ITLOTC 7-5-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Ordinary Time

UBC Kids Hangouts

Hey friends!!

This summer we’ve been hanging out around Waco with our UBC Kids and families! Today we went to the Splash Pad at Cameron Park and had a great time!!

I hope you’ll be able to come join us sometime! We’ll see you soon!

-TCP

Waco Dives - July 6 - noon - The Eatery

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend. We would love for you to come hang out tomorrow at Waco Dives at noon, at the The Eatery. This is a great time to enjoy some good food, and get to know other UBC’ers. The Eatery has the best soul food in town, in my humble opinion. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Leadership and Finance Team Nominations

First we'd like to applaud Kathy Krey and Taylor Beard for their leadership these last three years.  Kathy and Taylor’s stints on LT are coming to an end this August. We are thankful for their service to our community

So that means we are looking for new folks to serve on the leadership team.  Here is some information for you to consider from the bylaws. 

Section 1.  Leadership Team

(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.  Members serving as student member commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years. 

Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

We also have some previously scheduled Finance Team rotations! And so we’re also looking for new Finance Team members. Here is some information to consider from the Bylaws:

Finance Team: The Finance Team is an advisory group to the staff and  Leadership Team, providing guidance, support, and oversight of the financial  aspects of the church. This 5-7 person team of lay members, in consultation with  the Lead Pastor and Office Administrator, meets at least quarterly to prepare the  proposed annual budget, review the church’s fiscal condition, and make  recommendations and decisions regarding expenditures, investments, and other  financial matters. Qualifications and terms for Finance Team service are outlined in  the UBC Bylaws. 

These positions are incredibly important for our community and an important way to serve! Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

UBC Neighborhood Parties - July 22nd - 6pm

We are excited to announce our first round of UBC Neighborhood Parties. This will be on Friday night, July 22, at 6pm. We will have one location in the Hewitt/Woodway area, and one location in town in Castle Heights. UBC will provide the main dish, we ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share. There are sign-up forms in the lobby on Sundays, and/or you can email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up. This is a family friendly event, so definitely bring the kids, and invite your friends. If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer!

UBC Meal Calendars

Hi friends! Here are the current Meal Calendar opportunities to serve members of the UBC community:

The Pittman Family: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mm81m6

The Howerton Family: mealtrain.com/08y894

The Hill Family: mealtrain.com/dy98dv

Parishioner of the Week

Finance Team! Thank you guys for all you do for UBC!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-26 Kerri Fisher

July 3: Taylor

July 10: Sharyl

July 17: Lilly

July 24: Kerri

July 31: Kirk

August 7: Sharyl

August 14: Patrick

August 21: Taylor

August 28: Craig

ITLOTC 6-28-22

(In The Life Of The Church)

Ordinary Time

Introducing Kirk Hatcher - New Interim Pastor!

Hey there UBC’ers!

My name is Kirk Hatcher, and if I haven’t met you yet, I hope we’ll meet soon! I get the privilege of serving as UBC’s Interim Pastor for as long, or as short, as it takes to find the right person for the job of UBC’s lead pastor.

I am married to Jill. Last weekend, we shared our 28th anniversary. We have three boys: - Britton, married to Erin, living in Houston with our granddog Theo, - Caeden, engaged to Sophia, living in Waco (wedding in November!), and - Dylan, just finished his freshman year at Baylor. We have a mostly empty nest, that we are growing to love more and more. In this nest you will also find our 2 pups: - Lucy, a 1 yr old Schnoodle who barks at anything and everything - which leads to many nights of fear when she barks out of nowhere, and - Minnie, an almost 3 month old goldendoodle who will be bigger than Lucy at any moment. These two keep the nest less empty and nearly as loud as it was with three boys.

I went to Baylor as an undergraduate student. I went to Truett Seminary, graduating a long time ago with the first class. Since then I’ve served in churches along the coast of Texas, in Temple, in Houston, and in Norman, OK, for a total of 25 years.

We moved to Waco in 2017 so that my wife could begin work in Baylor’s Spiritual Life department. Since moving here, I’ve begun work in Baylor’s HR department. We LOVE being back in Waco, going to parts of the city we never went to as students.

My hope and prayer for this interim time is that we could all collectively take a breath and prepare the church for a new lead pastor that will be coming very soon. This preparation can come in many shapes and sizes, and we may very well see all those sizes and shapes together.

As we worship together, as we are formed together, as we serve together, as we listen carefully together…may we be who God asks us to be.

-Kirk

UBC Kid’s Hangouts

If you are interested in having some fun and getting to know some other UBCers then come meet us next week, July 5th, at the Cameron Park Splash Pad! Throughout the summer we are going to be having UBC Kids Hangouts! We'll meet next week at 2pm and we'll splash around and UBC will provide some waters and snacks and we’ll all have a great time! If you think you're interested in coming let Taylor know so she can be on the lookout for you!

Leadership and Finance Team Nominations

First we'd like to applaud Kathy Krey and Taylor Beard for their leadership these last three years.  Kathy and Taylor’s stints on LT are coming to an end this August. We are thankful for their service to our community

So that means we are looking for new folks to serve on the leadership team.  Here is some information for you to consider from the bylaws. 

Section 1.  Leadership Team

(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.  Members serving as student member commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years. 

Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

We also have some previously scheduled Finance Team rotations! And so we’re also looking for new Finance Team members. Here is some information to consider from the Bylaws:

Finance Team: The Finance Team is an advisory group to the staff and  Leadership Team, providing guidance, support, and oversight of the financial  aspects of the church. This 5-7 person team of lay members, in consultation with  the Lead Pastor and Office Administrator, meets at least quarterly to prepare the  proposed annual budget, review the church’s fiscal condition, and make  recommendations and decisions regarding expenditures, investments, and other  financial matters. Qualifications and terms for Finance Team service are outlined in  the UBC Bylaws. 

These positions are incredibly important for our community and an important way to serve! Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

UBC Neighborhood Parties - July 22nd - 6pm

We are excited to announce our first round of UBC Neighborhood Parties.  This will be on Friday night, July 22, at 6pm.  We will have one location in the Hewitt/Woodway area, and one location in town in Castle Heights.  UBC will provide the main dish, we ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share.  There will be sign-up forms in the lobby starting this Sunday, and/or you can email toph@ubcwaco.org Waco to sign-up.  This is a family friendly event, so definitely bring the kids, and invite your friends.  If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer!

UBC Meal Calendars

Hi friends! Here are the current Meal Calendar opportunities to serve members of the UBC community:

The Pittman Family: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mm81m6

The Howerton Family: mealtrain.com/08y894

The Hill Family: mealtrain.com/dy98dv

Parishioner of the Week

Margo Shanks - for being a champion!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-26 Kerri Fisher

July 3: Taylor

July 10: Sharyl

July 17: Lilly

July 24: Kerri

July 31: Kirk

ITLOTC 6-22-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Ordinary Time

VBS Compassion Camp!

Last week we had SO much fun at Compassion Camp VBS! Pic for proof:

We learned about sharing LovingKindness with our friends and families, with ourselves, and with our neighbors and communities. We learned to jump into compassion. And we learned the stories of Miriam, Elijah, the Good Samaritan, Pentecost, and a thankful Paul. We also learned a helpful chant to remember to have empathy for others, “I see your hurt, I feel your hurt, I help ease your hurt.”

I am so thankful for your support as a community - through both your. donation of time from our volunteers and also through your monetary giving so we could afford supplies and space for our kids to learn and have fun and be formed safely! Thanks so much for your participation in our community. I am very thankful

Interim Pastor Announcement from LT

Dear UBC,

The Leadership Team is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirk Hatcher as UBC’s Interim Pastor. Kirk lives here in Waco where he works in human resources at Baylor. Previously, Kirk served for over 25 years in churches in Texas and Oklahoma as Pastor to Students, Minister of Youth and Minister of Spiritual Formation. He has an MDiv from Truett and an accounting degree from Baylor.

Kirk has accepted a part-time interim pastor position with UBC, beginning on June 26th. During this time of interim he will be responsible for administration and pastoral leadership, including working with the Leadership, Human Resources, and Finance teams and supervising staff to ensure that UBC runs smoothly. Kirk will also be responsible for pastoral care including preaching and worship collaboration.

The Leadership Team would like to express our gratitude to the congregation for your patience, prayers, and words of support during this transition season. We especially appreciate the work of everyone on HR and Finance Teams for their dedication and service. Lastly, an extra measure of gratitude is due to the staff for scheduling weekly supply pastors and overseeing our Sunday worship services during this time of pastoral transition.

Kirk is eager to begin the work of pastoring UBC, and we are excited for him to meet our church community. He will have more specific information regarding office hours and contact information very soon. We hope you will make plans to join us this Sunday, June 26, as we welcome Kirk Hatcher to UBC!  

-LT

UBC Kid’s Hangouts

If you are interested in having some fun and getting to know some other UBCers then come meet us tomorrow at UBC for a movie day! Throughout the summer we are going to be having UBC Kids Hangouts! We'll meet tomorrow at 2pm and we'll watch a movie and eat some movie snacks and have a great time! If you think you're interested in coming let Taylor know so she can be on the lookout for you!

Leadership and Finance Team Nominations

First we'd like to applaud Kathy Krey and Taylor Beard for their leadership these last three years.  Kathy and Taylor’s stints on LT are coming to an end this August. We are thankful for their service to our community

So that means we are looking for new folks to serve on the leadership team.  Here is some information for you to consider from the bylaws. 

Section 1.  Leadership Team

(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.  Members serving as student member commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years. 

Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

We also have some previously scheduled Finance Team rotations! And so we’re also looking for new Finance Team members. Here is some information to consider from the Bylaws:

Finance Team: The Finance Team is an advisory group to the staff and  Leadership Team, providing guidance, support, and oversight of the financial  aspects of the church. This 5-7 person team of lay members, in consultation with  the Lead Pastor and Office Administrator, meets at least quarterly to prepare the  proposed annual budget, review the church’s fiscal condition, and make  recommendations and decisions regarding expenditures, investments, and other  financial matters. Qualifications and terms for Finance Team service are outlined in  the UBC Bylaws. 

These positions are incredibly important for our community and an important way to serve! Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

UBC Meal Calendars

Hi friends! Here are the current Meal Calendar opportunities to serve members of the UBC community:

The Pittman Family: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mm81m6

The Howerton Family: mealtrain.com/08y894

Parishioner of the Week

All of our VBS Volunteers! Thank you so much for making VBS a hit! You all did such a wonderful job!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-26 Kerri Fisher

July 3: Taylor

July 10: Sharyl

July 17: Lilly

July 24: Kerri

July 31: Interim

ItLOTC 6-15-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Ordinary Time

Waco Dives – by Toph

Greetings UBC’ers! It’s summer, and one of my favorite summer events is Waco Dives. Each week we gather at a different Waco food paradise to enjoy some delicious cuisine, and get to know one another. We had our second one today, and would love for you to join us next Wednesday at noon at the Route 77 Food Park. We will take a break on June 29th, as I will be at CBF General Assembly in Dallas that Wednesday. You can find a list of the rest of summer dive locations on the calendar at www.ubcwaco.org .Speaking of food, here are 5 of my favorite places in Waco (in no particular order), and what you should order:

El Crucero: soyrizo, potato, and cheese taco – it’s the perfect amount of heat, grilled potato,

and cheesy goodness

Curry Up and Wok This Way: pad see eww – it’s the most authentic one I’ve had outside of

Thailand.

Revival Eastside Eatery: whatever the special of the day is, particular if it’s a sandwich or burger

– always fresh, and often some surprising flavor combinations that you don’t think will work, but does.

Kitok’s: bulgogi burger and oriental fries – great Korean flavors meet the classic American

burger and fries. This might be Waco’s best food creation.

Tru Jamaica: jerk chicken – the perfect blend of some savory island flavor with a great kick – for

extra spicy, ask for the scotch bonnet hot sauce to add to your rice and peas

Leadership and Finance Team Nominations

First we'd like to applaud Kathy Krey, Jose Zuniga, and Taylor Beard for their leadership these last three years.  Their stints are coming to an end this August and they will rolling off over the course of the Fall. We are thankful for their service to our community

So that means we are looking for new folks to serve on the leadership team.  Here is some information for you to consider from the bylaws. 

Section 1.  Leadership Team

(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.  Members serving as student member commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years. 

Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

We also have some previously scheduled Finance Team rotations! And so we’re also looking for new Finance Team members. Here is some information to consider from the Bylaws:

Finance Team: The Finance Team is an advisory group to the staff and  Leadership Team, providing guidance, support, and oversight of the financial  aspects of the church. This 5-7 person team of lay members, in consultation with  the Lead Pastor and Office Administrator, meets at least quarterly to prepare the  proposed annual budget, review the church’s fiscal condition, and make  recommendations and decisions regarding expenditures, investments, and other  financial matters. Qualifications and terms for Finance Team service are outlined in  the UBC Bylaws. 

These positions are incredibly important for our community and an important way to serve! Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

VBS - Compassion Camp!

Our VBS is happening right now! It’s called “Compassion Camp - Changing the world with LovingKindness!” It’s for kid’s ages 2yo-4th grade and 5th Grade-Adults are welcome to come serve as volunteers. We have three more more days and we’re meeting nightly from 5:30-8pm! If you would like to volunteer to help or if you would like your child to attend you can still come. Just email taylor@ubcwaco.org

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

Foster Care Awareness

Want to learn more about foster care and ways to get involved? Interested in engaging faith communities? There will be Foster Care Awareness Events on June 21 and 22 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church to learn more about foster care in our community sponsored by St. Alban's and Families and Foster Care Coalition. Dinner and childcare provided. Learn more details and RSVP at https://forms.gle/YnMqWyMKyXiMtkNy8.

UBC Meal Calendars

Hi friends! Here are the current Meal Calendar opportunities to serve members of the UBC community:

The Pittman Family: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mm81m6

The Howerton Family: mealtrain.com/08y894

Parishioner of the Week

The Carrons for filling in for worship on Sunday! Thank you so much for leading us on Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-17 Lilly Ettinger

6-26 Kerri Fisher

July 3: Taylor

July 10: Sharyl

July 17: Lilly

July 24: Kerri

July 31: Interim

ITLOTC 6-7-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Ordinary Time

Y’all means ALL – by Toph (he/him) 

Coming back from sabbatical is always a transition.  It is such a gift to be given an extended amount of time to reflect and recharge, but it takes me a little while to ease back into the rhythm of routine.  During my sabbatical I was able to worship at a few different churches, those which family and friends attend in Thailand and Tennessee, and it always makes me miss UBC.  I love the community we, you and I, have built here together.  I love the freedom to be able to voice our convictions, both publicly and privately, and know even if we disagree it does not mean we are not community, or we are not pursuing the holy work of loving God, embracing beauty, and living life to the fullest. 
In Cole Arthur Riley’s book, This Here Flesh, she writes: “I don’t have many certainties about God.  I do have many hopes.  Chief among them is that it’s true what they say: that God is love, is made of love, and looks at the faces of you and me and my gramma and, without hesitation or demand, delights.”As one of your pastors, let me affirm this hope, and let you know that the Creator of the cosmos, created you, and takes great delight in you.  I am also mindful it is Pride month, and the Church has done so much harm through the years to the LGBTQIA+ community.  As a CIS-gender heterosexual white male, I have not felt this pain, but as I listened in 2019 to many of our LGBTQIA+ folks, I heard their pain and their stories.  So today, being my first newsletter back from sabbatical, I wanted to remind all of us that God is Love and takes great delight in you. 

We did this “for the sake of clarity” post last year, and this is what we said:  “UBC  unequivocally supports the queer community, completely affirming them in their identity, and their calls to service and ministry.  Queer folks can serve in all capacities, engage in communion, and be married at UBC.”  Amen.One of my favorite parts of returning from sabbatical is seeing you and knowing at UBC we are doing our best to create safe spaces for ALL people to know, feel, and experience the radically inclusive love of God.  If the Church, or in particular UBC, has caused you pain, I would love to listen to your story and ask for forgiveness.  If the Church, or in particular UBC, has been a place of refuge and comfort, I would love to listen to your story and give thanks to God together.  One of the favorite parts of my job is sit across from another human, and listen, and be invited into a space in which our stories might form one another and challenge us to live into the great Story.  If you would like to grab coffee, lunch, or a pint soon, I would love that.  I’ve missed y’all.

Leadership and Finance Team Nominations

First we'd like to applaud Kathy Krey, Jose Zuniga, and Taylor Beard for their leadership these last three years.  Their stints are coming to an end this August and they will rolling off over the course of the Fall. We are thankful for their service to our community

So that means we are looking for new folks to serve on the leadership team.  Here is some information for you to consider from the bylaws. 

Section 1.  Leadership Team

(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.  Members serving as student member commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years. 

Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

We also have some previously scheduled Finance Team rotations! And so we’re also looking for new Finance Team members. Here is some information to consider from the Bylaws:

Finance Team: The Finance Team is an advisory group to the staff and  Leadership Team, providing guidance, support, and oversight of the financial  aspects of the church. This 5-7 person team of lay members, in consultation with  the Lead Pastor and Office Administrator, meets at least quarterly to prepare the  proposed annual budget, review the church’s fiscal condition, and make  recommendations and decisions regarding expenditures, investments, and other  financial matters. Qualifications and terms for Finance Team service are outlined in  the UBC Bylaws. 

These positions are incredibly important for our community and an important way to serve! Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. Nominations begin now.  So if you'd like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please send an email to anyone on staff, toph or taylor

VBS - Compassion Camp!

Our VBS is right around the corner! It’s called “Compassion Camp - Changing the world with LovingKindness!” It’s for kid’s ages 2yo-4th grade and 5th Grade-Adults are welcome to come serve as volunteers. It will be the week of June 13-17 (Mon-Fri) and it will be nightly from 5:30-8pm! If you would like to volunteer to help or if you would like your child to attend you can email taylor@ubcwaco.org

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

Waco Dives - Kitok’s at noon!

In the summer we like to get together and get lunch at a different local Waco restaurant! This week our local restaurant expert (Toph) has chosen Kitok’s as the restaurant for the week! So we will meet there tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon to enjoy lunch together! We hope you can make it!

Foster Care Awareness

Want to learn more about foster care and ways to get involved? Interested in engaging faith communities? There will be Foster Care Awareness Events on June 21 and 22 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church to learn more about foster care in our community sponsored by St. Alban's and Families and Foster Care Coalition. Dinner and childcare provided. Learn more details and RSVP at https://forms.gle/YnMqWyMKyXiMtkNy8.

UBC Meal Calendars

Hi friends! Here are the current Meal Calendar opportunities to serve members of the UBC community:

The Pittman Family: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mm81m6

The Howerton Family: mealtrain.com/08y894

Parishioner of the Week

The Carrons for filling in for worship on Sunday! Thank you so much for leading us on Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-12 Craig Nash

6-17 Lilly Ettinger

6-26 Kerri Fisher

July 3: Taylor

July 10: Sharyl

July 17: Lilly

July 24: Kerri

July 31: Interim

0 LIKES

ITLOTC 5-31-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Hawaiian Falls!

Friends - this Friday will be our UBC Summer Kick-Off event! We will be going to Hawaiian Falls from 3-7pm to hangout, have some fun, and spend some time together - I am so excited to see as many of you as possible!

We did also receive a QR Code for HALF OFF tickets. You can scan the QR Code you find in this email to buy half off tickets for your entire family!

Normally we have a blog entry at the top of the newsletter but honestly I’m so excited about this that I decided to put it at the top! I think we are going to have such a good time and I hope that as many of you as possible will come join and hang out on Friday afternoon. It’s going to be a great way to kickoff the summer!

The last thing I’ll leave you with is similar to what Jamie said last week. I know that Waco summer is slow (and believe me I love that) but church isn’t on hold. We have so many fun and formational things planned for this summer and I hope sincerely that you’ll be a part of them. I hope that we can come together and know and love each other better by the end of this summer! Even if (especially if) that means a conversation over snow-cones at Hawaiian Fall. So I hope you’ll dive in. And honestly - I’ll still understand if you don’t ;)

I’m thankful for you friends! And I hope to see you there on Friday!

-Taylor

PINTS WITH TOPH IS BACK (still true)

Toph has returned and will be at the Pinewood Public House at 6pm for all of your beer and Toph needs.

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

VBS - Compassion Camp!

Our VBS is right around the corner! It’s called “Compassion Camp - Changing the world with LovingKindness!” It will be the week of June 13-17 and it will be nightly from 5:30-8pm! If you would like to volunteer to help or if you would like your child to attend you can email taylor@ubcwaco.org

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

Toph Whisnant for being back from sabbatical!!

Preaching Schedule

Staff has put together a preaching rotation through the summer so that we might hear from the UBC community during this season. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

6-5 Taylor Post

6-12 Craig Nash

6-17 Lilly Ettinger

6-26 Kerri Fisher

Liturgy Stuff 5-29-2022

May 29, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 29th (in the order they are needed).

Come Thou Fount

come thou fount of every blessing
tune my heart to sing thy grace
streams of mercy, never ceasing
call for songs of loudest praise
teach me some melodious sonnet
sung by flaming tongues above
praise the mount, i’m fixed upon it
mount of thy redeeming love

here I raise my Ebenezer
hither by thine help i’ve come
and I hope by thy good pleasure
safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
wandering from the fold of god
he to rescue me from danger
interposed his precious blood

o to grace how great a debtor
daily i’m constrained to be
let thy goodness like a fetter
bind my wandering heart to thee
prone to wander, lord I feel it
prone to leave the god I love
here’s my heart, lord, take and seal it
seal it for thy courts above

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

the One who is near to the brokenhearted
who lifts up the downcast

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

turning our hearts and minds
toward god
by turning our hearts and minds
toward our neighbors

amen

Rise Up

for the lowly 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, 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

see how Rachel, she is weeping
how 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
will you rise, 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
lead us not into temptation
but deliver us, we cry
will you rise, will you rise

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

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
wear their scars like names yet find
heaven and earth strangely aligned
like water in the sour wine: hidden in plain sight

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

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

All My Hope Is In This

this I call to mind—all my hope is in this
each breath is a gift, a shelter in the stern of the ship

I heard you used to sleep while the storm it raged
while I can barely keep my feet amidst the slightest change
if I could touch the edge of your shirt would it help
ease the terror in my chest and bid my mind be still
and if I could not reach, but just called your name
would your eye fall upon me through the gloom
like the break of day
and if I could not speak, would you hear me still
my groans too deep for words would
you gather me up in your quilt
would you gather me up in your quilt?

this I call to mind as walls start closing in
your love’s like the wind
never starts and never ends, it only flows
whether whisper or din, return infinite

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament lectionary reading is Psalm 97:

The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
    and consumes his adversaries on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples behold his glory.
All servants of images are put to shame,
    those who make their boast in worthless idols;
    all gods bow down before him.
Zion hears and is glad,
    and the towns of Judah rejoice
    because of your judgments, O God.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.

You who love the Lord, hate evil;
    he guards the lives of his faithful;
    he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous
    and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
    and give thanks to his holy name!

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Ericka’s sermon text, is John 17:20-26:

“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.”

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.

Waking Life

you’re a hammer blow to the barricade
that I 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
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 somethings changed in a place I cannot reach
and there’s this ache where I once kept my apathy
like there’s a depth to life and breath in everything

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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 5-25-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Bye for now

Well, my friends, this Sunday will be my last for a while as I embark on sabbatical.

If you weren’t around for town hall, the main thing I’ll be working on is a set of liturgical calendar resources for our community.  I’ll also be spending some time revisiting a philosophy of ministry paper I wrote my last semester of seminary/first semester of this job. My hope with this is to reflect on what I’ve learned over the last seven years, and to form that into a vision for the next chapter of my time at Ubc.

I’ll be sorry to miss the rotation of preachers and musicians we have lined up this summer, but I’m so thankful for the embarrassment of riches we have in the gifts of our community.  We have already been in a season where we are reminded that Ubc does not reside in the personality of a single individual, and this feels like a very meaningful way to embody that together.

To that end, I have one simple pastoral word to offer you for these coming months:

The life of Ubc is not on hold right now. Your life is not on hold right now.  And so may you continue to seek to be formed in the way of Christ; to love God, embrace beauty, and live life to the fullest.

I’ll miss you all while I’m away, and look forward to being back in August.

-Jamie

PINTS WITH TOPH IS BACK

Toph has returned and will be at the Pinewood Public House at 6pm for all of your beer and Toph needs.

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

Summer KickOff - Hawaiian Falls!

Our first Summer event as a community will be June 3rd at Hawaiian Falls! We’ll meet there and have a super fun day in the sun! If you have any questions please email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

Kathleen Post and Emily McDonald for helping make Kid’s Sunday run smoothly this past Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

One of things the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

5-29 Ericka Graham

6-5 Interim Pastor

6-12 Craig Nash

6-17 Lilly Ettinger

6-26 Kerri Fisher

Liturgy Stuff 5-22-2022

May 22, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 22nd (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 minds
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 minds
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

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

the creator and sustainer of all that is

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form our hearts and minds

drawing our lives into the way of Christ

amen

Holy, Holy, Holy

holy, holy, holy, lord god almighty
early in the morning, our song 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 eyes of sinful ones thy glories may not see
only thou art holy, there is none beside thee
perfect in power, love and purity

holy, holy, holy, lord god all mighty
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

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
yeah, 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 lectionary reading is Psalm 67:

May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth revere him.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Ericka’s sermon text, is John 5:1-9:

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am making my way someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

Now that day was a Sabbath.

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.

All Creatures

all creatures of our god and king
lift up your voice and with us sing
o praise him, alleluia
thou burning sun with golden beam
thou silver moon with softer gleam
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

thou rushing wind that art so strong
ye clouds that sail in heaven along
o praise him, alleluia
thou rising moon with praise rejoice
ye lights of evening, find their voice
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

let all things their creator bless
and worship him in humbleness
o praise him, alleluia
praise, praise the father, praise the son
and praise the spirit, three in one
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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 5-17-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Listening to Our Community

Hello friends!

I’ve been thinking a lot about summer lately. I’m actually normally thinking about summer so it isn’t particularly out of pocket for me to be thinking about summer. I was born in May and I really love being in/beside any and all kinds of bodies of water and so I think I was just born loving summertime. Even in Texas. Even in 100+ degree heat. It’s the best I love it.

And so, I’ve been thinking, especially, about this summer. As a pastoral staff we’ve been careful this year to plan and provide moments that provide both relational capacity and spiritual formation. We want to provide moments that are meaningful and help all of us get a chance to come together as a community. Moments that help us love God. Embrace beauty. And live life to the fullest. All the good stuff.

This summer one of the ways. we are going to do that is by listening to voices from within our community during our worship hour. We have a great list of preachers and worship leaders lined up from within the UBC community who will help lead us as we move through this season and learn from each other.

And one of the reasons I’m so excited, one of the reasons I think listening to each other is so important right now is because I think one of the most important questions we can be asking each other right now is, “Who is UBC?” Not because we don’t know the answer. But because it’s always good to do a check in when big moves are being made. To say “who are we?” and “how can we live that out?”. We might find things we like, things love, things we’ve taken for granted, and we might find things we want to change. But who better than our fellow community members to walk with us through this process.

So I’m excited about laying by a body of water, about it being sunshiny and warm and I’m really excited to spend time with all of you as we hear from and are formed by our fellow community members and as we spend time together getting to know each other well

-Taylor

This is 40ish

This group is for those who identify as female, who are out of college and the young professional world, who are closer to 40ish and older, and are looking for a place to connect with other UBC women. Also, as with most groups at UBC, age is relative, so if you are keenly interested please reach out to us. The next gathering will be this Saturday, May 21 at 7, at the new Slowrise on MLK Blvd on the river. If you would like more information, please contact Noel Carlson (612-801-5831) for more information.

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

Summer KickOff - Hawaiian Falls!

Our first Summer event as a community will be June 3rd at Hawaiian Falls! We’ll meet there and have a super fun day in the sun! If you have any questions please email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

Kathleen Post and Emily McDonald for helping make Kid’s Sunday run smoothly this past Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

One of things the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

5-22 Ericka Graham

5-29 Ericka Graham

6-5 Interim Pastor

6-12 Craig Nash

6-17 Lilly Ettinger

6-26 Kerri Fisher

Liturgy Stuff 5-15-2022

May 15, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 15th (in the order they are needed).

How Great Thou Art

o lord my god, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
thy power throughout the universe displayed

then sings my soul, my savior god to thee
how great thou art, how great thou art

and when I think that god, the son not sparing
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
he bled and died to take away my sin

then sings my soul, my savior god to thee
how great thou art, how great thou art

when christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
and I shall bow with humble adoration
and there proclaim my god how great thou art

then sings my soul, my savior god to thee
how great thou art, how great thou art

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

the God of the stars and seas,
of the birds and the trees

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

teaching us to love one another
in our ordinary lives

amen

Your Love Is Strong

dear Heavenly Father, you always amaze me
let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
you give me the food I need to live through the day
and forgive me as I forgive the people who’ve wronged me

lead me far from temptation, deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window, the birds are composing
and not a note is out of tune or out of place
I walk through the meadow and stare at the flowers
better dressed than any girl on her wedding day

so why do I worry, why do I fear, god knows what I need
you know what I need

your love is, your love is, your love is strong

the kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
invade my heart invade this broken town
the kingdom of the heavens is buried treasure
would you sell yourself to buy the one you’ve found

two things you told me: that you are strong and you love me

your love is, your love is, your love is strong

our god in heaven, hallowed be thy name above all names
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
give us today our daily bread, forgive us weary sinners
keep us far from our vices and deliver us from these prisons

All Creatures

all creatures of our god and king
lift up your voice and with us sing
o praise him, alleluia
thou burning sun with golden beam
thou silver moon with softer gleam
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

thou rushing wind that art so strong
ye clouds that sail in heaven along
o praise him, alleluia
thou rising moon with praise rejoice
ye lights of evening, find their voice
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

let all things their creator bless
and worship him in humbleness
o praise him, alleluia
praise, praise the father, praise the son
and praise the spirit, three in one
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleuia

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 148:

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
    he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
    stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
    creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
    old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his faithful,
    for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 13:31-35:

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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 that 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 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 host
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 5-10-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Kid’s Sunday

Hello friends!

This coming Sunday is Kid’s Sunday at UBC. So our kid’s will be leading us in worship!! They have spent the last few weeks preparing for this Sunday and I can’t wait for them to share with us. I am also genuinely a little bit scared because several of them walked up to me on Sunday and said, “Next Sunday WE’RE in charge!” in a way that was honestly a little bit terrifying. So - it’s kind of a 50/50 shot at what’ll be happening on Sunday.

And if you know anything about the Bloom Room I hope you’ll be excited to see Mr. Paul and the Bloom Room Bunch lead our offering. Mr. Paul is basically a celebrity in the Bloom Room and then everyone else is 2-4 yrs old and I cannot wait for the offering!

But one thing that I know for sure is that UBC Kids have taught me so much in my time at UBC. They are smart and funny and insightful and kind above all else! I am excited to learn from them on Sunday and I hope that you are too!

-Taylor

Summer Calendar!

We have many exciting events coming up this summer and you can find our full calendar of events here on our website if you’re looking to schedule which events you want to attend this summer! We’ll also be printing a hard copy for you to take home and keep on your fridge or wherever you keep your calendar! So be on the lookout for that!

Summer KickOff - Hawaiian Falls!

Our first Summer event as a community will be June 3rd at Hawaiian Falls! We’ll meet there and have a super fun day in the sun! If you have any questions please email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

Joseph Leman for working up in the booth this past Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

One of things the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

5-15 Children’s Sunday

5-22 Ericka Graham

5-29 Ericka Graham

Liturgy Stuff 5-8-2022

May 1, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 1st (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 and carried out in perfect time
like the shape of breathing is the shape of all, spinning into one
as the empty tomb cloud is spreading out, spreading out
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

o, 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

in whose self-giving love we reside

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

that we might receive every breath as a gift
and every day as an invitation
into the love of God

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

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 flikcering
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

Come Healing

o gather up the brokenness and bring it to me now
the fragrance of those promises you’ve never dared to vow
the splinters that you carry, the cross you left behind
come healing of the body, come healing of the mind
and let the heavens hear it, the penitential hymn
come healing of the spirit, come healing of the limb

behold the gates of mercy in arbitrary space
and none of us deserving the cruelty or the grace
o solitude of longing where love has been confined
come healing of the body, come healing of the mind
and see the darkness yielding which tore the light apart
come healing of the reason come healing of the heart

o troubled dust concealing and undivided love
the heart beneath is teaching to the broken heart above
let the heavens falter, let the earth proclaim
come healing of the altar, come healing of the name

o longing of the branches to lift the little bud
o longing of the arteries to purify the blood
let the heavens hear it, the penitential hymn
come healing the spirit, come healing of the limb

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Jamie’s sermon text, 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 lectionary reading is John 10:22-30:

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

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.

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 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

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 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

with every breath, every breath
you return to me
in heights of joy or fear of death
you are the ground beneath

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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 5-4-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

This Sunday

Hello friends! I just wanted to make a note for all of you that along with being Mother’s Day this coming Sunday our very own Jameson McGregor is going to be in the pulpit! I am thankful for all (well…most) of my conversations with Jamie. And here’s why I think you should be extremely excited that Jamie is preaching this Sunday.

Jamie is funny and kind. As we all learned earlier this year he is an excellent preacher. And he is truly, one of the most careful thinkers and theologians that I’ve known. And (I think one of my favorite things about Jamie) he firmly believes that our values should shape the way that we live our lives and the choices we make. I’m sure you already knew those things but I just want to be double sure.

Another thing about Jamie is that he hates that I did that.

All that to say that Jamie is preaching this Sunday! And I’m super excited about it! And I hope that you are too!

And I hope to see you there!

-Taylor

Finance Report - May 2022

At Town Hall on Sunday, Jen Carron, Head of Finance Team gave an excellent presentation on the state of our finances. Some of you have asked for the slides so we made a blog post just for them: Finance Report - May 2022. If you have any questions you can email taylor@ubcwaco.org or jamie@ubcwaco.org!

Children’s Sunday (5/15)

On May 15 our kids will be leading us in worship! They’ll be preparing to do that over the course of the next few Sundays during the worship hour. So - if you are interested in having your child participate in leading us in worship make sure they’re in their Sunday School classes over the course of the next several weeks! If you have any questions you can email me at taylor@ubcwaco.org!

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

Jess and Wes Smith for filling in in the Sprout Room on Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

One of thing the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

5-8 Jameson McGregor

5-15 Children’s Sunday

5-22 Ericka Graham

5-29 Ericka Graham

Finance Report May 2022

In the average monthly contributors slide, you might notice that a large portion of the budget (about half) is given by about 20 people. Ideally, our budget would have a larger number of small amount contributors. If you’ve been meaning to start giving regularly, now would be a great time to start! You can text to give at 84321, or go to ubcwaco.org/give. If you’re not in a place to offer financial support right now, the slide below has a few items that would be helpful in the general maintenance of the building.

Liturgy Stuff 5-1-2022

May 1, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 1st (in the order they are needed).

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
and as the forest 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?

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Living God

our refuge and strength,
our ever-present help in time of need

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

that we might join the work of God
with our ordinary lives

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

we are beloved ones
not for what we have or have not done
its just, we reflect you like the moon the sun
the living echoes of the song you’ve sung,
and sing:

this is my body, this is my blood

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 that 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 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

All the While

your justice is like the Mariana Trench
though we’ve barely seen the bottom
the bottom yet persists
all the while

your kindness is like the mass of a soul
impossible to measure
but the measure still yet holds
all the while

your presence is like the nature of time
perpetual arrival
we pretend to watch pass by
all the while

but for all that we don’t know
for all that we cannot control
for all that we cannot hold in our hands
all the while you remain

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament lectionary reading is Psalm 30:

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment;
    his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord,
    you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
    I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cried,
    and to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my death,
    if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned my mourning into dancing;
    you have taken off my sackcloth
    and clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Jason’s sermon text, is Mark 1:35-39:

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

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.

Every Tree

God is our refuge and strength
and ever-present help in time of need
sure as the ground beneath all being
the comfort of the eternal’s within your reach

for every tree has its root in the stream

God comes prowling like a theif
through the windows of time
to the terrace of your grief
to rid your sorrow of its sting
though it might take a while
there’s a dawn within your reach

for every tree has its root in the stream

so clap your hands and stomp your feet
lift up your voice like the breakers from the deep
to sing of our slaughtered/standing king
by whom death is a vapor and life is a diamond ring

and every tree has its root in the stream

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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 4-26-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Town Hall

Hello Friends! This coming Sunday (5/1/22) after worship we will be hosting our quarterly Town Hall and I wanted to make you all aware! That way you can plan on coming if you’re available.

Town Hall is an important time. for all of us as community members to hear important information about what’s going on at UBC. The Leadership Team has some updates on where they are in the Pastoral Search Process, the Finance Team has some info to share about the financial life of our community, and staff has some updates about sabbaticals and reminders for the future.

We have a lot going on at UBC these days and we love being able to tell you about all of it! So if you’re in town and available all of our teams would love to see your faces on Sunday! Plus - we’re going to have a picnic afterward! It’s going to be so much fun! Hope to see you there!

-Taylor

Cesar Chavez MS Thank Yous!

We are gathering gift cards and notes for our teacher friends at Cesar Chavez MS! If you are able it would be very appreciated if you could buy one (or however many you can afford!) $5 gift cards to Sonic or Pinewood (or you’re favorite soda/coffee joint) and come drop it off at the church over this next Sunday! We are also taking them notes so if you want to write several notes that would also be appreciated! We’ll be taking them to CCMS the first week of May and we would love your help in making sure that every teacher and staff member gets a gift card! If you can’t be at church over the next two Sunday you can just bring them by the church and drop them off with a staff member!

First Sunday Lunch! (5/1)

This week after Church and Town Hall we are having a UBC Picnic! It will be a BYOF (Bring your own food) situation. So come join us as we have a lovely lunch together!

Community Book Discussion (4/28)

The Advocacy Center is hosting a Community Book Discussion for Sexual Assault Awareness Month over Tarana Burke’s book Unbound. It will be at Cultivate 712 at 7pm on April 28th. If you are interested, here’s a link to the registration form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv0_5OIdYSyhJemXL7K-nRvAYGXnFeJkPWZ05NxmJapzmyyQ/viewform

Children’s Sunday (5/15)

On May 15 our kids will be leading us in worship! They’ll be preparing to do that over the course of the next few Sundays during the worship hour. So - if you are interested in having your child participate in leading us in worship make sure they’re in their Sunday School classes over the course of the next several weeks! If you have any questions you can email me at taylor@ubcwaco.org!

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

David Burns for helping us get some of our plumbing issues solved! Thanks so much for volunteering your time and skills David!

Preaching Schedule

One of thing the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

5-1 Jason Minnix

5-8 Jameson McGregor

5-15 Children’s Sunday

5-22 Ericka Graham

5-29 Ericka Graham

Liturgy Stuff 4-24-2022

April 24, 2022

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

Chariot

swing like a chariot at the trumpet call
when we’re all unsaved
swing like a wrecking ball
like the heart of god, what a mystery
filled with the wedding feast for the snakes and bees
with the angel teeth
swing like a chariot
come and marry us to the blushing circus king
and dance like elephants as he comes to us
through a fiery golden ring
with a violin and a song to sing
as he brings for us our wings
now he’s one of us, plays the tambourine
breaks the bread for us and sings
but will he wait for us, will you stay for us
will you grace us everything
you’re a wrecking ball with a heart of gold
we will wait for it to swing
like a chariot, swing it low for us
come and carry us away

and we will become a happy ending

fire, come and carry us
make us shine or make us rust
tell us that you care for us
we need to hear a word for us
let your body stand with us
or let our ribs return to dust
chariot, you’ll swing for us
but do you think that you can carry all of us?

so we will become a happy ending

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Living God

the one in whom life is ever-new
by whom beauty is ever-born

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

that we might cherish our neighbors
as God does

amen

Every Tree

God is our refuge and strength
and ever-present help in time of need
sure as the ground beneath all being
the comfort of the eternal’s within your reach

for every tree has its root in the stream

God comes prowling like a theif
through the windows of time
to the terrace of your grief
to rid your sorrow of its sting
though it might take a while
there’s a dawn within your reach

for every tree has its root in the stream

so clap your hands and stomp your feet
lift up your voice like the breakers from the deep
to sing of our slaughtered/standing king
by whom death is a vapor and life is a diamond ring

and every tree has its root in the stream

Because He Lives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
when it is what it seems
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 from night

taking time to try and find some space
its kind of hard to find a place to be
i’ve been living from memory
but they keep tearing up the streets
I've got no problem with difficult
when its on a shelf that I can reach
no, 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 from night

o word-made-scar
o void-made-star
come like a vine
to intertwine
these ribs and spines
like the braid of time

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament lectionary reading is Psalm 118:14-29:

The Lord is my strength and my might;
    he has become my salvation.

There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
    the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
I shall not die, but I shall live,
    and recount the deeds of the Lord.
The Lord has punished me severely,
    but he did not give me over to death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament lectionary reading is John 20:19-31:

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

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.

Waking Life

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

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

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

you’re an ember thrown from a funeral pyre
that infiltrates the cavalcade of an outrage choir
in 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
as I rise, I don’t recognize my speech
find a garden shed where I once kept my apathy

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 live and breath in everything

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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 4-19-2022

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

From 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

As we move into Easter as a community, I am reminded of this poem about Hope by Emily Dickinson. And I am moved to remember that so many times - Hope is all that we have. And that we are constantly sustained by the work of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Hope recently, actually, Thinking about how it’s illogical. It doesn’t make any sense to hope for things. I think it’s an anomaly of the human spirit. That we might Hope for things out of our reach. Or Hope for someone to be healed. Or Hope for systemic change.

But some days, in some seasons it is all we have. It is the only thing between us and giving up. Hope.

I hope(haha) you’re not personally in the middle of one of those seasons. And I hope that you’ll take the time to be hopeful this week. To believe that something that seems too good to be true. To know deep in your heart how loved you are. To choose belief - to help other people hope in good things in this world - even when it seems impossible. UBC may we be hopeful people this EasterTide, and always.

Cesar Chavez MS Thank Yous!

We are gathering gift cards and notes for our teacher friends at Cesar Chavez MS! If you are able it would be very appreciated if you could buy one (or however many you can afford!) $5 gift cards to Sonic or Pinewood (or you’re favorite soda/coffee joint) and come drop it off at the church over the next few Sundays! We are also taking them notes so if you want to write several notes that would also be appreciated! We’ll be taking them to CCMS the last week of April and we would love your help in making sure that every teacher and staff member gets a gift card! If you can’t be at church over the next two Sunday you can just bring them by the church and drop them off with a staff member!

Third Wednesday - Daniel and Lydia Harris and Missions (4/20)

Hello all! I (Daniel Harris) wanted to let you all know about this upcoming third Wednesday discussion happening on Wednesday the 20th of this month. Many of you know that Lydia and I are planning on serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and we’ve been getting a lot of questions about it. On this third Wednesday, I will be discussing the modern missions movement, Bible translation, and World Christianity. We’ll be digging into hard topics like the history of colonialism in missions, short-term missions, race and missions, and other difficult topics which might arise. We’ll also be discussing whether or not international missions are viable in the 21st century and what models might look like to be a healthy Christian witness to our global neighbors. We hope you will make it!

UBC LGBTQIA+ Community Meetup (4/21)

UBC is excited to host its first LGBTQIA+ Community Meetup. We’ll be meeting on Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Pinewood. This is a time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to meet one another, connect, and have a fun time. We hope you can join us! If you have any questions, you can email Katie (who serves on our leadership team). KatarinaEValenzuela@gmail.com

Mister Rogers and Grad Luncheon (4/24)

As one of our patron saints Mister Rogers will lead us in worship on April 24th as we recognize our graduates and bless them in whatever work or education they are moving into in their next season of life and affirm them for the skills and knowledge they acquired in this one. We will ask for graduates to introduce themselves and announce their degree (from high school to PhD) and there will be a grad luncheon after church. If you are interested in coming to the luncheon please email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org !

Community Book Discussion (4/28)

The Advocacy Center is hosting a Community Book Discussion for Sexual Assault Awareness Month over Tarana Burke’s book Unbound. It will be at Cultivate 712 at 7pm on April 28th. If you are interested, here’s a link to the registration form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv0_5OIdYSyhJemXL7K-nRvAYGXnFeJkPWZ05NxmJapzmyyQ/viewform

Pastoral Associate Applications

If you are interested in serving as one of our Pastoral Associates in the coming year you can find the application here: PA Application So please go check out the application and let us know if you have any questions!

Parishioner of the Week

All of our graduates! Good job on doing the hard work all the way to the end! We’re proud of you and are looking forward to celebrating you on Sunday!

Preaching Schedule

One of thing the leadership team asked Josh to do before he left was schedule preaching through May. Here’s a reminder of that lineup for y’all.

4-24 Mr. Rodgers Sunday

5-1 Jason Minnix

5-8 Jameson McGregor

5-15 Children’s Sunday

5-22 Ericka Graham

5-29 Ericka Graham

Liturgy Stuff 4-17-2022

April 17, 2022

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

In the Night

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

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

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

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

I see the slave who toils beneath the yoke, unyielding
and I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
for some hand to stay the whip her foe is weilding
but 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 enemies 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
to ashamed to lift his head, but if he could lift his head
he would see his father running from a distance
in the night, my hope lives on

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

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

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

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

-

but the rulers of this earth could not control him
no, they did not take his life—he laid it down
and the gates of hell could never hope to hold him
yeah, in the night, my hope lives on

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

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Living God

the one who is making all things new
by whom death is an event and not the end

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

that we might carry the hope of Resurrection
in our ordinary 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 is 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 is 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 is risen
christ will come again

Death In His Grave

although the earth cried out for blood
satisfied her hunger was
her billows called on raging seas
for the souls of men, she craved
while sun and moon from balcony
turned their head in disbelief
that precious love would taste the sting
disfigured and disdained

on Friday a thief, on Sunday a king
who laid down in grief, but woke with the keys
to hell on that day, the firstborn of the slain
the man Jesus Christ laid death in his grave

so three days in darkness slept
the morning sun of righteousness
and rose to shame the throes of death
and overturned its rule
now daughters and the sons of men
will pay not their dues again
the debt of blood they owed was rent
as the day rolled anew

on Friday a thief, on Sunday a king
who lay down in grief, but woke with the keys
to hell on that day, the firstborn of the slain
the man Jesus Christ laid death in his grave

he has cheated hell and seated us above the fall
in desperate places he paid our wages
one time, once and for all

Waking Life

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

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

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

you’re an ember thrown from a funeral pyre
that infiltrates the cavalcade of an outrage choir
in 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
as I rise, I don’t recognize my speech
find a garden shed where I once kept my apathy

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 live and breath in everything

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Isaiah 65:17-25:

I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth; 

the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;

for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight. 

I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people; 

no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress. 

No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; 

for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. 

They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 

They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat; 

for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 

They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity; 

for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord--
and their descendants as well. 

Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear. 

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox; 
but the serpent-- its food shall be dust! 

They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Jason’s sermon text, is from Luke 24:

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” . . . Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. . . . When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

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.

Twice Begun

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

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

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

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

Doxology

praise god from whom all blessings flow
praise god all creatures here below
praise god above ye heavenly host
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