The Pane: Let Us Celebrate the Brilliant Work of Deb McElgin
The great theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”
When I think about Deb McElgin, our Minister of Children and Retirees, I am grateful for how she relationally connects with countless members of UBC, the Mother’s Day Out, participants of the Family Tree Café, and the greater community.
Deb is one of the most relationally gifted ministers I have ever met. She generously shares her ears, time, and presence with each person that needs it at the given time. For many, you may not realize that Deb began her time at UBC as a part-time teacher in the MDO program. However, the pastoral staff recognized her gifts and talents as a critical asset to the development of a children’s ministry.
When I was in the process of discerning a calling to UBC, I remember hearing the pastor search team talk about her energy and creativity, starting the Family Tree Café, Parents Night Out, and Dinner & Plays.
While I was heartbroken to see her role change these last few months due to her sensing a calling to helping children at underprivileged schools, I was inspired by how God might use her in the lives of children and families in our community. She is the incarnational presence of Jesus to so many who need it now more than ever.
On June 27, Deb will be stepping away from her staff role at UBC but remaining a part of this faith community.
Deb, thank you for being you and share you with all of us. Thank you for bringing your best self to UBC. Know that your work here will continue to bear fruit for many years to come.
Please join me in celebrating Deb. I encourage you to find ways to thank and encourage her for what she has done and what she will experience next.
New Mask Policy
On May 14, Governor Edwards announced that Louisiana would fully adopt the CDC mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. Those guidelines state that you are no longer required to wear a mask in indoor or outdoor public spaces if you have been vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, you are encouraged to continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
Therefore, if you have been vaccinated, we would like to give you the option to choose whether you wear a mask when attending activities on UBC's campus.
For those working with children and for children under the age of eligibility for vaccinations, mask-wearing will be required.
We recognize that we are all in different places and will take a different timeline in removing masks in shared spaces. If you feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask, please feel free to do so. We respect your choice.
First Summer Gathering/Kids Club, June 13th
Join our first Summer Gathering and Kids Club on June 13 at 4:00 pm.
Kids, ages infant through 5th grade, will enjoy activities, crafts, games, lessons, and dinner. Drop off will occur at the Children’s Branch entrance. Register here by June 10th: https://form.jotform.com/211304851522142 .
Adults can pick one of the following activities: art, beginners’ yoga, board games, or cooking. A dessert social will wrap up the event at 5:45 pm. Please sign up for one of the activities by clicking on this link or calling the office: https:// form.jotform.com/211304748703047
The Summer Gatherings are intended to be a time to build stronger connections within and through UBC. We hope you will not only participate but invite others to join you.
Celebrating Deb McElgin, June 13th 5:30 PM
Return of the Normal Sunday Schedule Set for June 20th
At the beginning of the pandemic, the Sunday School and Spiritual Formation start time changed to 9:15 am to allow for less time for excessive contact before worship.
On Sunday, June 20th, we will return to a 9:00 am start time for our Spiritual Formation and Sunday School groups and bring back the 10:00 am Coffee & Community time in the Heritage Room.
Sunday participants are encouraged to pick up a coffee and treat while utilizing the Heritage Room, Narthex, Sanctuary, and Courtyard for conversations during Coffee & Community.
FORMATION
Noon Summer Book Club Begins June 10th
Join our Noon Summer Book Club for a bi-weekly conversation about Jemar Tisby’s new book, “How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice,” beginning on June 10th.
The group will meet in-person and online in the Fellowship Hall on the Second and Fourth Thursday of June, July, and August.
Purchase the book on Amazon in digital, audio, and hardback editions.
For those joining via Zoom, use the Mtg ID: 314 698 8114.
Please contact Andy via email (andy@ubc-br.org) or phone (225.766.9474) if you plan to join.
This Week’s Prayer is one of: Intercession
Almighty and eternal God, have mercy on your servants, our friends.
Keep them continually under your protection,
and direct them according to your gracious favor in the way of eternal salvation.
May they desire whatever pleases you, and with all their strength strive to do it.
As they trust in your mercy, O Lord,
graciously assist them with your heavenly help,
that they may always diligently serve you,
and be separated from you by no temptations;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sunday Morning Volunteers
As we step into this new normal, we need your help. Consider volunteering for one of the following:
Greet one Sunday per month before Sunday School or Worship: a 20-minute commitment once per month
Assist with children one Sunday per month: a 1.5-hour commitment once per month
Learn to run the worship cameras one Sunday per month: a 1-hour commitment once per month
Join the Care Team in creating a welcome environment on Sundays: a 1-hour commitment once per month
Help with childcare one Friday per month as we rebuild our young adult ministry: a 2.5-hour commitment once per month
Participate in an upcoming Gathering: a 2-hour commitment once per month
Teach toddlers or children once per month: a 1.5-hour commitment once per month
Invite a friend to join you for worship or at UBC event: a 10-minute commitment
Join the Retiree Team in creating opportunities for connections: a 1-hour commitment once per month
Join the Connect Group Team in creating like-interest opportunities: a 1-hour commitment once per month
To Get connected, please reach out to Andy at andy@ubc-br.org or 225-766-9474.
Why Sunday School & Spiritual Formation Groups? A Weekly Dialogue
One of the successes we celebrate about UBC is the health of our Sunday School and Spiritual Formation Groups. We’d like to explore why.
Each week, we ask these groups to spend five minutes at the beginning of their meeting to discuss a provided question. Insight from the group’s discussion can be sent to Andy (andy@ubc-br.org) and Eric (eric@ubc-br.org).
June 13: What is the value of small groups within UBC?
Help With Sunday Worship Stream Quality
Volunteers can help with many different aspects of the project including planning equipment, software, and workflow upgrades; equipment installation; running a camera; or just being part of a rotation that monitors the soundboard or keynote during worship on Sundays.
Prior experience in video production, live sound, or social media is welcome, but not required. We are willing to provide training, if needed. To volunteer, please contact Justin (justin@ubc-br.org).
RELATIONSHIPS
HOPE Grief Support Groups
Young Adults Night Out, June 18th at 5:30 pm
Join our Young Adults Night Out on the third Friday, 5:30-8:00 pm. This month, we will meet on June 18th.
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 Tuesday, June 15th here: https://form.jotform.com/211376129025147. The restaurant location will be texted to you.
Sunday Name Tag Project
Get to know new and unfamiliar faces on Sundays by picking up a name tag as you enter the worship space. The name tags will be in the Narthex center table. Write your name and answer each week’s conversation starter question.
Connect Groups
You may now sign up online on the UBC website: www.ubc-br.org/cg
YOUTH
Youth Summer Event Schedule
For more information, contact Eric at eric@ubc-br.org or visit www.ubc-br.org/youth
KIDS
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship via Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom
Join us for a live-streamed worship service at 10:30 a.m. via any of the following platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubcbr/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/ubcbryt
Zoom: Join Meeting ID: 923-023-246-4
password is: ubc
English Conversation
Topic: Cryptocurrency
Please use the link below to download the lesson:
Download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your phone or computer and type in this meeting ID:
570-645-579-3
password: ubc
GENERAL UPDATES
How To Give
New Mask Policy
On May 14, Governor Edwards announced that Louisiana would fully adopt the CDC mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. Those guidelines state that you are no longer required to wear a mask in indoor or outdoor public spaces if you have been vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, you are encouraged to continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
Therefore, if you have been vaccinated, we would like to give you the option to choose whether you wear a mask when attending activities on UBC's campus.
For those working with children and for children under the age of eligibility for vaccinations, mask-wearing will be required.
We recognize that we are all in different places and will take a different timeline in removing masks in shared spaces. If you feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask, please feel free to do so. We respect your choice.
Save The Dates
STAY CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC
How to Live Stream Worship
To view Live Stream worship click on the links below:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/ubcbryt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubcbr
Sunday School and Spiritual Formation Group Temporary Meeting Spaces
As some of our classes begin to return to campus for hybrid in-person and online meetings, the following are the temporary meeting spaces for the groups. Please maintain six feet of distance and where your mask while your class is meeting. View a larger image here.
