Welcome to Convergence!
A 20s/30s Community in Seattle
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 some ways takes its name from a local weather phenomenon just to the north of Seattle 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 have gone before us. University Presbyterian has sat on this corner reaching out to the U District, Seattle, 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.
Three 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 we are and are going to be, what we are going 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:
1. Growth in faith and biblical knowledge that accommodates current reality thoughtfully and faithfully.
2. 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.
3. 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, especially if you don't know 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 the 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 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 take 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.
What it comes down to
In the end it's about relationships and so I, the rest of our staff team, and our leaders look forward to meeting you face to face and discovering together what God has in store.
 Peace-
Jon Epps
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