The Pane: Jesus Is a Globalist
The great J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
One can take one look at pictures of me throughout the years to see that I have never lacked in love for food. And, I have had some of the most extraordinary food from around the world. I’ll never forget having shrimp the size of my hand in Malaysia, freshly caught in the South China Sea, or freshly made curry in Sri Lanka that would make even the strongest of stomachs whimper.
But for all the fantastic food I have had the privilege of eating, nothing compares to the experience of sharing it with others. I’d rather have a gas station sandwich than an aged ribeye if it were the difference between sharing it with others versus eating alone.
Jesus was all about sharing meals with others. Except, he ate meals with folks that you least expected. Of course, Jesus shared the table with the religious leaders of his day. But he also broke bread with the hated tax collectors, so-called sinners, and outcasts of his day. Jesus shared a cup with the racially discriminated Samaritans and the town whores.
We see in Jesus’ ministry of the meal a deconstruction of all social, economic, religious, political, and racial boundaries. That’s how transcendent the love of God is. It is a love that graciously and inclusively opens its table to all those we think are vile, unworthy, unrighteous, and unwanted.
The table Jesus shared with all of these people is the same table he so famously shared with the disciples in the hours leading up to his arrest and crucifixion. It is a table by which all are welcome to lay their burdens and brokenness at the feet of Jesus, knowing that his body was broken and his blood was shed for the sake of all of us, no matter who we are, what we have done, what we look like, or the value society has placed on us.
Jesus was a globalist well before we had a word to describe what bringing all nations together was formed.
As we turn our hearts to World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 10, I pray that we recognize the boundary-breaking theological implications of Jesus’ table. May we consider how we might share a meal with others that we least expect nor desire. How might the table be a place where we can live into the fullness of Jesus’ call for us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
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.
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.
MISSIONS
Ecuador Mission Immersion
The invitation is open to join the growing team heading to Ecuador in July of 2022.
Form more information, click on the image above.
Hurricane Ida Collection
We are collecting items for disaster relief efforts in Houma. If you are able to bring any of the following items to the church office. For information on what to bring, click on 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
Young Adults Night Out
Join our Young Adults Night Out on the third Friday, 5:30-8:00 pm. This month, we will meet on October 15th.
Click on the image above for more information.
Fall Gathering Save the Date
UBC will host its annual Fall Gathering on October 24th with an afternoon of hayrides, games, trunk or treat, and chili cook-off for all ages. We hope you will consider now inviting others to attend, volunteer for an activity, or enter the chili cook-off competition.
Fall Gathering Volunteers Needed
With UBC’s Fall Gathering right around the corner, we need a lot of volunteers to make the event a reality.
Click the image above for information on how to sign-up.
Fall Gathering Chili Cook-Off
Click the image above to sign-up.
Stop by the Soccer Academy
The UBC Soccer Academy is underway. With over 60 children participating, we have the unique opportunity to be the presence of Jesus to dozens of families. Even if you are not volunteering, you are invited to stop by on a Saturday, 9-10 am, to connect with participants.
Retirees' Luncheon
Retirees- Join us for a fun-filled luncheon on Wednesday, October 13th at noon. Tanya will be hosting “Family Feud, UBC Edition.”
Bring your own lunch and Dessert will be provided.
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Chapel this Sunday, October 3rd
Contact eric@ubc-br.org for more information.
KIDS
Spiritual Formation Series
This week we’ll be doing some review games and activities! Come join us.
YOUTH
Save the Date for Youth Fundraiser Sale
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
Save The Dates
How To Give
STAY CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC
Mask Policy Update
UBC once again recommends both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants wear a mask while indoors on campus.
We invite you to sign up to provide a care package for one of these 41 staff members. The care package should include candy, a $6 gift card to Lighthouse Coffee or CC’s, a small hand sanitizer bottle, lip balm, and something fun of your choosing.
We want to equip you to be the hands and feet of Jesus by pouring time, care, and attention into making one of these packages. This is why we are asking you to prepare the packages versus donating to the project.
Once you have purchased the items, drop by the church office to fill one of the official package bags, and write a personal note to put on the finishing touch. The office will be open on Sundays 9-11:30 am, and Monday through Thursday, 9 am-4:30 pm.
