The Pane: Committing to the Little-Big Things
Spirit-led, formation, relationships, missions, generosity, dynamic faith sharing, intergenerational connections, and volunteering are just some of the expressions we have been investigating in our sermon series “The Little-Big Things,” along with weekly conversations in our Spiritual Formation and Sunday School groups.
Over the last several months, you have been invited to contemplate how sharing Spirit-led commitment to small things can have a tremendous impact on the thriving of UBC.
More often than not, when we look at the success and failure of a church, we believe it takes tremendously huge, overhauling changes. And so, churches will either subjugate themselves to change their entire identity to model themselves after the latest fastest-growing church, or they will settle into immobility, not wanting to compromise their identity.
We have convinced ourselves that the difference between one thriving church and one failing is as different as night and day. But what separates successful churches and failing churches is relatively tiny. Moreover, we have seen that the difference between thriving and floundering focuses on subtle and small things that make an incredible difference.
The Book of Acts lays the theological foundation for each of these expressions, along with the proof that committing to the little things has significant results, as Luke tells us again and again that the church grew in numbers.
This Sunday, we will wrap up our series by looking at God’s call to have a Holy Imagination. And as we strive forward together in thriving, may we choose to commit to one another and God to these little things that are having a tremendous impact on University Baptist Church and the community around us.
Don't Forget
Ash Wednesday
We will host a brief and meaningful Ash Wednesday service at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2, in the chapel. Participants are invited to begin the season of Lent by fasting for lunch, meditating, praying, and receiving ashes.
Soccer Academy Volunteers Needed
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.
RELATIONSHIPS
Save The Date For 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.
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.
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
New Lenten Study
New Lenten Study starting Thursday March 2!
Join us for this six-week study as we consider Jesus' nonviolent ministry, his journey to the cross, and what this means for our lives as his disciples.
Every Thursday over Zoom from 12:30pm-1:30pm. Email eric@ubc-br.org by March 1 to register, or if you have questions!
The 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.
CBF Church Works
UBC is hosting CBF’s ChurchWorks Conference, March 6-8. This is a gathering of ministers from across the country for a time of shared learning and networking.
If you are interested in helping host the conference, please reach out to Andy (andy@ubc-br.org or 225-766-9474).
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.
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Chapel this Sunday
Contact eric@ubc-br.org for more information.
KIDS
Family Trip to DEFY
We’ll have a snack lunch at the church and then head over to DEFY for our 12:30 reservation. We’ll be able to jump for an hour. Please sign up by Feb 28th.
Cost to those registered by Feb 28th is $7 (One hour of jumping). Remember your Grippy socks! If you forget, they are $3 at the door. https://form.jotform.com/220474725543153
GENERAL UPDATES
Save The Dates
CONNECT GROUPS
Update UBC’s Faith, Community and Justice Connect Group
The display is called "Toward a Larger Freedom: Ten Years of Citizen Power Organizing with Together Baton Rouge" and is a free exhibition of oral histories by local civic and civil rights leaders paired with portraits by photographer Lily Brooks. The display is at the Goodwood library (entryway and second floor outside the archive room) through the end of February.
Alternatively, you can click on the link below to view the photo exhibit. If you click on the photos whose names have an asterisk, you can hear an excerpt of their oral history. If you scroll down far enough, once you are at the website, you'll see several of your fellow UBC members.
Alternatively, you can click on the link below to view the photo exhibit. If you click on the photos whose names have an asterisk, you can hear an excerpt of their oral history. If you scroll down far enough, once you are at the website, you'll see several of your fellow UBC members.
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
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