Liturgy Stuff 6-13-2021

June 13, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on June 13th (in the order they are needed).

Wideness

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

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

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

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

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

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

our Creator and Sustainer
in whom there is life and breath
and everything

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

as the Spirit of God forms our hearts and minds

that we might learn to love
God, our neighbor, and our selves
in our ordinary lives

Amen

Crown Him

crown him with many crowns
the lamb upon his throne
hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own
awake my soul and sing
of him who died for thee
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity

crown him the son of god
before the worlds began
and ye who tread where he hath trod
crown him the son of man
whom every grief hath known
that wrings the human breast
and takes and bears them for his own
that all in him may rest

crown him the lord of peace
whose pow’r a scepter sways
from pole to pole that wars may cease
and all be prayer and praise
his reign shall know no end
and ‘round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance, ever sweet

crown him the lord of love
behold his hands and side
those wounds, yet visible,
above in beauty glorified
crown him with many crowns
as yours before him fall
crown him, ye kings and queens, with crowns
for he is king of all

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

Start Again

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

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

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

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

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

I don’t know what I don’t know
but something has to give
I don’t know what I don’t know
but I know where to begin
and, someday, i’ll start again

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 20:

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
    The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
    and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
    and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire,
    and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
    and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
    but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall,
    but we shall rise and stand upright.

Give victory to the king, O Lord;
    answer us when we call.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Mark 4:26-34:

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his 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.

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 that pulse you hid
resurrect the peace that we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tow’r 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

ITLOTC 6-8-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Some Hopes (by Taylor)

Our Grand Reopening for worshipping together back in the building after 15 months of worshipping in our homes and in the parking lot was this past Sunday. It was beautiful and formative and just so lovely to see so many of your faces and sing our songs and have kids back in UBC classrooms learning together. I am so thankful for all of you, the people of UBC, and how you made Sunday possible through your commitment to this place and this people – your commitment to each other.

      The question I asked during the welcome on Sunday morning was one I had been thinking about for a while – a question I find myself particularly interested in as we move forward into what is, essentially, the next stage of this pandemic (it doesn’t seem to be quite over yet) and begin to reflect on what I have experienced so far and how it has formed and changed me. I asked for all of you to answer the question, “What is something that you have learned about yourself since the last time we were here worshipping together?”

      I think that there are so many ways to answer this question. There are light ways – you could say something like, “I’ve learned that I’m really bad at eating leftovers.” (a true fact about me) or you could say, “I’ve learned that I shouldn’t go 15 months without a haircut.” (also true about me – except I think I’m pushing 19 months). Or you could talk about knowledge or a skill that you’ve obtained. You could say, “I learned to speak Italian.” Or “I learned to embroider all kinds of things.” Or “I learned about the  history of the Australian continent.”

      All of those would be good answers. Funny answers. Conversation starting answers. True answers. And I can only speak for myself here when I say that I could definitely imagine myself saying any of those things – but what I am hoping for myself (and what I must admit I am hoping for UBC in the coming season) is that if it was the right time and the right place and the right people that I might dig a little deeper and be a little more honest.

      What I don’t mean to say is that those are bad answers and that there are better ones to give – I mean that if I’m honest with myself, I probably have something a little more vulnerable that I could share. And what I don’t mean is that every Sunday you should be baring your soul to a stranger in front of you, but I mean that if it’s someone you know well and you’re feeling safe and brave that you might be a little more honest than you normally are.

      My heart in this coming season is that we might all get to know each other better and better and that we might learn how to support each other more and more. And I don’t know that the Sunday morning question moment is where that starts – maybe it’s in a small group or in a children’s classroom or at a UBC Cookout. But I hope we find places to take those risks and I hope we find bravery to step into those moments and listen to each other, support each other, to live life to the fullest by being present to each other and by being present to ourselves.

Meet the UBCer(s)

Team Broaddus

Waco Dives

Have you ever thought, “I sure wish I had a pal to eat lunch with at a random restaurant in Waco.” Well boy do we have an opportunity for you. Waco Dives with Toph will begin next Wednesday June 16th and continue every Wednesday through the summer. Lances will of course take place at noon, and the location will be in the newsletter each week.

11 Years

Here is a picture of Toph and Josh. It was taken June 1st, Toph’s 11 year work anniversary. Where did the time go?

Parishioner of the Week

The Grill Masters: Paul Carron, Conner Krey, & Drew Pittman.

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

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 6-6-2021

June 6, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on June 6th (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
I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
for some hand to stay the whip their foe is wielding
still 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 thought 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

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
o they did not take his life, he laid it down
and the gates of hell could never hope to hold him
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 Eternal One

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

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Holy Spirit might transforming our hearts and minds 

to form us more fully
in the way of Christ

Amen

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

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 that pulse you hid
resurrect the peace that we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tow’r 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

Eternal Anchor

eternal wisdom, eternal grace
is there a creature you have not named
and known in greater depth
than the cells of which its 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?

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

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
as for forests clap their hands, and 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

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

and 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 is Psalm 138:

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted your name and your word
above everything.
On the day I called, you answered me,
you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
    but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
    and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 3:20-35:

The crowd came together again, so that Jesus and his disciples could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

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.

Wild One

overwhelming, you cannot be contained
in leather bindings, the turn of a word or phrase
overwhelming these idols that you break
crumbling to the ground in place

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

disconcerting, these figures that we form
we want more money, we want a higher bar
disconcerting, these idols that we carve
controlling like the wind to a sail

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

unbound, you’re overwhelming
we built you a house, but you keep moving
maker, you’re not done making
we gave you seven days, but you’re still forming
so form these broken bodies into gold
a greater love with a lighter load
tear these temples down, stone from stone
crashing to the ground like broken chains

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

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

ITLOTC 6-1-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Nursing Wounds (by josh) 

Sunday was Trinity Sunday.  I mostly ignored that reality in my preaching.  It’s not entirely my fault.  I used the Old Testament text offered to me by the lectionary, but it did not really point to the Trinity explicitly, so I did not feel the pressure to try and get us there.  Part of my reluctance is that Trinity is a tricky theological concept.  It’s defined more by what it is not, than what it is.  Trinity is a reality we live in as much as it is a doctrine to be understood.  But now I offer you a few musings on Trinity.  God is three persons in one.  As such, God is relationship.  One of the Greek words used to describe Trinity is perichoresis.  Peri is the prefix meaning ‘around’ and choresis  is from the same root where we get choreography, so taken together you have, dance around.  That is Trinity.  A perfect mutual indwelling that it expresses Godself as reflective, caring, simultaneous, responsive relational movement within Godself.  And even in that sentence I begin to lend myself to heresy for over-explaining.

There is this really great image in 2 Peter where he says that we are “made participants in the divine nature.”  We are called up into the Divine Dance.  That is our telos, namely get swept up into and participate in the life of God.  I think this is the way we can finally make sense of the description given to us by God in Genesis 1, that is that we are made in the image of God.  We are those who’ve been invited into the eternal Triune.  

But how do we do that?  Answering that is a life of discipleship that takes context in time and space.  So let me for now simply speak to what I think it means for us in 2021.  I have said a few times in sermons in the last few weeks that we are emerging from the pandemic into an awakening of our own trauma.  Some of that trauma will simply bubble up from finally having the luxury of the emotional space for that to be the case.  I suspect most often that trauma will be induced by our slow and gradual realization that the world is no longer the same.  It may be better or it may be worse, but it’s not the same.  Here comes the God-image-bearer part.  I have found that one of the best ways to move through pain or joy is to share it.  Trinitarian people dance by sharing in one another's joy and pain.  That sharing creates an intimacy (hear perichoresis) that makes for healing. 

The staff got an email from our friend Kerri Fisher yesterday.  Kerri was remarkably honest about her experience at church on Sunday.  She noted that one of the most jarring parts of the service was the invitation to greet one another.  That moment which is mostly innocuous in a life of the mundane, seemed to have a kind of sting to it.  Or maybe I should say the supposition of it did.  Namely, that the world is fine enough to answer questions like: “what’s up?” “how about this weather?”  or “what tv show are you binging.”  In other words our experience might require something more than what small talk can offer us, especially in an atmosphere like church which can breed transformation through vulnerability.  

So I wanted to challenge you to identify the places in your life where you have felt the loss or absence of 2020.   As you emerge back into the world and identify what you missed or what is not the same, I encourage you to name that, process it and give someone the privilege of seeing your hurt.  In sharing our grief we are swept up into the Dance of God.  The miracle?  There it can be redeemed and turned to joy. 

Church Start Time

Just a reminder that as we move back into the building church start time returns to 10:45 A.M. CDT.

Meet the UBCer(s)

Beards

June 6th Cook Out

Reminder that after church Sunday we are having a cookout together. Thanks to Paul Carron, Conner Krey, and Drew Pittman for volunteering to bring grills and grill. We will have burgers, hot dogs and a vegetarian substitute, chips and soft drinks. So pray that the weather will cooperate, because according to our survey a cookout is what you all wanted and needed the most.

Kids Ministry

We officially kicked off UBC Kids Sunday School last weekend! I am very excited to have our kids back in UBC Classrooms for formation time! Sunday School is currently taking place during the worship hour. If you have any questions please send me an email at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Also - I am still looking for several UBC Kids Volunteers! If you are vaccinated and available to help out with our kids on Sunday mornings please let me know by emailing me at taylor@ubcwaco.org!

Parishioner of the Week

All of the champions who helped move chairs on Wednesday: Will Knight, Ruby Nelson, Sherri Nelson, Ada Nelson, Risse Miller, Eli Miller, Bri Childs, & Colten Towns.

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

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 5-30-2021

May 30, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 30th (in the order they are needed).

Hope

you lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
while we were hopeless and wandering
you were the breath in our lungs
you sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said, “i’ll bend lower to find you;
i’ve called you mine”

you lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
though we keep losing our minds here
you know the depth of our thoughts
you sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said, “child, I made you on purpose;
i’ve called you mine”

and now every broken piece
will find its place again
and every twisted word you heard
in the night will be silent
the fever, it will breake
the shadow, it will fade
’til all that’s left is light and love
in the dawn that never fades
on and on

you lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
though our walls keep on closing
you are the field where we’d run
you sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said, “this is not how it ends here;
i’ve called you mine”

and you can’t go back
no, you can’t go back

though everything keeps fading
this fading here will end
and the ever-brilliant word whispered
in the night will be shouted
the fever, it will break
the shadow, it will fade
’til all that’s left is light and love
in the dawn that never fades
on and on

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Creator and Sustainer of all that is

the One who sees us truly and knows us fully,
our Anchor in the ebb and flow of life

to be formed in the way of Christ

the One who is the image of the invisible God, 
who entered into suffering and defeated death 

and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit 

the One who is among us, 
working re-Creation in the world. 

Amen

Holy, Holy, Holy

holy, holy, holy
lord god almighty
early in the morning
our songs shall rise to thee
there is a sign at the sight of thee
merciful and mighty
god in three persons
blessed trinity

holy, holy, holy
though the darkness hide thee
though the eye of sinful ones
thy glories may not see
only though art holy
there is none beside thee
perfect in power, love and purity

holy, holy, holy
lord god almighty
all thy works shall praise thy name
in earth, and sky, and sea
there is a sign at the sight of thee
there is none beside thee
god in three persons
blessed trinity

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

Wild One

overwhelming, you cannot be contained
in leather bindings, the turn of a word or phrase
overwhelming these idols that you break
crumbling to the ground in place

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

disconcerting, these figures that we form
we want more money, we want a higher bar
disconcerting, these idols that we carve
controlling like the wind to a sail

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

unbound, you’re overwhelming
we built you a house, but you keep moving
maker, you’re not done making
we gave you seven days, but you’re still forming
so form these broken bodies into gold
a greater love with a lighter load
tear these temples down, stone from stone
crashing to the ground like broken chains

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one
and you’re greater

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Isaiah 6:1-8:

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; 
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 3:1-17:

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And 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.

Giving

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

There

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

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

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

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

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

ITLOTC 5-25-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Our Next Phase (by Josh)

There are certain Christian cliches that while oftentimes true, get so overplayed that that truthfulness feels threadbare.  Here is one for you.  “The church is the people.”  I affirm that statement.  Am even inspired by it in  places of the world where the luxury of a building is not optional.  But in defense of building let me now remind us how we all felt when we learned that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire.  Place also matters.  Buildings matter.  It just so happens that we are in a season of life when the value of public shared space is not a hard sell.  You also have come to appreciate the church as a building because, to borrow another cliche, absence makes the heart grow fonder.  

Well boy do I have good news for you.  My friends, the time has come.  Our grand opening is June 6th.  On June 6th UBC will gather as a community in our building and we will be together in worship to: sing, hear the word of the Lord, exchange fellowship in whatever way we are comfortable with, and celebrate.  After church has concluded we will have an outdoor cookout in which we will consume hamburgers, hot dogs and vegan substitutes.  But wait there's more! This coming sunday we are doing a soft opening?  What is a soft opening you wonder?  Well, it is like a normal worship service, but we may not have figured everything out, like how to stream seamlessly and pull off a live service.  Where to best put air purifiers? How loud will those be?  What do we do if in fact we’ve become so introverted that we no longer like people.   So if you would like to witness our first, and likely clunky attempt at worship this Sunday, May 30th, you are welcome to do that as well.  

I should name what might be obvious.  UBC has erred on the side of caution in most ways this past year.  So now, as we move forward, we do so knowing that we are creating an environment in which we can’t guarantee everyone’s safety with regards to COVID.  Perhaps one of the silver linings of this past year is that we have discovered that so many who have moved beyond Waco still yearn for a UBC connection and so the online feature of our service will become a permanent one.  So if safety remains a concern, please know that you will alway have the Facebook live option for worship. 

Now I would like to say a word about what we are asking of you, our beloved parishioners, and how we have come to the conclusion that we have.  First, the one safety precaution we will continue to take is that we are asking everyone to be masked while indoors.  Jamie and Taylor attended a webinar with epidemiologist Dr. Emily Smith who recommended groups as large as ours continue to do so.  But what does this mean?  It means we can sing.  It means that we can be together in the same space.  It means that even though our ventilation and cave like interior existence is less than ideal, we can still meet.  

The other relevant piece of data was the vaccination rate of our community.  In an anonymous survey that had 144 replies, which represented over 200 persons, over 90% of our eligible community has been vaccinated.  Can you believe that?  Way to go UBC.  The data that continues to come out about the effectiveness of the vaccine is very good.  So yeah science! 

The other number that we are paying particular attention to is the new infection rate for McLennan county.  Note, Dr. Emily Smith advises that local communities such as ours pay the most attention to that number at a local level.  So while that number stays at or below 10 persons per 100,000 we are good to go.  As of the webinar that number was at 8, and now it is at 6.  Yes, great job Waco! 

The other question you may have is, “how long are we going to ask congregants to wear masks?”  Good question.  As with so many things this year, we are trying to honor one another in policy making by paying attention to local guidelines and work with the larger Waco community to achieve goals.  To give you hard numbers, if local vaccination rates (read McLennan County) near 80% and/or that new infection rate moves from 6 to 1, we will be maskless.  To make a guess about when that might happen?  We have July in the back of our mind.  

Friends, thank you so much for ‘enduring all things,’ as Paul might say in 1 Corinthiains 13.  We know this has been a hard year and one in which we retrospectively look back at mistakes made and the things we did right.  Regardless we are grateful to have done it with such an understanding and hopeful community.  Y’all really are the best. 

Meet the UBCer(s)

Jill Reilly

June 6th Cook Out

Hello friends, to celebrate our being back together in the building, we are having a cookout after church on Sunday June 6th. To that end we are looking for some volunteers to 1. bring grills to church and 2. cook hamburgers, hot dogs and vegan burgers during the service. if this is something you could do, that would be great. Please email josh@ubcwaco.org.

Chair Help

In light of our move back into the building (see the post above) we are looking for able and willing helpers to come up to church at noon on wednesday (tomorrow), to help us set chairs and get the sanctuary ready. We love your muscle power or precision power. We are taking all kinds of skill sets.

Parishioner of the Week

All of our teachers who are in their last week. We are so proud of you and grateful for you. You did it! You did this year.

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 5-23-2021

May 23, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 23rd (in the order they are needed).

The Wind

they say the wind was violent the day
the fire came and divided among them
familiar shape, familiar function
and as they rose to speak their tongues were torches

like a lamp you raised to find
that the differences we claim are mostly fiction
exaggerated accidents of birth and life
accidents of time and geography

they say the wind, it howled like a ghost
through the walls, out into the open
and further out, upon the ocean
leaving in its wake a day drunk commotion

like a lamp you raised to find
that the differences we claim are mostly fiction
exaggerated accidents of birth and life
accidents of time and geography

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Living God

the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us,
the Eternal One who is among us still

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping the Spirit of God will transform our hearts and minds

awakening in us
the hope of Christ
in our ordinary lives

Amen

Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

Holy Spirit, truth divine
dawn upon this soul of mine
word of god and inward light
wake my spirit, clear my sight

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

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

fill and nerve this will of mine
bravely bear and nobly strive

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

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
and 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 104:24-34:

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom you have made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Yonder is the sea, great and wide,
    creeping things innumerable are there,
    living things both small and great.
There go the ships,
    and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.

These all look to you
    to give them their food in due season;
when you give to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
    when you take away their breath, they die
    and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created;
    and you renew the face of the ground.

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works—
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    for I rejoice in the Lord.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15:

Jesus said to his disciples, ”When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. 

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

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 that we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tow’r 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
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

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 5-18-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

On Wholeheartedness (by josh)

I’ve noticed a growing social media trend.  It’s called a meme dump.  Or at least that’s what I’ve seen one person call it.  I’ll give Taylor Post credit for inventing this moment in social media history.   Her “tweets I like this week” are all the rage.  You can find them on her insta account, usually on mondays.  A meme dump happens when a user after a period of saving multiple screenshots of interesting material, then posts all of those screenshots to a social media platform.  I confess that I've participated in a few meme dumps.  I give you this extended explanation because I’d like to expound on a tweet that I shared recently that I can’t stop thinking about.  When I can’t stop thinking about something that means for me that it stuck.  It was significant.  It unlocked something in me.  

here’s the tweet.  for the record I don’t know who Gavin Ortlund is, but this was a killer thought.  

Did you hear that?  The antidote to burnout is not rest, but wholeheartedness.  I should say here that I’m in favor of rest.  UBC has a sabbatical policy.  The sabbath is such a substantial part of the Judeo-Christian life that it comes in at number four on the commandments list and God valued it so much that it was woven into the creation on day seven.  Probably the best book I've read on sabbath is Abraham Joshua Heschel’s The Sabbath.  When writing about the day of rest Heschel suggests something similar as Ortlund.  He writes, “Menuha which we usually render ‘rest’ means here much more than withdrawal from labor and excretion, more than freedom from toil, strain or activity of any kind.  Menuha is not a negative concept but something real and intrinsically positive.  This must have been the view of ancient rabbis if they believed that it took a special act of creation to bring it into being, that the universe would be incomplete without it.  ‘What was created on the seventh day?  Tranquility, serenity, peace and repose.’” 

It seems counterintuitive but good rest takes a bit of work.  Not the kind of work that takes something from you, but the kind of work that gives you life.  A few years ago I begrudgingly agreed to go to a seminar on time management.  I went to appease a friend who needed to bring a guest for his job.  The presenter said something that was a teaching moment for me, much like the tweet above was.  She said, “everyone complains that they don’t have enough time.  That’s not true, we all have the same amount of time each day.  What we lack is spending time getting life.”  She then went on to suggest that we be strategic in our scheduling.  That we intentionally build in pockets of time each day doing something that gives us life to counteract the effect of doing that which takes our life.  This strategy has produced much fruit in my life. 

My message is a bit risky.  By that I mean we live in a society that worships hard work and pays little attention to the casualties that, that hard work sometimes creates.  So in suggesting that your rest needs a bit of work to be meaningful, I run the risk of wearing you down further if not applied correctly.  So I offer you some tools.  Each day ask yourself these questions? 

How could I be surprised today? 

What is one thing that I’m looking forward to today? 

What do I have to be thankful for?  (pick something specific, I love my house.  I think it’s beautiful.  Sometimes I walk to the sidewalk and stare at it as a form of gratitude prayer). 

What is something I love about the person that I’m in relationship with (could be a spouse, child, friend, or co-worker).

What are my dreams?  Is working on those possible today? 

How can I make sure i intersect beauty today?  (burn a candle of a smell you love, listen to gregorian chant at work, schedule a lunch with a friend that it’s effortless to be with). 

So what will make you experience wholeheartedness?  What will help you tap into the perichoretic life of the Triune God which you’ve been created to participate in? 

Meet the UBCer(s)

Shanks

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that Andy Dwyer excited gif right here)

UBC Kids Sunday School

We will kick off UBC Kids Sunday School the last weekend in May - May 30th! We have some policy changes that I will be ending out in a parent email but I am very excited to have our kids back in UBC Classrooms for formation time! Sunday School will take place during the worship hour. If you have any questions please send me an email at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Also - I am still looking for a a number of new UBC Kids Volunteers! If you are vaccinated and available to help out with our kids once a month on Sunday mornings please let me know by emailing me at taylor@ubcwaco.org!

Gathering Survey

In case you missed the email yesterday, wanted to plug our gathering survey one more time. Thanks team you are the best!

Parishioner of the Week

Jess Smith for landing a job as graduate writing coordinator with Baylor in the EdD LOC. So excited to have yet another person smarter than me worshiping at UBC. Congrats Jess.

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 5-16-2021

May 16, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 16th (in the order they are needed).

Come Alive

draw us in to the dance older than time and space
that constellations, made, in the bend and the shake
cycle back from the end, full-reverse pirouette
like choreography infinite, infinite
but if the music stops

play it again, but pick up where we left off:
that brilliant harmony with 13.8 billion parts

until we come alive
o, come alive

draw us in to the dance ‘til every piece finds its fit
and every step is improvised, but carried out in perfect time
like the shape of breathing is the shape of all, spinning into one
and the empty tomb cloud is spreading out, spreading out
o, if the music stops

play it again, but pick up where we left off:
that brilliant harmony with 13.8 billion parts

until we come alive
o, come alive

we’ve not become what we will be,
but the rhythm of our feet is growing
though we’re fraying at the seams
your gravity is holding; just keep on holding

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Living God

the God who sees
in whom we are known and named

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

hoping the Spirit of God will form us in the way of Christ

that we might learn to love God
and love our neighbors
with our whole lives

Amen

Mystery

sweet Jesus Christ my sanity
sweet Jesus Christ my clarity
word eternal, brought low with me
cup of salvation, poured out to drink
Jesus, mystery

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come again

sweet Jesus Christ my evergreen
sweet Jesus Christ my living peace
love embodied broken for me
trampled redeemer, raised up and free
Jesus, mystery

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come again

celebrate his death and rising
lift your eyes, proclaim his coming
and all who walk in dreadful darkness
lift your head, you’re not forgotten
celebrate his death-subversion
recalibrate fear to purpose
and in the face of oppressive power
don’t calm down: sing it louder

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come again

Where God Has Always Been

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

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

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

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

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, is Psalm 1:

Happy are those
    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
    or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
    planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
    and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Acts 1:15-17, 21-26:

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

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 thee 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

high king of heaven, my victory won
may I reach heaven’s joys, o bright heaven’s sun
heart of my own heart, whatever befall
still be my vision, o ruler of all

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 5-11-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

On Hope by Taylor

Hope is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
 
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
 
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
 
-      Emily Dickinson
 
I’ve long admired this poem by Emily Dickinson because it seems to accurately and succinctly describe my experience and relationship with hope.

Hope is elusive to me. I don’t quite understand it or know where it comes from within me – and yet there it always is. I think it is safe to describe myself as a realist – I try to be as honest as possible with myself about the things that are true about the world, about myself, and about others because I like to be adequately prepared for any and all situations. And still – even when I’m being honest about worst-case scenarios, I am often surprised to find a glimmer of hope in the back of my mind. A quick flash to remind myself that I could be surprised by how well everything goes.

I like that Dickinson is honest in the poem that hope can be lost. “Sore must be the storm” but it’s not impossible – because it’ true, I do lose it sometimes. But I am often so surprised when it pops again after a little bit of rest and focused self-care. Or sometimes a lot of rest and therapy. But it has always returned so far.

I think we have found that all of a sudden, we have moved into a season where we have somethings to be hopeful about after a prolonged season where we had very little to be hopeful about. And it might be only my experience, but I found the shift pretty jarring. I found it hard to embrace some of the hope I was feeling.

But then I remembered some wisdom from the very wise Cornel West. He talks not of “having a hope” but rather about “being a hope,” about making a choice to be a certain kind of person, about choosing to embody hope instead of experience it. Hope is a discipline – we choose it because we believe it. We are hope for each other. UBC – how can you be hopeful this week?

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Ashton James Glover

Birthday: 4/7/2021

Birth Height: 20 in

Birth Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz

Enneagram Number: 7w6

Meet the UBCer(s)

Howertons

On Surveys

Hello friends, you likely saw a survey about vaccinations go out earlier today that i’m reposting here. And now I’d like to offer a word on surveys in general. As you’ve likely now noticed we have created a few of these and intend to send out a few more to continue to gather data so that we can proceed with a plan for worshiping together in our building. That being said, it is now apparent to me that the vaccination survey offered in isolation felt a bit blunt. Said differently, perhaps it would have been prudent to ask those questions in larger survey about pastoral care. incidentally we have already created such survey and debated about whether or not to make that two surveys for reasons that I won’t bore you with here (though I’m glad to share if you are curious). All that to say, I realize that survey taking is not an ideal way to gather large amounts of data. What would be ideal is for us to be together, to talk about this with nuance, and with an opportunity to share compassion with one another. That day is coming. Hold fast. UBC has bright days ahead.

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.

Sunday Worship Is …

Outside! The weather looks good.

(imagine that Kristen Wiig excited gif right here)

Parishioner of the Week

These champions: our impromptu rain storm tear down team who came through in a big way to save UBC’s outdoor media future.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

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 5-9-2021

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