Unity in Christ, Berkeley

2010-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.uicberkeley.wordpress.com

Announcements 4/27/10

2010-04-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

InterPraise was awesome! Praise, message, prayer -- God was amidst it all. Praise Him! And let us thirst for more beyond events, groups, and meetings.

Special thanks to: Thai Lam, InterVarsity & Ark bands, Eugene and Yvonne, and everyone who helped put it together and prayed for the event.

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Upcoming events:

Volume 3 Issue 1
Theme: Men

To An Unknown God Release Party

Thursday 4/29/10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

250 Dwinelle

Come celebrate our latest issue of TAUG! Whether you are a reader, friend of a reader, writer, editor, or someone curious about what exactly our magazine stands for, we welcome you to come join us in the celebration and thanks of our latest issue's publication, produced after months of hard work and prayer.

Even if you can't stay for long, feel free to stop by and pick up copies of the journal for yourself, your friends, and fellowship. Also look forward to just meeting the people who have dedicated their time to making the journal happen, and getting to know other Cal students at the event. And as always, there will be free pizza, snacks and drinks!

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InterVarsity Presents: EXPOSED
Saturday 5/1/10, 7:30pm - 10:00pm
112 Wurster

Exposed is an annual art show that uses art as a natural testimony to tell stories, awaken emotions, and hit people somewhere deep within. Creativity is a gift that God specifically places in us and is immensely powerful. For more information, contact Yvonne (yfung23, gmail.com) who can direct you to one of the coordinators or send you the application.

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Banquet at People's Park

Sunday 5/2/10, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

People's Park (Haste/Bowditch)

Come join a rich dinner for the homeless, students, and people of all faiths or none in particular, because Jesus is inviting everyone to His banqueting table! Just bring yourself and friends, and tasty food also, if you'd like.

The hope is that this banquet will be complete with appetizers, main courses, desserts, and decorated tables – the homeless individuals in Berkeley are valued people whom we wish to honor, serve, and restore dignity and hope to, especially since homelessness is often experienced as a loss of dignity that leads to a state of vulnerability to hopelessness/helplessness.

Interested in helping out? Contact emilyfu43 (at) gmail.com! We need your help to gather food, pray, find tables/chairs/tents/decor/silverware/tablecloths, request donations, and set up. Let's bring our five loaves and two fish with childlike faith, because with God, there is always enough!

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For Christ's Sake A Capella Spring Concert

"NOW HIRING"

Sunday 5/2/10, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

145 Dwinelle

It's that time of the year again! Take a break the night before RRR week to listen to some good music, have some delicious FREE refreshments, and be blessed.

FCS will be showcasing its semester's repetoire, and singing some brand new songs never sung before on Sproul, so if you came out on Thursdays, you will hear a lot of new songs! TESTIMONY from Stanford will be opening. Admission is free! Invite all your friends!

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Next Tuesday, UiC will be having a pizza party at 5pm in 206 Dwinelle (regular meeting time and place). Come and join us as we celebrate how God has worked in and through UiC and Berkeley's ministries this year!

Also, please fill out our evaluation form and help us prepare for another great year.

Please forward!

2010-04-18T19:06:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,

InterPraise is an inter-fellowship worship night put on by Unity in Christ every semester. This Wednesday, let us come together for InterPraise once again to praise God and pray together as one body. Thai Lam, one of the founders of Unity in Christ at Berkeley and a current senior leader of the Luke 18 Campus Prayer Movement, will be speaking about prayer from Luke 18:1-8.

InterPraise: Let us Pray!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

6:45PM - 9:00PM

New Church Berkeley

2509 Hillegass Avenue, Berkeley, CA

[facebook link]

Also, in preparation for InterPraise, let us pray.

Monday night at 9pm, we will be having a worship and prayer kickoff meeting at the flagpole by VLSB. Tuesday at 7pm, 24-hour prayer will begin. Then on Wednesday, prayer at the flagpole will start at 7am, and end up at 7pm when InterPraise starts. For prayer topics and to sign up for an hour slot, go here: http://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/dyult

Remember how our Lord Jesus prayed: "I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." (John 17:22-23) Let us strive to maintain unity and harmony amongst our brothers and sisters, and come together to worship God in one Spirit!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Your UiC Reps and Chairs

Interpraise 2010 Important Announcements

2010-04-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone

Interpraise Spring 2010 is coming up very soon. It will be Wednesday April 21st at New Church located on Hillegas. Just wanted to thank everyone thus far for helping plan. Here is a brief overview of what still needs to be done and a schedule for that night.

Prayer:

Here is the Wejoinin page for Interpraise prayer signups: http://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/dyult
Please forward to your fellowships, small groups, etc. Signing up to pray with friends is encouraged :) Prayer on Wednesday will be at the flagpole!

(Please also be asking your staff/prayer leaders for fellowship prayer requests! ASAP!!! You can also have them fill it out because it's a google doc, but please get it done ASAP - thank you! https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AchrwvVDArgnZGc2dnJiNmpfODN4bTdqeDNocQ&hl=en)

Praise:

Those in contact with the two worship teams, please send me a powerpoint with the lyrics of the worship slides.

Those part of the praise organization team please come to New Church by 6:30pm the day of Interpraise.

Publicity:

There will be chalking Sunday 4/18. For those who want to help, we will be meeting 8:30 in from of Dwinelle.

Schedule for the night:

6:45-7:00pm: Arrival

7:05-7:45pm: 1st Worship Set

7:45-7:50pm: MC introduces Interpraise and Speaker

7:50-8:10pm: Tai speaks on prayer

8:10-8:20pm: Reflective prayer and worship in the background

8:20-8:40pm: Group prayer

8:40-8:55pm: Final Worship Set

8:55-9:00pm: Announcements and farewell.

Pre-event Logistics

6:00pm: Prayer for Interpraise - We will meet in front of New Church located on Hillegas

6:30pm: Worship teams arrive for sound check. Those part of the worship team coordination come as well to help.

6:30pm: Ushers arrive to help greet students.

Thanks Again

Eugene Hyun

Please email me if you have any further questions. hyun.eugene@gmail.com

Good Friday Reflections on Mark 14:43-65

2010-04-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Shared by Dan Garcia, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

We’ve been here before. I’ve heard this story. Watched it play out. Within me, my cynic shakes its head, projecting onto life a world-weary wisdom. The narrative is straightforward: the good person rises up; a good idea comes forth; a movement gains traction. There is hope. There is trust. The palm branches wave, and people sing.

But, my cynic shakes its head.

Time passes. Either from within or outside, things begin to crumble. Perhaps the solidarity is lost. Perhaps good intentions are sullied and motives become twisted. Perhaps the powers that be win the day. Reality, as it were, collides, leaving disillusionment, leaving embarrassment.

And my cynic shakes its head.

And joins in with the crowds yelling out “Prophesy!” Perhaps, spoken in anger, whispering, “To think I could have trusted you. I dare you to speak truth anymore.” Perhaps, spoken in jadedness, “Now, have you learned your lesson?

Friends betray and abandon.

Justice miscarries and fails.

And yes, power wins.”

But , my cynic shakes its head.

Surly Jesus knew this. How could he not? Every day of his earthly life he lived it, surrounded by Roman rule. Countless crosses for countless countrymen. He knew it from history, crying out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” He knew what would happen, he spoke of what would happen, and he affirmed it even now, “The Scriptures must be fulfilled.” So maybe, just maybe, my cynicism is left unexpectedly exposed, stymied, staring at itself in a mirror. Revealing itself as a faith in faithlessness, a trust in the untrustworthiness of life. “No,” it shakes “It can’t be. He’s insane. He’s confused. He’s . . . ” So, clinging with weakening fingers to a creedless creed, it watches Jesus leave the Sanhedrin, to go before Pilate.

And still, my cynic shakes its head.

Yet . . .

In spite of itself it can’t walk away; I can’t walk away.

I must know how the story ends.

Announcements 4/6/10

2010-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Interpraise coming up Wednesday, April 21 evening.

Please keep it in your mind and prayers!

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Call and Response Film Screening in Berkeley

Hosted by Livingwater Church @ 2727 College Ave

Saturday, April 10, 2010 @ 7 PM

Watch the trailer: http://callandresponse.com/trailer.html

Special speaker Justin Dillon (producer/musician)

Did you know there are 27 million slaves today? Learn about modern-day slavery (mostly sex trafficking) with a riveting film "rockumentary" starring musicians such as Switchfoot, Natasha Bedingfield, Moby, etc. This film doesn't come to the Bay Area very often, so catch this while you can!

FREE admission and refreshments provided afterwards! Even if you are well-versed in the issue, bring your friends and spread the word!

Disclaimer: Though this event is hosted by a church, this is not a "religious" event, but rather an awareness-raising event. You definitely do not have to believe in God or be a Christian to care about human trafficking in the world today.

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115372595143743

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The 3rd annual UiC March Gladness

Saturday, April 17 2010

9:00am - 4:15pm

Hearst Gym

The purpose of March Gladness is to bring together the body of Christ in a fun interfellowship basketball event and to raise money and awareness for a certain cause. Anyone, ballers of all skill, size, and sex, are welcome to play! This year, we are supporting To An Unknown God, a Christian magazine on campus. This is a huge reason why we have this tournament. Here is their website: unknowngodjournal.com

Below are the registration and waiver forms. Fill out both and send them to Justin Louie (marchgladness at gmail.com). You may want to sign up in pairs or singles. You will be playing with the person you signed up with, but we’ll be assigning the rest of your teammates! Doesn’t this sound like a fantastic opportunity to make new friends in other fellowships? YEZZIR!

Registration Form: http://www.mediafire.com/?yhjnm4ozyy4

Waiver Form: http://www.mediafire.com/?hdnwuicd1mq

SIGN UP SOON, because registration ends this Sunday! The cost is $20, and this covers the cost of the t-shirt, lunch, and court cost. All revenue is donated.

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=371508426816&ref=mf

Easter Sunday!

2010-04-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I just wanted to share something that my pastor was telling us during our message that really spoke to me.
But before I get into that...I went to the show The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg that Living Water put on today and it was awesome! Props to everyone who put all that effort into it! It was really a blessing to watch it :).

Anyways back to the sermon. The topic was the typical Easter Sunday sermon about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But there was one thing he pointed out thats been on my mind the whole day after the sermon. The passage was from John chapter 19 and 20, and he pointed out that the book of John is different from the other Gospels because he doesnt focus so much on the physical evidence, the miracles that Jesus performed. He is more interested in the changed lives of the disciples and the individuals that encountered Christ. The radically reformed lives of the disciples is the testimony to the saving grace of Christ.

This got me thinking a lot. If they were lying...if Christ was a lie and a fraud that would mean the disciples died for a lie. And when you look at the lives of the disciples all of them died horrible deaths for Christ's sake. I think it s hard enough to die for something that is just, let alone something that is false. On the other hand, if Christ is real and if encountering him radically changed them in such a way, what does that show about our lives? Can we truly say that we are saved and that we encountered the love of Christ if we continue to chase after the passions of the world and not after the love of God?

I guess this passage just made me do a lot of self reflecting. We also watched this sermon done by Paul Washer in our fellowship. This guy is amazing and if you have some time you should really check him out. Ill post the link. Some of it is a bit hard to swallow but he really gets you thinking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cncEhCvrVgQ

National Revival Prayer Event

2010-04-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

On April 9th, One Cry will be hosting a citywide solemn assembly of New York college students united in prayer and worship. Sure, you may not be able to make it, but it's also going to be televised on live TV! There's a link at the bottom for more info.  Perhaps we can organize a prayer meeting on our end at the same time?

One Cry - New York City

Announcements 3/29/10

2010-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Looks like April will a fun-filled, spirit-filled month!

Interpraise

Coming up on Wednesday, April 21, 7pm. Please keep it in your prayers!

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Savior: Jesus Messiah

An Easter Musical of Celebration

Hosted by Berkeley Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Saturday, April 3, 2010

1:30pm - 4:30pm

2236 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94704

What does a young career-driven woman, a college student looking to score the perfect "party supplies", a perfectionist mother who is desperately trying to be the ideal wife, and a middle-aged drug addict on the verge of suicide all have in common? After trying to deal with the pressures of life, it seems they have finally reached the breaking point. They share the pull of the world to be "somebody"... Or the temptation to give up if they are "nobody". They all long to be loved.

Come see how their lives are forever changed when they meet the Savior... Jesus Messiah.

Free Admission.

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The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg

A One-Act Comedy by Sean Gaffney

Hosted by Livingwater Church

www.livingwaterberkeley.org

Sunday, April 4, 2010

1:30pm - 4:30pm

2727 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705

Imagine living in the perfect town. Houses with white picket fences lining the street. Neighbors who are all honest, upright and humble. But what happens when the goodness of the perfect town is tested. Can anyone escape unscathed? Adapted from Mark Twain's short story, this play shows the truth of I John 1:8 (NIV) "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

2 Showings:

1:30-2:30p

3:00-4:00p

Free Admission.

Limited Seating - first come, first serve.

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The 3rd annual UiC MARCH GLADNESS

Saturday, April 17 2010

9:00am - 4:15pm

Hearst Gym

Registration Form: http://www.mediafire.com/?yhjnm4ozyy4

Waiver Form: http://www.mediafire.com/?hdnwuicd1mq

Registration ends next week! The cost is $25, and this covers the cost of the t-shirt, lunch, and court cost. All revenue is donated.

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=371508426816&ref=mf

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The AGO brothers are hosting their second interfellowship dinner at their house on Tuesday, April 13! Feel free to join us after the UiC meeting at 6pm.

"Finding God in the Universe"

2010-03-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

This past Friday our fellowship, Acts2Fellowship, had a special talk called "Finding God in the Universe" presented by Daniel Kim. We went over the fine-tuning argument for the existence of God, which the prominent atheist Richard Dawkins himself has said is the most impressive argument for the existence of God. When we look at the constants that govern the universe (such as the value of universal gravitational constant, speed of light, etc.), we start to see a very strange thing – that they seem to be extremely fine-tuned so that galaxies and planets can arise, so that complex life forms can be sustained. These relatively recent findings have caused quite a stir among the scientific community, because unlike the biological “intelligent design” argument, the apparent fine-tuning we find in the universe does not deal with evolution at all.

The night started with dinner in the courtyard outside GPBB. It was really exciting to see so many new faces, as well as friends who had visited A2F before but hadn't been to our Friday Bible Study for a while. As the talk started, I was hopeful that some intellectual barriers would be cleared for those who might be seeking God. Everyone was very engaged throughout the talk, since Daniel used lots of interesting examples, animations and statistics, methodically instilling us with a proper awe for the finely-tuned universe we live in. After the talk, Daniel fielded questions which the audience had submitted on slips of paper.

All in all, I was very thankful for how the night went. Although our talk was by no means a water-tight proof for God's existence, it accomplished its goal...to draw people ever so slightly out of their skepticism or pre-conceived notions of Christianity and give them a chance to experience our community and encounter God. It was great to hear the buzz of conversations after the talk was over as so many people were asking tough questions and, I think, being quite surprised by the intelligent answers. Some people who were skeptical walked away a little more open. Some people who aren't usually very serious had a chance to zoom out and consider the very serious question of whether God exists.

Check out the questions and answers from the talk at a forum we set up!

A Sinner's Prayer

2010-03-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lord,

Open my eyes so that I may see,
The perfect beauty of Your glory.
May I see it in such a way,
The desires of my flesh just melt away.
Though I am weak, I know You are strong.
Your steadfast love corrects my every wrong.
So make me the way that I should be,
Alive to You and dead to me.

The last two lines are taken from an old Keith Green song, "My Eyes Are Dry". His life story is something I've been reflecting on the past couple weeks. It's quite unfortunate the way that he died so abruptly since it sounded like he had such a great ministry. Here is the song and a link to his wiki page. Hope you are all blessed by it as I have been.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Green

Announcements 3/9/10

2010-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

If you would like to add or change anything on this entry, please leave a comment. Also, if you would like to elaborate on an event, report back to readers a past event, encourage or request prayer topics, feel free to write it in a new separate entry.

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Gideon's International

Gideon's International, an evangelical paraorganization that distributes Bibles to various people, especially those whom churches do not have as much access to, is making a local effort to include a card in the Bibles that includes contact information of various ministries, so that recipients can have follow-up discussion about their faith. If your ministry is interested in being a part of this effort, please contact Dan (drgarcia, berkeley.edu).

March Gladness
Saturday, April 17 (Cal Day)

March Gladness, an interfellowship basketball tournament, is approaching! Early registration forms will be going out soon, so be on the lookout for that! And please relay the information to your fellowship or those who may be interested in participating. The fee will include lunch and a T-shirt, and the revenue will be donated to an unaffiliated cause.

"If God Disappears"

Thursday 3/18, 7:30-8:45pm

First Presbyterian Church (Channing/Dana)

Hosted by Cru at Cal

David Sanford, an award-winning author, editor, and literary agent, will be speaking about his newest book, "If God Disappears: 9 Faith Wreckers and What To Do About Them." His objective in speaking to Cal students is to "strengthen their faith and give them a new vision for ministering to each other and to students they know who are struggling with their faith or have stopped following Jesus Christ."

Exposed

April (tentatively 4/23)

Hosted by InterVarsity

Feminist Case Against Abortion
Tomorrow (Wed, 3/10) @ 7pm, 145 Dwinelle

Alpha Gamma Omega invites you to a time of fellowship and dinner next Tuesday, 6pm! We will be heading over to AGO house together after next week's meeting. Come join!

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Events happening this Friday:

"Finding God in the Universe"

Gracepoint is hosting this event to show students how they can find God in the universe, especially when oftentimes popular culture seems to be using science as an evidence of theism or atheism. For more information, contact Calvin (calvinyglee, gmail.com).

Always the Women

7pm, 112 Wurster

$5 entrance fee

InterVarsity is hosting this one woman show of all the instances in which Jesus interacted with women in the New Testament. Come enjoy, and be blessed and challenged! For more information, contact Yvonne (yfung23, gmail.com).

The brothers at Alpha Gamma Omega will be hosting their semesterly party this Friday. For more information, contact Brian (concordbjf, gmail.com).

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UiC Prayer Meetings

Mon-Fri : 7am, 109 Dwinelle

Join in prayer of confession and intercession for UC Berkeley.

Saturday : 8pm - 11pm (you can stop by anytime)

Meet in front of Dwinelle at 8pm. Join in prayer for revival in the church.

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Tentative date for InterPraise: Wednesday 4/21

Please contact Sarah (e.sarahcho, gmail.com) or Justin (hi.jnak, gmail.com) if you know of a major event that conflicts with that evening. You can also contact Sarah or Justin for any ideas or thoughts you have on InterPraise, whether it be of previous ones or next month's. Most importantly, please continue to keep InterPraise in your prayers! May God work mightily through the event.

God is moving in FiCB

2010-03-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Fire Fall Down - Hillsong United

"You broke down the wall
when I spoke and confessed
In You I'm blessed,
now I walk in the light
in victorious sight of You

Your fire fall down
Fall down
On us we pray
As we seek

Show me Your heart
Show me Your way
Show me Your glory..."

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Praise. God. Thank You God.

I just came back from FiCB (Fellowship in Christ, Berkeley) Friday night service. Tonight was different. Maybe it was the smaller room size. Maybe it was the heat in the room. Maybe... but regardless, the Holy Spirit. His presence was with us. And I pray, pray, pray that God continues to work in the hearts of his children individually and as a congregation.

Joey opened us up with prayer. A heartfelt prayer of repentance. Sorry God, for neglecting You. Sorry God, for we do not give you the respect You deserve when You continue to pursue us and pour your love down on us. Remorse for our brokenness, God. Take us as we are. Broken but alive in Your hands. Take us as we are, and make us more like You.

Then praise. And then prayer. Prayer everywhere. Prayer for one another. Prayer for the fellowship. Prayer of thanks.

Then we opened up the floor for thanksgiving. Nathan went up to the front first. And he shared his struggle and desire to really, really, really have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ who is God. Yearning. For something real. Thanks to his courage, more people came up and shared. I was shaking, my body was shaking. Shaking with gratitude for God, for his blessings on his children, for having thanksgiving in my heart and ever so present in our congregation. So real, our relationship with Him. And so real, his work in our lives, his glory revealed.

But people are still hurting. People are still struggling. But God, You said that we are victorious and free in You. So Christ will you continue you strengthen the hearts of Your people. Lord will you show that tonight was not an exceptional night, but a Normal Night of Praise. Lord, humble us and break us to repentance. We want to be intimate with You. We want to know what it means to know You as our lover, friend, king, father, savior, and lord of hosts. Teach us and open our eyes to your Scripture of the Bible and Your world. Help us to love one another, so that the whole world may see and know that we are Your disciples. LORD -- we want transformation for You are Power and Healing. Help us to have faith and rely on Your holy guidance every moment of our lives, and continue to build us as a congregation so that we may be a Part, a Body, a People who experiences your goodness every day and fills our lives and relationships with Your beauty, goodness, power and strength.

God. Continue the good work you've begun in us. Can you see the Holy Spirit moving? Can you sense His presence in our lives?

"Is there anything too hard for the Lord?"

2010-03-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

Recently my small group had a bible study on Genesis 18. So quick overview of the excerpt-- God tells Abraham that his wife Sarah will have a son at the same time next year. Sarah overheard God telling this to Abraham and just laughed at how absurd it sounded. Sarah knew she was way past childbearing age and said to herself, "After I am worn out and my master is old will I now have this pleasure?" (Genesis 18:12) God asks Sarah why she laughed. Sarah lies and says she did not laugh, but God tells her "Yes,you did laugh." (Genesis 18:15)

I realize that sometimes I laugh at the promises that God makes for me. For every unanswered prayer that has been internalized into"God probably won't make this one happen," I believe that something inside of us changes. Our view of who God is can change because we start to categorize where He will or will not work. Our prayers can become more and more safe because we are afraid to get disappointed. And our fervor to do kingdom work decreases because we have lost faith.

I've seen this in my own life. My health has been sub-par for a while now-- there are good days where it's like "thanks God!" and there are not so good days where it's like "thanks... ....God." Seeing my own faith waver in accordance with my circumstances is like looking at unbelief in the face. I've seen myself settle for things that are less than what God has promised me. I've settled for the sick condition being the new norm and now it is hard for me to pray about my health.

But as I confront this barrenness in my life, I pray to be reminded and encouraged by these verses ...
as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"-- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old) or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.--Romans 4:17-21

Psalm 133

2010-02-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brothers to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Coming down upon the beard,

Even Aaron's beard,

Coming down upon the edge of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon

Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the LORD commanded the blessing--life forever.

God is moving on our campus

2010-02-05T10:55:00.001-08:00

Today, 13 missionaries from YWAM (Youth With A Mission), a Christian missions organization, joined some of us in morning prayer. Let us pray for their ministry here and seek to pursue God with the same kind of obedience. As I feel immensely encouraged by their presence today, here is a bible passage that embodies the principle behind the mutual encouragement that occurs within the body of Christ:

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all in all." -Ephesians 4:1-5

Praise God! Like John the Baptist and Abraham, we are called to be witnesses of God who by passionate love pursues us, and to partake in a mission greater than we can now fathom.

My Berkeley Story: A Senior's Reflections

2010-01-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

I decided to come to Cal under strange circumstances. I was sitting with some of my high school senior friends inside of chipotle, talking about our college choices and such, and after an especially delicious bite, I remember looking up and saying “You know what, I think I’m going to Berkeley.” After a couple seconds of silence, my friend was like "Yeah? I'll go with you." Then the next guy was like "Yeah sure I'll come too." By the end of lunch, all five of us were going to Cal.

When we got there, we were like family. We all ended up living in Unit 2, ate at the DC together every night, played bridge on the weekends…it was good times. The issue, however, was that I wasn’t spending time with the body. Although an older sister in Christ had introduced me to New Church and Campus Crusade, I just kinda ran in and out of meetings and services. I enjoyed the events and Sunday morning worship, but I wasn't comfortable because I was trying to keep my personal life and my spiritual life separate. I figured that if I let God into this new part of my life, I would miss out on the Berkeley experience.

But I was wrong.

By the end of my freshman year, I found myself just as spiritually immature and ill-equipped as when I came in. I also found myself unable to pour genuinely into relationships that were important to me. I found myself generally lacking.

Thankfully, God didn't leave me there. He led me into community with the older men at Campus Crusade and New Church who taught me what it meant to live in Christ at UC Berkeley. As I tried to walk with Christ through my second and third years at Cal, God used these men to teach me, train me, and, most importantly, share their lives with me.

Now I'm one of those older guys, and (amazingly) God has been able to use me to commit these things to faithful men, that they may be able to teach others also. I thought allowing God into my life at Cal would ruin it. Instead, growing in my faith and being able to be a part of God's work on the Berkeley campus have been the best parts of my Berkeley experience.

"So, Justin, what are you doing next year?" I think I've heard that question about two or three bajillion times this past month. Anyways, after about a year's consideration of my God-given talents and passions, I've decided to apply for a one-year internship with Campus Crusade for Christ at UC Berkeley with the goal of reaching many for Christ, discipling men into Christ-likeness, and preparing them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever vocation or location they're called to.

From the first seemingly random decision to come to Cal to this start of the rest of my life, God has been watching over me and guiding me through the best and the worst. He's with you now also! Listen for His guidance - He has your Berkeley experience planned already.

Greater is HE who in YOU than he that is in the world

2010-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, this is Joseph and I just wanted to first say you guys are AWESOME!!

Ok now that's been said I'll just share a quick testimony of Jesus.

This happened yesterday and basically I know this guy named Humberto. He is a homeless dude that's fallen under some serious attack. He lost his job, lost his daughter to death to leukemia, and grandmother all in the past several months. He's committed suicide. literally. but is only alive by a miracle. and still he is going through an incredibly hard time. he went to the hospital last week by knocking out a police officer because an illegal citizen can't get admitted into the hospital without papers very easily, but can if a cop brings him in there. and he came out two days ago.

i had bought him a portuguese bible several weeks ago since he's brazillian. he came over to our house to just hang out yesterday and told us that he wanted to read his bible now that he has it with him but someone stole his glasses at the hospital, so he couldn't even read the bible because of poor eyesight. He was discouraged by all the "bad luck" (attack) he was coming across.

I was moved with compassion and decided I wanted to pray for a healing of his eyes. This is where faith and risk come in. So I asked him in front of others if i could pray for his eyes so that he could see clearly. I did the first time. He started yelling at me saying, "What did you do!" because..... it was way worse!! haha.

but that's not the loving, faithful God I know. so i prayed again :)

it got a little better.

i prayed one more time. it got a little better.

and then one of my brothers came along and decided to pray for him too. He took the portuguese bible and lifted it in front of Humberto's eyes and figured out the distance where it was blurry for him. then told him to close his eyes, we prayed for him. he opened his eyes and it was much better. and once more we asked him to do this, and the next time he opened his eyes. We asked him if he could see, and his reply was, "I can beeepin see!"

YAY!

God is above all circumstances. What may be impossible with man is possible with God!

One thing that I wanted to point out is that it was not when I was praying for Humberto alone that he was healed but it was when my brother came and prayed that he was healed. One certain man or woman must not receive the glory, but when we come together in unity we automatically create a body that gives all glory to JESUS! He is the healer! He is the only one worthy!

Whoa that was a lot longer than expected, but hope you were blessed and encouraged.

Love you guys

Revive us

2010-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

"Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?"
-Psalm 85:6

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
-2 Chronicles 7:14

Frustration to Liberation- Interpraise Reflection

2009-12-02T13:23:00.001-08:00

I have been meaning to reflect about this for the longest time but haven’t found the time or haven’t wanted to because in the back of my mind I knew I had done something wrong.

I fell into the trap of doing-things-for –the-sake-of-doing-things once again. So short story about myself-- before I came to college, my life on paper was fantastic but in actuality it was falling apart. Everyone that supposedly cared were the ones that ended up sucking the life out of me—my health declined among other things and I came to college feeling dry and not wanting to give any part of myself—whether it be my time or my skill to anyone or anything. It was when I inwardly felt dry that I was able to see God—to see how weak I really was. I joined IV randomly. I did not offer anything, but my small group leaders kept pouring into me and every week I would ask myself “WHY? Why do they do things when they get nothing in return?”

Not sure how all of you were brought up, but I was brought up where you do things and get things in return. Exchange? A balanced equation? Call it what you want, but the concept of Jesus just blew my mind. In my head, I know that I cannot balance this equation on my own without Jesus. But I keep wanting to—and with nothing other than WORKS. Because doing things shows to God and to others that you are good and faithful right?

So for those of you that know or don’t know—I was assembling the prayer requests together for the Interpraise program and Sarah asked if anyone wanted to do the program and I’m thinking—well I’m putting together the prayer requests anyways, might as well. The Monday before Interpraise I found myself staying up later than I had stayed up that semester because prayer requests were not given to me on time. My roommate was with me and saw my frustration and the growing bags under my eyes and asked if I was okay. I was like “Can I scream?” And she’s like, “Sure…”

I think I screamed loud enough to scare my apartment-mates and for people living adjacent to me to call the police. In complaint I said, “God, I’m really mad and frustrated right now. I did everything right. I send out notices like 3 weeks in advance. I stretched deadlines but people would send me prayer requests after I PDF-ed the program 11 times. Why are people so irresponsible?!”

Well that’s not verbatim but that’s the gist. I was so frustrated. I felt like I was serving alone which is kind of a scary feeling.

But through reflection, I came across Luke 10:38-42

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’”

I had essentially pulled off a perfect Martha. I was so busy serving and did not sit at the Lord’s feet. I thank God for hitting me over the head with his grace. How many times have I claimed to “do the Lord’s work” without sitting at the Lord’s feet and then complain to God ask Him—“where are your blessings?”

When Jenn and Sarah suggested not to hold Interpraise next semester, my initial feeling was anger. I was just sitting there saying to myself, “Wait, Interpraise went well. It was the best it has ever been. We did so much. I PRAYED!”

However, I did feel a strong desire to slow down and reflect. I feel like God laughs at how immature I am sometimes (or all the time). But God knocks me with grace and says “Wait and sit at my feet.” I’m not sure whether this means not doing Interpraise this semester, but it might. I guess we have to wait.

Learning to be thankful !

2009-11-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

During the past few weeks, our church has been doing an activity together called "21 Days of Thanksgiving." It's basically a large chart with categories like: salvation, church, people, nature, material/physical blessings, etc. Each day we take time to fill it out and many people from our congregation have also been posting what their thankful for on an impromptu website: www.thanksgivingdare.com .

Although I really enjoyed the activity, sometimes it was difficult for me to fill out the chart. I couldn't think of what to put down. This really bothered me because I realized that, when it comes to being thankful, I have a lot to learn. It seems strange to say that one can learn to be thankful but this activity has been showing me that learning to notice and be thankful for all God's blessings is a discipline that I can and should cultivate. That being said, I have my work cut out for me. Without realizing it, I've grown up always having a sense of entitlement towards everything-- especially physical comfort. Self-entitlement naturally leads to ingratitude and together these two "gratitude killers" manage to cast everything in a negative light.

On a message about being thankful, our pastor pointed out that, for a Christian, being thankful isn't some kind of virtue-- it should be the natural response to the reality of God's grace. I mean, how could a hopeless, helpless, addicted and selfish sinner like myself respond to Jesus' payment on the cross for my sins and the new life he's purchased for me? With humble and awe-struck gratitude, that's how! Being thankful isn't going above and beyond, it's the least I can do.

This Thanksgiving, it has been such a blessing to go through my daily routine with this attitude of gratitude (kinda catchy huh?). I thank the Lord for all he has done in my life and all the people he has so richly blessed me with. I'm eager to continue learning how to be thankful by noticing and thanking God for his provision everyday!

This Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

"Paying attention to those who disagree with us and taking them seriously, even if we're pretty sure we'll still disagree, is part of what it means to be in the body of Christ. It's humbling; it sanctifies." -Abraham Piper

I feel like this quote somewhat describes my experience in Unity in Christ so far. Humbling. Yet sanctifying. Because I see how uniquely God uses each ministry and person, I can no longer stick my head up in the sky and say I "understand" God and Christianity. It's hard not to appreciate a space of such diversity and passion.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I sure did. I spent it with people from my church because I didn't go home (Georgia). I was reminded of how amazing it is when a group of people who love Jesus Christ comes together, though individuals may not all know each other well. There is so much LOVE and REALNESS there! And that is what Unity in Christ is all about.

I am so thankful for UiC. Thank you guys for your dedication and prayers. Thank you for being gracious with me and Justin. I thank God that he has placed each one of you, your passions and experiences to this intersection where we can strive to understand God's heart for his people together. God is amazing and he will do AMAZING things here in Berkeley. Do you believe it? Let's continue running the race by continually seeking God on our own and when we come together as a body. Praise God for he is good. Praise God for he is gracious. Praise God for he sustains us. Praise God for who he is, our King, Savior, Friend! He will make his name known, and believe it or not we are part of that amazing process.

<3, Sarah

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This Battle is Not Yours - Yolanda Adams

The Lord's Day

2009-11-22T20:37:00.001-08:00

Yesterday our church interceded for our Thanksgiving service, which happened today, and ptL for His provision! Not only were two people saved but there was enough food to feed ~300 people!!! TWICE! Haha it's amazing to see God's work so visibly and it's encouraging to see that even amidst strikes, God is alive.

And ptL for the fact that I remembered to write in this! haha

- Nina Y.

more?

2009-11-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

is uic meant to be more than "the group that puts on interpraise"?

how can uic be a resource to its fellowships?

how can uic be a resource to the berkeley campus?

Lord give sight!

give vision and light!

we wait for You.

2009-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

"Am I only a God nearby," declares the Lord,

"and not a God far away?

Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?"

declares the Lord.

"Do not I fill heaven and earth?"

declares the Lord.

-Jeremiah 23:23-24

A glimpse of this semester's discussion about the theme for Interpraise.

My life is a testimony

2009-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for living on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."

-Isaiah 58:5-9

---

I have frequent highs and lows throughout the year; this week was a low. A few unanticipated incidents burst open a cage of emotions and thoughts that I had been avoiding or subconsciously suppressing. God is revealing that, though he is healing me from wounds of the past, there is still much more healing to be done.

This healing is not about "moving on" from a periodic trauma and maintaining a constant sense of joy and containment (though they are parts of the process), but about becoming progressively and wholly pleasing to God in my thoughts, words, and lifestyle, for his glory. Though this so-called 'healing season' in my life has been undeniably fruitful, this week I was reminded that God, though he may heal and sanctify me, never wants me to forget how broken I am in every aspect of my life without him.

Many times this week, I felt so helpless. And as I felt this spirit of despondency creeping into my inner being, my words turned ugly and the so esteemed structure in my lifestyle tweaked until it became noticeable to those around me. But this morning, I feel inspired and driven to get my acts together and trust in God's love for me, for his love is great and TRANSFORMING.

As He picks me up once again, I will seek a continual hunger for Christ. I pray that my hunger will not last "only a day," only a season in my life, but will bear a fruitful, life-long testimony of God's splendor and glory, his great unfailing love for a broken people.

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Food for Thought

2009-09-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Bros and sisses, co-heirs to God's glorious inheritance, let's pray and strive for that kind of unity.

Upcoming events

2009-09-20T19:04:00.001-07:00

Please pray for the following:

Unity in Christ in Berkeley (not necessarily the group, the unity itself). Unity through prayer. Let's bring iPray back!

Rise - A Bay Area Youth Conference
Is your home church in the Bay Area? Then perhaps your youth group would like to participate in "Rise" on September 26th. For details and info: www.interhigh.org.

Interfellowship Worship and Prayer

What: To worship, seek God's heart, and pray for our fellowships and campus.

When: Thursdays 11am-12pm

Where: Sproul Steps

Onething09 Regional Conference in LA

What: Onething is the young adult ministry of the International House of Prayer, spreading the message of intimacy with God and living livestyles of prayer and fasting as forerunners preparing for the Second Coming of Christ.

When: Oct. 2-3 (Friday to Saturday) with 10/4 optional session on planting prayer furnaces on your college campus
Cost: Registration is FREE

More info: www.IHOP.org/losangeles. (for location, schedule, promo videos)