Liturgy Stuff 2-28-2021

February 28, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on February 28th (in the order they are needed).

In the Night

I am weary with the pain of Jacob’s wrestling
in the darkness with the fear, in the darkness with the fear
but he met the morning wounded with a blessing
so in the night, my hope lives on

o in the night, o in the night
o in the night, my hope lives on

when Elisha woke surrounded by the forces
of the enemies of God, of the enemies of God
he saw the hills aflame with angels on their horses
so in the night, my hope lives on

o in the night, o in the night
o in the night, my hope lives on

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

the one who turns toward the lonely
who is gracious to the afflicted

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might breathe life among us

forming our hearts and minds
in the way of Christ

Amen

We’ve Found The Rock

[The author of this text is unknown, but it was featured in Richard Allen’s 1801 Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs.]

we’ve found the rock, the trav’ler cries
the stone that all the prophets tried
come Christian drink the balmy dew
’twas Christ that shed it new for you
this costly mixture cures the soul
which sin and guilt had made so foul
it makes me merry while I sing
and shout salvation to my King

there's glory, glory in my soul
come mourners see salvation roll
I wish you would believe in God
and sink into that purple flood

o Christians, we have Heav’n to day—night
it shines around with dazzling ray—light
and in this light we’ll soar away
where there’s no night but endless day

The Time Draws Nigh

[The author of this text is unknown, but it was featured in Richard Allen’s 1801 Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs.]

the time draws night when you and I
are to be separated
but this doth grieve our hearts to leave
each other to be parted
but let us see eternity
and meet the saints with joy
our sighing’s o’er, we’ll part no more
but reign with Christ in glory

well, family, dear, don’t let us fear
we soon shall live together
when Christ descends to call his friends
we then shall meet one another
then to sit down around the throne
with saints and lovely Jesus
eternal love, we’ll sing above
and nothing then shall grieve us

the lamb appears to wipe our tears
and to complete our glory
then we shall rest with all the blest
and tell the lovely story
to sit and tell Christ loved us well
and that while we were sinners
heaven will ring while saints do sing
glory to the redeemer

glory to the redeemer

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16:

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 8:31-38:

Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

Be Thou My Vision

be thou my vision, o lord of my heart
naught be all else to me, save that thou art
thou my best thought, by day or by night
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light

be thou my wisdom and thou my true word
I ever with thee and thou with me lord
thou my great father, spirit, and son
thou in me dwelling and I with the one

riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
thou mine inheritance now and always
thou and thou only, first in my heart
high king of heaven, my treasure thou art

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

UbcKids Videos

You can find this weeks’ UbcKids Videos here!

ITLOTC 2-23-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

On the Nature of the Work (By Josh)

“There is a pleasure in the work of maintenance, the redemption of things worn or broken, that must go on almost continuously.”

• Wendell Berry, Our Only World 

In what follows I will give you a curated version of a discussion I had with Taylor on our podcast this week. 

A friend of the podcast and UBC, Dr. Harris Bechtol gave us a prompt in which he asked us to examine Jesus repeated refrain from Matthew 6, “your father in heaven will reward you in secret.”  This is the gospel reading from Ash Wednesday, so I thought, “how timely.”  The trouble, you might imagine, is that this language from the Sermon on the Mount seems to promote a wrongheaded motivation in following Jesus.  Are we really promised streets paved with gold or jewels in our crown?  And if so,are we only following Jesus for the promise of these rewards.  Dr. Bechtol tells me this is a problem that both Nietzsche and Derrida take up.  

One time in a thought experiment with myself I conceded that John Piper might be right with his relentless commitment to Christian hedonism.  It just may be that it is inescapable to locate our chief desire with anything other than self interest.  The question of the Christian life is what kind of life will you cultivate to direct that self interest towards?  Towards the love of God?  Towards the love of your neighbor?  Towards streets paved with gold?  Towards job security and luxuries like Netflix and enough extra money for vacations?  

As for articulating an answer to the question raised by Doc Bechtol Taylor and I instinctively found ourselves going to a similar place, which was that of the stages of formation.  It could be that in an ontological sense Jesus means exactly what he proposes in Matthew 6.  God will reward us.  I suppose the question then becomes do we want or appreciate the nature of that reward.  In my mind this is the role of discipleship, to take that self-interested hedonism and mature the instinct into something congruent with the kingdom.  Christianity has called this kind of work - the work of the Spirit in our life - sanctification. 

The rewards have evolved as I have evolved.  I did want streets paved with gold at one point.  I wanted GI Joe toys andOakley blades.  I wanted intoxicating worship experiences and job prominence.  I’ve translated the rewards into whatever my level of maturity would allow for.  So where am I now?  

I’ll be forty this sumer and it turns out I’m every bit as cliche as I hoped I might not be.  I’ve yet to purchase a red corvette, but mid-life and what it threatens me with is palpable.  Chiefly, i find myself asking, have I become what I intended to become?  Or as an enneagram 3, I ask the more toxic question, have I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish?  Because of diminishing utility the answer to those questions will always be no unfortunately.   And therein lies the danger of locating your affections in anything besides Jesus.  If I sound like an evangelical at this point, it’s because I intend to be.  This part of Augustinian theology they do well.  

In my own work--in my discipleship--I find that most of my spiritual work of late is about striving to be content and grateful.  It is about relinquishing the temptation to locate those rewards in something that can change again.  Rather I’d like to locate those rewards in something that is already mine can’t be taken from me.  I’m not there yet, but the rewards I hope for at age 39 are better rewards than I hoped for at age 13.  Lately I find myself appreciative of the opportunity for good work.  Here you can insert the Wendell Berry quote from above. 

 
On Friday, as our house began to melt, I discovered a compromised spigot on the front of our house.  I shut off the water, removed the compromised plumbing, took it to the local plumbing store and was able replace the broken pieces in a matter of a few hours.  On Saturday Lindsay and I went on a date to Lowes to pick out a new toilet.  I replaced the toilet on Saturday afternoon.  A week prior to this even I spent the weekend manufacturing a piece of trim for our porch that can’t be purchased anymore because of the age of our home.  When I finished all of these tasks I would find myself stepping back and appreciating the work.  Not celebrating myself, but enjoying having the means, knowledge and skill to participate in making my home a better place.  A renewed place.  A place that holds the joy and sorrow of raising a family and that protects from the seasons, which are also gifts.   The joy of enjoying work is that it will always come to you.  Work does not run out like resources.  

There is a danger in putting too much of my emotional self into work.  It could be that I become obsessive about it, which I have in the past.  It could be that I lose the use of my hands or other parts of my body that inhibit the work or it could be that work becomes another idol.  If that becomes the case, perhaps when it does, the rewards promised to me will need to evolve again with the hope landing me closer to a love of Christ for the sake of loving Christ.  Until then I find myself hoping for heaven and it’s streets paved with gold, whatever that may mean.  

Meet the UBC(ers)

The Harrisons


UBC Survey

It has been a long time since we have been able to be together as a worshiping community. In the absence of that togetherness and with a constant eye on what is developing with COVID, the leadership team is interested in your thoughts on UBC sense of connectedness. Would you be willing to take this short 8 question survey? We’d be grateful.

Survey can be found here.

JSL Help

Hey UBC(ers)! When this storm hit stronger than we expected, Waco showed up to take care of our people. THANK YOU! Even though the warm weather is back and the water conservation is lifted, we still need your help! As we enter phase 2 of storm relief, Jesus Said Love is providing for the immediate needs of our community and preparing to assist in the larger long-term damage. As with most disasters, the impoverished and marginalized are hit the hardest. While Waco’s water flow is returning to normal, surrounding areas including Bellmead and Marlin are under boil water mandates and in need of clean water. There is also some costly damage to homes, so we are assisting our clients in funding repairs, losses, and damages not covered by FEMA. To support our efforts you can bring water to 1500 Columbus Ave, M-F 10 AM - 5 PM, or give to our relief efforts here. Thank you! Contact pamela@jesussaidlove.com with any questions.

Parishioner of the Week

Adair McGregor for bouncing all the necessary UBC videos from her home Sunday morning so that Jamie could load them and we could worship together.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Liturgy Stuff 2-21-2021

February 21, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on February 21st (in the order they are needed).

In the Night

I am weary with the pain of Jacob’s wrestling
in the darkness with the fear, in the darkness with the fear
but he met the morning wounded with a blessing
so in the night, my hope lives on

o in the night, o in the night
o in the night, my hope lives on

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

seeking rest in the refuge
of the Eternal One

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might breathe life among us

making of us
resurrection people
and forming us more fully
in the way of Christ

Amen

This is the Day

[Traditional]

This is the day, this is the day
that the lord has made, that the lord has made
I will rejoice, I will rejoice
and be glad in it, and be glad in it

This the day that the lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
this is the day, this is the day 
that the lord has made

I will enter the gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter the court with praise
I will say this is the day that the lord has made
I will rejoice where God has made me glad

She has made me glad, She has made me glad
I will rejoice for God has made me glad
God has made me glad, God has made me glad
I will rejoice for God has made me glad

Victory is mine, victory is mine
victory today is mine
I told satan, get thee behind
victory today is mine

Joy is mine, joy is mine
Joy today is mine
I told satan get thee behind
Joy today today is mine

Love is mine, love is mine
Love today is mine
I told satan get thee behind
Love today is mine

This is the day, this is the day
that the lord has made, that the lord made
I will rejoice, you oughta rejoice
and be glad in it, and be glad in it

This the day that the lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
this is the day, this is the day 
that the lord has made

Hold Us Together

[H.E.R./Josiah Bassey]

I will trust in You and know that You are with me forever
I'll confide in You 'cause You're the only answer that matters

Even in the darkness, You will be my light
Even when I'm hopeless, You will be my guide
I will not be shaken, I will not be moved
Even in the chaos, I know that You're good

You're the keeper, protector
It is You that holds us together
When everything else fails us
It is You that holds us together
Oh-whoa-whoa, oh-whoa-oh

I will trust in You, Your thoughts and plans of me, they are good
Mmh, I'll wait on You, I know that You will see me through

Even in the darkness, You will be my light
Even when I'm hopeless, You will be my guide
I will not be shaken, I will not be moved
Even in the chaos, I know that You're good

You're the keeper, protector
It is You that holds us together
When everything else fails us
It is You that holds us together (oh You're)
You're the keeper (You are), protector
It is You that holds us together (when every)
When everything (else fails) else fails us (it is You)
It is You that holds us together

Together
Holds us together

You're the keeper, protector (together)
It is You that holds us together
Everything (else fails us) else fails us
It's You that holds us together (hold us)
You're the keeper (hold us), protector (oh, protector)
It's You that holds us together (oh, You)
When everything (everything) else fails us
It's You that holds us together

You're the keeper, protector
It is You that holds us together
When everything else fails us
It is You that holds us together

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is 2 Kings 2:1-12:

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” 

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 9:2-9:

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

You are God Alone

[Billy J. Foote/Cindy Foote]

You are not a god created by human hands
You are not a god dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god in need of anything we can give
By Your plan that just the way it is
You are not a god created by human hands
You are not a god dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god in need of anything we can give
By Your plan that's just the way it is
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne, You're God alone
And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's who You are
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are
You're the only god whose power, none can contend
You're the only god whose name and praise will never end
You're the only god who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God that's just the way it is
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne, You're God alone
And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's who You are
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne, You're God alone
And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone
And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Christ all people here below
Praise Holy Spirit evermore
Praise Triune God whom we adore

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

ITLOTC 2-16-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

Winter (by Josh)

I sit at my desk on this Monday after Valentine's Day, and both of my heating units are running.  Our kids, repeatedly tantalized by this rare snow, are in and out the door.  The temperature of our house is in a constant struggle.  I have burned through a significant portion of our wood stack, and it is only monday.  We have yet to lose power, but it is only a matter of time.  For as novel, and I think beautiful, as this central Texas meteorological miracle is, it has already made life difficult if not downright painful for some.  People are checking into hotels.  Others are graciously escaping there with the help of the Salvation Army.  We know of a couple who moved to their car at 3 in the morning because their house couldn’t rise above 38 degrees.  By the end of the cold spell, we will collectively be “done” with the cold if most of us don’t feel that way already.  

So what good is the cold?  I suppose for some, no good.  Part of our collective misery is that Texas isn’t built for this.  By that I mostly mean in terms of infrastructure.  I saw someone ask why we can all use air conditioners at once, but not heaters.  Preparedness.  The same reason people die of heat stroke in the north on the rare occasion that it reaches 100.  They don’t design power grids for millions of air conditioners because they are not needed.  

Beyond logistical problems what can be said of this weather for what it is?  What can be said of winter for what it is.  I’d like to take this unique circumstance to share with you something that has been incredibly meaningful for me.  In his book Let Your Life Speak, Parker Palmer writes a chapter in which he uses the four seasons to help make sense of our spiritual journey.  I’d like to share a few paragraphs from the section on winter that I used as part of my dad’s Eulogy at his funeral.  

“But for me, winter has an even greater gift to give.  It comes when the sky is clear, the sun is brilliant, the trees are bare, and the first snow is yet to come.  It is the gift of utter clarity.  In winter, one can walk into the woods that had been opaque with summer growth only a few months earlier and see the trees clearly, singly and together, and see the ground they are rooted in.  

A few years ago, my father died.  He was more than a good man, and the months following his death were a long, hard winter for me.  But in the midst of that ice and loss, I came into a certain clarity that I lacked when he was alive.  I saw something that had been concealed when the luxuriance of his love surrounded me--saw I had relied on him to help me cushion life’s harsher blows. When he could no longer do that, my first thought was, “Now I must do it for myself.”  But as time went on, I saw a deeper truth: it never was my father absorbing blows but a larger and deeper grace that he taught me to rely on.  

When my father was alive, I confused the teaching with the teacher.  My teacher is gone now, but the grace is still there--and my clarity about that fact has allowed his teaching to take  deeper root in me.  Winter clears the landscape, however brutally, giving us a chance to see ourselves and each other more clearly, to see the very ground of our being.” 

Grace and Peace my friends

Stay Warm. 

Meet the UBC(ers)

The Ligawas

Special Worship Leaders This Sunday

As we continue to celebrate black voices in our liturgy this month i’m pleased to announced that UBC will be led in preaching this week by Rev. Christopher Mack and in music by Rev. Jocelyn Henderson.

Christopher or C-Mack as he is sometimes affectionally referred to, is a former UBCer and now young adults pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio. C-Mack is a dynamite preacher and voted best preacher in Texas by Preacher magazine.

Joslyn Henderson is a full-time graduate student at Truett Seminary and Baylor School of Music, first earning her Bachelors of Vocal Performance from Spelman College in Atlanta. Her academic interests are in Black sacred music. She is a Deborah Carlton Loftis Ambassador of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, having led multiple workshops on Black hymnody across the country. She is a prolific gospel singer and worship leader. In addition, Joslyn is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ash Wednesday

We’ll have an Ash Wednesday liturgy tomorrow (2/17) at 5pm on facebook/vimeo. How can we contemplate our sinfulness and mortality without ashes? How can it be Ash Wednesday without ashes? Can communion happen with bourbon and a hotdog bun? Tune in to find out. Note: we will participate in communion together, so have some elements ready to go. Note note: If you find yourself on facebook at 5pm tomorrow and there is no service to see, a loss of internet/power has prevented the service from happening, so just read this instead for the main takeaway: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Parishioner of the Week

All the workers who went to work this week so we could keep on keeping on.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Liturgy Stuff 2-14-2021

February 14, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on February 14th (in the order they are needed).

The Transfiguration

when he took the three disciples to the mountainside to pray
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame
two men appeared, Moses and Elijah came, they were at his side
the prophecy, the legislation spoke up whenever he would die

then there came a word of what he should accomplish on the day
then Peter spoke to make of them a tabernacle place
a cloud appeared in glory as an accolade, they fell on the ground
a voice arrived, the voice of god, the face of god, covered in a cloud

what it said to them, the voice of God: the most beloved son
consider what he says to you, consider what’s to come
the prophecy was put to death, was put to death and so will the son
and keep your word, disguise the vision ‘til the time has come

lost in the cloud, a voice
have no fear, we draw near
lost in the cloud, a sign
son of man, we draw near

lost in the cloud, a voice
son of man, turn your ear
lost in the cloud, a sign
lamb of god, we draw near

lost in the cloud, a voice
lamb of god, we draw near
lost in the cloud, a sign:
son of man//son of god

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

the Eternal One
in whom we live and move
and have our being

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

inviting the Spirit of God to form us more fully in the way of Christ

that our hearts and minds
might bear the love of Christ
and we might find the Eternal
amidst our ordinary lives

Amen

This Little Light of Mine

[Check out this version from the Freedom Song soundtrack; and check out this article: 'This Little Light Of Mine' Shines On, A Timeless Tool Of Resistance]

this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

everywhere I go
i’m gonna let it shine
everywhere I go
i’m gonna let it shine
everywhere I go
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
this little light of mine
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

i’ve got the light of peace and love
i’m gonna let it shine
i’ve got the light of peace and love
i’m gonna let it shine
i’ve got the light of peace and love
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

all in my home
i’m gonna let it shine
all in my home
i’m gonna let it shine
all in my home
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

i’ve got the light of freedom
i’m gonna let it shine
i’ve got the light of freedom
i’m gonna let it shine
i’ve got the light of freedom
i’m gonna let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine

shine, shine, shine, shine
shine, just let it shine

O God My Heart With Love Inflame

[Check out the full original text here. And read up on Richard Allen and his hymnal here.]

o god my heart with love inflame
that I may in thy holy name
aloud in songs of praise
rejoice, while I have breath to raise

then will I shout, then will I sing
and make the heavenly arches ring
i’ll sing and shout for evermore
on that eternal happy shore

I want to sing and shout thy praise:
for whatever’s left of my days
lord give me strength to shout and pray
until my voice is lost in death:

then sisters and brothers shouting come
you below, and I above
we’ll sing and shout the God we love
and live rejoicing, the hope of glory, come

we’ll sing and shout, shout and sing
and make all heaven with praises ring

oh, we’ll sing and shout for evermore
on that eternal, happy shore

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is 2 Kings 2:1-12:

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” 

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 9:2-9:

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

There

before there were mountains to crumble
before there were seas to rise
before there was pain, the loss and the weight
you were there, you were there, you were there

although our fear is rising
although our fire has gone out
although our hearts are worried and fraught
you are there, you are there, you are there

i’ve got a problem, i’ve made a drug
of worrying over what is yet to come
it’s clouding my vision, strangling my love
away

after the sun stops burning
after the stars have gone out
after the world ceases to turn
you’ll be there, you’ll be there, you’ll be there
you’ll be there, you’ll be there, you’ll be there
you’ll be there, you’ll be there, we’ll be there

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

ITLOTC 2-9-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

An Outpost (by Josh)

I’m in the middle of pursuing ordination right now.  I think most people assume that I already am ordained.  I was licensed as soon as I began pastoring so that I could legally do weddings and funerals.   As part of UBCs process candidates are required to go through something called a theological inquiry.  I did mine this last Sunday.  I was asked a question that forced me to articulate something I’ve been thinking for a while.  It was an answer about UBC’s future, but also more generally about the future of the church.  To frame my answer I began pointing out that America has always seems, at least to me, about 200 years behind Europe culturally.  By culturally I do not mean trends, technology, or something like fashion.  By cultural I mean as civic experiment.  As part of this, we must confront that fact that someday America will not be the global superpower that it currently is.  We will be usurped as the British Empire was, as Roman Empire before that, as the Macedonian Empire was before that, as was the Persian Empire before that, as was the Babylonian Empire was before that.  You get the idea.  You could supply your own list.  

Because we are not the first culture to move through this civic cycle in modern history, I think there are certain predictions we can make.  Take religion for example.  I suspect that America will become increasingly secularized and that the church that survives will look like one of two entities.  The first will be the church that serves as a chaplain to the empire.  It will be the closest thing we have to a state church in an almost entirely agnostic society.  The National Cathedral, as beautiful as it is, will become fully what it intends to be now, a government building that serves certain aesthetic needs of the state.    There will be interesting figures, likely from the Episcopal church, that occasionally speak out against corruption and name the suspicious relationship between the church and the state, but for the most part, this state church will enjoy it’s comfortable and irrelevant position within society. 

The second church will be the one I’m more interested in.  I had a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago about the future of the American Church in light of the overwhelming reality of Christian Nationalism within Evangelicalism.  “What is the response?” he asked.  “I’m not sure there is one,” I replied.  What I meant is that perhaps it might  finally be too late for the church in America.  I sometimes wonder if her witness has become so damaged it’s irrecoverable. And then I shared with my friend something that I’ve been thinking about. It’s a thought from Isaiah, but it shows up again in the prophets like Micah, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah. In those texts they discuss something called the “remnant”. I could use this space to do the exegetical work to unpack how that image is used in all those texts, but the Anchor Bible Dictionary offers a salient definition.  It says the remnant is, “What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe.”  The American Church is in crisis.  It is in catastrophe.  And it could be that we are moving into a period when all we can do is faithfully wait to see what is left and how the Spirit might move us forward.

If my prognosticating has any merit then it seems to me that those of us still interested in the future of America’s religion will have to make a choice about what kind of church we will be.  Will we take jobs as chaplains of the empire or will we be content to watch and wait?  I should warn you about something if you decide to throw in your lot in with Isaiah.  It’s not a winning tradition.  Not at least by the world’s standards.  It won’t be a future of church growth or building projects.  It won’t be a church that gets factored in as a voting block in elections or  that has the ears of presidents.  It will be an outpost in a culture that no longer cares about her existence.  

In college I read a book by Henri Nouwen called In The Name of Jesus.  It was for a class on Christian leadership and while I have grown suspicious of books that combine “Christian” and “Leadership,” not because those are mutually exclusive, but because most of the time that means successful business principles packaged as Christian leadership, I was open to this book because well, it was Henri Nouwen.  Nouwen's thesis is that we must overcome the temptation to be relevant.  I imagine that the second church, the irrelevant one, will exist as a cultural outpost in a society that no longer cares what the church thinks.  But there is good news for the remnant.  The catastrophe presents an opportunity for the church to find herself again.  Having been irrelevant, the church can again ask the questions like: What is our purpose?  Who do we serve?  Who belongs here?  How is that belonging enacted?  That church will be an exciting place to be again. 

Meet the UBC(ers)

The Watsons

College Women’s Group

Hey College Women, are you looking for a place to get to know other UBC college women? College Women’s Group aims to be a safe space for college aged women to gather, ask hard questions, and find encouragement. We meet on Wednesdays at 6:30pm on Zoom for a casual time of fellowship and prayer. We would love for you to join us! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kathleen Post (kathleen_post1@baylor.edu) or Maddy Hayes. Peace, love, and blessings!

How to Fight Racism - Book of the Month in February

Hello UBC Family! Many of you know that in February we celebrate Black History Month at UBC in a variety of ways through our liturgy and the pulpit. This year we are also encouraging you to read a book with us: How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. This is the latest book by Jemar TIsby, which “provides a practical framework for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change.” We will read the book over the month of February, and then set up a time the first week of March to discuss the book together over zoom. We would love for you to join us in the important work of fighting against racism and injustice. If you want to participate, but can’t afford the book, let us know, we can get you a copy. If you would like to be a part of the group, or have any questions, please email toph@ubcwaco.org

Parishioner of the Week

The Trans for hosting youth group two weeks in a row.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Liturgy Stuff 2-7-2021

February 7, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on February 7th (in the order they are needed).

Where God Has Always Been

[This song would not exist without the influence of Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited]

praise be the lord of all
with their backs against the wall
hands above their heads and eyes
lifted up to that impossible line
where the hill meets the sky
who wonder if the distance is
a trick of the earth or a trick of the mind
and if help will arrive
before they slip away

praise be the lord of all
who wrestle until dawn
wear their scars like names yet find
heaven and earth strangely aligned
like water in the sour wine:
hidden in plain sight

for god is now where god has always been:
bunkered down with those in the ditch
raising fountains from the cracking dirt
and raising a feast for the hollow unheard
unheard, unheard
while the powerful who reign
dissolve into the grave
the eternal one will shade
the ones they cast away
until the coming of the day
when all this is remade

praise be the lord of all
who’ve nowhere to belong
for the kingdom is drawing near

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

the One who heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds,
the One who lifts up the lowly,
but casts the wicked to the ground

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

inviting the Spirit of God to form us more fully in the way of Christ

that we might carry Christ
in our hearts and minds;
the kingdom of God
in our ordinary lives

Amen

Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed On Freedom

[Check out this version from the Freedom Song soundtrack]

woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah

been walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
been walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
been walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah

so go on and walk, walk, walk
walk with your mind on freedom
go on and talk, talk, talk,
talk with your mind on freedom
go on and walk and talk
and keep your mind on freedom
oh, go on and walk

aint nothing wrong with my mind
stayed on freedom
aint nothing wrong with keeping in my mind
stayed on freedom
aint nothing wrong with keeping your mind
stayed on freedom
hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah

so go on and walk, walk, walk
walk with your mind on freedom
go on and talk, talk, talk,
talk with your mind on freedom
go on and walk and talk
and keep your mind on freedom
oh, go on and talk
go on and walk

woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
woke up this morning with my mind
stayed on freedom
hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah

Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down

[Check out this version by Blind Joe Taggart, and this one by Shirley Caesar]

satan, your kingdom must come down
satan, your kingdom must come down
I heard the voice of Jesus say
satan your kingdom must come down

we’re gonna pray until
’til we pray your kingdom down
we’re gonna pray until
’til we pray your kingdom down
I heard the voice of Jesus say
satan, your kingdom must come down

we’re gonna shout until
’til we shout your kingdom down
we’re gonna shout until
’til we shout your kingdom down
I heard the voice of Jesus say
satan, your kingdom must come down

oh satan, we’re gonna tear your kingdom down
satan, we’re gonna tear your kingdom down
you’ve been building your kingdom
in the house of god
but satan, your kingdom must come down

we’re gonna love until
’til we love your kingdom down
we’re gonna walk and talk
’til we love your kingdom down
I heard the voice of Jesus say
satan, your kingdom must come down

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Isaiah 40:21-31:

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning? 
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 

It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; 

who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to live in;

who brings princes to naught,
and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. 

Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, 

when he blows upon them, and they wither,
and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 

To whom then will you compare me,
or who is my equal? says the Holy One. 

Lift up your eyes on high and see:
Who created these? 

He who brings out their host and numbers them,
calling them all by name; 

because he is great in strength,
mighty in power, 
not one is missing. 

Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,

"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my right is disregarded by my God"?

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.

Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is 1 Corinthians 9:16-23:

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

Wayward Ones

we are the wayward ones
liars and beggars, those who betray
we hand you over, deny your name
cast you aside, yet still you say
this is my body, this is my blood
broken and shed to show my love

we are the broken ones
cowards and fools, all filled with disbelief
we forsake you, deny your name
cast you aside, yet still you say
this is my body, this is my blood
broken and shed to show my love

remember me, remember me
come to the table, take and eat
remember me

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

ITLOTC 2-2-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

Epiphany and Black Voices (by jamie)

Greetings.

We are in the midst of Epiphany, the season between Christmas and Lent that invites us to meet Jesus again for the first time; to stave off our own theological idolatry by asking questions to which we think we already have answers.  This season of holy curiosity brings with it the reminder that our ideas about God are not equal to God, Godself.  Our thinking about God is mediated to us through a lens (or set of lenses).  This lens is crafted by our time, place, circumstances, and the things we have inherited from voices in the pulpit, books, or family members who have taught us about faith (and of course all of the voices that influenced the voices that shaped us).  There’s a way in which Epiphany is a season that invites us to be self aware of the lenses—not for the sake of casting them away necessarily (there’s no view from nowhere), but instead to put them in their proper context; to recalibrate them, if you will.  And perhaps, further, to be aware of the perspectives that are lacking in our formation.

For a church like Ubc, where many of us are white folks who have been shaped primarily by white voices, it a great gift that Black History Month falls within this season. Throughout February, as we have done in years past, we will be taking a cue from Black History Month to elevate Black voices in our liturgy.  Like the seasons of the church calendar in general, this month puts directly before us a set of questions, concerns, themes, etc., not for the span of this month alone, but rather as companions on our journey through another year to continue to form us more fully in the way of Christ.

James Cone

I want to begin that process now by sharing an excerpt from James Cone’s God of the Oppressed (in which he is doing theology from the vantage point of the Black experience).  This is from the intro, and I feel like he better articulates what I’m trying to say about the lenses we carry (I’ve highlighted a couple of things for emphasis):

In this book, I am not writing simply a personal account of my religious faith, though that is partly involved.  I am writing about my parents, Lucy and Charlie Cone, and other black people in Bearden and elsewhere who gave me what it takes to deal with life’s contradictions and negations.  For it was they who introduced me to the man called Jesus, the One whom they said could “lift your feet out of the muck and miry clay and place them on the solid rock of salvation.” 

I respect what happened at Nicaea and Chalcedon and the theological input of the Church fathers on Christology; but that source alone is inadequate for finding out the meaning of black folks’ Jesus…To be sure Athanasius’ assertion about the status of the Logos in the Godhead is important for the Church’s continued christological investigations.  But we must not forget that Anthanasius’ question about the Son’s status in relation to the father did not arise in the historical context of slave codes and the slave drivers.  And if he had been a black slave in America, I am sure he would have asked a different set of questions.  He might have asked about the status of the Son in relation to slaveholders.  Perhaps the same is true of Martin Luther and his concern about the ubiquitous presence of Jesus Christ at the Lord’s Table.  While not diminishing the importance of Luther’s theological concern, I am sure that if he had been born a black slave his first question would not have been whether Jesus was at the Lord’s Table but whether he was really present at the slave’s cabin, whether slaves could expect Jesus to be with them as they tried to survive the cotton field, the whip, and the pistol.

Unfortunately not only white seminary professors but some blacks as well have convinced themselves that only the white experience provides the appropriate context for questions and answers concerning things divine.  They do not recognize the narrowness of their experience and the particularity of their theological expressions.  They like to think of themselves as universal people.  That is why most seminaries emphasize the need for appropriate tools in doing theology, which always means white tools, i.e., knowledge of the language and thought of white people.  They fail to recognize that other people also have thought about God and have something significant to say about Jesus’ presence in the world.

My point is that one’s social and historical context decides not only the questions we address to God but also the mode or form of the answers given to the question. (p. 13-14)

This is in many ways the heart behind our taking a cue from Black History Month to elevate Black voices in our liturgies.  For those of us who have had a lack of Black voices in our Christian formation, this is a time to come to know God more fully, that we might love God more fully. And it is, for all of us, a time to intentionally celebrate the gifts, voices, and truth-bearing witness to the God-Who-Sees, of God’s beloved Black children.

Meet the UBC(ers)

The Waldrops

College Women’s Group

Hey College Women, are you looking for a place to get to know other UBC college women? College Women’s Group aims to be a safe space for college aged women to gather, ask hard questions, and find encouragement. We meet on Wednesdays at 6:30pm on Zoom for a casual time of fellowship and prayer. We would love for you to join us! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kathleen Post (kathleen_post1@baylor.edu) or Maddy Hayes. Peace, love, and blessings!

Sunday School

(De/Re)Constructing Together

We'll be listening to episodes of Pete Enns's "How the Bible Really Works" podcast together in order to talk through broad views of the Bible, deconstructing various issues, and then hopefully doing some reconstructing alongside one other, too. We hope you can join us! Email bri@ubcwaco.org with questions and to be put on the email list.

Attention Collection

Over the years we accumulate a series of inputs and influences that shape our imaginations and thus the way we relate to ourselves, to God, our neighbors, and the world around us—this is our attention collection. Join us for an exploration of the art, music, books, movies, hobbies, people, experiences, etc. that have shaped us. You’ll be invited to share from your own attention collection and to cultivate a curiosity about the collections of your fellow ubcers.  For more info and, importantly, the zoom link to the class, email jamie@ubcwaco.org

How to Fight Racism - Book of the Month in February

Hello UBC Family! Many of you know that in February we celebrate Black History Month at UBC in a variety of ways through our liturgy and the pulpit. This year we are also encouraging you to read a book with us: How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. This is the latest book by Jemar TIsby, which “provides a practical framework for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change.” We will read the book over the month of February, and then set up a time the first week of March to discuss the book together over zoom. We would love for you to join us in the important work of fighting against racism and injustice. If you want to participate, but can’t afford the book, let us know, we can get you a copy. If you would like to be a part of the group, or have any questions, please email toph@ubcwaco.org

Giving Statements

Giving statements will be available for pick up at UBC on Sunday 1-7 from 12-2 PM. Any statements not picked up during those times will be mailed after. If you gave to UBC and that giving was associated with an email address, you should have had your given statement emailed to you. If you gave and have not received an email please email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

Parishioner of the Week

Judah Crawford who the youth pastors tell me is best at responding to texts in a timely manner. it’s the little things Judah.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu