The Pane: The Gift of Presence
Do you recall your favorite Christmas gift from your childhood?
You know, I asked myself that same question in writing this. And while I can pick out some remarkable gifts that my parents and grandparents gave me, what I remember the most was the time we had together.
The first gift is the joy of seeing my grandparents open the door as we arrived from a long road trip from North Carolina to Florida. Then there was the gift of silence from the rest of the
world’s busyness on just one day where no one needed you for anything, allowing you to be present. Oh, the gift of smelling that unique blend of Christmas coffee, fresh bacon, and
cinnamon rolls.
The gift of presence is one of the most remarkable things God has given us by being relational creatures.
The season of Advent draws us together as a faith community, reminding us that God has given us the gift of each other, the gift of the church.
Recently, at the Thanksgiving Gathering, participants were invited to consider why they are grateful for UBC. Writing this down on a leaf tag, placing it on a Tree of Gratitude, here are just some of the responses people gave as to why they are grateful for our church:
The People. The Friendships. People Who Give Unconditionally Without Hesitation. Laughter. Generous Spirit. Great Relationships. The Nomad Class. The Serenity of Community. New Friendships. God’s Faithfulness Through Our Church. Spiritual Formation Classes. Inclusion. Open Mindedness. New Friendships. Tanya Parks. Eric Fulcher. Justin Langford. Andy Hale. The Ministers’ Families. For Those Unable to Join Us In Person. Diversity of Viewpoints. A Willingness to Challenge My Assumptions. Hospitality. Support. Acceptance. A Community That Takes Care of One Another. Faithfulness. Good Mentors. People Caring About My Life.
The church is the living incarnational presence of God in the world. What an extraordinary
wonder!
May we celebrate and receive the gift of presence through the church.
UBC Stained-Glass Christmas Ornaments
For informant how to purchase your ornament, click the image above.
Barnabas Project First Sunday
Participants will meet with their Barnabas Project partner, engaging in fun activities, and building stronger relationships.
For more information, click on the image above.
Free Live Nativity and Outdoor Movie on December 10th
UBC will host a free Live Nativity and Outdoor Movie on Friday, December 10. The Live Nativity will take place on the ballfield parking lot, 5:00-6:30 pm. The Outdoor Movie will premiere at 7:00 pm, showing The Polar Express.
With a food truck opening at 5 pm and free popcorn available before the movie, you are invited to make a night of it by bringing blankets and lawn chairs.
MISSIONS
Christmas Ecuador Project
Prayerfully consider contributing to this mission.
Highland Christmas Book Wrapping
Individuals and Sunday school classes are invited to help with the annual Highland Christmas Book Wrapping.
We ask the wrappers to bring a roll of Christmas wrapping paper, a pair of scissors, a roll of scotch tape, and their Christmas spirit!
If the books do not arrive on time, we will reschedule the wrapping party.
RELATIONSHIPS
Christmas Brunch
UBC will host its annual Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 19 at 9:30 am. This event will take place outside in the courtyard, inviting participants to enjoy a time of community, celebration, and a good meal. The brunch will lead us into a music-centric worship service, with special guests from the Mother’s Day Out program.
Young Adults Night Out
For December, our Young Adults Night Out will be on the second Friday, 5:30-8:00 pm. This month, we will meet on December 17th.
For more information, click on the image above.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Retirees’ Luncheon
Bring your own lunch, we’ll provide drinks and desserts.
Early Registration for Soccer Academy Opens December 6th
The UBC Soccer Academy is back for another set of 6-sessions, February 26 - April 2. Early registration opens December 6 and closes January 6 for $10 off.
Instead of trying to schedule your entire week around scattered soccer practices and games, especially if you have more than one kid playing, register your kid(s) for a series of 1-hour sessions on Saturdays for six weeks. Your child will learn the fundamentals of soccer through fun activities and a scrimmage at the end of each session, all in the comfort of one hour per Saturday for six weeks.
For more information about the Soccer Academy and to register, visit www.ubc-br.org/academy.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Center your hearts on the celebration of Christmas by joining UBC’s Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.
Click on the image above for more information.
New Advent Prayer Group
Each Thursday during Advent at 12:30pm, we will take time to reflect on the Advent Scripture from the previous Sunday in worship. Join us on Zoom.
Zoom ID: 570-645-5793
Password: ubc
VOLUNTEERING
We Need Your Help as Our Church Grows
As out church continues to grow, we need your help. Consider volunteering for one of the above.
Choir is Back
The choir is back! We are currently rehearsing Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Music Suite. All are welcome. Previous experience not required. Safety precautions include masks and distancing. Join us! Contact justin@ubc-br.org for more information.
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Chapel this Sunday, December 5th
Contact eric@ubc-br.org for more information.
KIDS
Spiritual Formation Series
Please bring your children to join us for our current Spiritual Formation Series, “God’s Story for You and Me.” The series is led by Rev. Tanya Parks and takes place in the Children’s Branch during Sunday school.
Outing to ZooLights
Children and families, join us for an outing to ZooLights!
Click on the image above to let us know you're coming!
YOUTH
Youth Christmas Party
On Sunday December 12, we will have our youth Christmas party at UBC! We will have food, Christmas movies and games, and a white elephant gift exchange.
If your youth wants to participate in the gift exchange, please have them bring a wrapped gift costing NO MORE than $10.
CONNECT GROUPS
Update from the Faith, Community and Justice Connect Group
To view the exhibit, visit: https://towardalargerfreedom.com
GENERAL UPDATES
Staff Christmas Bonuses
Save The Dates
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
