The Pane: New Lenten Series, Done
So, there is this new game called Wordle. It started in November of 2021 with 90 users with over 4 million players today.
The point of the game is to guess a five-letter word in six tries or less. As you guess the word, correct letters are highlighted, allowing you to have a better chance on your next guess.
But get this. It is the same word for everyone across the world every single day. And you can only play once per day.
It has gotten so big that social media platforms have blocked users from posting spoilers of the word of the day. Meaning if I posted that today’s word was “panic,” the social media titans would remove my post and give me a warning against posting similar spoilers in the future.
Spoilers and boasts about getting the word right have apparently caused some major drama among groups of friends and families. And some people have become so addicted to the game that they are forcing themselves to delete the app from their phone and ask their friends not to talk to them about it.
Wordle will eventually join the likes of Words with Friends, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Sudoku, Solitaire, and the daily crossword puzzle, in simple games that ignite the part of our brain that controls addiction.
Sometimes do you wish you could just be done with something?
A season in the Christian calendar recognizes the importance of being done with some things. We are in the season of Lent. Not to be confused with the stuff you can find in your belly button or your dryer, the season of Lent commemorates the 40-day journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and his subsequent arrest, torture, and execution.
Lent is a time of fasting, reflection, and repentance. Modeled after Jesus’ 40-days of fasting in the wilderness, Christians are invited to intensely fast, depending more on prayer. However, in more modern times, many choose to give up something for 40-days as a simple sacrifice in honor of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
While giving up things for short periods can be meaningful for our spiritual formation, what’s fascinating is that Jesus’ invitation is much more radical. Jesus has a phrase that appears throughout the Gospel in which he says that to follow him is to give up our life to save it. But what does that mean? What does Jesus mean that we should give up our lives to save them?
We are entering into a new sermon series, “Done: Why Giving Up Our Life Saves It.” We will examine some of the critical teachings of Jesus to understand better what exactly Jesus is calling us to be done with to save our lives.
Join us on Sundays at 10:30 am or catch up with the sermon podcast, starting on Mondays.
Communion March 20th
We will hold Communion on Sunday March 20th. We hope to see you there!
UBC Business Meeting March 20th
We are holding a Business meeting after are Sunday Worship on March 20th. In-Person or Zoom.
RELATIONSHIPS
Important Retirees' Luncheon Update
Please be aware of our Retiree’s Luncheon date changes! Our next Luncheon will be held March 16th at 12:00PM.
Young Adult’s Night Out
Our Young Adults Night Out will be on March 18th, 5:30-8:00 pm. This month, we will meet on November 12th.
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, March 16th here: https://form.jotform.com/220605939059158
The restaurant location will be texted to you.
UBC's Spring Gathering
UBC will host its annual Spring Gathering on Sunday, April 3, on our Highland Road front lawn. This year’s event will feature a Meadow Ride, Bunny Hop (Trunk or Treat style egg share), lots of games, a free meal, and a silent bake auction.
Participants are encouraged to bring an Easter basket to collect all the goodies and a generous heart to contribute to the silent bake auction, benefiting our mission partnership in Ecuador.
This free experience is designed for all ages to enjoy, so please come and invite friends, family, and neighbors.
Parking will be available on the ball field parking lot with limited parking on the Highland side of the campus.
UBC's Flowering of the Easter Cross
Save the Date for this special day of worship where we will be flowering the Easter Cross.
UBC's Easter Brunch
Save the date to remember we will be having Easter Brunch after worship on April 17th.
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.
Volunteers Needed for UBC’s Spring Gathering
To help make the Spring Gathering a reality, we need your help. Sign up by using the following link above, click image, or by contacting the office.
Donate Items for Spring Gathering Bake Auction
The Ecuador Team will host a silent bake auction at the April 3rd Spring Gathering. We need a variety of bakers to provide a plethora of treats for the sale. Register today to donate a delicious treat for the sale: https://form.jotform.com/220465337845157
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.
MISSIONS
Ecuador Support Project
All contributions should be labeled “Ecuador Support Project.” You can also donate online here: https://form.jotform.com/213325214630140
Pick Up Your Kindness Bags
Over 300 Kindness Bags were made at the January 30th Missions Sunday. They are simple food and hygiene kits you can keep in your car to give to someone in need.
Pick up a bag at the office during the week or grab one in the Narthex on Sundays.
UBC Stained-Glass Christmas Ornaments
For informant how to purchase your ornament, click the image above.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Thursday Prayer Group is Back!
The group meets every Thursday over Zoom at 12:30pm. We will be reading Walking The Way by John Dear.
Join us on Zoom.
Zoom ID: 570-645-5793
Password: ubc
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday
Contact eric@ubc-br.org for more information.
KIDS
Magician March 20th
Mark your calendars and join us March 20th to see Magician David Garrad put on a magical experience! You can now buy tickets and register your family! Click the image or follow the link here: https://form.jotform.com/220653350657152
GENERAL UPDATES
Save The Dates
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
