Very few people become friends overnight. It takes some investment of time and effort to find common interests. The Den has allowed me to connect with men whom I may have never met by only attending Sunday morning services. Now, the guys and I are able to share and support each other through many stages of our days and lives.
When we hang out, we discuss current events, sports, families, church and spiritual issues. Often, we use a video series as a springboard for reflecting on our beliefs and how they shape our actions.
The Den goes beyond Wednesdays, too. We’ve cheered on the Tacoma Rainiers, provided some parking lot security (we felt pretty tough), helped to prepare and serve meals, and been on outings with each other. One of my best days was going to a train show with my new friend, Blake.
Guys have had children and grandchildren: we’ve been there with each other.  When someone got worrisome medical news, we came together to support them. Whether it’s job concerns, pandemic responses, social issues, growing kids or aging parents – the guys at The Den do life together.
And there’s room for you. Come hang out with us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall. 

From an early age, Bernard Gitonga dreamt of being a doctor. Intelligent and hardworking, Bernard excelled in primary school in Kenya even though extreme poverty meant that he often went without meals. Succeeding in high school, however, became much more difficult as Bernard was often sent home for weeks or forced to go without food until his parents could pay school fees. Bernard had given up all hope of going on to college and entering the medical field until he was sponsored by Clare DeVine through UPPC’s Cherish Ministry.  Thanks to Clare, Bernard was able to continue his schooling and become an Operating Room nurse.
Today, Bernard is giving back by sponsoring another child in Meru, Kenya whose family struggles with the effects of poverty. Bernard’s gifts in the medical field also continue to gain notice and, earlier this year, was recruited for a contract nursing position in Arlington, Virginia. But, before settling into his new position, he made a special stop to thank Clare in-person for making it all possible.