One of my favourite spiritual thinkers is a Catholic priest from Ireland named John O’Donohue. I first encountered him via my wife, who had read a lot of his poetry and writings, and I’m so thankful to have encountered his works. John died suddenly at the age of 52 in 2008, a loss that I feel keenly when reading his words, knowing we’ll never get more of them. In a way, though, it also makes me cherish them more, and I hold them closer for his loss.
Today, I’m sharing a blessing that John wrote - his poetry often co-mingles with blessing, in much the same way scripture itself does. He has written blessings that cover a vast array of human experiences, and today I’ll be sharing his work “For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing”. If you want to find more of his writing, I highly recommend his books “Anam Cara,” and “To Bless The Space Between Us”.
I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. Maybe it’s the new year, maybe it’s burnout, or maybe it’s something else entirely. But I sense that maybe I’m not alone in this feeling - and so today, if you also find yourself exhausted, tired, downcast, may these words from John be a small balm of sorts for the weary soles of your heart.
For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing
By John O’Donohue
When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight.
The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.
Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.
The tide you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.
You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken in the race of days.
At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.
You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.
Thank you team, and bless you,
Kieran
Lent Book Club
Want something structured for your Lenten journey this year? Let’s read a (small) book together. Email jamie@ubcwaco.org for details.
Youth - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at UBC
5th & 6th Graders - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at UBC
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at Pinewood
Youth Games Afternoon - Saturday, 1pm at UBC
Sunday School Starts This Sunday at 9:30!
Following the Way of Wisdom Jesus
Location: The Red Room
Leader: Sharyl Loeung
Approaching Jesus from a wisdom perspective is to approach him with the realization that all of his teachings are focused precisely on ending blame, judgment, and violence - attitudes of aggression and possessiveness. His teachings are about ending all of the polarizing things we still bring into our lives today. We can let go of the Western, dualistic mentality, which is an either/or and "us" versus "them" mentality that must find answers, by reframing and reimagining Jesus's central wisdom teachings as insights on peace, subversion and communication. What we discover when we do this is the heart of Jesus's message...that communication is a spiritual practice.
In all that we do - in our thinking, in our speaking, and in our actions - we must remember that our communication is an offering of ourselves to each other. To communicate in this way is a revolution of generosity and of love.
Author Lunch with Eric Minton - Sunday, after church
We are excited to have a friend and author Eric Minton join us on January 22nd to speak at UBC. Eric is a former pastor turned psychotherapist specializing in marriage and family therapy. Eric’s first book came out last year, and it is an excellent read that challenges the church’s interwoven connectedness to capitalism and the American dream, and invites us to find fulfillment outside of competition, scarcity, and self interest. Eric will be preaching on Sunday morning, and we will have a luncheon afterwards for you to be able to hear more about Eric’s work, and ask questions. Please email toph@ubcwaco.org by Friday if you would like to come to lunch. Cost is $5. We would encourage you to purchase the book and read it before he comes. You can purchase the book here: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506471914/Its-Not-You-Its-Everything
If you have any questions, please contact Toph.
Giving Update
UBC survives on the generosity of this congregation. Your tithes and offerings allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.
You can set up a single or recurring online gift here.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Spring calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.
Youth Volunteers
Volunteers are a critical part of UBC’s Youth Group - it’s no exaggeration to say that it literally would not run without them. We’re in need of volunteers to engage with the kids, particularly at our Wednesday night meetings, and to make sure everyone is safe. There is also plenty of room to use specific skills or experience you might have - whether that’s leading lessons, running games, or something else entirely! For more information click this link and/or email kieran@ubcwaco.org.
Youth Dinner
If you’d like to get involved with the Youth Group but can’t volunteer on Wednesday nights you can sign-up to provide youth dinner (cooked, bought, or otherwise!) instead. Sign up for that here and Kieran will reach out to you at the beginning of the week you sign up for to arrange details.
Backside - Friday, January 27th
Join us for an open mic/open wall art event at 7pm on January 27th. If you would like to share something, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.
Youth Coffee w/ Kieran - Saturday, January 28th
LGBTQIA+ Meetup - Sunday, January 29th
This is a great time to get to know other UBC’ers and learn their stories. We will be gathering at Toph’s Casa, and would ask you bring your favorite finger food to share. If the weather is nice, we will gather around the firepit outside, and you will also need to bring a chair. You can sign up in the lobby at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org If you have any questions, contact Toph.
UBCYP Meetup - Thursday, February 2nd
Join us for our first gathering of the year. We will reflect on 2022 and discuss what our hopes are for 2023, and we will play some games together. You can sign-up in the lobby, or email toph@ubcwaco.org We will be gathering at Southern Roots, and Will Knight will be there to greet everyone.
Love Lovefeast - Sunday, February 12th
Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 22nd
Save the Date for Summer Camps
Youth Camp - June 11th-15th
Kids Camp - July 22nd-25th
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
🎉 Parishioner of the Week
The parishioner of the week is Sharyl Loeung.
📖 Preaching Schedule
1/22: Eric Minton
1/29: Kirk
💭 Share Your Feedback
You’re invited to share your feedback (good, bad, or in-between) about the goings-on at UBC! All comments will be shared directly with the UBC Human Resources team who will then share it with Leadership Team, Finance Team, or Pastoral Staff as needed. Share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448
Leadership Team
Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)
HR Team
Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)
Finance Team
Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)