If you gathered one thing from my first seven months at UBC, it’s probably that I value healthy community. This is why we have hosted seven church-wide gatherings, heard the stories of UBC members through the “Why UBC” video series, created the like-interest Connect Groups, expanded the creative potential of the Family Tree Café, and have invited each member to share their hopes and dreams for the future.
The prolific author Kurt Vonnegut wrote, “What should people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
I have some good news, we are only getting warmed up. In 2019, we are expanding our capacity for healthy and authentic community. You, yes you, are invited to come on the journey of doing something simplistically remarkable.
We will continue to offer unique church-wide gatherings each month with various focuses on intentional conversations and interactive activities. In January, the gathering is an invitation to participate in one of our Connect Groups or to create a new Connect Group. On February 10th, we will host our first official church-wide gathering. Go ahead and circle the March 24th Crawfish Boil and the April 14th Palm Sunday Gathering.
If you read last week’s article (link of article once posted on the website), then you know just how much we are emphasizing Connect Groups. The only remaining question is have you circled the particular group in which you will be participating in January and the particular person you are inviting?
Will you choose the cooking group’s Spring Rolls Night on January 22, the midday theology and philosophy group on the second Wednesday at 2:00 pm, the guys or ladies group, the kickball group on first and third Sundays at 3:00 pm, the Off-Limits Theology Conversations group on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:00 pm (first and third Wednesdays after January), or create a new group with others?
Have you considered working with Deb to practice the ministry of hospitality and presence at the Family Tree Café? Consider giving one hour of your time once per week to help register guests, make coffee, and have conversations with guests. If interested, contact Deb.
We are also looking for new ways of connecting with the greater community around us by polling those connected to UBC through the children’s ministry, Café, and MDO to gauge interest in a kid’s fall and spring sports academy league, as well as a winter art and music academy.
We invite you to not only be an active participant in creating healthy and authentic community, but also to pray that these endeavors fulfill their purpose of creating safe space and personifying the love of Jesus.
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