Liturgy Stuff 3-21-2021

March 21, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on March 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

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

I see the slave who toils beneath the yoke unyielding
and I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
for some hand to stay the whip their foe is weilding
so in the night, my hope lives on

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

I see the armies of the enemy approaching
and the people driven trembling for the shore
but a doorway through the water now is opening
so in the night, my hope lives on

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

like the son who though he’d gone beyond forgiveness
too ashamed to lift his head, but if he could lift his head
he would see his father running from a distance
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 draws near to the brokenhearted
and hears the cries of those who mourn

to enter the story of God,

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit might shape our hearts and minds

toward love
for God, for our neighbor, and for ourselves
that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ

Amen

Kyrie

kyrie eleison
what, lord, what have we done?
kyrie eleison
o, lord, with mercy, come
kyrie eleison
behold what we’ve wrought
in our weeping and gnashing teeth
kyrie, be not beyond our reach
turn not your ear from our pleas
but lord, have mercy

For Those Tears I Died

locked in confusion and loosening my grip
it’s happened before, god it happened again
I thought I knew a story about some vile curse shattering
but I think it found a way to mend

you say, “come to the water and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied
for I hold every tear drop that when in darkness you cried
and it was for those tears I died”

open my mouth, put a coal upon my tongue
cauterize my silence and char my teeth to dust
i’ve made an idol out of comfort, praised by keeping my mouth shut
and now it’s found a thirst for blood

you say, “come to the water and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied
for I hold every teardrop when you cry out in the night
and it was for those tears I died
it was for those tears I died

but how long?
and how many tears did you have in mind?
or how many hours of the night?
my god, we’re wearing thin from holding on.
good god, how long?

Dead Horse (by Andy Squyres)

here is my harvest of heartbreak
here is my threshing of tears
i’d give you my dream but I lost it
down in the locust years
now praise is the song that i’m singing
even though sorrow’s my tune
my love is only a whisper now
but nothing is wasted with you

here is my secret miscarriage
here is my public divorce
nobody taught me to let go
so I learned how to beat a dead horse
now all of my altars are empty
except for this lone hallelu
the heat of your fire’s just a memory
but nothing is wasted with you

hungry as a mother who cannot find her child
we keep missing each other, i’m in the liquor aisle
prostrated in your glory i’m bowed low under this
either nothing is wasted or everything is

here in the holy of holies
here by the blood of the lamb
words I have said all my life and believe
but still I do not understand
but I want to live in your presence
however inopportune
the warmth of your fire’s just a memory
but nothing is wasted with you
and my love is only a whisper now
but nothing is wasted with you

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 77:

I cry aloud to God,
    aloud to God, that he may hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
    in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
    my soul refuses to be comforted.
I think of God, and I moan;
    I meditate, and my spirit faints.Selah

You keep my eyelids from closing;
    I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
I consider the days of old,
    and remember the years of long ago.
I commune with my heart in the night;
    I meditate and search my spirit:
“Will the Lord spurn forever,
    and never again be favorable?
Has his steadfast love ceased forever?
    Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”Selah
And I say, “It is my grief
    that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
    I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work,
    and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
    you have displayed your might among the peoples.
With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.Selah

When the waters saw you, O God,
    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
    the very deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
    the skies thundered;
    your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
    your lightnings lit up the world;
    the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
    your path, through the mighty waters;
    yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 12:20-33:

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 

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 3-16-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Lent

An Update from the Leadership Team

These days, time feels like a cruel joke and impossible reality. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since we’ve gathered in person to worship together. Not simply because it’s been a year — I think we’ve all felt that time go by painfully slowly — but rather because we’ve spent that time without being in embodied communion with each other. Every week carries with it a small ache and a deep yearning to be worshipping together in our building. We have all held this lament with us for this entire year, and we all hope for a near future where that yearning becomes reality once again.

Throughout this year, the Leadership Team has met regularly to evaluate the safety of meeting as a congregation. We’ve discussed everything from our building ventilation, multiple services, managing mask-wearing, children, the science on COVID spread and singing, possible locations to gather outdoors, restrooms, and so much more. It seems at every turn there was a major COVID development — new restrictions, a huge spike in cases, major warnings surrounding holiday gatherings, huge building expenses, and more. We had heightened concerns about the safety of our building, our ability to perform enhanced cleaning, and the potential need to have to turn people away from our doors due to capacity. It’s been a difficult year of discernment, but ultimately, we are proud of the approach that we have taken and the hard decision that we have made to take the road that protects the most vulnerable. We do realize now that more regular updates about our thinking/discernment process might have been helpful for the whole church to hear and we regret any confusion or misunderstandings that may have developed due to lack of more frequent written communication on our part. We are also thankful for the enormous amount of grace and understanding that has been granted to our staff and Leadership Team.

Over the past year, the overwhelming sentiment we’ve received from our congregation is a longing to worship together, but an ultimate care for the safety of others. We have also all felt and carried an inescapable sense of weariness and fatigue through this entire season. At times, it has felt unbearable. In this season of unbearable weariness, we are thankful for a congregation and leaders who give us the space to express grief, disappointment, frustration, and anger.

Last week we sent out a survey through the newsletter to get a sense of what UBCers feel comfortable with as we prepare to chart a new path forward to gather in person in some way. With cases seeming to fall, and vaccination numbers beginning to rise, a hope in returning to normalcy in the somewhat near future does not seem so ridiculous anymore; the light at the end of the tunnel feels visible, feasible, tangible.

The leadership team will be monitoring positivity rates, case numbers, and vaccinations and continuing to listen to the CDC and other medical professionals for safety recommendations. We will continue to take the recommended approaches that protect the most vulnerable. But it is our absolute joy to say that the time has finally come for us to begin joining together non-virtually in some ways. So, please stay tuned for information from us regarding worshipping pods, drive-in services, and/or outdoor services (as long as numbers keep progressing in the direction of safety).

For those who have deeply enjoyed (or still prefer for safety) worshipping virtually and for those who have been able to connect with UBC despite not living in Waco, rest assured — we will continue to stream our Sunday services every week. 

Of one thing I feel certain — when we do finally gather together in our building once more, knowing we are not risking the safety of our neighbors — the sacredness and holiness of our gathering will be palpable. Frankly, I’m teary-eyed just thinking about it. Thanks for being you, UBC. I hope to see you all so, so soon

With love,

Taylor Torregrossa Beard

UBC Leadership Team

Meet the UBC(ers)

Cheatham

Guest Preacher Dr. Angela Gorrell

This Sunday we continue to celebrate women’s remarkable contribution to the kingdom of God. We will be joined by special guests preacher Dr. Angela Gorrell. Dr. Gorrell joined Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminaryin fall 2019 as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. Prior to joining the faculty at Baylor University, she was an Associate Research Scholar at the Yale Center for Faith & Culture, working on the Theology of Joy and the Good Life Project, and a lecturer in Divinity and Humanities at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She is an ordained pastor with 14 years of ministry experience. Dr. Gorrell is passionate about finding issues that matter to people and shining the light of the Gospel on them. She is the author of always on: practicing faith in a new media landscapeand a new book, The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found, which shares findings of the joy project while addressing America’s opioid and suicide crises. Dr. Gorrell’s expertise is in the areas of theology and contemporary culture, education and formation, meaning-making, joy, new media, and youth and emerging adults. Dr. Gorrell regularly consults, speaks, and leads workshops and retreats on her research and areas of expertise.

UBC March Madness Group

As you know it is time for March Madness. UBC will be hosting a pair tournament challenges via ESPN. The grand prize will be a free lunch on UBC with Toph & Josh. Can anyone catch Steve Nelson? Only God knows … that is if God is not an open theist.

men’s bracket challenge:

Group Name: #Champions4thelord

Password: godisabaylorbear

women’s bracket challenge:

Group Name: #Champions4theLord

Password: godisabaylorbear

Mr. Rogers Sunday

Are you Graduating?

Hello UBC Family, it is fast approaching the time of year in which we honor all those graduating at UBC. If you are graduating hs, college, or grad school, we would love to honor you during our Mr. Rogers service at the end of April. Please send an email to toph@ubcwaco.org to let us know you are graduating.

Parishioner of the Week

David Rhefeld for being offered and accepting the job of assistant professor at Central Oklahoma University.

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 3-14-2021

March 14, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on March 14th (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

I see the slave who toils beneath the yoke unyielding
and I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
for some hand to stay the whip their foe is weilding
so in the night, my hope lives on

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

I see the armies of the enemy approaching
and the people driven trembling for the shore
but a doorway through the water now is opening
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 is with us,
before us,
and behind us

to enter the story of God,
who is in us, beneath us, and above us,
on our right, and our left

to find our stories formed in the way of Christ,
in our lying down and in our getting up

that the Spirit might shape our hearts and minds

to find Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of us,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of us,
Christ in every eye that sees us
and Christ in every ear that hears us

Amen

Waking Life

you’re a hammer blow
to the barricade
that i’ve built up in my mind
to separate
that which I hold with warm embrace
from that which I have reduced
to an empty phrase

you’re a falling blade
to the knot I’ve tied
to secure a heavy shade
over my eyes
and as if I
had never tasted light
a stabbing pain slowly gives way
to a truer sight

you’re the waking life, piercing sleep
Reality, reframing the dream
and as I rise, I don’t recognize my speech
find a garden shed where I once keep my armory

you’re an ember thrown
from a funeral pyre
that infiltrates
the cavalcade of an outrage choir
through the withered aisles
of my fevered mind
now that hollow rage
is wholly remade
into a signal fire

you’re the waking life, piercing sleep
Reality, reframing the dream
and as I rise, I don’t recognize my speech
find a garden shed where I once keep my armory
and like the waking life pierces sleep
like reality reframing the dream
I don’t understand what is happening
but something’s changed in a place I cannot reach
and there’s this ache where I once kept my apathy
like there’s a depth to life and breath in everything

Look to the Hills

I lift my eyes
to the hills
to remind myself
this isn’t all there is
I lift my eyes to the hills
and wait for help to appear

my help is from the lord
who breaks past walls
and fortress doors
my shade in sun
and shield from sword
yes, my help is from the lord

so I look to the hills
and I know the score
the mountains fall
the shadows, they soar
and every rough line
is impeccably placed
as valleys rise
forgetting their place
I look to the hills
and I know what i’m for
and know my help
is going before

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
    those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands,
    from east and west, from north and south.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 3:14-21:

Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

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 3-9-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

Perspectives on Llfe, Death and Lent (by Josh)

I’m currently reading Blake Crouch’s Recursion.  Without saying too much, i’ll summarize one character story arc this way: “Young scientist Helena Smith, works tirelessly to invent a memory chair capable of mapping and conveying past experiences for Alzheimer's patients.”  Somehow because of the subjectivity of time, the nature of memory and existence, the chair ends up being a means to access previous points in one’s life ontologically.  To be honest I didn’t follow the alleged science of that part of the book very well.  

The idea is in service to a payoff that I suspect many if not nearly all humans have fantasized about.  The ability to return to a moment from our history and make a change that would alter our future for the better.  That is the story arc of Barry.  The moment he chooses to return to and correct is the death of his daughter, who he loses in a car accident.  One of the most interesting parts of the book is reading Crouch describe Barry’s epistemic status with the knowledge of a now former memory of his future in which he lost his daughter.  Barry’s overwhelming reverence for every single detail of this redeemed alternative story arc is beautiful.  Barry is given the opportunity to live into the “what if,” and the reason it is so rich is because he lived 15 years into his loss and that memory lives with him in his alternative past, which has become his present again. It is a kind of resurrection.  And in his life with the taste of resurrection, Barry drinks deeply from his life that has been restored.  Nothing is mundane.  It is all blessed in the radiance of the knowledge of the fact that it is, instead of is not.  

There is a flirty relationship with life, death and meaning.  The gods envy us Achilles says in the Iliad, because we are mortal.   There are a few ways to live in the meaning of that relationship.  One way is to do it as Barry does.  As someone who lost and found again.  Another is to live in the immanence of death.  Life is not restored in this instance, but it is vivid for those who abide in life with the knowledge of death’s proximity.  It’s like that Tim McGraw song “Live Like You Are Dying.”  

I’ve also heard folks talk about their lives after they get sober this way.  A renewed gratitude for a life they didn’t think they could have again.  
I was thinking wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to die, travel in time, recover from alcoholism or do anything else drastic to be maximally appreciative of the blessing of the everyday.  This sent me reflecting on the power of the Chirstian story.  Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ is coming again AND you have been baptized into that death, Paul says in Romans 6.  This really is the gift of baptism.  In it, we die.  We are relocated as Barry is, into a life we did not think we could have.  We have already died.  Already lost and all we have left to gain is everything.  

To arise into Christian life is to understand that you have already lost.  All have sinned and are dead in that sin.  The Christian life then is, as Eugene Peterson said, “a daily exploration of the constant and countless ways in which God’s grace and love are experienced.”  This is good news.  I suspect this is also the reason for our Lenten practices and season.  We are practicing the reality of death preparing for Jesus’ death yet again and consequently our own.  We begin by owning our ashes, die on good friday and practice our resurrection on Easter Sunday.   

Living in the shadow of the reality of death so that we might more fully enjoy life might seem like an odd instinct, but it is a fruitful one.  Years ago UBC had a prayer in it’s arsenal that we read at the beginning of Lent in which we named just what we planned to fast from, but also what we intended to feast on.  The two live together like mountains and valleys.  Lent then, will not just direct us to Easter, but it will do so in the full reality of what could have been.  We take seriously the notion that death could have won.  And in greeting death we are freed from it.  

Meet the UBC(ers)

Sandvalls

Leadership Team Meeting

There will be a leadership team meeting this Sunday, March 14th after church. This is a reminder to let you know that you can reach out to any member of the leadership team to share concerns or ideas. Those members and the best email address to contact them are listed below.

Parishioner of the Week

The Carneys for winning Western Trivia at Jellystone Park North Texas.

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 3-7-2021

March 7, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on March 7th (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

I see the slave who toils beneath the yoke unyielding
and I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
for some hand to stay the whip their foe is weilding
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 shelter in the wilderness of Lent

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form our hearts and minds
in the way of Christ

that we might love God and our neighbor
with the whole of our ordinary lives

Amen

Mother

is there a hair on my head
you haven’t numbered yet, you haven’t numbered yet
in the night, crying in the cold
is there a pain of mine you haven’t called your own?

o mother comfort, mother known

though our minds so well ignore your grace
you bring it just the same, you bring it just the same
we reside in your self-giving love
but you’ve somehow found enough
for all the space that we take up

mother wisdom, mother love
mother comfort, mother enough

through life and death, that cradled set
beginning and the end, Beginning and the End
you are a shield, a beacon of defense
and our weaknesses align as you gather us in

o mother warrior, mother age to age
mother wisdom, mother grace
mother comfort, mother love-that-can’t-be-bought
mother faithful, mother god

Holy Anger

Holy Anger,
fire that i’ve learned to ignore
cloaked in shadow, cellared and bolted the door
return now to me—
i’ll slip the key through the grate—
for I feel nothing
where I know that I should feel rage

so braid the cords of my heart and then hand them to me
to drive out the vultures from every neck I can reach

Holy Anger,
i’ve heard that you’ve done it before
plastic lighters
illumined with timely resolve
this comfort is acid
and I fear that it may soon dissolve
this ethical axis
until justice collides with control

o, Drunken Warrior, stumble and flail into me
brace my shoulder and release my tongue from my teeth
and braid the cords of my heart and then hand them to me
to drive out the vultures from every neck I can reach

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 19:

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 2:13-23:

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

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

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 3-2-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

The Practice of Gratitude (by Taylor)

Hello friends!  Today is the second day of March. (Women’s History Month! Very exciting!) And, as I am sure all of you are aware, we entered into a Covid-based quarantine during the middle of March one year ago. I’ve seen most people claiming the 13th as the day most of the country began quarantining. It seems very strange to me that it has been a whole year. In some ways I can remember what happened last March more clearly than I can remember what happened in January. Remember on like March 18 when all those celebrities recorded themselves singing Imagine? We were like 5 days in.

Time is moving strangely for me now. In some ways it seems to drag and in sometimes it seems to pass in big chunks. This has been compounded by the winter storms we experienced a few weeks ago. And I find myself feeling like it’s slipping through my fingers like sand.

In Women’s Book Club right now we are reading a book called Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The subtitle of the book is “Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” and it is proving to be one of my favorite books that we’ve read in WBC thus far. Kimmerer is a university trained ecologist (she has a PhD in the subject) and she is also a member of the Potawatomi Tribe, and much of the aim of the book so far is aa discovery and description of how she (and how the reader might in turn) has woven these strands together in her life. It is fascinating.

In one of the chapters we read for this week’s discussion, she talked about the power of ritual and particularly a family ritual that was performed by her family on summer mornings when they were camping. It was short and simple – it basically involved her father pouring the first cup of brewed coffee out onto the land and saying thank you. But it was meaningful – a liturgy that grounded Kimmerer and reminded her to be thankful; helped her remember that she was connected to the land around her.

And I began to think of my recent relationship with time. How it currently feels wobbly and like I can’t grab hold of it. How it seems to slip through my fingers. And so I began to think that it might be good for me to come up with some sort of ritual that helps me feel grounded, that helps me remember to be thankful for the time I have. I think that it might stop me from feeling like time is slipping through my fingers, but maybe it won’t.  Maybe I’ll still feel that way – but I think that marking the time with a ritual will at least help me set my own intention, help me to feel grounded, and help me to be thankful for the time I have even if it moves rapidly. I’m not sure what my ritual will be yet – I’d like to keep it simple, just a phrase or two and maybe some time spent in reflective silence. And I think I’ll start it on March 13th.

I’d love to know if you have any family or personal rituals that are meaningful for you! If you don’t mind sharing, please send them my way: Taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Meet the UBC(ers)

Marcus Mataga

A note on my interview with Marcus. Apologies, this one got away from me. I got enamored with Marcus career as an attorney and began a series of irrelevant questions. I apologies. If you are just here for the biographical stuff it’d probably be best to skip to about 8 minutes. If you want some free legal advice, start from the beginning.

UBC Survey

Asking one more time for those of you who haven’t filled out the survey to do so.

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.

Spiritual Trauma Group

HEALING TOGETHER

Have you ever been hurt by the church? By a congregational leader? By a pastor? Have you ever felt your humanity attacked by a religious teaching or idea? Have you ever wondered if you would ever be able to reconcile your love of Jesus with the hurt you have experienced from the people who claim to be like him? Have you ever read a biblical passage and felt it does not align with the God you thought you’ve come to know?

If you have answered yes to any or all of these questions, you are not alone. Many of us have experienced hurt at the hands of church leaders, religious teachings, and/or religious institutions. But I believe there can be healing and I believe that we can start that process together. This series is first and foremost one thing: a safe space to process and hopefully a place to heal. We will sit in silence together, read together, journal together, discuss together and pray together. Using methods and principles from Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church by Carol Merritt Howard, Biblical narratives, and prayer practices, we will seek to learn more about who we are and who God is in the midst of hurt.

When does it start? Wednesdays starting March 10, 2021 at 6-7pm (Central time)

Other important information: Due to the potentially sensitive nature of what we discuss in this group, it will be a closed group. We are also going to cap the number of people in this group to 10 so that we can ensure everyone has a chance to share.

Contact Jess Gregory (jess_gregory2@baylor.edu) if you are interested!

Parishioner of the Week

Kaleb Loomis & Aly Vukelich for getting married in the midst of the Texas winter apocalypse and a global pandemic. Their love truly will not be constrained by anything.

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 2-28-2021

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

Liturgy Stuff 1-31-2021

January 31, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on January 31st (in the order they are needed).

The Path of Justice

adapted from a text by R. B. Colligan

green pastures, quiet waters
lead us and restore us
death-shadow, fearful valley
lead us and restore us
on the path of justice,
o the path of justice,
lead us on the path
of justice

old hatreds, reconciling
bring us to your table
full blessing, overflowing
bring us to your table
on the path of justice,
o, the path of justice,
lead us on the path
of justice

full lifetimes in your presence
your compassion drives us
full lifetimes in your presence
your compassion drives us
on the path of justice,
o, the path of justice,
lead us on the path
of justice

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

the One who is gracious and full of compassion
in whose hands are faithfulness and justice

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 see our neighbor clearly
and learn to love our neighbor as our selves

Amen

Abide With Me

abide with me, fast falls the eventide
darkness deepens, lord with with me abide
when other helpers fail and comforts flee
help of the helpless, abide with me

swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
earth’s joys grown dim, it’s glories pass away
change and decay in all around I see
o thou who changest not, abide with me

thou has not left me, oft as I left thee
on to the close, o lord, abide with me
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless
ills have no weight and tears no bitterness

hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes
pierce through the gloom and point me to the skies
as heaven’s morning breaks, earth’s vain shadows flee
in life, in death, o lord abide with me

Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

Holy Spirit, truth divine
dawn upon this soul of mine
Word of God and Inward Light
wake my spirit, clear my sight

Holy Spirit, love divine
glow within this heart of mine
kindle every high desire
perish self in thy pure fire

Holy Spirit, power divine
by thee may I strongly live
fill and nerve this will of mine
bravely bear and nobly strive

Holy Spirit, right divine
king within my conscience reign
be my lord and I shall be
firmly bound, forever free

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Deuteronomy 18:15-20:

Moses said: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 1:21-28:

Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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.

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

o love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give you back the life I owe that in
thine ocean’s depths its flow
may richer, fuller, be

o light that follows all my ways
I yield my flickering torch to thee
my heart restores its borrow ray
that in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
may brighter fairer be

o joy that seeks me through the pain
I cannot close my heart to thee
I’ll trace the rainbow through the rain
and feel the promise is not in vain
that morn shall tearless be

o love, don’t let go of me
o light, hold my flickering
o joy, don’t lose sight of me
o love, don’t let go of me

o cross that’s lifting up my head
I dare not ask to fly from thee
though I lay in dust, life’s glory dead
from the ground there blossoms red
life that shall endless be

endlessly
endless be
endlessly

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 1-26-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

A Renewed Mind?  (By Josh) 

The Green Bay Packers lost their NFC championship game.  That piece of information is every bit as trivial as it appears to be on first glance.  It’s a game.  A game that pays millionaires.  It represents a form of leisure that has cult-like control of a segment of the population.  I might be guilty of that last claim.  Here is why I’m pointing out that the Packers lost, because I am a fan and I was devastated. 

The Packers have made it to the NFC championship 5 times since Aaron Rodgers took the helm of the quarterback.  They won one of those, which thankfully preceded a superbowl victory.  The Packers were in the NFC championship game last year and lost.  They were the 2 seed and visited the #1 San Francisco 49ers.  I expected they would lose that game and so I wasn’t as hurt by it.  This year the Packers were the 1 seed with home field advantage.  I believe they are better than the team that beat them.  I believe, as the fans say, they should have won.  

Back to my emotional state of being after the Packers lost.  I was devastated.  I know, it’s embarrassing.  I was even thinking in the middle of feeling devestead, that it was embarrassing to feel that way.  The good news about my commitment to the Packers is that, it is such that I’m fine today.  So here’s why I wanted to talk about this.  A key ingredient in my devastated disposition, a difference from last year to this year, was my expectation.  My friend Tye says that expectations are prepaid resentments.  The Buddists tell me that desire is the root of suffering.  I can tell you from my Packers experience that, that is true.  If I watched the Packers like I watched highlights from games in which teams play that I do not care about, I would experience no emotional pain. 

I listened to Sam Harris on the podcast Shameless today.  He’s an atheist, so perhaps a funny guy for a pastor to take spiritual cues from, but at the end of the podcast he began talking about meditation.  He offered a very specific definition of it.  The practice of being present to whatever you are experiencing so that you can differentiate yourself from your thoughts and detach from those thoughts in a healthy way.  In other words it’s about reducing our ego so that we can take those emotional experiences on for what they are as opposed to letting them consume us. 

At one point, Will Arnet asked about the possible downside of missing out on the good emotions.  Then Harris offered a corrective, namely, that he wasn’t advocating distancing from any emotion, but rather moving fully all the way into them without the narratives that perpetuate them.  In that case, you can experience them for what they are and move on.  I was thinking, that, that would be really helpful because I still want to be a Packers fan, but I don’t want to suffer for it.  I want to be joyful when they win and sad when they lose, but not in a way that either controls my life.  

I was thinking since I’ve cited the Buddhists and atheist I should also check in on my own tradition with this one.   I think of Paul who said, “be no longer conformed to the pattern of world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind.”  Maybe a way to renew the mind is to give the space it needs to live into each emotion without being controlled by them.  To let go of expectation while still having hope.  These are the fine lines we walk.   

Meet the UBC(ers)

Aleigh Ascherl

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 Sundays 12-31 & 1-7 from 12-2 PM. Any statements not picked up during those times will be mailed after.

UBC’s New Roof

Hello everyone. In the spirit of financial transparency and what is a significant decision in the life of the community, I wanted to tell you about the new roof that UBC will be getting in the coming days. For some time I have known that two large expenses on the horizon have been our need to have our roof redone and our parking lots resealed. The time for the roof being improved is upon us. We have avoiding this expense for as long as we could have patching different spots, but alas, it is time. So a few things.

Cost: The roof will cost us $79K. However, you may have noticed that much of the fascia is rotten and the gutters are in disrepair. To that end, we also need to have those replaced. That will cost us an additional $30K bringing our total roofing expense to $109K. The good news is that we have that money on hand. UBC currently has $59K in checking $36K in our operating savings budget and another $393K in our savings. A quick glance in the math then reveals that the roof expense will be about 20% or our liquid assets.

Decision Making: I wanted to take this opportunity to talk through polity and process since this is a big decision. As I’ve indicated we’ve identified that the roof needed to be redone for a few years now. Once it was identified that it needed to be done, the leadership team asked for several estimates. The finance team consulted with Risse on the best strategy to fund the roof and then that proposal was sent to leadership team to approve or veto.

Gratitude: I want you to imagine a moment in the future when we are all worshiping together. In this moment we are glad to be back in our building, which though we can all affirm the church isn’t the building, are now supremely grateful for the opportunity to gather in space and also those spaces themselves. It’s raining. The million drops create sound of nature’s applause in our large vacuous space. The sound of the rain is delightful as is the comforting thought that we are protected from it by our roof. $109K is a large sum of money and I wish we could be spending it on something that feels less … sterile … necessary? I can’t find the right word. But still, I want us to be grateful or the roof, that we have the money for it even in a pandemic and that it has helped house so many holy moments and will so again far into the future because of the investment of this current amalgamation of our community.

Parishioner of the Week

Candi Cann for her artistic ability and humor creating this photo.

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 1-24-2021

January 24, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on January 24th (in the order they are needed).

Wideness

there’s a wideness in god’s mercy
like the wideness of the sea
there’s a kindness in god’s justice
which is more than liberty
there is welcome for the sinner,
the cast-off, and the unloved
there is mercy with the savior
there is healing in his blood

for the love of god is broader than
the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal
is most wonderfully kind
but we make his love to narrow
by false limits of our own
and we magnify his strictness
with a zeal he will not own

there’s grace enough for thousands
of new worlds as great as this
there’s room for fresh creations
in that upper home of bliss
there’s plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed
there’s joy for every creature
in the sorrows of the head

for the love of god is broader than
the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal
is most wonderfully kind
but we make his love to narrow
by false limits of our own
and we magnify his strictness
with a zeal he will not own

o holy instructor
I fear we’ve found a way to
be wholly destructive
and pin the blame on you
o wideness, come searching
and repair what went wrong

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Living God

our rock and salvation,
our fortress in whom we will not be shaken

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

to speak resurrection into our wounds
and love into our hearts and minds

Amen

Lifted/Lifting

eternal Word, now spoken plain
familiar question, better framed
all the best answers seem to bend
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

guiding lamp light, make it plain
the path beyond these empty graves
a reconciling epiphany
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

o dynamic love, come renovate these painted tombs
and cultivate this fledgling hope into bloom
until it spreads like a garden through the gloom
until it’s lifted, keep on lifting

breath of life, exhaled in time
draw a blaze from ember light
subtle glow, now flickering
and if it fades, breathe out again
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

o dynamic love, come renovate these painted tombs
and cultivate this fledgling hope into bloom
until it spreads like a garden through the gloom
until it’s lifted, keep on lifting

time again, enduring light
recalibrate these bleary eyes
until the night is noonday lit
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

Someday I’ll Start Again

someday i’ll start again
but i’ve got promises to keep
someday i’ll start again
but first I have to do something

’cause I don’t know what I don’t know
I guess that’s just the way it is

someday i’ll start again
for now i’m trying to slow the tape
and for a moment, get a grip
on all I’ve tried to hide away

‘cause i’ve don’t know what I don’t know
and i’ve practiced it for years

someday i’ll start again
and I hope that it’s enough
I pay a man twice a month
to make sure I haven’t given up

and I don’t know what I don’t know
but something has to give
no, I don’t know what I don’t know
but I know where to begin

and someday i’ll start again

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Jonah 3:1-5, 10:

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 1:14-20:

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

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.

Dry Years

eternal, uncreated
who traced the frame before there was a frame
and never did forget it
though the shape
was mired along the way
would you now yet speak it
reassert the vision of the name
write it on our longing
like a pillar of fire and cloud the same

with urgency and grace
would you restore
what the dry years took away

o god of life, may your mercy shine
upon the painted world
with power benign
and raise our hearts to sing
like the moon pull to the tide
’til every riven thing
is found whole yet in plain sight

out here in the distance
among the fences
we build around our dreams
there’s a numbing of the senses
abject indifference
and ubiquitous fatigue
so would you now yet speak it,
holy beacon, the vision of the name
write it on our longing
like a pillar of fire and cloud the same

with urgency and grace
would you restore
what the dry years took away

o god of life, may your mercy shine
upon the painted world
with power benign
and raise our hearts to sing
like the moon pull to the tide
’til every riven thing
is found whole yet in plain sight

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 1-19-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

Psalm 139 (By Taylor)

Hi friends! It’s Taylor here. I have been bumping up against Psalm 139 a lot lately – it has come up in several meaningful ways recently. The most recent way was when an Instagram account I follow called Black Liturgies (@blackliturgies) posted this translation of v.15 -16 a few days ago:

“15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.16Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. You knew all the days that would form me when none of them yet existed.”

(By the way – if you don’t follow Black Liturgies you definitely should. Cole Arthur Riley is doig beautiful, meaningful, formative work I the content posted there.)

            A lot has happened over the course of the last few weeks. A lot has happened over the course of the last few months and the last few years. And maybe this is my own perception – but it feels as if the world is spinning faster than it used to; as if I cannot catch my breath between catastrophes, and I am running on reserves.

            And for some reason these words – and much of Psalm 139 – has been very grounding to me. A reminder that I am seen and known (and loved!) by the Divine. A reminder that though I might feel like a spinning top nothing has come to pass that could not have been foreseen by God. I don’t claim to know how all of it works but it is good to be reminded that it does. And it is always good to be reminded that ,though I play a part, it does not rest solely on me or my knowledge.

            So, I hope that will be comforting to you a well today. You are seen and known and loved – way deep down to the very core of who you are. God is with you on the good days and the bad days and the very, very normal days. I hope you rest in that knowledge.

Alicia Martinez

Friends in case you were not able to worship with us Sunday we also wanted to share here about the loss of UBCer Alicia Martinez. Alicia died after battle with COVID19. Alicia volunteered with our children’s ministry, served on parent’s night out and was actively involved in the life of our community. She had advance standing in the social work program at Baylor, and as such had a deepened sense of connection with that subset of our community. Her memorial service will be live-streamed on Friday at 11:30. You can find the link in her obituary which can be found here.

Meet the UBC(ers)

The Sepanskis

Giving Statements

Giving statements will be available for pick up at UBC on Sundays 12-31 & 1-7 from 12-2 PM. Any statements not picked up during those times will be mailed after.

Parishioner of the Week

Alicia Martinez for everything she gave to all of us.

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 1-17-2021

January 17, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on January 17th (in the order they are needed).

Mother

is there a hair on my head
you haven’t numbered yet?
in the night, crying in the cold,
is there a pain of mine you haven’t called your own?

O, Mother Comfort
Mother Known

though our minds
so well ignore your grace
you bring it just the same
we reside in your self-giving love
but you’ve somehow found enough
for all the space that we take up

O, Mother Wisdom
Mother Love
Mother Comfort
Mother Enough

through life and death, that cradled set
beginning and the end, Beginning and the End,
you are a shield, a beacon of defense
and our weaknesses align as you gather us in

O, Mother Warrior
Mother Age-to-Age
Mother Wisdom
Mother Grace
Mother Comfort
Mother Love-that-can’t-be-bought
Mother Faithful

Mother God

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Eternal One

the God who Sees,
in whom we are known truly
and loved fully

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

transforming our hearts and minds
that we might love our neighbors,
our strangers, friends, and enemies,
as God does

Amen

Because He Lives

God sent God’s son
they called him Jesus
he came to love, heal, and forgive
he lived and died to buy my pardon
an empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living, just because he lives

how sweet to hold a newborn baby
and feel the pride and joy she brings
but greater still, the calm assurance
this child can face uncertain days because he lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living, just because he lives

and then one day i’ll cross the river
i’ll fight life’s final war with pain
but then as death gives way to victory
i’ll see the lights of glory and i’ll know he lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living, just because he lives

Up To The Mountain (MLK Song) by Patty Griffin

I went up to the mountain because you asked me to
up over the clouds where the sky is blue
I could see all around me, everywhere
I could see all around me, everywhere

sometimes I feel like i’ve never been nothing but tired
and i’ll be walking ‘til the day I expire
sometimes I lay down, no more can I do
but then I go on again because you asked me to

some days I look down, afraid I will fall
and though the sun shines, I see nothing at all
and then I hear your sweet voice, come and then go
telling me softly that you love me so

the peaceful valley, just over the mountain
the peaceful valley, few come to know
I may never get there, ever in this lifetime
but sooner or later, it’s there I will go

sooner or later, it’s there I will go

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is 1 Samuel 3:1-10:

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lordcalled, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 1:43-51:

Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

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.

As Yet Untitled Unfinished Song

come to me, ye weary
dissolve into my gentle breeze
and find there is a light here in the shade

come heavy head, ye soul-sick dregs
and cast upon me that which keeps you bent
and find there is a light beyond the shade

For the God Who Sees is not far away

come to me, ye filthy rich
and cast your fortunes to wilder winds
and find there is a light you cannot possess

o, gather round, ye powder kegs
but hold your fire, before nothing’s left
and find there is a light you cannot demand

for god is not mocked and will not be co-opted

so gather up your grief, gather up the sun-bleached
bones of your dreams, bring it all to me
for there’s a lightness beyond lightness
in the Ground Beneath All Being
and my burden is peace
so come to me
come and find
there’s a lightness

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 1-12-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

Sundays Remarks

Hello friends. Truth be told, I wrote a new entry for this newsletter. Then after sitting with it for 24 hours I decided I disagreed with myself and elected not to publish it here. Instead, I am including the remarks I made Sunday in response to the events that unfolded at the capitol building last Wednesday.

A Few Remarks Prepared in Response to 1-6-21

1-10-21

Jeremiah 6:13-15

“There Is No Peace” 

I was reminded this week that Stanley Hauwerwas said, “Protestants set out to make America Christian and instead they made Christianity American.”  

The worst of that truth was on display Wendesday when seditionists carried confederate flags in one hand and “Jesus Saves” signs in the other, while breaking federal laws and calling for the murder of Vice President Mike Pence for failing to do something he is not empowered to do. 

Let me name something that I have always tried to wear.  To Carry.  To honor in this position.  That is the reality both that the gospel transcends political landscapes so as not become a bedfellow with a particular party, but rather critique them (because you will never find a platform that squares entirely with the Kingdom of God). 

And Also 

That the gospel is inescapably political.  That because the kingdom of God begins with the reality that humans bear the divine image of God, the gospel’s very existence is a critique of principalities and powers. 

So here’s the rub.  It is very easy for me to speak candidly with you individually about that tension and at times I show my cards.  In the worship moment … with the gift I have been given in the pulpit, I have always tried to be measured.  To speak out against this president when he demeaned women, when he enacted an immigration policy that was inhumane, when he belittled human dignity both through policy and word, when he implicitly and sometimes explicitly championed white supremacy and when he devalued entire nations through polemical speech. 

What happened Wednesday was horrible.  There is no other way to say that.  And it was horrible, among other reasons, because the individual who has the most power in the world right now encouraged what happened.  And what’s more, took measured to make sure it would happen. 

That truth is particularly terrifying and we likely have not seen the last of this kind of terror.  

So what do I do here? 

If the senate vote is indicative of anything, perhaps a silver lining would be that the public condemnation of what happened is near universal … (that’s probably overstated), but at least when cooler heads prevailed that seemed to be the acceptable social opinion. 

Still something lingers in the speech and thought that the church must confront and that is what I want to use this moment for.  

As I was writing this this morning I got a text from a friend Mark that included a graphic titled “Purple Church Post-Insurrection Sermon Bingo.”  In the spirit of jest, the card lists words like: quote from MLK, one thing we can all agree on …, both sides, civility, quote from Lincoln, & Mr. Rogers (we’ll add some nuance there).  

When I spoke the Sunday after George Floyd was murdered I called the riots imprecatory riots and read Psalm 137.  My point was that the bible made room for and anticipates that kind of emotion.   The gift of the Bible is that it gives us a range to express human emotion – and to do worship well and properly, we must move through all those emptions.  So today, in order to rebuke the calls for peace without justice and the movements to say “it’s okay” without it actually being okay – I want to read a few verses from Jeremiah 6.  

13“From the least to the greatest,
    all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
    all practice deceit.
14 They dress the wound of my people
    as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
    when there is no peace.
15 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
    No, they have no shame at all;
    they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
    they will be brought down when I punish them,”
says the Lord.

 Meet the UBC(ers)

The Parkers

HR Team Member

The HR team is looking for someone to serve on the team. This is a volunteer position. The purpose and qualifications are listed below. If you are someone you know has an interesting please email josh@ubcwaco.org.

(A)Purpose.  The Human Resources/Staff Support Team shall exist for the following purposes:

a.     To establish procedures for the hiring of ministerial and non-ministerial staff, and to enact those procedures when advised by Leadership Team to do so.

b.    To advise Leadership and Finance teams on issues regarding long-term staff needs. 

c.     To create and implement staff review procedures.

d.    To advise Leadership and Finance teams on matters regarding staff compensation, benefits, grievances and termination.

e.    To be a liaison between the congregation and staff during times of conflict after all attempts at personal, one-on-one resolution has been made.  

(C)Qualifications.  HR/Staff Support Team members shall have been an active participant in the life of UBC for no less than one year, have received a bachelor’s degree (or roughly an equivalent amount of experience in personnel management, ministry, or other related field,) and have a demonstrable understanding of organizational management.  

Parishioner of the Week

Jen & Paul Carron for a dynamite Christmas Eve worship performance.

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