Welcome to Convergence!
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you probably are wondering what the heck Convergence is about either because you are thinking of coming or just came and want to know more. In either case, I hope the following will help.
What’s in a name?
Convergence in someways takes it name from a local weather phenomenon just to the north of us known as a convergence zone. A convergence zone happens when you have distinct weather patterns that crash into one another often creating something unique and different. Often you will find both snow and sun within a few miles of each other. When there is a convergence of weather, minds, or forces what you find is dynamic, creative, powerful and at times unpredictable.
Convergence as a ministry and community seeks to be a place where grace and truth, forgiveness and brokenness, our passions, gifts, and talents and God’s passionate mission for the world can collide in dynamic, creative and powerful ways. We also seek to foster and release the new thing that God is always doing among the next generation while connecting with the rich history, wisdom and community that has gone before us. University Presbyterian has sat on this corner reaching out to the U District and beyond for over 100 years and we hope to both honor that and connect with the faithful men and women who have gone before us.
3 big hopes
Convergence can be thought of as a community, a weekly gathering and a network. As part of the larger community here at UPC, Convergence is focused on the momentum decade – that space in life between early 20s and early to mid 30s. The momentum decade is that time in life when we are making huge decisions about who are are going to be, what we are doing to do and who we are going to do it with. It is that time in life where there are both huge unknowns and huge opportunities. It’s that time in life when we often set the trajectory of our lives for better or worse. Convergence seeks to both speak into that moment of life and provide opportunities where those questions can be explored.
In many ways our prayer is that of the Apostle Paul’s found in his letter to the Colossian church.
We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way – bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, strengthened with power, having great endurance, and filled with joy.
So finally, three goals that we look toward-
- Growth in faith and biblical knowledge that accommodates current reality thoughtfully and faithfully.
- Expansion of a Kingdom (God’s passionate mission, His power and presence) vision for all of life and an understanding of where our gifts, passions and talents fit within that.
- Development of brothers, sisters and a wider community to journey with.
Ways to connect
Whether you’re new to Seattle or looking for a deeper community we would love for you to join us. I also know that connecting with any community can be a challenge let alone even knowing where to start. Here are some options.
Convergence. Best place to get started is to join us on a Tuesday evening, 7:30 pm. We’re in main building of University Presbyterian Church just up the main stairs from the entrance on 15th Ave NE. You’ll see plenty of signs once you get there. You can expect a low-pressure gathering with friendly people. It’s informal—dress however you like, and you’ll fit in. Convergence includes a music, a time of teaching or discussion, announcements about opportunities throughout the week and time to hang out and connect afterwords. Please come and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you!
Community Groups. These co-ed groups meet throughout the week and throughout the city. Check the community groups page to learn more.
Mission trips. Each year we have taken a number of mission trips both domestically and internationally. Over the last few years we have developed a relationship with our long time missionaries in Haiti – Bruce and Deb Robinson. There is probably nothing better to expand your faith, view of the world and community than one of these trips. As with any short term trip like this – the they are always about more than what go and to for “them”. In fact it is often more about what others teach us as we risk.
what it comes down to
In the end its about relationships and so I, the other staff team and our leaders look forward to meeting you face to face and discovering together what God has in store.
Peace-Jon Epps
