The Pane: Investing in a Bright Future Through Shared Conversations
Have you found yourself thinking really hard on whether events that took place were this year or last year? I have painstakingly called these moments “Pandemic Brain,” as so much of the previous 24 months seems to blend together.
I’ll be the first to admit that when news of the virus first hit the American media circuit, I thought we would get through this in a few weeks or months max. But, boy, was I wrong.
And yet, despite all of the ups and downs, twists and turns, our faith community has thrived throughout this process. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t had learning curves and made a few mistakes along the way. But who can say that they excelled with perfection throughout this entire chaotic and unimaginable crisis?
One of the primary reasons we have thrived is directly correlated to our willingness to process this experience through open dialogue at all levels of leadership, among our many small group ministries, and in the worship space. We’ve asked some tough questions about ourselves and our church, considering what God is doing and how we might follow God’s leadership through this.
We are not out of this yet, and the future is unpredictable. But what we can continue to do is open our minds to God’s good creative potential and embrace a sense of togetherness as we strive forward.
We can intentionally do this through this Sunday’s shared Spiritual Formation and Sunday School hour. Led by Dr. Brian Foreman, UBC will engage in shared conversations of re-imaging the church after this pandemic as a companion to our Little-Big Things Expressions (relationships, formation, missions, intergenerational connections, volunteering).
Foreman is Campbell University's Executive Director of Community Engagement & Leadership and a congregational consultant for the Center for Congregational Health and CBF Global.
We hope your Sunday School and Spiritual Formation class will join in this interactive conversation both in-person and online (Zoom ID: 923 023 2464, pass "UBC") at 9:00 am on March 6th.
Donuts and coffee will be available.
Dr. Foreman will also preach in worship, kicking off the Lenten season.
Let us continue to invest in a bright future with shared conversations.
RELATIONSHIPS
Barnabas Project Partners Meet on First Sundays
Are you in a Barnabas Projection connection? The Barnabas Project is an intergenerational connection between retirees and children with their families at UBC.
The first Sundays of the month will be dedicated to these connections during the Coffee & Community hour (10:00 am). Participants will meet with their Barnabas Project partner, engaging in fun activities, and building stronger relationships.
To start your Barnabas Project connection, reach out to Tanya, Minister of Children and Retirees, at 225-766-9474 or tanya@ubc-br.org.
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.
Important Retirees' Luncheon Update
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
CHURCH OF THE NATIONS
Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday
Contact eric@ubc-br.org for more information.
KIDS
Trip to DEFY
Don’t forget this Sunday!!!
Family Outing to DEFY
I still have a few paid spaces left, so if you are able to go, there’s still time!!
Magician March 20th
Mark your calendars and join us March 20th to see Magician David Garrad put on a magical experience!
GENERAL UPDATES
Save The Dates
How To Give
Mask Policy Update
Click on the image above to review our updated mask policy.
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