Liturgy Stuff 5-9-2021

May 9, 2021

**Note: if you are attending the parking lot service,
we are wearing masks the entire time**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 9nd (in the order they are needed).

Mother Hen (Are You A Shelter?) [by Boris Smile]

are you a mountain?
standing strong and standing tall
are you an ocean?
are you deeper than us all?
are you a river?
do your waters flow into me?
are you a small cloud moved by the softest breeze?

can you hold me
’cause i’m still shaking

are you a mountain?
standing strong and standing tall
are you an ocean?
are you deeper than us all?
are you a river?
do your waters flow into me?
are you a small cloud moved by the softest breeze?

can you hold me
’cause i’m still shaking

will you wait with us?
breathe in this soul of dust
the world who calls my
the world, she knows my name

can you hold me
’cause i’m still shaking

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Creator

the One Who gave birth 
to all of creation, and has numbered 
every hair on our heads

to be formed by the Wisdom of God,

the One Who gathers the vulnerable 
like a hen gathers her children 
under her wings

through the power of the Spirit, 

the One Who greets 
every newborn creature 
with the kiss of life
and is raising the world 
from death to glory 

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

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

Waking Life

you’re a hammer blow 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 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 kept 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
and 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 kept my armory
like the waking life, piercing sleep
like reality, reframing the dream
I don’t understand what is happening
but something’s changed in a place I cannot reach
there’s this ache where I once kept my apathy
like there’s a depth to life and breath in everything

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, is Psalm 98:

O sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is 1 John 5:1-6:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

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.

Pulse

there’s a secret pulse hidden in
the fabric of creation
and the story of every creature is:
bone from dust//gift from Gift

reconnect our hearts to that pulse you hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tower that can’t be hidd’n

there’s a remedy for the ache
that plagues us all in waves
and the cure for our other-scorning rage
is break my bread, i’ll break your shame

reconnect our hearts to that pulse you hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tower and lock us in

until we find there’s only one kind
of love that won’t break
more than blind, more than selfless in name
it’s open arms either way
’cause there’s a pulse at the heart of all things
that gives life all the same
and a design to the rhythm we breathe
Holy Name//Give and Take

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 5-4-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Transformation (by josh)

I’ve caught myself confessing something a few times this year that surprised me.  I don’t read much theology anymore.  Some of that is because of my personality.  I go through phases.  The theological phase of my life was/is a long one.  That journey is never over, but I don’t read about it much anymore.  While I’ve by no means exhausted the offerings of Christian history, or even gotten close really, the major movements seem clear to me.  Said differently, while there’s constantly new books about what Luther said being published, Luther himself isn’t saying anything new.  And in theology, newness isn't generally considered an attribute.  Newness usually gets labeled heresy.  

That being said I just finished Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ.  I loved it.  Richard Rohr has become a kind of grandfather to the post-evangelical movement.  He is someone who has held our hand and made us feel safe as we’ve moved out of what we knew into what we don’t know.  He is a Fransiscan Catholic who has said, “Protestants like me because I quote scripture a lot.”  He’s also conversant with the tradition.  But the real reason we like Richard Rohr is because he’s honest about something that no one else is.  He prioritizes experience.  That is, he insists that even in our commitment to sola scriptura, we all hold that conviction through the inevitable lens of our experience.  

I’ll be forty in July.   That artificially significant number is weighing on me in a pensive way.  I’m noticing things more.  And while time refuses to do anything but accelerate, I’ve slowed down in my body and in my mind.  My introspection is moving into parts of my heart and mind that I didn’t know existed.  A result of all of this is that the way I’m measuring value is beginning to change.  I no longer read theology and ask “is this interesting?”  I find i’m much more interested in “will this change me?”  I think the reason I like reading Richard Rohr is because his ideas change me.  I pray more when I read his books.  I think more.  I consider what I give my affection to and what the culmination of my habits will render me.  

So I’ll tell you what Rohr has me thinking about.  In the second to last chapter of the book Rohr deals with epistemology, how we know what we know.  His thesis is that in the West, but really humanity as a whole, we have fallen prey to dualistic thinking.  We see most situations, ideas, and people in binary categories. Good and evil.  Black and white.  Right and wrong.  It’s how the mind evolved to survive.  I have predators.  I need to hoard.  I need to be right.  I need to survive.  I need to win.  It all flows from the same state of mind.  And Rohr admits that this mind served it’s evolutionary purpose.  To call it bad would be wrong and incidentally be another form of dualistic thinking.  The goal for Rohr is to have your mind renewed in Christ.  To live with a unitive, nondual, or contemplative mind.  

A bit about my personal pedagogy.  I have a hard time getting ideas, even really good interesting ones, until I have experience with them.  For years I’ve been an advocate for contemplation and whole mindedness, but I don’t think I knew why.  It’s likely that it’s because I could resonate with the failure of the dualistic mind.  But then Rohr helped me realize that I have experienced the unitive mindset.  He gives two examples.  I’m going to quote him at length here: 

“You probably didn’t realize it at the time, but whenever you were in that honeymoon stage of new love, you were temporarily enjoying a kind of unitive, nondual, or contemplative mind.  During that graced period, you had no time for picking fights or being irritated by nonessentials; you were able to overlook offenses, and even forgive your sisters and brothers and maybe even your parents.  

… 

Conversely, in the days, weeks, and years  after a great grief, loss, or death of someone close to you, you often enter that same unitive mind, but now from another doorway.  The magnitude of the tragedy puts everything into perspective, and a simple smile from a checkout girl seems like a healing balm to your saddened soul.  You have no time for or interest in picking fights, even regarding the stuff that used to bother you.” 

The two great teachers Rohr contends are love and suffering.  While I’ve had a hard time admitting that and understanding that, these two examples opened up this teaching to me in a new way precisely because I had the experiential knowledge Rohr is talking about.  So I have been considering that it might be possible to live out of this kind of mindset all the time.  It feel invigorating.  How about you?  Do you recognize what Father Rohr is talking about?  Do you live out of the unitive mind?  What are some practices that help you live out of that part of yourself? 

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Eleanor Sofia Altahif

Birthday: 4/4/21

Birth height: 18 in

Birth weight: 5lb 15.8 oz

Enneagram Number: 1w9

Pastoral Care

Hello friends in light of Toph’s sabbatical absence in the month of May, we thought this a good time to remind everyone that those of us who are still around, are here for pastoral care. As vaccination rates rise and opportunities to be out and about rise with it, we are mindful that new and difficult challenges will unveil themselves. In light of this we wanted to remind you that we are up at church and can make appointments to see you or as always want to extend the invitation to email us: josh@ubcwaco.org, jamie@ubcwaco.org & taylor@ubcwaco.org. Love you. You’re the best!

Service Time Change

HEY!!!! One more reminder that church starts at 9:30 A.M.

Meet the UBCer(s)

The Krey

Leadership Team Nomination

We will be replacing three of our valiant leadership team members this August. Thank you to Jeremy Nance, Kerri Fisher, & Joanna Sowards. Description of the role is below. Leadership team members function as the executive decision making body of the church. The commitment is to a three year term. Leadership team terms are three years. If you would like to nominate someone for the leadership team, please do so by using this link to fill out the form.

(A) Purpose.  The Leadership Team shall be the primary decision-making body of UBC.  The Leadership Team will oversee all the business and property of the church, as well as make the final decisions regarding hiring and dismissal of staff and the acquisition and selling of assets that are beyond budgetary provisions.  

(C) Qualifications.  Each member of Leadership Team shall have been a member of UBC for at least one year, exhibited an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the church, and be willing to fulfill all responsibilities in the Leadership Team job description. 

(E) Term.  Members of Leadership Team may serve for a duration lasting up to three years.  While they are encouraged to remain the full three years, members may voluntarily remove themselves from their position at any time

Pastoral Associates

Friends, Bri Childs, our current pastoral associate is leaving us. Bri leaves behind kindness, compassion, and a legacy with Paul Bunyan size shoes. Alas, we press on towards new things. We are looking for a new pastoral associate(s). If you are a person who is thinking about ministry or would like ministry experience and and an opportunity to work with the UBC staff for a very, very, very (did I say very) small stipend, then boy do we have an opportunity here. Interested persons can apply by clicking here.

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that Carlton Banks excited gif right here)

Parishioner of the Week

Sack Lunch a band featuring our very own Davis Misloski & Ben Simmons, opened for Colony House. They are going places.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 5-2-2021

May 2, 2021

**Note: if you are attending the parking lot service,
masks are to be worn the entire time**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 2nd (in the order they are needed).

Heart Won’t Stop (John Mark and Sarah McMillan)

there is not a man nor a beast
nothing on the land or underneath
nothing that could ever come between
the love you have for me
I could lay my head in sheol
I could make my bed at the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place I could escape you

your heart won't stop coming after me

there is not an angel of the stars
there is not a devil in the dark
nothing that could change the way you are
the love you have for me
I could lay my head in sheol
I could make my bed at the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place I could escape you

your heart won't stop coming after me

I could lay my head in sheol
I could make my bed at the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place I could escape you

your heart won't stop coming after me

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Living God

the One who has searched us
and known us, whose gaze pierces our pretenses

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping to be formed by the Spirit of God

more fully in the way of Christ,
that we might love God and our neighbor
in our ordinary lives

Amen

Abide With Me

abide with me, fast falls the eventide
the darkness deepens, lord 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 grow dim, its 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
heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee
in life, in death, o lord, abide with me

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

love divine, all loves excelling
joy from heav’n to earth come down
fix in us thy humble dwelling
all thy faithful mercies crown

Jesus thou art all compassion
pure unbounded love thou art
visit us with thy salvation
enter every trembling heart

breathe, o breathe, thy loving spirit
into every troubled breast
let us all in thee inherit
let us find that second rest

finish then thy new creation
in full bloom, let us be
let us see thy great salvation
lost in wonder, love, and praise

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Jonathan’s sermon text, is Psalm 139:1-12:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from your spirit?
    Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
    if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
    and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is as bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 15:1-8:

Jesus said to his disciples, ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

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 God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 4-27-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

An Update from Toph & Melissa 

Dear UBC community,

There is no easy way to break sad news, so we will just come out and say it: It’s with heavy hearts that we write to tell you that we are ending our marriage. Many of you have walked with us in our marriage and in friendship through the years, and we want you to hear this news from us. We still care deeply for each other and remain friends, but ultimately have different dreams for the rest of our lives. At this moment, the words from a blessing for hard things rings very true:

“Unfurling from marriage vows

is to lose what could have been

for the sake of what must be instead.”

 As painful as it is to end our marriage, we know God will continue to do good work in us as individuals and will bring beauty from the ashes. Toph will remain in Waco at UBC, where he feels called to serve. Melissa is moving to Austin in June to further her Interior Design career and would love for you all to come visit.

Divorce is a deeply personal and private matter, yet the role of a pastor—and of all disciples of Christ—is to be vulnerable and honest with our communities of faith. We realize some level of transparency is necessary and hope this letter conveys both our love for UBC, our time here together, and each other, even as we close this chapter of our lives. Moving forward, we’d love for you to check in on us as individuals and ask how we are doingday-to-day. We want to feel seen and loved by our community. We do not, however, desire to walk through painful details over and over again, and therefore ask that you respect our privacy. 

Thank you for your friendship, love and support both now and in the past. For the past thirteen years people have asked what kept two east coast kids in Waco? The answer, time and time again, has been the UBC community and our amazing friends. We love you all and ask that you continue to pray and care for us in this difficult season.

--Melissa & Toph

Communion Sunday

Hello all. We will be partaking in communion this Sunday as part of the liturgy. Please bring communion elements with you to serve you and your family unit. Also remember that church starts at 9:30!!!

Meet the UBCer(s)

The Altahifs

N’UBCers Cookout

Have you started worshiping at UBC during the pandemic? would you love an opportunity to be around other UBCers in a setting besides worshiping on sunday morning? Boy do we have an opportunity for you. Come to the new UBCers cookout and meet some fellow UBCers and staff. Also, if you already attend UBC or have for a long time and are not new, you can come too! Help us meet the new people. interested persons should sign up here. The extravaganza will start at 6:00 PM CDT.

Sabbatical Schedule Crazies

Friends, let me begin this by reminding you that the bylaws allow for full-time staff to take a sabbatical every five years. Brother Jameson was supposed to take one last summer, but delayed it because of COVID. Brother Toph was supposed to take one this summer, but finds himself in similar circumstances. Taylor is due for one next summer. In effort to avoid all three of them being gone at the same time, I have asked them to think about creative ways to take the time. Alas, Toph is taking a month of his starting today. So if you need Toph please note that he will unavailable in the month of May. Please contact josh@ubcwaco.org for any of your Toph needs.

Leadership Team Nomination

We will be replacing three of our valiant leadership team members this August. Thank you to Jeremy Nance, Kerri Fisher, & Joanna Sowards. Description of the role is below. Leadership team members function as the executive decision making body of the church. The commitment is to a three year term. Leadership team terms are three years. If you would like to nominate someone for the leadership team, please do so by using this link to fill out the form.

(A) Purpose.  The Leadership Team shall be the primary decision-making body of UBC.  The Leadership Team will oversee all the business and property of the church, as well as make the final decisions regarding hiring and dismissal of staff and the acquisition and selling of assets that are beyond budgetary provisions.  

(C) Qualifications.  Each member of Leadership Team shall have been a member of UBC for at least one year, exhibited an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the church, and be willing to fulfill all responsibilities in the Leadership Team job description. 

(E) Term.  Members of Leadership Team may serve for a duration lasting up to three years.  While they are encouraged to remain the full three years, members may voluntarily remove themselves from their position at any time

Service Time Change

HEY!!!! Don’t forget that church starts at 9:30 this Sunday! Be there or be square!

Pastoral Associates

Friends, Bri Childs, our current pastoral associate is leaving us. Bri leaves behind kindness, compassion, and a legacy with Paul Bunyan size shoes. Alas, we press on towards new things. We are looking for a new pastoral associate(s). If you are a person who is thinking about ministry or would like ministry experience and and an opportunity to work with the UBC staff for a very, very, very (did I say very) small stipend, then boy do we have an opportunity here. Interested persons can apply by clicking here.

CCMS Partner Update

It has been a hard a year for our partners over at Cesar Chavez Middle School. Teachers have been put in more hours than humanly possible, and students have had to adjust between online and in-person learning throughout the year. It has also been a difficult year because partners like UBC have not been able to do our usual mentoring programs with students. CCMS reached out recently and asked that we sponsor lunch for the faculty/staff during STARRS testing, so we are 100% in. On Thursday May 6th, we are taking a lot of delicious food from Mac House to give them some comfort during the long days of testing. If you think about it, say a prayer for the 115 faculty/staff at CCMS as they enter into the STARRS testing season. If you ever have a question about our local partnerships, please reach out to toph@ubcwaco.org

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that julia-louis-dreyfus excited gif right here)

Parishioner of the Week

Joe Hays for winning the Black Glasses award for best original screen play.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 4-25-2021

April 25, 2021

**Note: if you are attending the parking lot service,
masks are to be worn the entire time**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on April 25th (in the order they are needed).

On The Path of Justice

green pastures, quiet waters
lead us and restore us
death’s 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 blessings, 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 guides us
full lifetimes in your presence
your compassion guides 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

seeking rest in the refuge
of the Eternal One

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping to be formed by the Spirit of God

that we might bear the neighborliness of Christ
in our ordinary lives

Amen

House of God Forever

god is my shepherd
I won’t be wanting, I won’t be wanting
god makes me rest
in fields of green, with quiet streams
even though I walk through the valley
of death and dying
I will not fear, for you are with me
you’re always with me

your shepherd’s staff
it comforts me
you are my feast
in the presence of enemies
surely goodness will follow me
will follow me

in the house of god, forever

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

savior, like a shepherd lead us
much we need thy tender care
in they pleasant pastures feed us
for our use thy folds prepare

blessed jesus, blessed jesus
thou hast sought us, when no one did

we are thine do thou befriend us
be the guardian of our way
keep thy flock from sin, defend us
seek us when we go astray

blessed jesus, blessed jesus
hear, o hear, us when we pray

thou hast promised to receive us
wayward, burnt out, though we be
thou hast mercy to relieve us
grace to cleanse and pow’r to free

blessed jesus, blessed jesus
we shall early turn to thee

early let us seek thy favor
early let us do thy will
blessed lord and only savior
with thy love, our whole selves fill

blessed jesus, blessed jesus
thou hast loved us, love us still

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 10:11-18:

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

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.

Eternal Anchor

eternal wisdom, eternal grace
is there a creature you have not named
and known in greater depth
than the cells of which it’s made
and bound up in a love not even death could separate

eternal anchor, eternal grace
wrapped in light like eternal flame
would you incinerate the thorns
stabbing in my brain
and with a word obliterate
the cycles I retrace

o, would you raise a staff split the sea,
and graft my withered branch
into your family tree
and come to my defense
if my brother called it cheap
as if my every breath, someone else
had planned to breathe

eternal anchor, eternal love
is there a distance you would not run
with glory gathered up, kicking up the dust
to close the gap I made to try my luck

o, would you raise a glass, call a feast
and grace my withered hand with your family ring
and as I search for words to try to explain
would they be drowned out with your redemption parade
and as the forests clap their hands, mountains stomp their feet
would a thousand trumpets roar as trampled voices sing
and would I be caught up in that embodied Melody
of the all-creation misfit family band of everything

will all that was lost yet be found?
will all that was lost yet be found?
Name beyond all naming
Love beyond all framing
will all that was lost yet be found?

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 4-20-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Sexual Assault Awareness Month/Child Abuse Prevention Month

(by jamie)

Hey Everyone,

April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Aleigh Ascherl (fellow Ubcer, as well as Prevention and Education Director at the Advocacy Center in town) sent me some resources to honor these focuses in our community.  What follows is a declaration of solidarity with survivors, as well as resources for anyone who is in need of support.

Declaration:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and today,  we take a moment to recognize the epidemic of sexual violence and abuse within our community and our nation. Here in Texas, 2 out of every 5 women and 1 out of every 5 men will experience  sexual violence. 

Sexual violence of all kinds capitalizes on the sinful desire to control and maintain power over  someone. As people of faith, we must adamantly denounce such behavior as sinful and contrary  to God’s will. God created us to love each other selflessly and with constant concern for other’s  well-being and autonomy. Sexual violence defaces human dignity and distorts the image of God.  Violence against one of God’s people is violence against us all. 

Sexual violence destroys families and communities. Often kept hidden, this is an issue that must  concern all of us. For too long and far too often the voices of survivors have been ignored,  dismissed, or silenced. But silence in the face of any injustice is not spiritual. We are compelled  by our faith and our humanity to hear stories, wrestle with hard truths, and believe survivors.  And because of our belief in the pursuit of justice, we stand in solidarity with the victims and  survivors of sexual violence of all kinds. Forgive us for ignoring you or shaming you. Help us to  open our eyes to these acts of injustice, and seek ways to compassionately and thoughtfully serve you. 

We denounce the sinful actions of abusers and perpetrators of violence. What you are doing is not  ok, and we do not condone it. And we denounce our own silence in the face of suffering. 

And we mourn the loss of life, the loss of health, and the loss of safety that has occurred because  of sexual violence. We commit ourselves to labor toward a better future, a future free from the  violence and evil of abuse.

Resources:

Here are some resources if you are in need of support—I’ll add further that if you would prefer to talk to a pastor, any of us are willing to be present to you and also to help connect you to any further support.

RAIIN – National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800) 656-4673; https://www.rainn.org/ 

Advocacy Center for Crime Victims & Children, Crisis Hotline (888) 867-7233 serves victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and all other violent crimes.  

• Services include: 24 hour - crisis hotline, counseling, SANE exams, forensic  interviewing, & case management, trainings, presentations, prevention and  education services. Serves Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, &  McLennan counties. www.advocacycntr.org 

Department of Family and Protective Services 

• Mandated Reporter Training:  https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/training/reporting/default.asp 

• Report Abuse: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse.asp 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org/ 

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault: https://taasa.org/ 

Meet the UBCer(s)

The Balks

Leadership Team Nomination

We will be replacing three of our valiant leadership team members this August. Thank you to Jeremy Nance, Kerri Fisher, & Joanna Sowards. Description of the role is below. Leadership team members function as the executive decision making body of the church. The commitment is to a three year term. Leadership team terms are three years. If you would like to nominate someone for the leadership team, please do so by using this link to fill out the form.

(A) Purpose.  The Leadership Team shall be the primary decision-making body of UBC.  The Leadership Team will oversee all the business and property of the church, as well as make the final decisions regarding hiring and dismissal of staff and the acquisition and selling of assets that are beyond budgetary provisions.  

(C) Qualifications.  Each member of Leadership Team shall have been a member of UBC for at least one year, exhibited an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the church, and be willing to fulfill all responsibilities in the Leadership Team job description. 

(E) Term.  Members of Leadership Team may serve for a duration lasting up to three years.  While they are encouraged to remain the full three years, members may voluntarily remove themselves from their position at any time

Service Time Change

So we are all in this lets-try-and-worship-outside-thing together. When we started we said we were going to figure it out as we go. Well, we’ve figured out our first thing. Even April is too frigin hot to be outside for an hour in the sun. So we are moving the start time of the service up to 9:30 starting May 2nd. Please let everyone you know about the change. Find ways to casually drop it into conversation. Be gossipy about it if you must. Positively reflect on beating the rush to lunch destinations. I know changes are a big deal, but I believe in you. I believe in us.

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that Kermit the Frot excited gif right here)

Backside - Friday, April 23, 7pm

Join us for an open mic event in the parking lot on Friday, April 23, at 7pm.  Be sure to bring a chair/blanket, and any snacks or drinks you desire.  If you have interest in singing, reading, etc. please email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Parishioner of the Week

Jonathan Hill for writing this piece for the Baylor magazine.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 4-18-2021

April 18, 2021

**Note: if you are attending the parking lot service,
masks are to be worn the entire time
and we are not yet singing together**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on April 18th (in the order they are needed).

Inbreaking

break in, inbreaking
and shatter that which you shattered then
to come close, with your lantern glow
to reveal our wounds and illuminate
the cracks with solder, gold

if you can shape affliction into hope-graced art
come and build a kingdom out of broken hearts

o, slaughtered lamb, don’t delay
we’re wearing thin and losing shape
raise again the love we’ve slain
and reignite the hope we’ve tamed

break through
this can’t be what you had in mind at all
when you said the kingdom has already come
there’s such damage done
is there any way to restore the light
that we’ve left in the grave

if you can shake a death into a hard restart
come and raise a body out of broken parts

o, slaughtered lamb, don’t delay
we’re wearing thin and losing shape
raise again the love we’ve slain
and reignite the hope we’ve tamed

come crashing in, and blow away
these massive stones we’ve set in place
to seal the door to painted graves
we’ve styled so well with gaudy faith
and call us out into the dawn
speak the names that we forgot
o, desert cloud, lead us on
like a great parade of living scars

if you can sing betrayal like a victory song
come and write a better story out of what went wrong

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Living God

to direct our attention
to the One in whom we live and move
and have our being

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping the Spirit of Life would form our heart and minds

in the way of Christ
that we might be Resurrection people
in our living and moving and being

Amen

Kyrie Eleison

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
o, kyrie, be not beyond our reach
turn not your ear from our reach
but, lord, have mercy

Rise Up

for the lonely and forgotten
for the weary and distressed
for the refugee and orphan
and for all who are oppressed
for the stranger who is pleading
while insulted and despised
will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord
when you avenge the poor
may your kingdom come
o rise up

hear how Rachel, she is weeping
and she will not be consoled
and the children in our keeping
are their bodies bought and sold
and the watchman, he is sleeping
but do you see them with your eyes?
and will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord
when you avenge the poor
may your kingdom come
o rise up

as your will is done in heaven
may it now be done below
may our daily bread be given
may your kingdom come and grow
but lead us not into temptation
but deliver us we cry
will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord
when you avenge the poor
and bare your holy arm
to keep them safe from harm
may your kingdom come
o rise up

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 4:

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
    You gave me room when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
    How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

When you are disturbed, do not sin;
    ponder it on your beds, and be silent.Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
    Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
You have put gladness in my heart
    more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Luke 24:36b-48:

Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. 

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

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.

An Illustration Josh Will Reference At Some Point

Life in 3 Acts, Mari Andrew

On the Wind, All the While

living water, flowing from the stone
now cleft, to key the earth
mysterious current, that somehow
never wanes in ebb, nor floods in flow
a steady stream across a steady dryness

and all at once the world wakes up
withered husks give way to bloom
as I feel my chest explode with life
like a fire that does not consume

behold the sunrise, consider
how the spectral hues creep the eastern sky
how in a moment, the palette will spread
out o’er both depth and height
a grand reframing that bring a vibrant whelming

and all at once the world wakes up
withered husks give way to bloom
as I feel my chest explode with life
like a fire that does not consume

maybe there’s hope on the wind, all the while
maybe there’s hope on the wind, all the while
maybe despair’s just a moment in time
maybe there’s hope on the wind all the while

maybe all at once the world will wake
withered husks will bloom and fall away
maybe the weight in your chest will burst into life
like a fire beyond the flame

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 4-13-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Together By Taylor

I saw and shared a tweet this week that said something like, “This is a reminder that everyone you interact with is hitting a pandemic wall all their own.” And for some reason it made me pause and think about all of the ways that I have liked/seen/shared/been comforted by some words with the same sentiment over the past several months. So I went back and looked to see what words have been good reminders to me recently and I’d like to share some of them with you.

Here they are:

-       It’s amazing to me how our brains can hear over and over, “It’s hard for everyone right now. Everyone’s struggling right now.” And still think , “What’s wrong with me that I’m struggling right now?”, Jessica Kantrowitz

-       My husband said something that’s really helped me think about where everyone is at emotionally, why everyone seems mad at you or like you can’t do anything right: “Everyone needs more than anyone can give right now.”, Hillary Dixler Canavan

-       You are not a machine, you are more like a garden. You need different things on different days. A little sun today, little less water tomorrow. You have fallow and fruitful seasons. It is not a design flaw. It is wiser than perpetual sameness. What does your garden need today?, Joy Clarkson

I couldn’t exactly say why these words were comforting to me – but I think it has something to do with the reminder that I am a human being and that I am surrounded by other human beings who are experiencing the world in ways that are both incredibly similar and vastly different to the way in which I experience the world. We are all currently moving through a global and historical event that I think most of us were unprepared for – and it has been longer and harder than any of us could have expected.

It is a reality that we are not all functioning at 100% right now, and that is actually perfectly normal. You are not a machine – but rather you are a limited and lovely created being.

I think Josh was correct in his sermon on Sunday – the way we move through this is together. Which is a little bit disheartening because we still have a limited ability to be together physically. But also a little bit exciting because it means that we get to be creative in what our being together looks like.  What is a thing that you love and how can you share it with your fellow UBCers? Do you have five minutes for a phone call to check in on someone? Can you clear an afternoon to bake or cook something you could share? Can you do a quick pencil sketch or  buy someone a candle or send a venmo surprise so someone can get themselves a coffee?

What is it that you can give right now? Maybe it’s nothing. That’s been my answer most days of this pandemic. But occasionally I’ve been able to find something. Let’s all look together for the moments and the things that we can give and try to act on those. And maybe a we act together, we’ll find that as a community we can support each other.

I know it feels like the season has gone on forever, but you are not alone and this will end. Let’s all do out best (however we can) to take care of each other until then.

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that Kristen Wiig excited gif right here)

Service Time Change

So we are all in this lets-try-and-worship-outside-thing together. When we started we said we were going to figure it out as we go. Well, we’ve figured out our first thing. Even April is too frigin hot to be outside for an hour in the sun. So we are moving the start time of the service up to 9:30 starting May 2nd. Please let everyone you know about the change. Find ways to casually drop it into conversation. Be gossipy about it if you must. Positively reflect on beating the rush to lunch destinations. I know changes are a big deal, but I believe in you. I believe in us.

Backside - Friday, April 23, 7pm

Join us for an open mic event in the parking lot on Friday, April 23, at 7pm.  Be sure to bring a chair/blanket, and any snacks or drinks you desire.  If you have interest in singing, reading, etc. please email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Meet the UBCer(s)

Will Knight

Meet Our New HR Team Member

Name: Patrick Broaddus

Why are you in Waco: I grew up here and my wife's family has lived here since she was in high school. After spending 10 years moving around the country in vocational ministry, my family and I decided to move back home and raise our kids around family.
What is the best Waco restaurant: Guess/Hellberg BBQ or if I want Tex-Mex, probably Hecho en Waco.
Book, chapter, or verse of the Bible that is meaningful to you: Deuteronomy 6:1-13
Current TV show: Ted Lasso
Book you highly recommend: Promised Land by Barak Obama
What is something we’d never know about you: I'm a huge history nerd. I might watch more History/Smithsonian channels than is healthy for someone who has yet to turn 40.

Easter Friday (Power Point Party)

The festivities celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue this week as we honor his victory over death through a power point party. The extravaganza will begin at 8:00 PM on Friday April, 16. We are looking for 10 brave souls to present. Those interested can sign up here. Please create your power point presentation in google slides and send it to josh@ubcwaco.org. There will be first, second & third place prizes voted on by viewers.

Parishioner of the Week

Adair McGregor for putting together our Easter ambiance. They were beautiful Adair, thanks for all the time you gave.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 4-11-2021

April 11, 2021

**Note: if you are attending the parking lot service,
masks are to be worn the entire time
and we are not yet singing together**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on April 11th (in the order they are needed).

Noise

you sang the stars, out of darkness you composed a fire
you called the world into form out of chaos
yet for all of that noise, you dwell in the quiet places
you’re the truest form of which I am but a shadow

so what can I say about the things that you’ve done?
when I was a broken promise, you made me another one

you crafted my frame, out of earth you formed my complexion
you called it good, but we both know that I’ve since heard different
yet for all of that noise, you pull me to quiet places
you’re the purest love of which I am but a taker

so what can I say about the things you’ve done
when I was a broken promise, you made me another one

you found me in my desperate raging
you called my name like you know how it is
like every doubt that i’ve ever lain in
you’ve called your own, like you understand it

the Word became Flesh
that Bright Light descended in darkness
the Image, it spread, and colored the fear a deep shade of wonder
yet for all of that noise, I still cannot explain it
this Living Hope, like a fire ablaze in my bones

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Living God

to direct our attention
to the One in whom we live and move
and have our being

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping the Spirit of Life would form our heart and minds

in the way of Christ
that we might be Resurrection people
in our living and moving and being

Amen

Word and Scar (???)

hold my breath until my chest caves in
try to balance out the weight
turn it over ‘til my mind collapses
find the Ground that doesn’t shake
i’ve got no problem with impossible
at least when it is what it seems
and it’s not that I don’t believe
it’s that I don’t know what it means

Living God, in word and scar
lay your wounds alongside ours
and speak the peace of death-made-time
how every dawn is born of night

taking time to try to find some space
it’s kind of hard to find place to be
i’ve been living from memory
but someone’s tearing up the streets
i’ve got no problem with difficult
when its on a shelf that I can reach
and it’s not that I don’t believe
it’s that right now its hard to breathe

Living God, in word and scar
lay your wounds alongside ours
and speak the peace of death-made-time
how every dawn is born of night

O Word-Made-Scar, O Void-Made-Star
come like a vine
to intertwine these ribs and spine
like the braid of time

Living God, in word and scar
lay your wounds alongside ours
and speak the peace of death-made-time
how every dawn is born of night

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 borrowed 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

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 133:

How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Acts 4:32-35:

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

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.

The Word Is Yet Flesh

this peculiar collection of pieces you left
is knit with the needle of spirit, the Word is yet flesh
like a blanket, pulled tight over torn ligaments
but the hands have a problem with the shape of the feet
the mouth can’t decide if the jaws should be married
and the spine is just tired of fighting the pull of the earth

but this fractured collective can somehow still dance
kaleidoscope motion of a shaky pirouette
borrowed brilliance refracted in sparks down the line
but as the warmth of the glow gives flight to the gloom
the kingdom of hope fades into view
and all that we’ve known or thought that we knew
is now finally caught silent in the light of the truth

o word made flesh in whom all things hold
bind up tightly these collapsing bones
and raise again a body from the cold
’til nothing remains of these flickering days

come light of the world, thief of the night
be the lamp of the body, the lens to the eye
and though we’re scattered in knowing, be one in the mind
and bid our divine mirrors come and die

then word made flesh in whom all things hold
bind up tightly these collapsing bones
and raise again a body from the cold
’til nothing remains of these flickering days
’til nothing remains but the Light and the flame

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 4-6-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

So What Now (by Josh)

Hello friends! As you all know UBC met together for the first time since last March. And what a time it was! We know that many of you were out of town for the Easter weekend and so look forward to another chance to welcome you back for the first time this Sunday. That’s right, you heard it here first. We are planning on meeting outside in our parking lot on a regular basis.

Of course there is the ever present threat of the weather not cooperating. So this will be the weather protocol. On Tuesdays when the newsletter is published we will have a running section in which we indicate our intent to meet inside or outside based on the weather forecast. On Friday at noon we will finalize that decision based on a late stage read of the forecast. Of course we have to give space for the reality that there might be an occasion in which all the way through Saturday evening we intend to meet outside, but have to call an audible on Sunday morning. But let us hope those moments are few and far between.

You might be wondering how long we will plan to meet outside. That is a question I can not answer with definitive measure, but I can say this. As of now, in my head, I am planning for us to meet outside through June. By the time July and August roll around I suspect that it will be too hot to do so. Let’s be honest, June will likely separate Christ’s champions from the fair weather fans, but I’ll take what I can get. If there is a growing sense that heard immunity is being achieved and positivity rates continue to decline, we will reinvestigate meeting indoors for the remainder of the summer if that feels like we can safely do so.

Here’s what we need from y’all going forward. 1. please continue to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. We are glad to provide chairs for those who forget. 2. communion elements on the first Sunday of each month. One way we can continue to honor one another is by keeping our distance throughout the liturgy. While we will have backups, it will work best and most safely if you can continue to bring your own on first Sundays. 3. It would really help us if we could create a few tear down teams to help us move stuff back inside after church. If you would consider being a team please email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

We are really excited to be with y’all on a more consistent basis. UBC is a such a good looking bunch and seeing you is just the best. Also as an added bonus, your dogs are now able to worship the Lord in person.

Meet the UBCer(s)

The Carrons

Meet Our New HR Team Member

Name: Kristen Howerton

Why are you in Waco: moved here in 2012 for Baylor, graduated with a double major in Political Science and Religion, fell in love with Waco and began teaching at University HS (after a brief stint of managing an ice cream food truck), fell in love w my husband and forced him to come back to Waco and work for Baylor so we can stay here forever <3

What is the best Waco restaurant: Teriyaki Park is so special to me

Book, chapter, or verse of the Bible that is meaningful to you: Hosea has always meant a lot to me. As we see the people of Israel pull from God, He still offers His forgiveness regardless. I find solace in this when I doubt or when I am frustrated with Him for the actions of the church. I know that no matter my anger, my lashing out, my despair, He’ll be there to bind my wounds.

Current TV show: currently watching through the Arrowverse with my husband but also watching Criminal Minds on my own...and we watch NCIS/Glee when we’re both doing work outside of work!

Book you highly recommend: Devil in the White City (or I’ll Be Gone in the Dark)!

What is something we’d never know about you: I broke my tailbone dropping it to Usher in the fifth grade

...enneagram 7, ENFP, strengths: positivity, individualization, ideation, input, belief

Town Hall

This Sunday, April 11th we will have a town hall. Of significant note is the bylaw changes. Interestingly, perhaps ironically, the bylaws require that any changes to the bylaws be given to the community to be reviewed before changes can be finalized. The town hall will take place at 1:30 PM online through a zoom link that will be sent out with the link for the bylaws. We will also give an update on finances, youth, and future worship plans.

The leadership team would like to give UBCers ample time to review bylaw changes so they will be taking feedback until the end of the month even though our next meeting is Sunday, April 18th. For a summary of the changes made and an opportunity to view the changes directly, please click here.

UBC Bracket Champions

Congratulations to Katie Altahif who won our women’s bracket challenge & Taylor Post who won the men’s bracket challenge. As predestination would have it Katie won the women’s bracket challenge the same day her and husband Ricky welcomed their little girl into the world. Because it is impossible for Taylor to clone herself and have lunch with a second Taylor, we will be awarding the mens bracket challenge prize to the second place finisher Lin Manuel [Bear]anda also known as Braxton Ray. So Katie and Braxton … congratulations.

Jeopardy

It is fitting that in a week when Aaron Rogers is set to host Jeopardy, that our first Easter Friday should come to us in the form of Jeopardy. Is this the foreordained work of the Spirit? Likely. Alas, I would like for you and your loved ones to join me in the parking lot this Friday night at 7 P.M. for Jeopardy. There will be three rounds: J, double J, and final J for both adults and children. As an added bonus I would like you to know that there will be 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes for both games. Attendees should plan on bringing chairs and a writing utensil.

Parishioner of the Week

Jen & Paul Carron for leading us in music worship on Palm Sunday. What a dynamite duo.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 4-4-2021

April 4, 2021

**Note if you are attending the parking lot service: masks are to be worn the entire time and we are not yet singing together**

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on April 4th (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

and i can see the crowd of men retreating
as he stands between the woman and their stones
so if mercy in his holy heart is beating
then in the night, my hope lives on

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

I remember how they scorned the son of Mary
he was gentle as a lamb, gentle as a lamb
but he was beaten, crucified, and buried
and in the night my hope was gone

-

but the rulers of this earth could not control him
no, they did not take his life; he laid it down
and the gates of hell could never hope to hold him
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 bear witness
to the story that changes every story

when the women came to mourn
they found life where death had been

we have gathered to speak again
the wonder that echoes off the edge of time

Christ has died
But death could not hold him
God set a Light in the darkness
And the darkness did not overcome it

Christ is Risen

He is Risen indeed
and now the reign of death
has fallen to Resurrection

Amen

Twice Begun

Jesus Christ did not cling tight
to height nor form divine
but instead emptied himself
into the hands of time
the wind drew cracks in the lips of love
the sun beat down the light
now life itself has torn the veil of death
that all the rest may rise

now life and death and resurrection
are painted over all creation
the colors swirling into one
as if every moment is now twice begun
and doesn’t stop, the path, the pulse, the clock

Jesus Christ did not cling tight
to height, nor power, divine
but instead emptied himself
into breath and blood and spine
as the feeble crowds began to mount
the powers of state and faith aligned
to crush that which might tear their mountains down
but he turned not his mind
that all the rest may rise

now life and death and resurrection
are painted over all creation
the colors swirling into one
as if every moment is now twice begun
so mourn your losses, sing your songs
but build your houses with fingers crossed
there is a hope now graven in the dawn
and every ending to that burning edge belongs

Pulse

There’s a secret Pulse hidden in
the fabric of creation
and the story of every creature is
bone from dust//gift from Gift

reconnect our hearts to that Pulse you hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tower that can’t be hidd’n

there’s a remedy for the ache
that plagues us all in waves
and the cure for our other-scorning rage
is break my bread//I’ll break your shame

reconnect our hearts to that Pulse you hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tower and lock us in

until we find there’s only one kind of love that won’t break
more than blind, more than selfiess in name
it’s open arms either way
because there’s a pulse at the heart of all things
that gives life all the same
and a design to the rhythm we breathe:
Holy Name//give and take

When Death Came Calling

barely breathing, barely even hanging on
a dim light, fading
you were crumbling from the weight
with a broken body, a hollow frame
when death came calling, you broke
clean out of your skin, like you were running home

but I still feel you, creaking floorboards and rushing winds
the picture fading, but I keep grabbing for the shape
of a broken body, a hollow frame
when death came calling he broke clean out of the grave
like a falling chain

but it still stings, it still stings
when everything you love is fading
and we all fade, we’ll all fade

but there in darkness, we’ll be caught up in blinding light
the final curtain cut short for the rewrite
when all the broken bodies are coming up from open graves
and death comes calling, there’ll be nothing left to give or take away

nothing left to give or take away
and we won’t fade

and every tear we shed in graveyards
will sprout and bloom, and grow a garden
where we won’t fade

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Isaiah 25:6-9:

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 16:1-8:

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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 God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

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 3-30-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Lent

On (Not) Singing

(by jamie)

Greetings.  I want to speak to you of singing—or, I guess more particularly, not singing.  In the event that you do not yet know, though we are going to be gathering for the first time in our parking lot on Sunday, we will not be singing together.  The reason for this is pretty simple: for all that we’ve learned about how to responsibly navigate our pandemic world after a year’s worth of refining best practices for being around one another, the recommendations around congregational singing have changed very little—it’s still a roll of the dice.  Even masked, spaced, and outside, the projected force of singing (aside from being rather uncomfortable whilst masked in the sun) sidesteps those precautions more easily than simply breathing or speaking [Note: if you know of a study that says otherwise, please send that to me for consideration].  I understand that there are communities that have been singing this whole time.  I understand that it might be frustrating to maintain an abundance of caution in our gatherings when you see other people more or less living normally.  I feel it too.  And yet, out of love for one another, and all the one-another’s each of us encounters in our own lives, we are going to wait a little longer to reincorporate singing together into our liturgies.  For as far as we have come, the pandemic is still part of our reality, and the ways in which we acknowledge or ignore that fact will ultimately have an impact on how long it remains a part of our reality. 

That being said.

While we will not be singing together on Easter, I will be playing songs, so I want to offer a word about what it means to participate in music without singing.  I’ve been thinking about something I’ve shared about singing in church several times over the years.  It was directed primarily to people who truly were not in a place where they could sing along with any sense of honesty, but I think it applies here.  It is this: to be in the presence of music, and to direct one’s attention to music, is to participate in music.  Lyric and melody work their way into realms of our hearts and minds out of view.  

Singing along is not the end-all, be-all of participation in music.  Devoted contemplation of lyrics, for instance, is an active listening that forms our imaginations, and thus our lives, just as thoroughly, and perhaps at times more thoroughly, than forming those same words into sounds on our lips.  So I invite you to attend to the lyrics, to turn them over in your hearts and minds and carry them with you.  The particles expelled by contemplation are internal and carry no viral load.  They are cast into the corners of your soul and pollenate gardens there.

Worship, in the way we conceive of worship services, is, at its core, an act of attention.  We direct our attention toward God via whatever collection of songs, prayers, sermons, etc., allowing them to enter the realm of our hearts and minds.  And after we have parted ways, as those inputs dance around in rooms beyond our view, they join their dance to that of the community of our consciousness, and in turn inform in some way how we live.  That last bit—that embodied outworking of what we believe about God, our neighbor, and ourselves—whether in acts of notable significance or the sacred mundane and ordinary, is worship.  I want to be clear about this.  Singing can be an act of worship, but worship is not dependent on singing.  Worship is the gathered whole of your life.  So, while I very much look forward to the day that we sing together again, the time between now and then will be no less comprised of our worship of the Living God.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that if you have a desire to make some sort of sound alongside the music, humming seems to be a safe option.  If it is meaningful for you to produce some sort of vibration—to feel the music within your own body in community with others—consider this a license to hum. And further, it likely goes without saying, but if it helps to move your body in some way, to sway or tap your foot, etc., consider this a license to do that. 

See you soon.
Meet the UBCer(s)

Leigh Anne Diaz

Sunday Need to Know/To Do

Hello friends. Here are some things to know for Sunday.

1. Parking will look different. To reference which parking spots will be available please reference this entry. We will have some folks outside before the service to help direct traffic.

2. Please bring communion elements for your worshiping group.

3. Please bring chair(s) or a blanket for your worshiping group.

4. Taylor will be disbursing children’s packets.

Easter Fridays

Hello friends. As many of you know, Easter is a season of celebration in the church. Keep your eyes and ears open for a series of Friday night parking lot events to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord through fellowship. The first is a Jeopardy night that will happen on Friday, April 9th @ 7 PM. There will be a children’s game and a older person games. Prizes are being decided on, but they will likely be amazing (if finance team approves them).

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday: video companion to used with your Thursday dinner (forthcoming)

Good Friday: Facebook Premier @ 5:30

Easter Sunday: Parking lot service @ 10:45

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

Cooper Hale for matching into the Emergency Medicine Residency at Northwestern! And both him and Lily for making the big plans to move to Chicago soon!

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 3-28-2021

March 28, 2021

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

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

and i can see the crowd of men retreating
as he stands between the woman and their stones
so if mercy in his holy heart is beating
then 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

to direct our attention toward
the One who is making all things new

to enter the story of God,

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit might form us in the way of Christ

bending our hearts and minds
toward loving God and loving our neighbor
with our whole selves

Amen

Reckless Love (by Cory Asbury)

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Please Be My Strength (by Gungor)

I've tried to stand my ground
I've tried to understand
But I can't seem to find my faith again

Like water on the sand
Or grasping at the wind
I keep on falling short

So, please be my strength
Please be my strength
'Cause I don't have anymore
I don't have anymore

I'm looking for a place
Where I can plant my faith
One thing I know for sure

And I cannot create it
And I cannot sustain it
It's your love that's keeping me

Please be my strength
Please be my strength
I don't have anymore
I don't have anymore

At my final breath
I hope that I can say
I've fought the good fight of faith

I pray your glory shine
In this doubting heart of mine
And all would know that you

You are my strength
You are my strength
You and you alone
You and you alone
You keep bringing me back home

You are my strength
You are my strength
You and you alone
Keep bringing me back home

It's you and you alone
Bringing me back home

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29:

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever!

Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Open to me the gates of righteousness,
    that I may enter through them
    and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;
    the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
    and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
    O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
    and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
    up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 11:1-11:

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

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 3-23-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Lent

Outdoor Easter Service (by Josh)

Hello all. As you likely read in last weeks newsletter we are looking for ways to be together. And so, we are taking our first step on Sunday April 4, aka Easter Sunday. Weather cooperating, we will be worshiping together outside. Here are some things you should know:

We will still be live-streaming. So if you are not comfortable worshiping with us, you will still have that option.

We will be worshiping on the south side of the building facing 18th st. See picture below.

We are requiring members to wear masks and sit apart from one another. Worshiping family units will occupy designated parking spaces.

We will not have childcare, but children are very welcome to the service! There will be Children’s Bulletins available as well as a Children’s Moment during the service.

Bathrooms will be available for use, but only one family unit will be allowed to use a bathroom at a time. Leadership team members will serve as hall monitors.

One of the biggest question marks for us is parking. Because we are occupying part of our parking lot for worship, we will have less parking. We also do not know how many people to expect for a number of reasons. To that end, please review this map which highlights all the areas UBCers can park, including the gravel lot across from us on 17th the we own, as well as the grass lot at the intersection of 18th and Flint across the alley from our current parking lot (highlighted in red below)

To help us prepare and be safe as possible, we are asking those of you who think that you will be attending our outdoor Easter worship service to register by signing up here. This is not a commitment, just something to gauge interest and what kind of space we need to provide.

Lastly, we are asking for you to offer us a spirit of grace as we move forward. We realize that there will be quirks as we go. While our goal is to create an environment to worship together consistently, we are using Easter as a learning experiment. If it goes well, this could become a weekly reality until we can move safely back into the building. We will give constant updates as we watch the weather and learn what logistical hurdles we need to overcome.

Thanks team. We look forward to begin with you soon.

Carney

Meet the UBCer

Team Hayes

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.

Easter Fridays

Hello friends. As many of you know, Easter is a season of celebration in the church. Keep your eyes and ears open for a series of Friday night parking lot events to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord through fellowship. The first is a Jeopardy night that will happen on Friday, April 9th @ 7 PM. There will be a children’s game and a older person games. Prizes are being decided on, but they will likely be amazing (if finance team approves them).

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday: video companion to used with your Thursday dinner (forthcoming)

Good Friday: Facebook Premier @ 5:30

Easter Sunday: Parking lot service @ 10:45

Parishioner of the Week

TBH, I don’t have one this week. So we’ll use this space to say, if you have a parishioner of the week you ever want considered, please email your submission to josh@ubcwaco.org.

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

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

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