The Pane: Next is Driven by An Audacious Why
As all churches consider what next looks like after the pandemic, they must reflect on what is compelling them forward. By "what," I mean "why."
As an organizational guru, Simon Sinek put it, “Very few organizations can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause, or belief - WHY do you exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care, let alone you? Most organizations understand how and what they do each day, but not why.”
Returning to the early church fresh of Jesus’ ascension, Acts' writer gives us a unique glimpse into their daily lives. Of course, we find the church devoting themselves to the teachings of Jesus, praying with one another, and worshiping God together.
However, what makes this passage in Acts 2:42-47 so fascinating was how they viewed the church's role in their lives outside of the churchy stuff, like praying, reading the Scriptures, and worshiping.
The writer tells us that they were sharing meals in each other’s homes, supporting each other’s businesses, responding to each other’s needs, and sharing their possessions and resources to care for those who needed them.
For the early church, their purpose was less of what they did—prayer, worship, study—and more of why they did it. They believed that the invitation was intrinsically fundamental to how they lived their lives by supporting, caring, and nurturing each other and their neighbor through the power of the Holy Spirit and the way of Jesus.
Why is about meaning, significance, and definition. A why must be audacious to the point that people are willing to center their lives around its purpose and meaning, not just for themselves, but its implications for the world.
As we stride forward with spiritual resilience, building upon our authentic relationships, may we turn to the audacious nature of why we exist as a faith community.
Drive-In Movie Night: Friday, April 30
UBC will host a Drive-In Movie on Friday, April 30th. Food Trucks will be onsite as the parking lot opens at 7:00 pm, with a 7:45 pm Movie.
Movie: Pixar’s Inside Out
Registration is $20 per vehicle. All cars will receive a free bag of popcorn.
Register here: www.ubc-br.org/drive-in
Volunteers Needed for Drive-In Movie
In order to make the Drive-In Movie a reality, we need parking attendants, snack distributors, exit attendants. All volunteers get their choice of parking spots for the movie as they arrive early.
Parking attendants will arrive by 6:45 pm on the ball field for placement and instructions.
Snack Distributors will arrive by 6:45 pm in the Fellowship Hall for preparation and distribution instructions.
Exit attendants will meet at 8:45 pm next to the check-in tent for instructions for ushering vehicles at the conclusion of the movie.
Please sign up with the following link, form, or contact the office: www.ubc-br.org/drive-in
Memorial Service for Neil Odenwald
The first visitation for Neil Odenwald will be this Thursday, April 29, 6-8 pm. The second visitation will be Friday, April 30, 10 - 10:50 am with the funeral following at 11 am. All services will be held at University Baptist Church.
For those who cannot attend, watch via Zoom using the details below or click here:
Meeting ID: 923 023 2464
Password: ubc
Memorial Service for George A. "Bub" Haile
A memorial service for George A Haile was postponed in January due to Covid 19 concerns. In light of increased numbers of vaccinations, we feel that it is now safer to gather together. We look forward to celebrating his life with friends and family.
The memorial service for George A. "Bub" Haile will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00am.
Broadmoor Baptist Church
9755 Goodwood Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
A visitation with light refreshments will be held at the church immediately following the service until 2pm. Those unable to be at the service are welcome to attend the visitation.
The service will be streaming online to watch here: https://www.facebook.com/BroadmoorBaptistChurchBatonRouge/
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UBC’s Together After: Weekly Dialogue in Sunday School & Spiritual Formation Groups
As a part of our church’s discernment about what “Next” holds after the pandemic, we are inviting our Sunday School and Spiritual Formation groups to have a brief time at the beginning of each week’s session to pray for UBC and to discuss a question provided.
In turn, we are asking the group’s leader to send a snapshot of the weekly conversation to Russ Futrell (rwfutrell@gmail.com), Governing Board Chair, and Andy Hale (andy@ubc-br.org), Senior Pastor. These insights will provide meaningful data to the church leadership’s discernment process.
May 2: As we consider “Next,” what is a potential roadblock we might face? In turn, what is a proactive solution to overcome this roadblock?
Summer Book Club
