be facilitating for UKirk Network Ministry Leaders on your Enneagram Type and Leadership. The suggested cost for this cohort is...

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UKirk Network Ministries Effected by Recent Hurricanes

UKirk Network Ministries Effected by Recent Hurricanes

Below are updates, prayer requests, and places you can offer spiritual and financial support to others in the UKirk Network who are recovering from the recent storms. We heard from Eckerd College chaplain Doug McMahon and his family that they are safe after heeding...

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New UWorship Resource is Available

New UWorship Resource is Available

This UWorship resource is a continuation to the good and holy work done in 2015, when the first UWorship Resource was published. In the 9 years since that resource was published, the world has continued to trans- form before us. We learned of new needs held by...

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Enneagram Leadership Workshop – New Time!

Enneagram Leadership Workshop – New Time!

Sophie Maness will be leading UKirk's Enneagram Leadership Workshop for all UKirk Network Leaders on Thursday, October 10th @ 2 pm Eastern/1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11 am Pacific. (We've changed the time to avoid potential conflicts with Fall Break plans.) UKirk...

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Cohort Registration Ends October 4th

Cohort Registration Ends October 4th

Whether you are a campus minister, chaplain, youth worker, educator, pastor or volunteer the Office of Christian Formation has a cohort for you this fall! Our cohorts are a group of 5-8 leaders that have a similar focus or interest in ministry development. Each cohort...

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PC(USA) Fall Cohorts for Faith Formation Leaders

PC(USA) Fall Cohorts for Faith Formation Leaders

Whether you are a campus minister, chaplain, youth worker, educator, pastor or volunteer the Office of Christian Formation has a cohort for you this fall! Our cohorts are a group of 5-8 leaders that have a similar focus or interest in ministry development. Cohorts...

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New UWorship Resource is Available!

New UWorship Resource is Available!

This UWorship resource is a continuation to the good and holy work done in 2015, when the first UWorship Resource was published. In the 9 years since that resource was published, the world has continued to trans- form before us. We learned of new needs held by...

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UKirk E-News September 12, 2024

UKirk E-News September 12, 2024

UKirk Network Friends, Grace to you and peace from God and the UKirk National office! The Fall semester has begun and now that Welcome Week activities are over, you are doing the ongoing work of hospitality by welcoming back returning students and continuously...

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Workshop with Author Deepa Iyer, next Thursday, Sept.19th

Workshop with Author Deepa Iyer, next Thursday, Sept.19th

In this interactive workshop on September 19th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern) for all who are connected to a UKirk Network Ministry, Deepa Iyer will introduce a framework to help us identify our core values, clarify our roles, and understand how we can support broader...

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Join Us at our Next UKirk Monthly Gathering!

Join Us at our Next UKirk Monthly Gathering!

Make plans to join us for our virtual monthly UKirk Gathering next Thursday, September 12th @ 2 pm (Eastern). These monthly gatherings are a great time to meet your UKirk Network colleagues, reflect on a topic together, and share highs and lows with others who...

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Advent 2024 Call for Contributors – One Week Left!

Advent 2024 Call for Contributors – One Week Left!

UKirk Collegiate Ministries is excited to bring you another year of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent & Christmas. In partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource will once again be available as a...

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Did You Know You Have Access to More Resources Online?

Did You Know You Have Access to More Resources Online?

The UKirk National website is more than just a place where churches, mid-councils, students and families can find information about your ministry. It is also where UKirk Network Leaders can find resources AND share resources with one another behind a secure login....

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Enneagram & Leadership Workshop and Cohort Opportunity

Enneagram & Leadership Workshop and Cohort Opportunity

The Enneagram is a tool that invites people to grow in understanding and compassion, first for themselves and also of others. In this virtual 90-minute workshop on Tuesday, October 8th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Eastern), ICF ACC certified coach, Christian educator, and...

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Advent 2024 Call for Contributors

Advent 2024 Call for Contributors

UKirk Collegiate Ministries is excited to bring you another year of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent & Christmas. In partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource will once again be available as a...

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Liturgy for the Beginning of the School Year

Liturgy for the Beginning of the School Year

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Office of Christian Formation and UKirk are excited to share that the second volume of UWorship will be coming out in September. The prayers and liturgies included were written by Rev. Rachel Penmore (UKirk UTK), John Golden (UKirk...

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Register by September 13th for UKirk Network Opportunities

Register by September 13th for UKirk Network Opportunities

UKirk is excited to share we have a number of opportunities for UKirk Network Leaders and their students to participate in this year to support you spiritually and professionally. Use this link to Register or ask for more information. The deadline to register for a...

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Litany for a New Semester

Litany for a New Semester

Many of you have used liturgy from the UWorship resource over the years, and have asked for an updated resource. We are excited to share that the PMA Office of Christian Formation has again partnered with us to provide a new and updated UWorship resource that will be...

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Brief UKirk Network Survey

Brief UKirk Network Survey

As you may know, the Board of Pensions has announced changes to the medical insurance and pension plan. UKirk National would like to learn how many of our Network Ministers are on the Board of Pensions, as well as how many are serving in validated ministries of their...

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Navigating Chaos as Leaders Workshop

Navigating Chaos as Leaders Workshop

Our country, campus communities, and world are teaming with immense anxiety and fear these days. As people of faith and those in spiritual leadership, how do we navigate the chaos without and within and foster hope, welcome, and peace within ourselves and our faith...

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Monthly Spiritual Direction Group Registration is Open!

Monthly Spiritual Direction Group Registration is Open!

Have you ever needed space during the academic year to stop and breathe? Do you yearn to gather with others who understand the beauty and complexity of campus ministry? All UKirk leaders are invited to join a monthly spiritual direction group. With the guidance of a...

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Your Voices at the Table Matter

Your Voices at the Table Matter

I just returned from a few days at the 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I was overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the sheer number of commissioners and observers who care about and serve the PC(USA). And even as our polity can get complicated and muddy...

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UKirk Virtual Gathering next Thursday!

UKirk Virtual Gathering next Thursday!

The next UKirk Virtual Gathering will be on Thursday, July 11th @ 2 pm Eastern (1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11am Pacific). Members of the UKirk National Governance and Infrastructure Task Force will be with us, and we'll have a conversation about ways that UKirk...

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Next UKirk Virtual Gathering is July 11th@2pm Eastern

Next UKirk Virtual Gathering is July 11th@2pm Eastern

The next UKirk Virtual Gathering will be on Thursday, July 11th @ 2 pm Eastern (1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11am Pacific). Members of the UKirk National Governance and Infrastructure Task Force will be with us, and we'll have a conversation about ways that UKirk...

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Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Did you know that higher education ministry is the oldest mission beyond the congregation in the Presbyterian Church, and predates even the founding of our country?* To celebrate this long-standing ministry and promote all of our PC(USA) connected collegiate...

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A Letter of Support for Overture POL-01

A Letter of Support for Overture POL-01

Siblings in Christ,   I write today on behalf of the UKirk Collegiate Ministries Association Board of Directors to share our strong support for the Olympia Overture (POL-01). We believe the overture calls each of us to value the beautiful diversity of the Body of...

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Upcoming Opportunities for You and Your Students!

Upcoming Opportunities for You and Your Students!

UKirk National is excited to share the upcoming opportunities for you and your students to find time to Stop, Collaborate with one another, and Listen for God's voice and guidance as you take the next, most faithful steps in life and ministry. September through May -...

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New Resources!

New Resources!

The work of collegiate ministry is deep and broad, and can often be difficult to explain to congregations, volunteers, and even each generation of student leadership. Not only WHAT we do can vary day to day, but also HOW we do it can change from semester to semester....

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Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Did you know that higher education ministry is the oldest mission beyond the congregation in the Presbyterian Church, and predates even the founding of our country?* To celebrate this long-standing ministry and promote all of our PC(USA) connected collegiate...

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UKirk E-News May 9, 2024

UKirk E-News May 9, 2024

We have all heard about the protests that have and are taking place on college campuses around the country, many on the campuses you serve. I am proud of the many ways you have born witness in person and online, stood vigil in prayer, embodied a faith that seeks not...

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Last Call!

Last Call!

This is the last call for campus ministers and chaplains connected to the UKirk Network to register for the 2024 National Gathering June 11-14, 2024 at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas! Click here to register.  To apply for a...

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UKirk E-News, April 25, 2024

UKirk E-News, April 25, 2024

What has been on your to-do list this week? Lead bible study? Create worship liturgy? Meet with student leaders? What about: Buy balloons? Take students to Coffee? Make a meal? Fundraise? Do a well check on a student? Counsel someone struggling with their faith? Pray?...

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We Don’t Have to be Afraid of the Dark

We Don’t Have to be Afraid of the Dark

Friends, I'm not sure how many of us got to experience the solar eclipse this week, but even amidst cloud cover it was an awe-inspiring experience to behold. On a presbytery call last night, the moderator shared that a total solar eclipse offers us a lot of metaphors...

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The Word at the Center: Love

The Word at the Center: Love

A few years ago, a friend gave me a book of blessings and prayers written by Jan Richardson, and I continue to return to her writing again and again during moments that lead me to pause - the beautiful, the sacred, the difficult. Maundy Thursday, for me and maybe for...

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“Y’all are a different kind of Christian”

“Y’all are a different kind of Christian”

Have you ever had anyone say to you, "You are not like other Christians I've met"? It seems in college ministry, this kind of comment can come up quite often as university and college campuses are teeming with students of diverse religious, cultural, and socioeconomic...

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UKirk Monthly Gathering March 7th@2pm Eastern

UKirk Monthly Gathering March 7th@2pm Eastern

All UKirk Network campus ministers and chaplains are invited to our virtual monthly gathering on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11:00 am Pacific). A zoom link will be sent out via email. Rev. Maggie Alsup (Lyon...

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Summer Fellowship for Students

Summer Fellowship for Students

"Listening to the Land: Cultivating Hope through Spiritual Practices and Theological Reflection in Times of Crisis" Pittsburgh, PA June 3-July 12, 2024 Application deadline: April 12, 2024 The Miller Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and its...

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Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Applications are Live!

Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Applications are Live!

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation....

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“Good God, Y’all!” 2024 UKirk National Gathering

“Good God, Y’all!” 2024 UKirk National Gathering

Have you heard that ’Bruce Reyes-Chow’s new book ”“Everything Good About God is True: Choosing Faith” is being released March 4th, AND everyone who attends the 2024 UKirk National Gathering June 11-14 in Little Rock, Arkansas, will receive a FREE copy? Not only will...

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S.T.U.F.F. Cohort to begin February 28th

S.T.U.F.F. Cohort to begin February 28th

There is still time to register for our S.T.U.F.F. Spring Cohort that starts Wednesday, February 28th! New to campus ministry, at a new ministry site, or just wanting to learn from and with colleagues, old and new? Join us for STUFF (Stuff That Ukirk Finds Formative),...

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UKirk Network Ministries Demographic Survey Due March 1st

UKirk Network Ministries Demographic Survey Due March 1st

UKirk is excited that we are being invited more often to share the impact your ministries are having at colleges and universities across the country! What this has made us realize, though, is that it would be helpful to have some basic data to help us articulate the...

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New Fresh Expressions is Available!

New Fresh Expressions is Available!

The Presbyterian Oultook has released 3 new young adult Fresh Outlook Bible Studies. The lessons in this bundle include "What's your superpower" by Sarah Leer, "God in the mirror" by Catherine Knott (Chaplain, Hanover College) , and "Sex and the Bible" by Maggie Alsup...

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February 8, 2024

1 John 3:16-20 We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let...

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February 7, 2024

Joel 2:1213 God says: Come back to me with all your heart. Come back to your God who is tender and compassionate, and rich in faithful love. Prayer: God of great goodness, even if we turn our backs on you, you never stop loving us. Open our eyes to the beauty of your...

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February 6, 2024

Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for...

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February 5, 2024

Hebrews 12:12-17 12Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. 14Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one...

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February 4, 2024

Psalm 81:1-16 1   Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. 2   Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. 3   Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our festal day. 4   For it is a statute for Israel, an...

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February 3, 2024

John 5:1-9 1After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3In these lay many invalids — blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5One man was...

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February 2, 2024

John 4:43-54 43When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee 44(for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet's own country). 45When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done...

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UKirk E-News & Events

UKirk E-News & Events

This week we are celebrating the amazing accomplishments and leadership of UKirk Network ministers and chaplains. If there is anything your ministry would like to share, please email Gini so she can share with the UKirk community.  And don't forget our Virtual...

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February 1, 2024

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an...

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January 31, 2024

John 4:27-42 27Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 28Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the...

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January 30, 2024

Luke 18:15-17   15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.16 But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to...

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January 29, 2024

Acts 5:1-11 5 But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan...

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January 28, 2024

1 Samuel 3:1-10 3:1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 3:2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3:3...

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January 27, 2024

Psalm 139: 13-18 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15     My frame was not hidden from you, when I was...

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January 26, 2024

Psalm 139:1-6 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue,...

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January 25, 2024

Psalm 81:1-16 1   Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. 2   Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. 3   Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our festal day. 4   For it is a statute for Israel, an...

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January 1, 2024

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. A Time for Everything   This piece is inspired by the changing seasons, literally and figuratively. We used a mix of craft materials as well as found natural objects to add to an Advent wreath. There are quadrants representing each...

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UKirk E-News

UKirk E-News

When was the last time you received - I mean really received - a blessing? This was a question posed by Mark Yaconelli at the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Annual Event being held in St. Louis, MO, this week. I'm not able to attend this year in...

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UKirk News & Events

UKirk News & Events

It was amazing to see so many UKirk leaders and students at the UKirk reception Montreat College Conference in January! Not only am I grateful to connect or re-connect with y'all in person, I'm also excited to share all of the opportunities UKirk has coming up for...

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2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

The 2024 UKirk National Gathering, “Good God, Y’all!”, will be June 11-14, 2024 at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. You can click here to register. Rev. Bruce Reyes Chow will be our keynote speaker for the“Good God, Y’all!” June 11-14,...

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Webinar Series on Helping Students Discern God’s Call

Webinar Series on Helping Students Discern God’s Call

UKirk network leaders are invited to participate in a free webinar series that Youth Mission Co is hosting this Spring with an awesome new group, the Young Adult Transformation Collective.  The series is about providing opportunities for young adults to discern God's...

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STUFF Spring Cohort

STUFF Spring Cohort

New to campus ministry, at a new ministry site, or just wanting to learn from and with colleagues, old and new? Join us for STUFF (Stuff That Ukirk Finds Formative), a 6 session, biweekly, zoom gathering of campus ministry practitioners learning from one another about...

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January 9, 2024

Acts 22:2-16 2 When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said: 3 “I am a Jew born in Tarsus in Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for...

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January 8, 2024

Genesis 17:1-8 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty[a]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” Abram fell facedown, and...

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January 7, 2024

Mark 1:4-11 4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and...

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January 6, 2024

Read Matthew 2:1-12.  Epiphanies The stars align A path made clear Love made manifest So hope defeats fear   Liberation is coming Freedom is here God in our midst Brings peace, love, and cheer   Awaken to God’s glory Your gifts will soon appear When you...

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January 5, 2024

Read Luke 6:27-31. It is easy when reading this passage to focus on what is individually being asked of us as followers of Jesus. That we must love our enemies, despite that being life-shatteringly hard. That we must give unconditionally, and in turn not seem to care...

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We Need Your Pictures!

We Need Your Pictures!

UKirk National is embarking on a project to share the amazing stories of how God is working on YOUR campus and across the network. To help us do that, we want to gather as many pictures (and stories) of your ministry's programs, retreats, worship services, service...

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UKirk Monthly Gatherings

UKirk Monthly Gatherings

Starting next Thursday, January 11th, UKirk campus ministers and chaplains are invited to our monthly UKirk Gathering at 2 pm Eastern (1 Central, Noon Mountain, 11 am Pacific) every 2nd Thursday of the month to share ideas and resources on a various topics and get...

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January 4, 2024

Read James 4:11-17. The Epistle of James is a beautiful piece of literature from the ancient Near East. James borrows from the wisdom literature and prophetic traditions to exhort his audience to live in peace and charity within their community. James flows from one...

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January 3, 2024

Read Proverbs 1:20-33. Years ago, while in seminary, the Rev. Dr. Michael Jenkins told our class that one cannot “be a Christian by one’s self.” I’ve never been much of a note-taker, but I wrote those words down and have carried them in my heart ever since. Whenever I...

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January 2, 2023

Read Proverbs 1:1-7. “For just as eyes, when dimmed with age or weakness or by some other defect, unless aided by spectacles, discern nothing distinctly; so, such is our feebleness, unless Scripture guides us in seeking God, we are immediately confused.” (John Calvin,...

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December 31, 2023

Read Isaiah 61:10-62:3. As much as I love how houseplants brighten my home, I admit: I have no idea what I’m doing. Some of my plants have flourished, growing beautifully regardless of what I do, and yet others, despite all my research and care, wither away. Sometimes...

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