The Pane: Nourishing Our Emotional and Spiritual Lives Through the Thanksgiving Gathering
Eighteen months into this pandemic, we have seen the loss of over 13,000 Louisianians to the virus, with 4.5 million deaths around the globe.
Such devastating sickness and death take a toll on the soul of a community. It is unimaginable and incalculable to know the impact of this pandemic on those who have contracted, died from, lost a job, or experienced isolation from this virus.
The reality of life is already so challenging when you face sickness, setbacks, and the unexpected death of those you value. To be in a relationship with others opens our hearts and soul to unimaginable grief when we lose those we love.
It is no wonder that our faith fore-bearers created an annual day for us to remember those who have gone before us. Whether it be All Saints Day, November 1, or All Souls Day, November 2, the church has set a day apart from all others to memorialize those who brought formation to our lives.
I invite you to reflect on the people of faith that inspired your journey. Consider those that took the time to teach you about the way of Jesus, who showed you what it looks like to serve others and those that gave the best of themselves for the work of God through the church.
As you think about such extraordinary people, consider how you are the living legacy of their story. How might their lives continue to inspire and empower you to become more like Jesus, in word and deed?
I love how the writer of Hebrews so beautifully put it, “Therefore, since such a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2).
We will celebrate All Souls Sunday on November 7. As you are given space to reflect on those that have enlightened your faith, we will provide you with a chance to honor them by lighting a candle in their memory. For those joining worship from home, we invite you to set a candle out for the worship experience.
Highland Thanksgiving Meal Project
For information on how to help, click on the image above.
MISSIONS
Reading Friends Volunteer Training - November 14th
The training luncheon for Highland Elementary’s EveryBody Reads program has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 14th after the service.
To sign-up, click on the image above.
UBC Stained-Glass Christmas Ornaments
For informant how to purchase your ornament, click the image above.
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.
UBC Choir is Back- Everyone's Welcome
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.
RELATIONSHIPS
Barnabas Project Sundays
Are you in a Barnabas Projection connection? The Barnabas Project is an intergenerational connection between retirees and children with their families at UBC.
Click the image above for more information.
Young Adults Night Out - November 12th
For information and to sign up, click on the image above.
Grand Re-Opening of the Family Tree Café
After months of closure, the Family Tree Café will reopen on October 4th with a creative redesign.
We are still looking for volunteers in the café on Mondays-Thursdays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Learn more by clicking 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.
Patrons should bring blankets and lawn chairs. While the experience is free, paid concessions will be available.
To vote on which movie will be shown, click on the image above.
Retirees' Luncheon
No need to RSVP, just show up!
For more information, contact Tanya at tanya@ubc-br.org.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
“The Little-Big Things” Sunday School & Spiritual Formation Question of the Week
Click on the image above for more information.
Thursday Prayer Group has Returned
Starting on October 21, the group will meet every Thursday at 12:30pm over Zoom. We will be reading The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen.
Zoom Information:
Zoom ID: 570-645-5793
Password: ubc
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday, October 31st
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!
YOUTH
Youth Fundraiser Sale Continues this Sunday, November 7
UBC's youth will be offering crafts, plants, and baked goods for sale on the Sundays above. All proceeds will go to support hurricane relief.
GENERAL UPDATES
UBC Hiring Special Event Facility Operators
As UBC establishes more space partnerships, we are hiring special event facility operators. Compensated at $15 per hour, facility operators will unlock buildings, turn on the air/ heating, help set up for the event, and clean up, and lock up the building at the conclusion of the event. Interested applicants must be 18 or older and a member of UBC. Please contact Halena, UBC’s Office Manager, at 225-766-9474.
Save The Dates
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
