ubc blog

Midweek

Craig Nash — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:02:38 GMT

? Understanding Providence ? -- By Josh Carney

Craig Nash — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:52:53 GMT

Paul Helm defines providence simply as “God provides.” I suppose that discussions about providence often end up in dicey places because we have a hard time comprehending how God provides (or simply permits) disaster. Disaster, like hurricanes in New Orleans. Earthquakes in Pakistan. Genocide in Darfur. Still born babies in hospital rooms, or more simply spouses who feel unloved by each other & students who flunk out of school. It’s no mystery that this tends to be the type of news that fills up the 6 o’clock hour. Everyday we are reminded about the depravity of humanity and seeming chaos of the cosmos as we hear one heartbreaking story after another.

I was recently in a discussion in which two friends argued that the Psalms are the most important book of the Hebrew Bible. I fought them on this countering that without the story of Exodus, there would be no Jewish faith. But they persisted in their argument, suggesting both that some scholars think the Psalms are some of the oldest writings in the Bible and also that all the theology that is done throughout the Bible can be found in the Psalms. Some, they argued, have even suggested that the Psalms shaped the canonization process.

“The Psalms,” I thought to myself, “provide the fluffy language of hipsters and hippies alike.” The qualifying statement here would be that I don’t have a mystical bone in my body. I have, however, found use for Psalms like Psalm 137 in which, the author wishes to smash the heads of infant Babylonians on the rocks. These imprecatory Psalms, are honest. They confess emotions that result from experiences people have from the stories told at the 6 o’clock news hour.

But how about the psalms of praise and thanksgiving? My favorite Psalm, Psalm 8, captures, the majesty of the cosmos & consequently God. In light of the majesty of God, humans are humbled that God, “would be mindful of them.” It is a poetic and beautiful Psalm framed by the refrain (vv 1 & 8),

“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

I very much enjoy Psalm 8. But even on days I feel especially exuberant, I hardly feel like busting out in spontaneous song to express my feelings of joy and adoration. This after all, is the activity of people like Ryan and Sharpay, two characters from this dreadful trilogy my wife enjoys … “High School Musical.”

My dad is a pastor in a small town in Northern Wisconsin. Last week I got a call from my mom that requested that I begin to pray. A little boy from a family in their church had been missing for over an hour. To complicate matters he has autism. Thus, should he have been nearby the likelihood that he would have responded to the calling of his name was slim. Minutes passed in what felt like hours.

I have two children, I played the same narrative in my head substituting their child with mine. Fear was struck in my heart. I prayed more urgently. About an hour later I got a call from my mom reporting that EMT had found the child face down in a nearby pond, but not too late. He was revived and fine. The next day I called my mom to follow up on the incident. She had gone to be with the family both to be with them while they waited and after the child was recovered. The parents wept, both when the their child was missing and also with him in their laps as they held him close and I suspect humbly thanked God that their precious gift had been returned.

Because I have my own children, I don’t forget stories like that one. The truth is, that story could have ended just as badly as the so many we hear about. But it did not. To the many families through history who had similar stories end the other way, I don’t know the answer. By faith I confess that Christ is enough, God strength is made perfect in our weakness and that some day we will be reunited in the resurrection of the dead. But the other side of that coin is that though God is sufficient we still experience the raw pain that can, in some circumstances, leave us whishing we could dash the heads of Babylonian infants on rocks. But to the family who recovered their little boy, I confess, no I scream from my heart, God you are faithful and good. You have provided!

“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Group Contact Information...

Craig Nash — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:01:50 GMT

We will soon have all the contact information available for our weekly groups, which begin next week. If you have any questions about any of these, please email craig@ubcwaco.org or toph@ubcwaco.org.

UBC KICKOFF SUNDAY!!!

Toph Whisnant — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:46:00 GMT

Make sure to come to UBC this Sunday (8/22) for our kickoff to another great year! Worship starts at 10:30, and it is going to be packed! Two things: If you can carpool, then please do so. Two, make sure to arrive early! We can't wait to see everyone back at church tomorrow! FRESHMAN, remember we have a free pizza party after church for you!

UBC Ministry Associate

Toph Whisnant — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:57:44 GMT

If you are interested in applying to be one of the new UBC Ministry Associates please review the job description (click on the UBC Ministry Associate line to the right).

If you are still interested in the position after reading the job description, please send us a half-page letter that tells us why you feel you would be good for the position as well as a current resume. In addition to the half page letter, include the days and hours that you will be available to work in the fall. We will look over resumes as the arrive. Preference will be given to those who have their information in by Wednesday August 25.

Children's Ministry School Supply Drive Starts This Sunday!!!

Toph Whisnant — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:47:07 GMT

Don’t forget to bring your school supplies Sunday, August 15 to support the Children’s Ministry School Supply Drive. If you need ideas of what to bring visit www.rapoportacademy.org to check out some supply lists. They’re always in need of Kleenex and hand sanitizer so grab one of those too. Thanks for your support, the kids are so excited to see what you bring!

Food, People, and this City of Ours

Craig Nash — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:31:56 GMT

Other than Baylor University, Cameron Park, and a few lines-of-sight in downtown, Waco isn't really that easy on the eyes. There are numerous stretches of dilapidated buildings and industrial complexes, sun-baked fields and sterile school buildings. Perhaps this is why people often ask me, "Why do you love Waco so much?" My answer is easy-- The people and the food. I think most UBC'ers would agree with me, which is probably why our "Waco Diving" event has been the most successful of the summer. This city is a food-lovers paradise, a hidden gem in the middle of the Lone Star State that could have its own Food Network show. From the numerous taquerias that line the streets to the Soul Food place in the middle of nowhere, you could eat at a new local establishment every meal for weeks before you have to start over. What makes these places so compelling, other than the food, is the diversity of the company. It is not uncommon to walk into an East Waco eatery and see billionaire Bernard Rapaport sitting next to a blue collar factory worker, or a lawyer next to a homeless guy. Several years ago me and a friend were standing in line at Tony Demarias bbq joint over on Elm. My friend had recently turned down an opportunity to take a new job in the Northeast. Naturally, he was going through a period where he was questioning his decision to stay in Waco. In front of us was a young black man in a very nice suit chatting it up with an old white guy wearing overalls. Somehow their conversation morphed from "How are you doing today" to talking about the best hunting dogs they ever owned. After eavesdropping for a few moments, my friend turned to me and said "Yeah, I think I made the right decision to stay." I'm not sure if moments like these are actual slices of God's kingdom, or just a small picture of what it will be like when it comes in its fullness. Regardless, I want to keep having them, and this is the city I have chosen to try to find them in. (If you are free on Thursday, join us for our last Waco Diving of the summer at Tony Demarias, the place where the above story occurred. You can read about Tony D's here--http://www.wacotrib.com/wacotoday/Heres-the-beef-The-story-behind-Tony-DeMarias-Bar-B-Que.html )

Last Week of Summer Events!...

Craig Nash — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:35:55 GMT

The weatherman says the temperature may approach 110 today. You know what that means... Summer is almost over in Central Texas. Before you know it we will be enjoying cool, brisk 95 degree days. Come celebrate the end of summer with us this week... Monday at 8:00p.m. we will meet at Mr. Sno Frozen Yogurt on LaSalle for cold treats... Tuesday at 6:00 we will be at Rosa's on Franklin for Taco Tuesdays, followed by Dollar Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins... On Wednesday at 8:00 we will meet at the church for our final Midweek Bible Study of the summer where we will look at the life of Peter... And finally, on Thursday the most loved summer event-- Waco Diving-- will conclude at Tony Demarias on Elm..... Hope to see you all at one of these final events of the summer!

Today...

Craig Nash — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:06:14 GMT

Come worship with us today at 10:30a.m.! Come clean with us today at 2:00p.m.!

Clean Day!

Craig Nash — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:15:11 GMT

This Sunday at 2:00p.m., join us as we give this place a deep scrubbing. This is a good chance to get to know other UBC'ers and to help us get ready for the fall. Go grab lunch and then come back... The more people we have help, the quicker it goes.

Thrifty Tuesdays!!

Craig Nash — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:37:07 GMT

Don't forget that tonight is Thrifty Tuesday! We will meet at Rosa's on Franklin @ 6:00p.m. After dinner we will head on over to Baskin Robbins for Dollar Scoop Night. Hope to see you there!

Global Impact Conversation

Craig Nash — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:30:50 GMT

Please join us this Sunday, July 25th, for a conversation about UBC's global impact. Hear stories from our Kenya team and be part of a discussion about our missional involvement in the world. The meeting will be in the backside and take place at 12:30p.m. This will give you time to go grab some lunch to go. Feel free to bring your lunch to church and leave it in our refrigerator.

Weekly Events...

Craig Nash — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:28:45 GMT

Looking for a way to meet and hang out with other UBC'ers? There are still plenty of opportunities this week... -- Tonight, Thrifty Tuesday. 6:00p.m. at Rosa's on Franklin. -- Tomorrow, Midweek. 8:00p.m. at UBC. -- Thursday, Waco Diving. Noon at Kitok's.

Cleaning Day!...

Craig Nash — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:27:26 GMT

We are planning a summer cleaning day on August 1st at 2:00p.m. Come to church, go eat lunch, then come back to church to help us get ready for the fall! If you would like to help, please email Craig-- craig@ubcwaco.org.

Thursday Diving...

Craig Nash — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:47:57 GMT

Below is an email I sent to those who have been attending our Thursday Waco Diving event. We would love to have more of you jon us. Please email me at craig@ubcwaco.org if you would like to attend this week... Friends, This is going out to those of y'all who have been fairly regular at the Thursday Waco Dive event. Toph picked a place called "Bonnie's Chat and Chew" for tomorrow. This place has closed. However, it is now another soul food place called Real Deal. I went to scope the place out today. I had the baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and black-eyed-peas. Oh, and a piece of coconut cake. With every bite I took, I felt as if God leaned down from heaven and whispered in my ear "Craig, I love you." Do with that what you will. There are two things you should know-- 1. It is a very small place. The manager told me if I have a group going, I could call him in the morning and reserve a couple of tables. So, if you plan on coming, please email me. 2. It is relatively hard to find, so here are directions... From I-35 near Baylor, head north. Take the 339A Exit (Business 77 South) Soon after the exit, move to the right hand lane that says 77South and 6. It is a right-turn-only lane. Once you take the right, the restaurant is on the right. It shares a parking lot what what looks like a strip club (Falcon Club.) Craig.

River Trip!

Craig Nash — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:52:16 GMT

If you are interested in floating the Guadalupe with us this coming weekend, please email Craig at craig@ubcwaco.org. Cost is $15 to rent a tube, and whatever money you would need for a couple of meals.