The Pane: Worship Through Acts of Compassion and Service
If there is one thing that most churches do well, it is worship. That is the kind of worship that involves singing, praying, reading scripture, meditating on a sermon, and partaking in communion.
But have you ever participated in the other types of worship? No, I’m not talking about snake handling, dancing, speaking in tongues, or drinking poison. However, it must be noted that at least one snake-handling pastor dies per year from a snake bite. So please do not bring a snake to worship next Sunday!
For most of us, we associate worship with a church building, instruments, vocalists, hymns, pews, and the like. But who defined this as all that worship is supposed to be?
What if the worship that God also desires is what we do with our lives, with our hands, with the way we treat our neighbor? What would it look like to commit to this type of worship as a church?
On January 30, UBC will worship through acts of compassion and service on our first Missions Sunday. Both Sunday School Classes and worship participants are invited to participate in several mission projects on campus and around the community.
The projects are designed to provide each person, no matter their age, station of life, or skill set, the opportunity to contribute to the worship of loving God by loving our neighbors.
Missions Sunday will kick off at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall for donuts and coffee. After a brief introduction and praying over the participants, the missions teams will begin their various projects, from writing care letters to missionaries to packing kindness bags for those experiencing homelessness to cooking a meal for Open Air Ministry to serving the meal. Most ministry projects will wrap up by 11:30 am.
We recognize that this is a different experience than most are accustomed to on a Sunday morning. However, we invite you to step out in faith with us as we worship this one Sunday, not in the sanctuary but serving together.
Won’t you come to serve and worship with us?
Collecting Items for Kindness Bags
You can donate items for the Kindness Bags initiative in January, part of our January 30th Mission Sunday. These are food and hygiene bags you can put in your car to give to those in need.
For more information, click on the image above.
UBC Stained-Glass Christmas Ornaments
For informant how to purchase your ornament, click the image above.
Young Adults Night Out
Our Young Adults Night Out will be on January 21st, 5:30-8:00 pm.
The group will gather at a local restaurant for outdoor dining. Realizing not everyone can arrive by 5:30 pm, plan on joining the group as you are able.
If you have kids, you can drop them off at the church, beginning at 5:15 pm, for dinner and activities for $10 for the first child and $5 for each additional child.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 19th here: https://form.jotform.com/220044191068145. The restaurant location will be texted to you.
MISSIONS
Mission Sunday, January 30
UBC will worship on January 30 by loving our neighbor by engaging in several missional projects around our community. The projects will be designed to incorporate all ages and abilities within UBC, providing an authentic way to meet the needs of our neighbors and create space for intergenerational connections.
If you are interested in helping plan or lead one of the missional projects, please contact Andy by phone or email (andy@ubc-br.org).
Save the Date for the Ecuador Fundraiser on February 6th
The Ecuador Mission Team will host a fundraiser meal on Sunday, February 6, along with a silent auction. Circle, highlight, and hold this date on your calendar to help raise support for the 2022 Ecuador Mission Immersion.
Ecuador Support Project
All contributions should be labeled “Ecuador Support Project.” You can also donate online by clicking on the image above.
Silent Auction Luncheon February 6th
UBC is hosting a silent auction and luncheon on Sunday February 6th to raise funds for the Ecuador Mission trip in July. We are asking your assistance in procuring items for the auction. If you could ask for items or gift certificates from your employer, friends or family, it would be greatly appreciated. Gift certificates for spas, restaurants, grocery stores or any other retail establishment would be great. We are not limited to these type of items and would welcome art work, LSU merchandise, personal services or other items that people would be willing to bid on. To donate items or services contact Herb Bennett, herbbennettbtr@gmail.com, 225-317-5898.
RELATIONSHIPS
Soccer Academy Regular Registration Ends February 7
For more information about the Soccer Academy and to register, click on the image above.
Soccer Academy Volunteers Wanted
UBC's Soccer Academy returns in February. We need 12 different volunteers each Saturday to make the Academy function.
Sign up to help for one or as many Saturdays as you can. Volunteers can sign up here for set-up, player check-in, group guiding, coaching, snack distribution, and participant care: https://form.jotform.com/212913959293163.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Little-Big Things Question of the Week
During our upcoming “The Little-Things” series, Sunday School and Spiritual Formation classes are invited to engage in a weekly dialogue about how their small group can help UBC thrive by living out these expressions: Spirit-Led, Formation, Relationships, Volunteering, Intergenerational Connections, Missions, and Holy Imagination.
The hope is that your group will center the brief conversation on practical and tangible goals for your specific group.
Thursday Prayer Group is Back!
The group meets every Thursday over Zoom at 12:30pm. We will be reading The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen.
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
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 takes place in the Children’s Branch during Sunday school.
GENERAL UPDATES
Save The Dates
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
