Love is an Orientation

This Wednesday we will have a conversation at UBC around Andrew Marin's book "Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community."  I always feel it is necessary to lead with, "You DO NOT have to have read the book in order to participate," and this continues to be true.  There will be a quick summary of the book at the beginning, so you will not be in the dark.    We will meet in the Backside at 6:00, and you are encouraged to bring your dinner with you.  UBC will provide drinks. We have invited member's of Baylor's Sexual Identity Forum to join us for this very important conversation.  After the conversation, at 7:15, we will all meet in the Brown Room for our Compline service, which is about 20 minutes and consists primarily of reading the Psalms.

Hope to see you on Wednesday!

New Wednesday Schedule...

We are beginning a new Wednesday schedule this week.  Due to timing conflicts and diminishing interest, we are no longer having the formation time at 6:00.  We will, however, keep this time open occasionally for book conversations.  The new Wednesday schedule is as follows... 7:15 a.m.:  Communion. (Lasts about 20 minutes.)

6:00-7:00 p.m.:  Backside will be open for you to bring your dinner.  This time will also be for occasional book discussions, meetings, etc.

7:15 p.m.:  Compline Service.

Spread the word!

Why we do Communion and Compline (by Craig Nash)...

Today began our new fall schedule which includes a Communion Service at 7:15 a.m. and Compline at 7:30 p.m.  The idea, borrowed from monks (who borrowed it from Scripture,) is that we begin and end our day with prayer, calling out to God, communing with God's people. We began Communion this morning with the words of the Psalmist... "Oh Lord, Open our lips, and our mouths will declare your praise." (Ps. 51)

We will end the day with words from Psalm 4... "I will both lie down and sleep in peace; For you alone, o Lord, make me lie down in safety."

Most of the formation work of the church, any church, (Protestant churches, at least,) is active and engaging.  It requires prayer, thought and action which, often, are synonymous with each other.  In our Sunday morning worship we sing songs and hear God's word proclaimed through the sermon.  In our Bible Studies and small groups we engage with Scripture and with each other actively, almost always aware of what is happening, always with an eye toward benefit.  In other words, it doesn't take much effort to see and understand what is (or isn't) happening during these times.

But in our more contemplative times, such as Communion and Compline, the "benefits" are rarely seen or felt immediately.  What we "get out of" or "put into" these times takes a back seat to our simple participation in the words and rituals of God and God's people.  In a way, the act of showing up during these times is all that is required.  It is saying to God and to the world, symbolically with our bodies and participation, "I am present."  Whether wiping the sleep out of our eyes at the beginning of the day, or wiping them exhaustion out of them at the end, we are here.

There is  another way of "knowing" and "learning" that occurs during these times, a different kind of benefit altogether from what we usually expect from "church life."  Because of this, many people find these times difficult and dismiss them as being for "those" kinds of people-- mystics, contemplatives, weirdos.  (We know how you look at us. :)  )  Yet Spiritual Formation almost ALWAYS occurs in the context of community.  And in our context, it occurs in a VERY diverse community of mystics, evangelicals, charismatics, liberals, conservatives, Arminians, Calvinists, Open Theists, etc., etc.  When each of these sit next to each other reuglarly in a circle and participates, together, in the words of life-- "Oh Lord, open our mouths and our lips will declare your praise,"-- something special happens.

It just may take the rest of our lives, maybe longer, to understand what that "something special" is.

Fall 2013 Sunday School...

Our new semester of Sunday School begins this coming Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  We hope all of you can join us for this special time of formation.  We have several opportunities for you this year.... THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

This fall, the lectionary (a three year Bible reading plan used by many churches) relies heavily on the Gospel of Luke, so we decided it would be a great idea for us to provide an opportunity to become conversant in this important book and to explore what it has for us and the church.  Location: Red Room, taught by Adam Winn

JEREMIAH

Like Luke, the lectionary this fall has generous helpings of the book of Jeremiah. This group will look at the historical and literary background of Jeremiah and will consider its contemporary significance and application for our lives.  Location: Brown Room, taught by Grant Francis and Monike Garabieta

FRESHMEN

Sunday School is a perfect opportunity to get connected with the UBC community and to explore the core values of our church with other first year students.  Location: Rock n Roll Room, led by Toph Whisnant, Daley Olson, Julia Fanning and Sean DelBecarro.

WE’VE GOT ISSUES

Along with many other things, church should be a place where we think about and contemplate Big Ideas. From theological reflections on worship to conversations around culture, technology and race, this class will do just that. Each class will be a 15-18 minute “TED Talk” style presentation from various UBC’ers, and followed by conversation around the topic at hand. Location: The Back Side, led by various UBC’ers

YOUTH

We’ve got a youth group! And our youth group meets on Sunday Mornings in the white room upstairs and has a blast reading scripture, getting to know each other, and, we suppose, doing stuff with life savers and toothpicks, though we don’t ask questions about those kind of messes. If you have a student from sixth through twelfth grades we would love for them to join us!  For information, contact craig@ubcwaco.org.

Home and Discipleship Groups at UBC...

This year UBC has numerous opportunities for you to become involved in a group designed to help you be formed into the person God wants you to be.  Two of those opportunities are Home Groups (also known as "Mi Casas") and Discipleship/Spiritual Formation Groups. Our Home Groups meet once a week in people's houses and apartments.  Over the years this has become the best way to become involved in the life of UBC and to find people within the church to connect and to grow with.  Each group shares a meal (or dessert) together, is committed to pray for each other and for UBC, and to engage with Scripture in some way on a weekly basis.  Beyond that, each group forms its own "personality" based on the people involved.

This is the first year we are facilitating Discipleship/Spiritual Formation Groups.  Based on the Spiritual Formation writings and initiatives of Renovare', these groups are groups of 3-5 people who are deeply committed to each other's formation as a Christian and who meet weekly to study Scripture, pray, and to help each other be more intentional about becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We have leaders ready to lead these groups.  Also, if you had a small group of friends who wanted to participate in a group together, we would be happy to get you started with the right direction and materials.

If you want to be a part of either of these groups, please email craig@ubcwaco.org.

Fall Wednesdays...

We are excited about Wednesdays this coming fall.  There will be opportunities all day long for you to connect with the church, worship, and re-center during the middle of the week.  We hope you can make time to participate!  Below is the Wednesday schedule, which will begin on September 4....  

6:45 a.m.-- Early risers.  For folks who want to attend the 7:15 communion service, but need a little extra time to wake up, we will have coffee and donuts to get you going.

7:15 a.m.-- Communion Service.  This will be a short, 20 minute service that will include scripture reading, prayer and communion.  We are making this service open to anyone in the community.

5:00p.m.-6:00p.m.-- Dinner in the Backside!  We are opening up the backside, setting up tables and chairs, and inviting you to bring your dinner to eat with other UBC'ers.  You can arrive at any time during that hour.

6:00p.m.-- Adult Spiritual Formation and Children's Activities.  At 6:00 we will have a time that consists of a variety of Spiritual Formation activities, from Bible Studies to art/music nights to learning about how we can be engaged with our neighborhood.  Also, there will be activities for kids!

7:30p.m.-- Compline.  In monastic traditions, Compline is the last prayer service of the day.  This service will be about 20 minutes and will include prayer, a devotional reading and readings from Scripture.

8:00p.m.-- Pub Group and Discipleship Groups.  We will have our pub group at 8:00 at the Dancing Bear, and the church will also be open during that time for our smaller discipleship groups to meet.

Getting to Know You(bc): Amanda Mott...

Age?

19

Where do you call home?

Sugar Land, Texas

What do you do in Waco?

sophomore at Baylor studying film

What do you love most about UBC?

the music. it is so good. i enjoy when i can fully lose myself in worship and UBC has provided me that opportunity every sunday.

Favorite movie?

i don't know that i have one favorite, i am overly attached to several. but i love The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Christopher Nolan is my man.

Book/author?

Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (disclaimer: i've never actually read Pride and Prejudice, but the movie is so beautiful, the book can't be much different right?)

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

i wanted to be a writer and an astronaut.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

a screenwriter .. and daniel day lewis' best friend

Favorite artist/band/musician?

coldplay. i could never love another more.

Best burger in Waco?

HealthCamp cheeseburger with an Oreo milkshake and a side of ice water

What do we have to know about you to really know you?

i really like photography and movies. i miss and love my family so much, they are some of the greatest people i know. i believe that the academy awards are the best day of the year and i think panda bears are cute. my friend went to China once and got to hold a real panda bear. i hope to do that one day too.

Favorite YouTube video?

is it sad that my favorite thing to watch on YouTube are acceptance speeches? it probably is. but here are two of my favorites. i watch these videos more that i will ever admit to, but they are kind of inspiring. at least i think so!     

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxr8mbvaB2E]    

AND

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RIS5GJqAg]

Getting to Know You(bc): Jeff Langtham...

Age?

24

Where do you call home?

I'm originally from Houston, but I've lived in Waco for about two years now. My family also has some land near Austin, so let's just say I call Texas home.

What do you do in Waco?

Work as a propulsion test engineer at SpaceX.

What do you love most about UBC?

I love the open and honest atmosphere at UBC. It's a welcoming place where people can feel free to be themselves. It's full of people interested in engaging in genuine conversation about how we can be more like Christ.

Favorite Movie?

Gran Torino.

book/author?

J. R. R. Tolkien.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

An astronaut, or do whatever I can to help us explore the crazy big universe that God made (it's out there waiting for us!).

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, Coldplay, U2 (hard to choose just one.)

Best Burger in Waco?

Health Camp!

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I love trying new things. It helps me keep perspective and keeps life interesting. Also, playing musical instruments is one of my favorite hobbies: mainly piano/keyboard and guitar.

Favorite YouTube video?

My favorite YouTube video is a performance of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. It's a song about a man struggling to find God's will and ultimately realizing that he's failed to find it (my generalized interpretation of the lyrics). He also engages in a bit of hyperbole (exaggeration for effect) at the end. Anyway, watch it, don't watch it, love it, hate it, feel indifferent about it; just make up your own mind and don't take my word for it. It's called Antichrist Television Blues, and it's by Arcade Fire:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/Iz9JrdR_BI0]

Getting to Know You(bc): Dan Padgett...

Age

One-quarter of a century come April 1^st.

Where do you call home?

Middletown, NJ.

What do you do in Waco?

I'm a grad student at Baylor, working on a PhD in Philosophy.

What do you love most about UBC?

The community; along with being fantastic human beings, the people I have befriended at UBC inquire earnestly into what it means to be a Christian. I am thankful to be surrounded by those friends.

Favorite Movie?

The Life Aquatic.

book/author?

C.S. Lewis’ Till We Have Faces. If you haven’t yet read it, do so immediately; if you have read it, read it again. Not only is it a wonderful work of fiction, but it also has profound insights into the nature of our relationship with God. In general, I’m a fan of anything by Lewis or Tolkien.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For a while I wanted to fly jets for the Air Force. I also distinctly remember that I didn’t want to get a job that involved teaching or math, which is ironic since I have a degree in mathematics and...

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

I’m hoping to be a professor once I finish my PhD.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Wilco.

Best Burger in Waco?

Captain Billy Whizzbang’s Whizz-pig.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

As much as I love philosophy, it doesn’t take much to convince me to put the books down and do something outdoorsy, pick up my guitar, or just hang out with friends.

Favorite YouTube video. I guess this isn’t something YouTube specific, but the claymation is entrancing.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puph1hejMQE]

Getting to Know You(bc): Michael Scott...

 

Age?

19

Where do you call home?

I'm originally from Alaska, but I call San Antonio home. 

What do you do in Waco?

I'm a freshman at Baylor, I'm pre-business at the moment.

What do you love most about UBC?

I love the music and community, and that everyone is so inviting, and my Mi Casa <3

Favorite Movie?

The Blindside/Pitch Perfect.

Book/author?

Is Heaven For Real by Todd Burpo.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A princess, and a dolphin trainer, and a flight attendant, and a teacher and a mom.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

I think I want to be in the Army reserves and be a Human Resource Executive at USAA, so that changed a little from back then.. But really I don't know. Anything is possible.

What's it like sharing a name with the most famous fictional boss of all time?

I think it's really funny. If I didn't love the office it'd probably be awful though. One of the best parts is when I can tell people wanna say something about it, but they don't wanna be awkward, which ends up being awkward. Lol:)

Favorite artist/band/musician?

I have a million. I love Brad Paisley, and Mumford & Sons, and MercyMe.

Best Burger in Waco?

Texas Roadhouse has the best burger anywhere.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

If something is pink and sparkly I more than likely love it. It doesn't take a lot to make me laugh, but when I think something is really funny, my laugh is horrible.

Favorite YouTube video. -

Single Ladies Devastation (he's just so sad! lol)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb9eL3ejXmE]

Getting to Know You(bc): Caleb Ludrick

Age?

20

Where do you call home?

The Woodlands, Texas

What do you do in Waco?

I am a sophomore studying Business at Baylor and I work part time at the Baylor Law Library.

What do you love most about UBC?

One of the things that initially drew me to UBC was the music. After I started attending regularly I began to really appreciate the spirit of authenticity that the community embodies.

Favorite Movie?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy and everything by Woody Allen.

Favorite Book/Author/reading material?

C.S. Lewis and Cormac McCarthy are both favorites. I’m currently reading Blood Meridian and On The Road.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A firefighter: the classic American hero.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

Something with an MIS degree.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Three way tie between The Black Keys, Explosions in the Sky, and Led Zeppelin.

Best Burger in Waco?

A1 Thick-n-Hearty from the Whataburger on 5th Street. Other than that I’m a fan of Health Camp.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I love playing guitar, especially the blues. I listen to a lot of different blues artists all the time; some of my favorites are Son House, Junior Kimbrough, Howlin’ Wolf, and then some modern blues-rock like The Black Keys and Black Pistol Fire. I can play a pretty mean slide guitar. I also enjoy mountain biking at Cameron Park and watching Woody Allen films.

Favorite YouTube Video?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjqgliGgvt0]

Getting to Know You(bc): Dan Venzin

Age?

25 years, 4 months, and 7 days (statistics derived on 3/18/13)

Where do you call home?

I call Texas home.  If I had to choose a specific place in Texas it would be College Station - it is the longest I have ever lived in one location.  I was born in Detroit and have lived in Ohio, England, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas.  I have an older brother who lives in New York City - he is getting married in late May of this year in Istanbul, Turkey; an older sister who lives in Houston - she is one of the strongest persons I know; a younger brother who goes to school at Texas A&M in College Station - he is the weirdest of weird persons I know; and my mother and father live in West Palm Beach, Florida - best parents anyone could ask for.  They say home is where the heart is, so I consider my home to be in a lot of different places.

What do you do in Waco?

I attend Truett Seminary.  I play basketball every Thursday night at the Columbus Avenue Baptist Center with friends.  I play on an intramural soccer team with some guys from Truett.  I work in the Baylor Marketing & Communications Department.  I watch movies and television in Waco.  I drink lots of coffee in Waco, as well.

What do you love most about UBC?

Craig Nash.  Have you seen his smile, heard his laugh, or looked into his eyes?

Favorite Movie?

What About Bob? with Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, Charlie Korsmo, and Kathryn Erbe.  Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy ranks fairly high on the list along with Lord of the Rings and Young Frankenstein.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Meteorologist/Weatherman.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

A month before I graduated from Texas A&M in 2011 I was picked up by a building products distribution plant in Houston and I worked there in sales for one year before moving to Waco.  I felt called to the ministry when I was a senior in high school and decided to take that step in the summer of 2012.  Truett Seminary started a new program that offers a dual degree for an M.Div/MBA which I plan on pursuing.  From my personal, educational, and work experience, I am interested in how ministry works and is practiced in career/workplace settings.  If worse comes to worse I figure I can catch a one way flight to New Zealand and open a high-five stand© that encourages tourists to enjoy their vacation.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

I have seen Relient K in concert 10 times.  I'm not sure if they are my favorite band or the greatest band ever but I grew up listening to them and I get nostalgic whenever a song of theirs comes on.

Best Burger in Waco?

McDouble.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I have seen each individual Big Bang Theory episode more times I care to admit.  My room is always messy.  Sometimes I set up a tent in my living room and pretend I'm camping.  People say I'm competitive.  I say that I am passionate about winning.

What is it like being an Aggie in Waco?

It was difficult at first because of all the attention Baylor Bears would give me, but once the celebrity status started to become a background topic, people, especially Craig, came to realize that I'm just a normal guy who happens to be an Aggie and who happens to live in Bear country.  I remember during orientation at Truett, one of my fellow classmates - who also attends UBC - and I were talking about Aggie and Baylor football before the 2012 season had kicked off.  I believe one of his comments consisted of the words, "Oh I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over our Heisman."  To that I say to him: Eternal scoreboard.  Baylor Heisman: 1  Texas A&M: 2.

I love college rivalries and love that I have the opportunity to go to such a great school that shares a unique history with my alma mater.  Baylor is a top-notch school and the people have been nothing short of hospitable to a foreigner like me.  The experience has been humbling at the same time.  I can remember a situation where I said to myself, "I don't know where I want to go to grad school or what I want to do in grad school, but at least I know I will never go to Baylor."  Funny how things work out.

My old roommates from A&M helped me move down to Waco the weekend before classes started.  We had finished unloading all of the boxes in my apartment, said our goodbyes and they drove off.  A few hours later I walked outside and saw my car, which has an A&M decal on the rear window, covered in Baylor stickers.  For 3 months I blamed this prank on a faceless and obnoxious Baylor student.  Turns out my old roommates were the ones who pulled this prank on me.  For Christmas they both got me Baylor gear and insist on me doing a "sic 'em" whenever I see them.  I catch fire from both Bears and Aggies.

Favorite YouTube video of all time?

Keyboard Cat has got to be up there somewhere.  The Harlem Shake.  Nooma Nooma guy.  Leroy Jenkins.  The classics, you know?  I could watch videos of dogs playing with lemons all day - 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNkB6vI5vwg]

Getting to Know You(bc): Ronald Tipton

Where do you call home?    Waco vía San Antonio.

What do you do in Waco?    I teach high school engineering classes.

What do you love most about UBC?

Community Meals.

Favorite Movie? Logan's Run.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A preacher.

What do you want to be now when you grow up? A trainer.

Favorite artist/band/musician? Albert Bierstadt/ The 77s/ Glenn Kaiser.

Best Burger in Waco? Carl's Jr.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

"I curse the sun in the summer; burns me up 'til I'm blind,

I curse the cold in the winter, but I don't really mind,

If they asked any money, I would give any money to the sun, and the wind, and the rain to be kind.

Prayed the rain to keep up, but it kept coming down,

Washed my hands of it all, but it's all over town,

I would give any money to see the sky again sunny, but I'll let it rain, really pour,

Salt my tears, let me drown.

 Can the dirt in the ground sprout a seed all alone?

Can the dirt in my heart go away on it's own?

If you asked me for money, I would give you the money to make the rain wash the stain, take my shame and go home, yeah.

 Rain on, (come-a, come-a, come down on me)

Rain on, (come-a, come-a, come down on me)

Rain on, (come-a, come-a, come down on me)

Rain on, (come down on me)

Ooh, the rain kept falling in love, oh, in love."  The 77s

What is your favorite YouTube video of all time?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7BbWXK8A0]

Baptism this Sunday...

(The following is an edit/update of last year's call for folks wanting to be baptized.) At UBC, baptism is special.

To be sure, it is special for all who follow the way of Jesus.  Baptism is the marker, the statement we make to tell ourselves, each other and the world "I am identifying myself with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and choosing to follow him.  I am handing my entire life to God to do with it whatever God chooses."  We baptize because Jesus was baptized.  We baptize because John the Baptist and Peter and numerous saints along the way have preached "Repent and be baptized!"  In baptism we go under the water, remembering that one day, in death, we will be placed into the ground.  We go under the water also remembering that we are sinking in our sins.  We come out of the water in anticipation of being raised out of the ground, and in recognition of our great need to be raised out of the torrent of sin.

And for us, baptism has taken extra significance.  In 2005, as our friend and pastor Kyle Lake prepared to baptize a member of our congregation, a series of malfunctions occurred and he passed away.  It was a horrific day, a day in which the brokenness of the world was made manifest before our eyes, a tragedy that we have been marked by.  But can I be so bold to say that something beautiful happened that day as well?  In those waters-- waters that represent the passing from  temporary, sin-filled and self-obsessed life, to death, to eternal life with our Creator-- our friend passed from life in this broken world to life in a complete, eternal world.

The sting of death was very real and present on that day, but because of the picture baptism paints for us, we remember that death does not have the final say, Jesus does.  This story is ever present with us when we come to the waters of baptism.

Since that day we have moved baptisms from our building to outdoors.  We offer up Palm Sunday of every year-- the day Christians celebrate Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem to defeat death once-and-for-all-- as the day for those who have not yet been baptized to do so.

If you would like to be baptized on that day, please let us know.  Any of the pastors at UBC would be overjoyed to baptize you.  If there is someone special in the church who you would like to baptize you (Mi Casa leader, Sunday School Teacher, Parent, etc.), we encourage that as well.

If you are interested, please email craig@ubcwaco.org before Friday of this week.

Getting to Know You(bc): Sam Benefield...

 

Age

I'm 20 

Where do you call home?

Texarkana, TX is home for me.

What do you do in Waco?

I am a student at Baylor studying business.

What do you love most about UBC?

What I love most about UBC is the way it takes traditional aspects from other denominations and puts them together.

Favorite Movie?

Good Will Hunting.

Book?

Black, Red, White by Ted Dekker. 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an architect when I was little.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

I want to do something in commercial real estate, build houses, or play in a band.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

U2.

Best Burger in Waco?

Penland Cafeteria on Tuesdays.

Have you had a burger in Waco aside from the Penland Cafeteria?

Actual best burger- Cry Baby burger from George's.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I seek genuineness in relationships.

Do you have a secret talent?

I play drums.

What is your favorite YouTube video of all time?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2pgWTXP9M]

Getting to Know You(bc): Alicia Kobylecky

Age?

23 years old

Where do you call home?

Waco

What do you do in Waco?

I'm working toward my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.

What do you love most about UBC?

That it's a place for people who doubt, and its congregants seem to genuinely care about each others' well-being.

Favorite Movie?

Lars and the Real Girl

Favorite book/author?

 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

a psychotherapist

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

a professor / behavior therapist / researcher / person who supports young women who are "socially different" (basically Aspergirls = portmanteau of Asperger + girl)  via creation of a college-based program for these academically-capable young women who need wraparound social and/or emotional supports

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Natalie Merchant and Carole King

Best Burger in Waco?

I don't know. I'm vegetarian, so burgers aren't really my thing. I do love Food for Thought, though, which has sandwiches and burritos.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I'm a feminist who will discuss social justice issues at length, if seemingly prompted, so just tell me if you need to get somewhere anytime soon, if this happens to us.

Since you moved to Waco, what has surprised you most about the city?

The community of writers and artists is so supportive here. That's one of my favorite parts about living in Waco. I saw a flyer for a women's writing circle and have been going ever since then. It seems like the outskirts of Waco and its surrounding towns have a surprising number of ridiculously awesome hippies (e.g., the family that takes care of Enchanted Cedar in Lorena). 

Getting to Know You(bc): Cristina Clancy

Age:

33

Where do you call home?

I am originally from Wichita, Kansas. I moved to Waco, TX in 1994 when I was about to start eighth grade.  My mother lost her job at the time during the Boeing layoffs that year.  However,  I consider myself a Wacoan now because I have lived here for over 10 years.

What do you do in Waco?

I am a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful boys Alex and my latest addition to my life Jayden.  I enjoy spending time with my family that I have built with my husband, as well as friends.  I enjoy going to the movies, bowling, skating, frisbee golf, and eating out with family or friends.  

What do you love most about UBC?

I was going through some tough times in 2006. I lost my job due to a nervous breakdown and ended up being hospitalized.  My husband and I lost our home because of this.  Our expenses piled up, and we ended up living with his parents for a few years.   I lost hope and faith in God because of my nervous breakdown.  At the time, I didn't understand why he had put me through this.  I had a lot on my shoulders between work, taking care of the pets, the house, and making time for my husband who was gone all the time.  I truly believe now that it was a sign that something was wrong in my life, and God wanted me to put faith in his hands to lead me to the right direction.   I have been to many different churches in Waco, none of which I felt comfortable and at home in.  I began to believe that I would not find a church that would help me heal spiritually with God, and yet still treat me like family.  I was introduced to UBC by friends from Baylor in 2006 after I got out of the hospital.  I thought I might as well try.  What else do I have to lose? UBC has been there for me before I had kids and was at my lowest point in my life.  Now they are still there for me, as well as my husband and kids.  There friendly smiles, laughter, and caring hearts are what I love the most about UBC.  I can worship God and still be myself knowing that each member of UBC that I meet will not treat me any differently.  They would treat me as if I was part of their family.

Favorite Movie?

 Hunger Games

Favorite Book/Author/reading material?

Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

 I wanted to be a Veterinarian and help sick animals get well.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

I'd like to be a speech pathologist.  My oldest son has had speech problems as well as other developmental delays since he was one.  The speech pathologist that helped him get to where he is today has inspired me to want to help others in language and hearing impaired.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

 I have two.  I am a huge fan of David Crowder Band, and I am very fond of Jackie Evancho the twelve year old Opera Singer from America's Got Talent.

Best Burger in Waco?

 Tom's Burger on Sanger.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I am a devoted mother and love my children.  I sacrifice everything to make sure that they are happy.  Alex has developmental issues, which has been challenging to get him to where he needs to be.  I really had to put a lot of faith in God, as well as close family and friends last year in March for his Strabismus Surgery.  This surgery was a make or break for Alex.  It had a high success rate,  but there was a  chance that it could fail.  He has had quadruple vision in early childhood for so long, that he had become behind developmentally in fine motor skills, gross motor skills, as well as social skills.  He has been in countless therapy sessions with Klaras Early Childhood Development.  When he graduated at the age of three from the program, my husband and I had to look for another program to help him achieve his goals.  We found that in HOPE therapy of Waco.  He just recently started therapy this month, and we hope he will get to where he needs to be.  Because of Alex,  I try my best to be there for my friends and or family who are also going through hardships in their lives.  I believe in doing God's bidding, and he has always taught me to look to the bright side of things.  He has taught me to look out for those in need, whether it is my children, husband, or friends.  He has also taught me to have faith in him and to love him, which I strive to do my very best as a Christian today.

Getting to know You(bc): Will Parchman...

Name: Will Parchman

Age:  26

Where do you call home?

Born in Minnesota, lived in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, California and Florida. So I'll make Neil DeGrasse-Tyson happy and say 'Earth.'

What do you do in Waco?

I write about sports for the Waco Tribune-Herald. I dabble in Dothraki-based interpretive dancing as well.

What do you love most about UBC?

It's accommodating without going overboard on concession, intellectual without being stodgy, introspective without being ponderous. And it's filled with interesting folks and conscientious leaders. And those candles.

Favorite Movie?

Vacillates between Pan's Labyrinth and Commando, depending on mood.

 Book or author?

Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

 I remember more that I DIDN'T want to be an astronaut because of a particularly horrifying experience with freeze dried tomatoes. I think I wanted to be Pete Sampras more than anything.

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

If I can have a clean, well-lit cafe around me, a comfy chair under me and a means of writing in front of me, I'll be happy.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Too tough. I love everything from Mongolian throat singing to roots-based indie folk. Right now, though, I'm pretty sure Thom Yorke's new project will alter my life's course in one way or another.

Best Burger in Waco?

Dubl-R. Hands down. No question.

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

Big question. In Germany, you'll offend a stranger if you ask how they are. They'll only answer it honestly. No platitudes. I love that. I'd like to think that sums up my approach toward people.

Favorite YouTube video of all time?

Now you're talking my language. There's an obscure Swedish TV show called Grotesco that employs a particularly irreverent style of humor. My favorite is a parody of the 1996 film 'A Time To Kill' in which they more or less speak gibberish over very solemn themes. It has me rolling every time. One of the better parts:

 Main character: "They say a man can walk a thousand miles and still don't know his butt from behind. Well I say a man can walk two yards and find the crown la-crue, and that's a fruit."

Who would you rather stare you down in anger and contempt-- Kim Mulkey or Emily, your wife?

Emily. Not only because she doesn't know the difference between a block and a charge (which I find really endearing), but because 'I'm sorry' floats a lot lighter in domestic settings than it does in professional ones.

In your job as a sportswriter, who has given the best interview?

A lot of good ones, but former Texas basketball great Slater Martin stands out. He told me one of my favorite stories of all time. At the age of 18, he hitchhiked from Houston to Austin on a total lark to play basketball for UT in the 40's with an Asian friend during the height of WW2 anti-Asian sentiment. They were nearly penniless and had no way to get to Austin, where Martin had to be the next day to try out for the team. After Martin was unsuccessful in hitching a ride, his Asian buddy flagged down a car instead and got him to Austin. Slater is now considered one of the best UT basketball players to ever live.

Getting to know You(bc)...

We are reviving the UBC blog in order to introduce you to the amazing folks who call UBC "home!"  Look for these about 2-3 times a week.  Take time to pray for the person being featured, learn their name and face and say "hi" when you see them at church. ______________________

Name:  Maxcey Kite

Age:  22

Where do you call home?

Aledo, TX (just west of Fort Worth)

What do you do in Waco?

Senior at Baylor (Professional Writing major, Religion minor)

What do you love most about UBC?

I love how UBC views life through the lens of its benediction (Love God. Embrace beauty. Live life to the fullest.). Through UBC I have found a community in which I feel both welcomed and comfortable but in which I am also continually challenged to feel uncomfortable so that through my struggles my faith may grow. 

Favorite Movie?

A Knight's Tale or Beauty and the Beast

Favorite book/author?

Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series followed closely by Harry Potter :)

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher

What do you want to be now when you grow up?

When I grow up on May 18th, I would like to do marketing/communications for a nonprofit.

Favorite artist/band/musician?

Taylor Swift (we both love cats, Ellen, and I can actually sing along to her songs with my very limited vocal range.)

Best Burger in Waco?

Five Guys

What do we HAVE to know about you to really know you?

I love these seven things: my Lord and God, my fiancé, my family, my friends, kittens, chocolate, and travel. If I'm not busy, I'm bored. I believe a smile and good communication can solve nearly every conflict. My number one strength (according to the Baylor StrengthsFinder) is responsibility and it is also a strength I value highly in others. I don't like tomatoes and I have a little latte maker so I can make my own vanilla lattes.

What does Luke, your fiance, feel about Taylor Swift being your favorite artist?

Luke's feelings about T-Swift being my favorite artist, and really about Taylor herself, have developed over the past three years as a result of what can only be called immersion therapy. What started off as mere tolerance has progressed to secret admissions of singing along with her on the radio. In other words, he knows all of the words to her most popular songs, and (though he may not publicly admit it) he likes them. Win :)

What is your favorite YouTube video of all time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwNi8dzj0S8 It never gets old :)

Advent Reflection...

(This was read before yesterday's service.) ______________

There is an argument being waged among us that is far more contentious than who you voted for in the last election.  In many cases this controversy causes emotions to flare up more than the abortion argument, gay marriage and tax policy, and it has divided friends and family along very distinct battle lines.  And it is this:  When is the appropriate time to begin listening to Christmas music?

Some, like myself, hold to the more traditional view that the Thanksgiving Holiday should be savored to the fullest, not to be mingled with the elements of Christmas, and therefore it is most appropriate to begin listening to Christmas music on the day after Thanksgiving.  This is, of course, the most Christian view and is (in all likelihood) held by many giants of our faith like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Lottie Moon, C.S. Lewis Robert Griffin III and, of course, Jesus.

And then there are a several variations of the other view.  Some believe Halloween is the appropriate time and still others hold that there IS no “appropriate time,” that any day is an day in which Christmas music can be played.  This is the non-Christian, liberal view and is held, in all likelihood, by such historical figures as Genghis Khan, Kim Kardashian and, of course, Hitler.

This is an argument that is probably not going to be solved in our lifetimes, so when we encounter each other with differing views it is probably best just to nod our heads and quickly move on to the next subject, all while secretly judging each other.

But there is something about the Christmas season that I think we can all agree on:  Once Thanksgiving is over, things get frantic and busy and loud.  The time of the year when we most anticipate that Silent and Holy night when eternity broke into our world in the form of the baby is often accompanied by a lot of noise.  Stress levels rise as a season that is meant to be reflective and joyful becomes, instead, burdensome.  And we wonder, is there any cure for all of this frenzy that ends with Christmas day coming and going before we even have a chance to savor it?

And as if on cue the church clears her throat, steps forward and says yes, there is a cure:  Advent.

Advent begins the church year and acts as a counterbalance to the speed and anxiety that the culture around us has burdened Christmas with.  Advent sees us running full steam ahead toward Christmas and it gently presses its foot on the break and says, slow down, wait a second, stop.  Christmas will come in due time.  The day to welcome the light of the world is coming, but first let’s remember something:  We are in darkness.  Wars are raging both around the world, and in our hearts and before the savior comes we must, like John the Baptist, prepare the way.

Joan Chittister reminds us that the purpose of Advent is "not to delay the celebration of Christmas, but to enhance it. It's a kind of delayed gratification that culminates in a … satisfaction that is all the richer for the waiting."

Phillips Brooks: IT WAS NOT suddenly and unannounced that Jesus came into the world. He came into a world that had been prepared for him. The whole Old Testament is the story of a special preparation. Only when all was ready, only in the fullness of his time, did Jesus come.

For us, the next four weeks is about preparation and slowly watching the light overcome the darkness.  To symbolize this we will light candles that represent the themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.  We will sing songs of hope and expectation that will slowly give way to songs of joy and jubilation.  And we will wait with baited breaths for the salvation of the world, both in remembrance of the first time, and in expectation of the final time that Christ will bring heaven to earth…