ITLOTC 6-23-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Breathe and Be (by Jamie)

Greetings.

It’s my week to write the newsletter, as happens once a month.  However, there has been a great nothing mounting on the tip of my tongue for the last couple of years, and I now find myself with nothing to say. Not a single thing. So instead of spinning my wheels all day to force out something that might pass as clever, insightful, helpful, etc.,  I’m going to invite you to stop what you are doing, step away from your screens, shut your eyes, breathe, and be, for as long as you can stand it; and I will do the same.  

The need for periodic rest is not confined to mechanisms of various kinds.  Rest may be complete inactivity when all customary functioning is suspended and everything comes to a pause.  Rest may be a variation in intensity, a contrast between loud and soft, high and low, strong and weak, a change of pace.  Rest may be a complete shifting of scenery by the movement of objects or the person.  All things seem to be held in place by the stability of a rhythm that holds and releases but never lets go…

There is the rest of detachment and withdrawal when the spirit moves into the depths of the region of the Great Silence, where world weariness is washed away and blurred vision is once again prepared for the focus of the long view where seeking and finding are so united that failure and frustration, real though they are, are no longer felt to be ultimately real. Here the Presence of God is sensed as an all-pervasive aliveness which materializes into the concreteness of communion: the reality of prayer.  Here God speaks without words and the self listens without ears.  Here at last, glimpses of the meaning of all things and the meaning of one’s own life are seen with all their strivings.  To accept this is one meaning of the good line, “Rest in the Lord—O, rest in the Lord.”

(Howard Thurman, The Inward Journey, 111-2)

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Raleigh Boone Smith

Birthday: 6-20-20

Birth Height: 23.5 in

Birth Weight: 10 lb. 13 oz.

Enneagram Number: 8w7

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been volunteering and everyone who has donated so far.  This is our week to donate and buy supplies for the pantry, so please use the link below to see what still needs to be bought this week.  If you have any questions, please email toph@ubcwaco.org. Here's that link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084eacae2aabff2-community

Learning Together - Understanding the Church’s Complicity in Racism“

What we need is a generation of Christians, who will intentionally and in a sustained way consciously fight against the racism that still pervades our society.” - Jemar Tisby Starting in July, we will begin a six week series in which we read and discuss Jemar TIsby’s book: The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism.  There are many ways you can access the book: you can buy it, you can download the audiobook, or you can watch the 12 part series on Amazon Prime.  We will be reading/listening/watching two chapters a week, and we will meet every other week for discussion.  If you would like to purchase the book but do not have the funds available, please let us know and we will get you a copy.  We will begin reading/listening/watching on July 1, and our discussions will happen on July 15, July 29, and August 12.  Toph will be leading the discussion times, however, if you are a poc  in our congregation and would like to lead/help lead, we would welcome your leadership.  If you are a poc and would like to help, please contact Toph.  If you have any questions, email toph@ubcwaco.org

Parishioner(s) of the Week

Jack Parker for releasing this single under his new band name Jackson Palomino.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 6-21-20

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

June 21, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on June 21st (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

Come Thou Fount

come thou fount of every blessing
tune my heart to sing thy praise
streams of mercy, never ceasing
call for songs of loudest praise
teach me some melodious sonnet
sung by flaming tongues above
praise the mount, i’m fixed upon it
mount of thy redeeming love

here I raise my Ebenezer
hither by thine help I come
and I hope by thy good pleasure
safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
wandering from the fold of god
he to rescue me from danger
interposed his precious blood

o to grace, how great a debtor
daily i’m constrained to be
let thy goodness like a fetter
bind my wandering heart to thee
prone to wander, lord I feel it
prone to leave the god I love
here’s my heart, lord
take and seal it
seal it for thy courts above

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship
the Creator and Sustainer of all that is

the One who sees us truly and knows us fully
our help and shield in the full complexity of life

to be formed in the way of Christ

the One who is the image of the invisible God
who entered into suffering and defeated death

seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit

the One who is breathing Resurrection into the world,
making all things new

Amen

Rise Up

for the lowly and forgotten
for the weary and distressed
for the refugee and orphan
and for all who are oppressed
for the stranger who is pleading
while insulted and despised
will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord when you avenge the poor
may your kingdom come
o, rise up

hear how rachel, she is weeping
how she will not be consoled
and the children in our keeping
are their bodies bought and sold
and the watchman, he is sleeping
do you see them with your eyes?
and will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord when you avenge the poor
may your kingdom come
o, rise up

as your will is done in heaven
may it now be done below
may our daily bread be given
may your kingdom come and grow
lead us not into temptation
but deliver us we cry
and will you rise?

rise up, rise up
the earth will fear the lord when you avenge the poor
and bear your holy arm to keep them safe from arm
may your kingdom come
o, rise up

Father’s Day Prayer

Holy God, whom we call Father, we give you thanks for the people who have been fathers to us, and we pray for all sorts and conditions of fathers.

For fathers who have striven to balance the demands
of work, marriage, and children.

For fathers who, lacking a good model, have worked to become a good father.

For fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.

For fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

For fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives.

For fathers who, as stepfathers,
freely chose the obligation of fatherhood
and earned their stepchildren's love and respect.

For fathers who have lost a child to death,
and continue to hold the child in their heart.

For black fathers who bear the myriad weights of parenting amidst the architecture of white supremacy in American society.

For those who are about to become fathers for the first time.

For those men who have no children, but offer fatherhood to whomever might need it. 

For those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.

And for those fathers who have died,
but live on in our memory and in the communion of your Saints,
whose love continues to nurture us.

For all of these, we give you thanks.

In the midst of the complexity of emotions that surround days like this, we ask that you would hold our joy and pain together and use us to care for one another.

All this we ask of You who are both father and mother to us all, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Because He Lives

god sent his son
they called him jesus
he came to love, heal, and forgive
he lived and died to buy my pardon
an empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living just because he lives

how sweet to hold a newborn baby
and feel the pride and joy she brings
but greater still, the calm assurance
this child can face uncertain days because he lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living just because he lives

and then one day i’ll cross the river
i’ll right life’s final war with pain
but then as death gives way to victory
i’ll see the lights of glory and i’ll know he lives

because he lives, I can face tomorrow
because he lives, all fear is gone
because I know he holds the future
and life is worth the living just because he lives

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 33:13-21:

The Lord looks down from heaven;
    he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches
    all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all,
    and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army;
    a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory,
    and by its great might it cannot save.

Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
    on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death,
    and to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Luke 2:25-35:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
    according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
    which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Wayward Ones

we are the wayward ones
liars and beggars, those who betray
we hand you over, deny your name
cast you aside yet still you say
this is my body, this is my blood
broken and shed to show my love

we are the broken ones
cowards and fools, all filled with disbelief
we forsake you, deny your name
cast you aside, yet still you say
this is my body, this is my blood
broken and shed to show my love

remember me, remember me
come to the table, take and eat
remember me

we are the wayward ones
liars and beggars, those who betray
we hand you over, deny your name
cast you aside yet still you say
this is my body, this is my blood

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Sunday. Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ezqWEgtjNt-sHZwHc_cIcB5GW57wUKgV/view?usp=sharing.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 6-16-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

God, Mammon, & Racism

I should start off with a warning.  I make a pretty sincere effort to parse my public statements so they are 1. What I deem faithful to the principles of the Kingdom of God as I read it, laid out by Jesus in the gospels and, 2. free from political commitments at least in terms of party alignment.  The second is undoubtedly difficult because neither party or any platform will ever comply completely with the Kingdom of God, but also because I do see political leanings in both camps that, for lack of a better way of phrasing it, accidentally stumble into the kingdom of God.   Perhaps this newsletter entry will inevitably fall prey to violating my second commitment.  That is not my intent, but I’m willing to accept that objection if you feel that way by the end of it.  As always, you are encouraged to voice your disagreement. 

I will begin by simply naming three different things I read that had an impact on me.  

1. The first is from Bono’s foreword in Jeffrey Sachs’s book The End Of Poverty.   The book was written in 2005 when the US was still in Iraq and the Red Campaign was a thing.  Bono quotes then Secretary of State Colin Powell who says, “the war against terror is bound in the war against poverty.”  

2. The second is the running thesis of an Atlantic article that came out last year.  The title of the article is Better Schools Won’t Fix America.  The title, which is a bit clickbaitish, is not anti school or public school but, serves the larger point of the article which is that the number one predictor of child performance in school is household income.  

3. The third i read this week.  It was an instagram response from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.  She was asked, “What does a defunded police look like to you?”  Here is her response: “The good news is that it actually doesn't take a ton of imagination. It looks like a suburb. Affluent white communities already live in a world where they choose to fund youth, health, housing etc more than they fund police. These communities have lower crime rates not because they have more police, but because they have more resources to support healthy society in a way that reduces crime.”

There is a theme to my quotes.  Money matters.  More generally we might say that resources matter.  

I will tell you that when I first heard about “defunding police departments” I froze inside.  I’ve got enough enneagram 6 energy in health and a self preserving subtype to think, “wait a minute, I need the police to protect me.”  That my first instinct/assumption is that they would protect me is another discussion in privilege that I won’t take up here.  As I have googled and read, I think that the notion of defunding police departments could 1. be productive and 2. is poorly named.  

I will now also tell you that I’m suspicious of solving social problems by shifting money around.  I do support social programs, and at the same time I can see they are sometimes inefficient and waste money.  I’ve also spent enough of my life touting that the church should solve the world's social ills not the government to know that it doesn’t work.  The problem is that the church has been around for 2,000 years and as far as I can tell hasn’t made a concerted effort to do that since the first century.  I’m complicit in that part BTW.   So I don’t believe that will work either.  My conclusion then isn’t that the government shouldn't try or the church shouldn't try; I think they both should keep trying, but I want to acknowledge that it is hard. 

I am going to conclude by addressing you though.  Our discipleship asks everything of us.  One of the most immediate ways that our sacrifice can happen is through giving.  So I want to pose two questions for white people.  1. Very tangibly I want to ask if you are able to give money to something concrete to fight racism?  And if you are not able to give, ask yourself if that’s really true?  2. More philosophically I want you to ask yourself what are you willing to sacrifice to fight racism?  What are you willing to let it cost of your life?  

UBC Pandemic Update

The leadership team met Sunday June 7th and one of the items discussed was a possible UBC reunion date. That is, a day when we will resume in person worship. The collective wisdom in the room all pointed to continuing waiting. This decision came before the data was released last week about he spike in numbers both in Texas and McLennan County. To that end, I’m informing you that we have agreed to resume discussions about when to meet in August, but will not be meeting in person for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your continued patience and support during this time. We are in this together.

Liturgy 6-16-20

A few notes about this Sunday’s worship experience. 1. we think it will be a special Sunday. 2. it will be a Facebook premiere, which means that it will not be live, but it will still be a live communal experience on Facebook. so tune in like normal. 3. we will have a guest preacher. Emmitt Drumgoole is a pastoral resident at 2nd Baptist Church in Liberty Missouri. Before that Emmitt served and worshiped at Calvary Baptist here in Waco while getting his M. Div. from Truett Seminary. Emmitt is preaching this sermon for his home church in Missouri and at the conclusion of the sermon will invite parishioners to take communion. we have decided that we will join 2nd Baptist in communion, so please have elements prepared for your Sunday worship experience should you so desire.

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been volunteering and everyone who has donated so far.  This is our week to donate and buy supplies for the pantry, so please use the link below to see what still needs to be bought this week.  If you have any questions, please email toph@ubcwaco.org. Here's that link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084eacae2aabff2-community

Learning Together - Understanding the Church’s Complicity in Racism“

What we need is a generation of Christians, who will intentionally and in a sustained way consciously fight against the racism that still pervades our society.” - Jemar Tisby Starting in July, we will begin a six week series in which we read and discuss Jemar TIsby’s book: The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism.  There are many ways you can access the book: you can buy it, you can download the audiobook, or you can watch the 12 part series on Amazon Prime.  We will be reading/listening/watching two chapters a week, and we will meet every other week for discussion.  If you would like to purchase the book but do not have the funds available, please let us know and we will get you a copy.  We will begin reading/listening/watching on July 1, and our discussions will happen on July 15, July 29, and August 12.  Toph will be leading the discussion times, however, if you are a poc  in our congregation and would like to lead/help lead, we would welcome your leadership.  If you are a poc and would like to help, please contact Toph.  If you have any questions, email toph@ubcwaco.org

Parishioner(s) of the Week

Marshall Cook for writing and getting publish this article in the Baptist Standard.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 6-14-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

June 14, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on June 14th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

Mystery

sweet jesus christ, my sanity
sweet jesus christ, my clarity
word eternal, brought low with me
cup of salvation, poured out to drink
jesus, mystery

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come come again

sweet jesus christ, my evergreen
sweet jesus christ, my living peace
love embodied, broken for me
trampled redeemer, raised up and free
jesus, mystery

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come come again

celebrate his death and rising
lift your eyes, proclaim his coming
and all who walk in dreadful darkness
lift your head, you’re not forgotten
celebrate his death-subversion
recalibrate fear to purpose
and in the face of oppressive power
don’t calm down, sing it louder

christ has died and christ has risen
christ will come come again

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

The Living God
who lifted Israel from captivity
on eagles’ wings

to be drawn into the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that we might find the Spirit of God in our midst

and find ourselves grafted
into the work of Resurrection
in the world

Amen

The Word Is Yet Flesh

this peculiar collection of pieces you left
is knit with the needle of spirit, the Word is yet flesh
like a blanket, pulled tight over torn ligaments
but the hands have a problem with the shape of the feet
the mouth can’t decide if the jaws should be married
and the spine is just tired from fighting the pull of the earth

but this fractured collective can somehow still dance
kaleidoscope motion of a shaky pirouette,
borrowed brilliance refracted in sparks down the line
and as the warmth of the glow gives flight to the gloom
the kingdom of hope fades into view
and all that we’ve known—or thought that we knew
is now finally found silent in the light of the truth

word made flesh in whom all things hold
bind up tightly these collapsing bones
and raise again a body from the cold
’til nothing remains of these flickering days

come light of the world, thief of the night
be the lamp of the body, the lens to the eye
and though we’re scattered in knowing, be one in the mind
and bid our divine mirrors come and die

and then, word-made-flesh in whom all things hold,
bind up tightly these collapsing bones
and raise again a body from the cold
’til nothing remains of these flickering days

‘til nothing remains but the light and the flame

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Exodus 19:2-8a:

The Israelites had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”

So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.”

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Matthew 9:35-10:23:

Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. [Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”]

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Eternal Anchor

eternal wisdom, eternal grace
is there a creature you have not named
and known in greater depth
than the cells of which it’s made
and bound up in a love not even death could separate?

eternal anchor, eternal grace
wrapped in light like eternal flame
would you incinerate the thorns
stabbing in my brain
and with a word obliterate
the cycles i retrace?

would you raise a staff, split the sea
and graft my withered branch into your family tree
and come to my defense if my brother called it cheap
as if my every breath someone else had planned to breathe?

eternal anchor, eternal love
is there a distance you would not run
with glory gathered up, kicking up the dust
to close the gap i made to try my luck?

would you raise a glass, call a feast
and grace my withered hand with your family ring
and as i search for words to try to explain
would they be drowned out by your redemption parade
and as the forests clap their hands, mountains stomp their feet,
would a thousand trumpets roar as trampled voices sing
and would i be caught up in that embodied melody
of the all-creation misfit-family band of everything?

will all that was lost yet be found?
will all that was lost yet be found?
Name beyond all naming, Love beyond all framing
will all that was lost yet be found?

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Sunday. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Lds0QUCuOO9lOtuIhfMFVKdzvu9T4BI/view?usp=sharing.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 6-9-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Doing the Work - Becoming Anti-Racist (by Taylor)

Hello UBC! There has been a lot going on in our country over the past several weeks. The murder of George Floyd has transformed many people in a way that has allowed them to examine their own racism for the first time. It has become abundantly apparent that many of us need to begin or continue the work of training ourselves to be anti-racist. And we, UBC, in light of our Christian beliefs ought to be particularly committed to rooting out our own racist tendencies, learning to be actively anti-racist, and committed to working for justice and equality for all people who were created in the image of God. We ought to be particularly committed to the idea that Black Lives Matter and that we will work to make sure that is true in all settings and at all time.

With that in mind I wanted to pass along these resources with the hope that they might be helpful for you as you begin or continue doing the work of becoming anti-racist – 

Here is a list of anti-racism resources adapted from a Google Doc that was compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/anti-racism-resources

Here is a list of books, films, and podcasts about racism from NPR:

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/06/06/871023438/this-list-of-books-films-and-podcasts-about-racism-is-a-start-not-a-panacea

This list of Anti-Racism resources also includes artists and educators you can follow:

https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea

If you’re looking for a place to start I would encourage you to start with Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad, but many of these resources can be good and helpful! Look through these lists and find something!

I also wrote a similar email to our families yesterday with resources for talking about racism with kids and as a family. In case you would also be interested in those resources (or in case any of our parents aren’t on that email list – please let me know if you didn’t receive that email) I am also going to include them here -

Here is a resource roundup entitled "Your Kids Aren't Too Young To Talk about Races" - it includes podcasts, articles for parents and caregivers, books for adults and kids, and some toy suggestions:

https://www.prettygooddesign.org/blog/Blog%20Post%20Title%20One-5new4?fbclid=IwAR1XqLK_eTg5jQPL5cUXg5WZgeOavUp_VCrACFJ528zypXYAc7VHfxSx3SE

Here is a list of books from the New York Times to help explain racism and protests to your kids:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/parenting/kids-books-racism-protest.html

From the Center for Racial Justice in Education here is another resources round up of interviews, other resource lists, articles, and other resources for talking about race and racism with kids:

https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/

I am so thankful for all of you and the work that I know that so many of you are already doing around this conversation! I hope that you find these resources helpful and know that I am walking alongside you in this journey. I would love to be a conversation partner in any way that is helpful for you - and you should definitely join Toph as he walks through The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby in July!

If you have any thoughts or questions feel free to send me an email at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been volunteering and everyone who has donated so far.  This is our week to donate and buy supplies for the pantry, so please use the link below to see what still needs to be bought this week.  If you have any questions, please email toph@ubcwaco.org. Here's that link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084eacae2aabff2-community

Learning Together - Understanding the Church’s Complicity in Racism“

What we need is a generation of Christians, who will intentionally and in a sustained way consciously fight against the racism that still pervades our society.” - Jemar Tisby Starting in July, we will begin a six week series in which we read and discuss Jemar TIsby’s book: The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism.  There are many ways you can access the book: you can buy it, you can download the audiobook, or you can watch the 12 part series on Amazon Prime.  We will be reading/listening/watching two chapters a week, and we will meet every other week for discussion.  If you would like to purchase the book but do not have the funds available, please let us know and we will get you a copy.  We will begin reading/listening/watching on July 1, and our discussions will happen on July 15, July 29, and August 12.  Toph will be leading the discussion times, however, if you are a poc  in our congregation and would like to lead/help lead, we would welcome your leadership.  If you are a poc and would like to help, please contact Toph.  If you have any questions, email toph@ubcwaco.org

Parishioner(s) of the Week

Kat Reynolds for filling in on music like the #champion4theLord that she is.

Forrest Fenn Treasure Update

Over the years I have mentioned the Forrest Fenn Treasure hunt. It was revealed this week that the treasure has been found. Many of you have reached out to express your concern about the Forrest Fenn treasure finding. While I did have an unrelenting conviction that it was predestined before the foundations of the earth that I would be the one to find it, I am nonetheless glad it has been found and that the spirit of treasure hunting can now soar into a new future. I’d like to thank Forrest Fenn and his adventure creating spirit that drew hundreds of thousands into the Rockies for a real adventure. Congrats to the mystery seeker. May we all embark on new adventures and use our lives to create interesting treasure maps. Thanks for all the support over the years. #forrestfenn #fenntreasure #taptherockies

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 6-7-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

June 7, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on June 7th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

o love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give you back the life I owe
that in thine ocean depths its flow
may richer fuller be

o light that follows all my ways
I lift my flickering torch to thee
my heart restores it borrowed ray
that in thy sunshine’s blaze it day
may brighter fairer be

o joy that seeks me through the pain
I cannot close my heart to thee
i’ll trace the rainbow through the rain
and feel the promise is not in vain
that morn shall tearless be

o love, don’t let go of me
o light, hold my flickering
o joy, don’t lose sight of me
o love, don’t let go of me

o cross that’s lifting up my head
I dare not ask to fly from thee
though I lay in dust, life’s glory dead,
from the ground there blossoms red
life that shall endless be

endlessly, endless be, endlessly

Call to Worship

We have gathered to worship the Creator and Sustainer of all things,

The Eternal One, 
the Rock of Ages, 
the God who sees

to be drawn into the way of Christ

The Word-made-flesh,
The Crucified God,
The Risen One

to be formed in heart and mind by the Spirit of God

The Breath of Life
Who is making
all things new

Amen

All Creatures of Our God and King

all creatures of our god and king
lift up your voice and with us sing
o praise him, alleluia
thou burning sun with golden beam
thou silver moon with softer gleam
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

thou rushing wind, that art so strong
ye clouds that sail in heaven along
o praise him, alleluia
thou rising moon in praise rejoice
ye, lights of evening, find a voice
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

let all things their creator bless
and worship him in humbleness
o praise him, alleluia
praise, praise the father, praise the son
and praise the spirit, three in one
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 8:

O Lord, our Governor,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
    Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
    to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
    mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Governor,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Matthew 28:16-20:

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy
Lord God almighty
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee
Holy, Holy, Holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity

Holy, holy, holy
though the darkness hide thee
though the eye of sinful man
thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy;
there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, love, and purity

Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God almighty
All thy works shall praise Thy name
in earth and sky and sea
Holy, holy, holy
merciful and mighty
God in three persons
blessed trinity,
god in three persons,
blessed trinity

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Trinity Sunday. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nh1zSIEqRzIAW7cQo4EExCF2mK5D3W6u/view.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 6-2-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

The Future You Can Change

I have favorites.  It’s not hard for me to identify them.  It is for my wife.  Not me.  I rank everything in my head.  I was thinking about some of my favorite years of my life so far.  I loved years 17 & 18.  I had my license, so I had some sense of freedom, but my sense of responsibility was very low.  My parents were pretty much still providing everything.  I started dating Lindsay and that seemed like a fairy tale and the rest of my emotional effort centered around football.  It is, looking back, a pretty self-absorbed life, but I don’t think more so than most teenagers.  I loved being 17 & 18 in my highschool.  It was so much fun.  

I sometimes fantasize about traveling back into time into that body and situation, but with what I know now (and a sports almanac).  I think about how I would engage my teachers differently.  How I would treat people differently.  What I would value differently.  What college I would have picked to go to.  What I would have majored in.   Flying to Vegas to make some cool cash on the UConn/Duke upset and then putting the winnings on a little company called Amazon.  It’s a fun mental exercise.  

I had a dream saturday night/sunday morning that I did just that.  You know how dreams work … logic and rationality were suspended.  I was in my sophomore year english room, but with what I know as a 38 year old. Somehow my dream self didn’t question that state of affairs, I was just excited to get my wish granted.  My sage self made the discussion about Romeo & Juliet very exciting.  My teacher was impressed with the depth of my analysis.  At one point, I looked at my classmates and thought, “Wow, we are really here!  We are living this!  Let’s not take this for granted!”  They didn’t get it.  They wanted their license and highschool to be over and “to get out of this stupid town.” 

Now I want to tell you about a graphic I once saw on the internet that really impacted me.  It said, “When people think about traveling to the past, they worry about accidentally changing the present, but no one in the present really thinks they can radically change the future.” 

Of course the critical difference there is the bit about your sage self and the sports almanac, but still that’s kind of powerful isn’t.  This also had me thinking that it’s likely one day say, in 20 years I may reflect on when I was 38 and wish for a time travel machine to go back to this moment with what I know then.  Perhaps the real truth has never been laid out so succinctly as when Andy Bernard dropped this truth bomb, “I wish there was a way to know you are in the good old days before you leave them.” 

Well maybe nobody will wish to come back to 2020 because of Corona, racism, murder hornets and Kobe Bryant, but still there’s something powerful about drinking deeply from the middle of the life that you are in.  So I encourage you to stop, look around you, think about what you will wish for from your present life in 20 years and thank God for being in the middle of the good old days and make changes for justice for those who aren't. Because the future can be different. It can be what you wished for.

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Abigail Joyce Sculliln

Birthday: April 11, 2020

Birth Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz

Birth Height: 20 inches

Enneagram Number: 4w3

THE ORDER'S SUMMER PLAN:

This summer, our youth group will continue to meet via zoom. We will meet Wednesday nights for check-ins and hangouts, and on Sunday afternoons for a time of formation. Every few weeks, we’ll add a powerpoint party, virtual talent show, or game night! Email Hannah (hannah@ubcwaco.org) or Kieran (kieran@ubcwaco.org) for more info. 

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been donating so far, and for those who have volunteered. We served 53 families last week!  We are trying to make sure we get the necessary items each week, so below you will find a new resources needed link, and when you are going to purchase something you can check it off the list as bought.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org  You can also use the second link to volunteer if you would like to serve in the pantry and driving meals to families.  

Pantry needs list:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EACAE2AABFF2-community
Volunteer signup:
https://bit.ly/communityfoodpantry

Parishioner(s) of the Week

Josh Chatham, Brandon Glover, Andrew Hays & David Van Leeuwen for building a rocket ship that sent two men into space.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 5-31-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

May 31, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 31st (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

Where God Has Always Been

praise be the lord of all
with their backs against the wall,
hands above their heads, and eyes
lifted up to that impossible line
where the hill meets the sky
who wonder if the distance is
a trick of the earth, or a trick of the mind
and if help will arrive before they slip away

praise be the lord of all
who wrestle until dawn
wear their scars like names, yet find
heaven and earth strangely aligned
like water in the sour wine
hidden in plain sight

for God is now where God has always been:
bunkered down with those in the ditch
raising fountains from the cracking dirt
and raising a feast for the hollow unheard
while the powerful who reign dissolve into the grave
the Eternal One will shade the ones they cast away
until the coming of the day when all this is remade

praise be the lord of all
who’ve nowhere to belong
the Kingdom is drawing near

The World is Yours

blessed are the withered ones out starving for a peace
whose taste they’ve never known
blessed are the ones who bear the shame of never quite
becoming who they’d hoped that they would be
blessed are the ones who wake and plead
that their whole life this far was just a dream

blessed are you
the world is yours

blessed are the bloodshot midnight mourners in the hall
their whole world standing still
blessed are the bloodshot midnight mourners in the park
no one speaks their names
blessed are the ones who know the sting
of the phantom limb embrace of love removed

blessed are you
the world is yours

blessed are the ones who cast their mercy to the wind
now it goes where it goes
blessed are the ones who nurse a pain that’s not their own
the meek amongst the wolves
blessed are you when the knife is in your back
and they’re calling for your head
to finally shut you up
and blot out what you said about the way the scales are rigged
that’s how it’s always been
but just know you’re neither crazy nor alone
you’re not alone

so lift up your head
the world is turning upside down
and as the tables turn, you’ll find you never left the ground
behold the Great Inversion, like a tide that lifts wrecked boats
has risen from the heart of one who’ll never let you go

For Those Tears I Died

locked in confusion and loosening my grip
it’s happened before, God, it happened again
I thought I knew a story about some vile curse shattering
but I think it found a way to mend

you say come to the water and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied
I hold every teardrop that when in darkness you cried
and it was for those tears I died

open my mouth, put a coal upon my tongue
cauterize my silence and char my teeth to dust
i’ve made an idol out of comfort, praised by keeping my mouth shut
but now it’s found a thirst for blood

you say come to the water and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied
I hold every teardrop when you cry out in the night
and it was for those tears I died
it was for those tears I died

but how long?
and how many tears did you have in mind?
or how many hours of the night?
my God
we’re wearing thin
from holding on

Good God, how long?

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Numbers 11:24-30:

Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.

Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!" And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Hannah’s sermon text, is Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

`In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 

and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams. 

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy. 

And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 

The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. 

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Inbreaking

break in, Inbreaking and
shatter that which You
shattered then
to come close
with your lantern glow
to reveal our wounds and
illuminate the cracks with solder gold

oh, if you can shape affliction into hope-graced art
come and build a kingdom out of broken hearts

O Slaughtered Lamb, don’t delay
we’re wearing thin and losing shape
so raise again the love we’ve slain
and reignite the hope we’ve tamed

break through
this can’t be what You had in
mind at all when
You said the Kingdom has already come
there’s such damage done
is there any way to restore the light that we’ve left in the grave?

oh, if you can shake a death into a hard restart
come and raise a body out of broken parts

O Slaughtered Lamb, don’t delay
we’re wearing thin and losing shape
so raise again the love we’ve slain
and reignite the hope we’ve tamed

come crashing in and blow away
these massive stones we’ve set in place
to seal the door to painted graves
we’ve styled so well with gaudy faith
and call us out into the Dawn
speak the names that we forgot
then Desert Cloud, lead us on
like a great parade of living scars

and if you could sing betrayal like a victory song
come and write a better story out of what went wrong

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Pentecost. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Pentecost.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 5-26-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Pentecost (by Jamie)

Greetings I keep seeing people talk about how they are tired of hearing people talk about UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.  Me too.  So I will speak to you now of thoroughly precedented times. 

This Sunday is Pentecost.

Once again, we will join the disciples as they, for the second time, come to terms with living in a world without Jesus in it.  Only this time, instead of thinking that they had thrown their lives away to follow a fraud, they wait with the sense that they are caught up in the activity of God in history, though they don’t know what to do next; they don’t know what it means to be followers of Jesus in a world that doesn’t have Jesus walking around in it.

This is understandable because when Jesus was with them, both before and after the resurrection, the disciples consistently misunderstood what he was getting at and thus never developed a reliable instinct for spreading their wings on the Jesus Way.  Furthermore, Jesus told them to wait for a Helper to come because Jesus knew these people all too well.

In light of this, the Helper that comes to them is a bit surprising.  If asked to describe the sort of Holy Spirit that this crew needed, one might expect a very wise ghost version of Jesus with whom they might converse—like a Jesus force ghost for something..

But nope.

Instead they found in wind and flame the movement of the Living God.

Less a spectral sage, more of a muse.

As we come to this day each year, we join the disciples in asking what exactly it means to be people who are formed in the way of Christ in our particular time and place.  Because if nothing else, the liturgical calendar invites us to ask questions to which we think we already have answers.  And in the case of Pentecost, the setting of the accompanying question is always new anyway—we never darken the same particular time and place twice, let alone in THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.  

Sorry.  

It just came out.   

Not deleting.  

Anyway, what I’m saying is, we ask questions to which we think we already have answers, not necessarily to find new answers—though we might— but to question our familiarity and  reclaim the posture of openness, humility, and wonder necessary of people whose Helper is more muse than force ghost.   

So as Pentecost approaches, let us be reminded that the Living God has doubled, and tripled, down on being God-with-us, and as we ask again what it means to be people who are formed in the way of Christ in our particular time and place, may we find ourselves reacquainted with the wonder of chasing the Wind.

Meet Our Newest Leadership Team Member

Luci Hoppe

Why are you in Waco?: I'm a native Houstonian & my husband, Brian, is from Chicago. We made our home here after originally coming to Waco to attend Baylor as undergrads. 

Best local Waco Restaurant?: Moroso

Verse, chapter or book of Bible that has been formative for you?: Psalms & Isaiah 

What are you currently watching?: Since the Cubs aren't playing right now, we've been getting our Chicago sports fix watching The Last Dance

What are you currently reading?: I just finished The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin

What is something we’d never know about you?: I was very shy until college. 

Pen Pals

“Want to connect with other UBCers during this time of social distancing? Want to make a meet someone new and make a new friend or connect with a family and make a BUNCH of new friends? Good news! We’re doing a second round of pen pals! Let Taylor know if you want to participate! You can email her at taylor@ubcwaco.org. And just think of how fun it will be when you get to meet your Pen Pal in person when we all worship together again! You should do it!”

Virtual VBS coming summer of 2020

“Good news everybody - we are going to be having a virtual VBS this summer! So, if you are a parent looking to finalize some summer plans for your kids this summer be on the lookout here and during announcements on Sunday morning because we are finalizing dates and curriculum and will have more info for you soon about when VBS will be this summer!”

Parishioner of the Week

Grace and Gunnar Mangrum for creating a human, and then doing a creative gender reveal with a song they wrote.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Luci Hoppe:

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 5-24-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

May 24, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 24th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

All Hail

all hail the power of Jesus’ name
let angels prostrate fall
bring forth the royal diadem
and crown him lord of all

sinners whose love can ne’er forget
the wormwood and the gall
go spread your trophies at his feet
and crown him lord of all

let every kindred, every tribe
on this terrestrial ball
to him all majesty ascribe
and crown him lord of all

o that with yonder sacred throng
we at his feet may fall
we’ll join the everlasting song
and crown him lord of all

Crown Him

crown him with many crowns
the lamb upon his throne
hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but it’s own
awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity

crown him the son of God
before the worlds began
and ye who tread where he hath trod
crown him the son of man
whom every grief hath known
that wrings the human breast
and takes and bears them for his own
that all in him may rest

that all in him may rest

crown him the lord of peace
whose pow’r a scepter sways
from pole to pole that wars may cease
and all be prayer and praise
his reign shall know no end
and round his pieced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet

crown him the lord of love
behold his hands and side
those wounds, yet visible,
above in beauty, glorified
crown him with many crowns
as yours before him fall
crown him ye kings and queens with crowns
for he is king of all

for he is king of all

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 93:

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
    your throne is established from of old;
    you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
    the floods have lifted up their voice;
    the floods lift up their roaring.
More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters,
    more majestic than the waves of the sea,
    majestic on high is the Lord!

Your decrees are very sure;
    holiness befits your house,
    O Lord, forevermore.

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Luke 24:44-53:

Jesus said to his disciples, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

All Creatures

all creatures of our god and king
lift up your voice and with us sing
o praise him, alleluia
thou burning sun with golden beam
thou silver moon with softer gleam
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

thou rushing wind, that art so strong
ye clouds that sail in heaven along
o praise him, alleluia
thou rising moon in praise rejoice
ye, lights of evening, find a voice
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

let all things their creator bless
and worship him in humbleness
o praise him, alleluia
praise, praise the father, praise the son
and praise the spirit, three in one
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Eastertide Week 7. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Easter-Week7.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 5-19-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

On Being Outside

It is now that time of year when I get the grumpiest.  I’ll harvest my onions.  The pea plants are about finished.  I’ll get a few more cucumbers over the next few weeks and the tomato plants and I will battle the heat until late June.  I might get five peppers.  The last of my garden is the clearest sign that Satan and his army are here for the summer.  Look at your weather app and the 90s will appear as far as you can see.  Lindsay tells me that today is supposed to set a record (98 degrees).*   What makes it even harder is that in Texas, Spring is the best season.  This is the opposite of WI.  I’ve created a chart below for you to see the comparison. 

We moved to Texas in August of 2004.  The day we moved into our apartment it was 104 degrees.  It’s not always that bad, but it’s at least that bad once a summer.  Summer is a kind of purgatory around these parts.  I’ve acclimated … kinda.  After a few years a real hatred crept into my heart though.  Then I started reading about seasonal affective disorder.  I used to think it was just for people in Seattle because  of  a lack of sunshine.  I have a different theory (that’s unqualified and has no data to back it up).  It’s for anyone who has to spend large seasons of life inside.  The thesis of this entry is that we are made to be outside.  

I was thinking back to my very first semester at UBC.  It was also the fall of 2004.  I joined a Sunday school class on Job.  One of our ice breaker questions was about landscapes that we find beautiful.  The answers were typical.  Mountains, forests, oceans, bla, bla, bla.  My friend Jonathan though, said that he preferred the cityscape.  I was repulsed.  Concrete and car noises?!?  No thanks.  But I liked Jonathan so I decided his answer was ok.  Last summer I went to Manhattan and I think I got it.  The city has a kind of beauty.  I raise Jonathan’s point to bolster my own.  I realize that outside doesn't have to equate mountain ranges.  It can mean Carrie Bradshaw.  But I maintain that we are created to be outside.  Summer in Texas makes that harder (for some of us, the rest of us are liars). 

I have good news for you.  My brother and sister (aka neighbors) purchased a pool.  This will make my life less miserable and so I’m excited to see if I have an attitude change about Texas this summer.  You can pray for that for me.  My therapist has been trying to help me feel feelings and be present for over a year now.  A lot of that is about different kinds of meditation.  I’m not very good at mediation because, squirrel, but I’m still trying.  One thing she helped me with is finding the meditations that naturally come to me throughout the day.  Last summer on sabbatical I read up on Sabbath.  More particularly, I read Sabbath, by Wayne Muller.  One piece of data stood out above all others.  Muller said that a research study showed that the majority of people reported that their number one mechanism for finding rest was by connecting with nature.  Again, I’m not trying to sell you Stever Irwin, but I do remain convinced that you are dust and to dust you will return.  There’s something primal about feeling the dirt beneath your feet.  It’s that to which you have always belonged and will belong to again.  But let me conclude by making space for the one person who absolutely hates being outside.  The deeper metaphysical principle would be to find something that gives you life and to be selfish enough to prioritize that something in your life.  Go be with God. 

* In other interesting news, I read this article this week.  Not sure about the credibility, but crossing my fingers that it’s true!

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been donating so far, and for those who have volunteered. We served 53 families last week!  We are trying to make sure we get the necessary items each week, so below you will find a new resources needed link, and when you are going to purchase something you can check it off the list as bought.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org  You can also use the second link to volunteer if you would like to serve in the pantry and driving meals to families.  

Pantry needs list:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EACAE2AABFF2-community
Volunteer signup:
https://bit.ly/communityfoodpantry

Pen Pals

“Want to connect with other UBCers during this time of social distancing? Want to make a meet someone new and make a new friend or connect with a family and make a BUNCH of new friends? Good news! We’re doing a second round of pen pals! Let Taylor know if you want to participate! You can email her at taylor@ubcwaco.org. And just think of how fun it will be when you get to meet your Pen Pal in person when we all worship together again! You should do it!”

Virtual VBS coming summer of 2020

“Good news everybody - we are going to be having a virtual VBS this summer! So, if you are a parent looking to finalize some summer plans for your kids this summer be on the lookout here and during announcements on Sunday morning because we are finalizing dates and curriculum and will have more info for you soon about when VBS will be this summer!”

Parishioner of the Week

Ricky Shull: The Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media is excited to award a William & Joanne Moore Scholarship to Ricky Shull. He will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism this fall. He graduated from Baylor in August 2019 with a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation and is excited to return to Waco for this new opportunity! #Baylor #JPRNM

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Byron Griffin: byrontgriffin@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 5-17-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

May 17, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 17th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

All Creatures

all creatures of our god and king
lift up your voice and with us sing
o praise him, alleluia
thou burning sun with golden beam
thou silver moon with softer gleam
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

thou rushing wind, that art so strong
ye clouds that sail in heaven along
o praise him, alleluia
thou rising moon in praise rejoice
ye, lights of evening, find a voice
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

let all things their creator bless
and worship him in humbleness
o praise him, alleluia
praise, praise the father, praise the son
and praise the spirit, three in one
o praise him, o praise him
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Wideness

there’s a wideness in god’s mercy
like the wideness of the sea
there’s a kindness in god’s justice
which is more than liberty
there’s welcome for the sinner,
the cast-off, and the unloved,
there’s mercy with the savior
there is healing in his blood

for the love of God is broader
than the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal
is most wonderfully kind
but we make this love to narrow
by false limits of our own
and we magnify his strictness
with a zeal he will not own

there’s grace enough for thousands
of new worlds as great as this
there’s room for fresh creations
in that upper home of bliss
there’s plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed
there’s joy for every creature
in the sorrows of the head

for the love of God is broader
than the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal
is most wonderfully kind
but we make this love to narrow
by false limits of our own
and we magnify his strictness
with a zeal he will not own

o holy instructor
I fear we’ve found a way to
be wholly destructive
and pin the blame on you
o wideness, come searching
and repair what went wrong

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 66:7-18:

Bless our God, O peoples,
    let the sound of his praise be heard,
who has kept us among the living,
    and has not let our feet slip.
For you, O God, have tested us;
    you have tried us as silver is tried.
You brought us into the net;
    you laid burdens on our backs;
you let people ride over our heads;
    we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
    I will pay you my vows,
those that my lips uttered
    and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,
    with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
    and I will tell what he has done for me.
I cried aloud to him,
    and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Acts 17:22-31:

Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, 

‘For we too are his offspring.’ 

Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Wild One

overwhelming, you cannot be contained
in leather bindings, a turn or a word or phrase
overwhelming, these idols that you break
crumbling to the ground in place

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down, you’re a wild one
you’re greater

disconcerting, these figures that we form
we want more money, we want a higher bar
disconcerting, these idols that we carve
controlling like the wind to a sail

you were running with iconoclast strides
god, you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down, you’re a wild one
you’re greater

unbound, you’re overwhelming
we built you a house, but you keep moving
maker, you’re not done making
we gave you seven days, but you’re still forming
so form these broken bodies into gold
a greater love, with a lighter load
and tear these temples down, stone from stone
crashing to the ground like broken chains

you are running with iconoclast strides
god you’re wilder than we ever thought you would be
though we try, we can’t pin you down
you’re a wild one

and you’re greater

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Eastertide Week 6. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Easter-Week6.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 5-12-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Time to Think by Taylor

We have been watching a lot of Top Chef. I have long been a Top Chef fan, but there is something about it during this season that is particularly comforting. We watched an episode recently from Season 8 that helped me reflect a little about why I am finding Top Chef so comforting right now. The chefs had to go cook a meal at Rao’s, an Italian restaurant in New York City. Rao’s is over 100 years old and has been owned by the same family for 4 generations. All of the food was served family style to a tableful of judges and guests – about 10 people in total all sitting around 1 big table sharing food and wine and conversation.

            And it made me realize that I have really missed sharing in table fellowship with people. Watching people eat and talk around tables on Top Chef has been a cheap replacement for the real thing – but it has been a replacement nonetheless. Being together with friends and loved ones eating and talking is one of my favorite things – a long slow meal is a holy moment. Scripture also emphasizes the importance of table fellowship as a moment to share hospitality, a moment that forms us together as a community, and a moment that brings our attention to what God is doing among us.

            Last fall Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires formed a group called The Highwomen and released an album under the same name. One of my favorite songs on the album is a song called Crowded Table. And I wanted to share some of the lyrics with you because I feel like it really describes what I am missing in this season, and what I am hoping to commit myself to in the next season (and in all seasons):

The door is always open
Your picture's on my wall
Everyone's a little broken
And everyone belongs
Yeah, everyone belongs 

I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
And bring us back together when the day is done 

(You should definitely go listen to this song. It is so good.)

            One of the gifts of this season has been time to think and reflect. (I know this is privilege and not something everyone has experienced during this time.) And thinking about what is important and meaningful to me has been a gift – I’d love to hear what you have been thinking about and committing yourself too – and I’d love to join you in table fellowship as soon as we can!

Meet Our Newest HR Team Member

Name: Craig Nash

Why are you in Waco: At this point, almost 20 years after moving to Waco, I feel like the only adequate answer to this question is "Because I live here." 

Current TV Show:  I've used Quarantine 2020 to binge on Schitt'$ Creek and Handmaid's Tale. Having finished those, I'm currently on a tv sabbatical. 

Favorite Movie:  Back to the Future

Best Waco Restaurant: Taqueria El Mexicano Grill #9

Scripture that has been meaningful for you: Lamentations 3

Something we might know about you: I'm bald. But I'm guessing that was supposed to read "Something we might NOT know about you," in which case--- My high school typing teacher would slap our hands with a ruler if she caught us looking down at the keyboard. Because of that, I'm a real fast typer. (And terrified of looking down when I'm typing.)

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been donating so far, and for those who have volunteered.  We are trying to make sure we get the necessary items each week, so below you will find a new resources needed link, and when you are going to purchase something you can check it off the list as bought.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org  You can also use the second link to volunteer if you would like to serve in the pantry and driving meals to families.  

Pantry needs list:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084eacae2aabff2-community
Volunteer signup:
https://bit.ly/communityfoodpantry

Parishioner of the Week

Katherine Reynolds who was named Community MSW Intern of the Year. Congrats Cat! Here’s what Kat had to say: "I changed my major to #socialwork after participating in the Poverty Simulation hosted by Mission Waco. I have always felt a passion for service, and, after discovering social work, found a way to turn this passion into a career."

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Byron Griffin: byrontgriffin@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members. 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 5-10-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

May 10, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 10th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

Come Thou Fount

come thou fount of every blessing
tune my heart to sing Thy grace
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise
teach me some melodious sonnet
sung by flaming tongues above
praise the mount, i’m fixed upon it
mount of Thy redeeming love

here I raise my Ebenezer
hither by thine help I come
and I hope by thy good pleasure
safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
wandering from the fold of God
he to rescue me from danger
interposed his precious blood

o to grace, how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be
let thy goodness like a fetter
bind my wandering heart to thee
prone to wander, lord I feel it
prone to leave the god I love
here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it
seat it for thy courts above

Mother

is there a hair on my head
you haven’t numbered yet
you haven’t numbered yet
in the night, crying in the cold
is there a pain of mine
you haven’t called your own?

Mother Comfort, Mother Known

though our minds so well ignore your grace
you bring it just the same
you bring it just the same
we reside in your self-giving love
but you’ve somehow found enough
for all the space that we take up

Mother Wisdom, Mother Love
Mother Comfort, Mother Enough

through life and death, that cradled set
beginning and the end,
Beginning and the End
you are a shield, a beacon of defense
and our weaknesses align
as you gather us in

Mother Warrior, Mother Age to Age
Mother Wisdom, Mother Grace
Mother Comfort, Mother Love-that-can’t-be-bought
Mother Faithful

Mother God

For Those Tears I Died

locked in confusion
and loosening my grip
it’s happened before
God, it happened again
I thought I knew a story
about this vile curse shattering
but I think it found away to mend

you say come to the water
and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
you won’t be denied
but I hold every tear drop
that when in darkness you cried
and it was for those tears I died

open my mouth
put a coal upon my tongue
cauterize my silence
and char my teeth to dust
i’ve made and idol out of comfort
praised by keeping my mouth shut
but now it’s found a thirst for blood

you say come to the water
and stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
you won’t be denied
I hold every teardrop
when you cry out in the night
and it was for those tears I died

but how long?

and how many tears did you have in mind?

or how many hours of the night?

my god!

we’re wearing thin from holding on.

good god, how long?

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16:

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
    do not let me ever be put to shame;
    in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
    for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
    you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

My times are in your hand;
    deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
    save me in your steadfast love.

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is John 14:1-14:

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

Pulse

there’s a secret Pulse hidden in
the fabric of creation
and the story of every creature is
bone from dust//gift from Gift

reconnect our hearts to that Pulse You hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tow’r that can’t be hidd’n

there’s a Remedy for the ache
that plagues us all in waves
and the cure for our other-scorning rage
is break my bread, i’ll break your shame

reconnect our hearts to that Pulse You hid
resurrect the peace we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tow’r and lock us in

until we find there’s only one kind
of love that won’t break
more than blind, more than selfless in name
it’s open arms either way
because there’s a pulse at the heart of all things
that gives life all the same
and a design to the rhythm we breathe:
Holy Name//Give and Take

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Eastertide Week 4. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Easter-Week5.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 5-5-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

An Update On Worshiping In The Building

To the Good People of UBmegaC,

I’m writing to talk to you about UBCs potential reopening date.   Because I like it when people get straight to the point I will do so now.  We have no concrete date for when UBC will reopen for worship.  Furthermore, it is the collective opinion of the UBC staff and leadership team that UBC should err on the side of caution in deciding when to resume meeting in the building.  

Now for the nuance and reasoning.  

As you may or may not know, Texas Governor Greg Abbot has clarified that restricting churches from meeting is a violation of religious liberty.  In light of this information and because of the partial reopening that happened beginning this last friday May 1, some churches in the area have decided to begin meeting in person ...  some of those are meeting as early as this Sunday, May 10.  There is a letter circulating indicating that several of Waco’s larger churches will begin meeting on the weekend of June 7th.    UBC will not be meeting that weekend.  The main purpose of this entry then, is to let you know that we are actively discussing this as leadership.   It is our deep desire for UBC to be reunited in corporate, incarnational worship, but safety will remain a top priority of us in deciding when and how to do so.  

The leadership team met this past Sunday, May 3rd, to discuss this issue.  Here were some of the thoughts/concerns that were articulated: 

1. Some churches that are opening will do so abiding by the 50 person worship capacity suggestion.  We don’t think that will work well for UBC for following reasons: 

   1. How do you decide who gets to attend what service? 

   2. What do you do if you are at capacity and visitors come? 

   3. How do you keep children six feet apart? 

   4. How would we adequately sanitize the building between services? We do not currently have the resources to clean sufficiently. 

2. We would like an objective way to identify when we think it is best to reopen.   Here were some thoughts, though I’d like to reiterate that we have not committed to any of these as an official benchmark. 

   1. When the CDC says it is safe to do so

   2. When the state or local government says it is safe to do 

   3. When we can assure parents of their children’s safety 

   4. When we have a vaccine

3. When we reopen we realize the following will be true and consequently we will have to plan worship accordingly: 

   1. Some people will not come to church, but elect to continue worship through the live stream 

   2. Some that attend will elect to keep their children with them 

4. After we decide to reopen or we deem it is safe to do so, we will take two weeks to prepare

   1. Figuring out cleaning systems 

   2. How to best serve our children with our space in a way that is safe

   3. Make adjustments to the liturgy that are situation specific

We would like to thank you for your patience, prayer and faithfulness to UBC during this difficult time.  I’m reminded of Israel’s exile.  Exile is a motif UBC knows well having spent a year away from our building in the period after Kyle Lake passed away.  In exile we learn new things about God and the creative ways that community can be shaped by Him.  So with weary and yet renewed hearts we look forward to this next chapter of UBCs worshiping story.  Thank you for doing this with us.  

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Shea Luke Blaylock

Birthday: 4/27/2020 @ 2:10pm
Birth Weight: 7 lbs, 11 oz
Birth Height: 20 inches

Enneagram Number: 7 w 8

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

Family Resource Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been donating items so far, we have served over 100 families within WacoISD over the past few weeks.  Below you will an updated list of what items we currently need.  You are welcome to have the items shipped to UBC, drop them off, or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for pick-up from your house.  Thank you for your generosity UBC.  If you would like to volunteer to help with the pantry, please email Toph.

Food: peanut butter (16.oz), jelly(18oz), cereal (10-11oz), granola bars (box), pasta(1 bag), Cooking Oil, Macaroni, spaghetti sauce(24 oz) ,ramen (Square), soup (Can), canned meat (tuna), canned veg (can), rice (16oz bag)

Baby items: Diapers (all sizes), formula, wipes

Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach. paper towels

Personal Hygiene: Toilet Paper, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, deodorant

The Cove - Waco

The Cove is a non-profit that works with homeless HS students in Waco.  They are currently in need of volunteers to help with getting support to their teens.  Below are the volunteer opportunities, and who to contact to sign-up.  If you'd like to help--even for one afternoon--please email Tarad@thecovewaco.org and we'll let you know the next steps!

1) Weekly Cove Care Visits - Commit 2-3 hours to deliver non-perishable, meals and hygiene items to students though no-contact, front porch drop-offs Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 10:30am - 1pm. 

2) One-time event to prepare non-perishable bags and hygiene bags here at The Cove on Tuesday, May 12th

3) Pick up food items from Shepherd's Heart on Tuesdays and deliver to The Cove

Parishioner of the Week

Bridges West who started a new job as a case manager at the CMH this week. Great job Bridges, we are proud of you.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Byron Griffin: byrontgriffin@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members.

JD Newman: JD_Newman@baylor.edu 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 5-3-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

May 3, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on May 3rd (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

House of God Forever

God is my shepherd
I won’t be wanting
I won’t be wanting
God makes me rest
in fields of green
with quiet streams
even though i walk
through the valley
of death and dying
i will not fear
for you are with me
you’re always with me

your shepherd’s staff comforts me
you are my feast in the presence of enemies
and surely goodness will follow me
will follow me in the house of god forever

Mother

is there a hair on my head
you haven’t numbered yet
you haven’t numbered yet
in the night, crying in the cold
is there a pain of mine
you haven’t called your own?

Mother Comfort, Mother Known

though our minds so well ignore your grace
you bring it just the same
you bring it just the same
we reside in your self-giving love
but you’ve somehow found enough
for all the space that we take up

Mother Wisdom, Mother Love
Mother Comfort, Mother Enough

through life and death, that cradled set
beginning and the end,
Beginning and the End
you are a shield, a beacon of defense
and our weaknesses align
as you gather us in

Mother Warrior, Mother Age to Age
Mother Wisdom, Mother Grace
Mother Comfort, Mother Love-that-can’t-be-bought
Mother Faithful

Mother God

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 23

The Eternal is my shepherd, cares for me always.
The Eternal provides me rest in rich, green fields
    beside streams of refreshing water,
    soothes my fears;
The Eternal makes me whole again,
    steering me off worn, hard paths
    to roads where truth and righteousness echo the Name.

Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness,
    I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments,
    near with Your protection and guidance,
    I am comforted.

You spread out a table before me,
    provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;
You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,
    filling my cup again and again with Your grace.
Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me
    where I go, always, everywhere.
I will always be with the Eternal,
    in Your house forever.

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is John 10:1-10:

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

Eternal Anchor

Eternal Wisdom, Eternal Grace
is there a creature You have not named
and known in greater depth
than the cells of which it’s made
and bound up in a love not even death
could separate?

Eternal Anchor, Eternal Grace
wrapped in Light like Eternal Flame
would you incinerate the thorns
stabbing in my brain
and with a Word obliterate
the cycles I retrace?

would you raise a staff, split the sea
and graft my withered branch
into Your family tree
and come to my defense
if my brother called it cheap
as if my every breath someone else
had planned to breathe

Eternal Anchor, Eternal Love
is there a distance You would not run
with glory gathered up,
kicking up the dust,
to close the gap I made
to try my luck?

would you raise a glass, call a feast
and grace my withered hand with Your family ring
and as I search for words to try to explain
would they be drowned out with your redemption parade?
and as the forests clapped their hands
and mountains stomp their feet
would a thousand trumpets roar
as trampled voices sing?
and would I be caught up in that Embodied Melody;
of the all-creation, misfit family band of everything?

will all that was lost yet be found?
will al that was lost yet be found?
Name beyond all naming, Love beyond all framing,
will all that was lost yet be found?

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Eastertide Week 4. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Easter-Week4.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info for the past couple of weeks:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 4-28-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

Mother (by jamie)

In May of 2018, I wrote a song called “Mother.”  Mother’s Day was approaching, and I was preparing some liturgical elements that used the lens of motherhood to speak of who God is and how God relates to us.  

In this process, I was faced with the reality that I didn’t know of a single song that used maternal images of God.  I would later find that there are a handful scattered throughout history, but none of those had been a part of my attention collection up to that point.  I remember being puzzled by this, as Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Hosea, and Jesus all seem to implement maternal language when speaking of who God is.

In light of this lack, I set out to write a Mother God song.  I foolishly (thankfully?) chose to begin by compiling a list of “maternal” qualities and “paternal” qualities.  However, each time I thought of one, I would quickly convince myself it was mis-filed, that perhaps it would better suit the other column.

I suppose this is because motherhood and fatherhood are ways of being in the world that seem to mirror one another, overlap, and dance across cultures, neighborhoods, households, years, etc.

And so, my columns remained empty.

Having abandoned that strange unpoetic way of entering into the writing process, I just started playing and let it happen.

And it did.

When I played it that Sunday, much to my surprise, there was applause.

I note this for two reasons.  1) In my 5 years at ubc, that has only happened three times; and 2) I didn’t think the song was very good, and had already decided I was going to start rewriting it from scratch the next day.  

Since it had clearly struck a chord, I decided to leave it alone; it wasn’t my song anymore anyway.  

It belonged to the overwhelming number of ubcers who thanked me through tears or sent me emails that week and in the weeks since.

Those for whom the lack of maternal images of God had been a source of pain or alienation, for whom paternal-only images of God were more of a stiff-arm than embrace.

Those who had complicated relationships with their own mothers and who turned to God for the warmth whose lack they felt.

Those who had complicated relationships with their fathers for whom a Heavenly Father has always read more like a threat than a promise.

And countless blessed others.

I’m sorry it’s taken two years to properly share this song with you.

It will release at all the usual digital places on Friday, but you can stream it here in the meantime

I’ll be sending out an email on Friday with ways you can help spread the word, if you so desire.

May you find in this song a reminder that, in the midst of this cradled set of life and death, you are known, named, and held in the attention of the Creator and Sustainer of all things; caught up with all your joy and all your pain in the warmth of that boundless self-giving love.

Family Resource Pantry

Hello everyone, here is the updated list of what is needed most this week at the pantry.  You can contact toph@ubcwaco.org to arrange pick up or drop off at UBC.  

Food: Bread, cooking oil, milk, lunchmeat, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, granola bars,  pasta, spaghetti sauce, ramen, soup, canned meat, canned vegetables, rice
Baby items: Diapers (all sizes), formula, wipes
Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach, paper towels
Personal Hygiene: Toilet Paper, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, deodorant
School supplies: Spiral notebooks, Pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, crayons, markers, coloring books

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Calvin Reid Harrison 

Birthday: March 13

Birth Height: 21 1/2 inches long 

Birth Weight: 9 lbs 2oz

Enneagram Number: 5 w 4

Lead Team Nominations

Due to the unforeseen circumstances that COVID has created and the way this may have disrupted candidates lives, we have decided to wait another month before selecting someone to fill Byron Griffin’s role on the leadership team. To that end we are also opening up the nomination process in this time due to the lack of communication about this process because we have not been meeting.

If you would like to nominate someone for the leadership team, please do so by using this link to fill out the form.

(A) Purpose.  The Leadership Team shall be the primary decision-making body of UBC.  The Leadership Team will oversee all the business and property of the church, as well as make the final decisions regarding hiring and dismissal of staff and the acquisition and selling of assets that are beyond budgetary provisions.  

(C) Qualifications.  Each member of Leadership Team shall have been a member of UBC for at least one year, exhibited an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the church, and be willing to fulfill all responsibilities in the Leadership Team job description. 

(E) Term.  Members of Leadership Team may serve for a duration lasting up to three years.  While they are encouraged to remain the full three years, members may voluntarily remove themselves from their position at any time

Parishioner(s) of the Week

LorAnn Newman for passing the bar.

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Byron Griffin: byrontgriffin@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members.

JD Newman: JD_Newman@baylor.edu 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Ubc Liturgy Stuff 4-26-2020

Ubc Liturgy Stuff

April 26, 2020

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics (and chords, if you want to play along!) and scripture readings for the live stream on April 26th (in the order they are needed), as well as some resources for kids! (this includes some stuff that is print-able—if you need Taylor to print stuff for you in the future, just let us know, and we’ll get that set up).

Heart Won’t Stop

there is not a man or a beast
nothing on the land or underneath
nothing that could ever come between
the love you have for me
i could lay my head in Sheol
i could make my bed at
the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place I could escape You

Your heart wont’ stop coming after me

there is not an angel of the stars
there is not a devil in the dark
nothing that could change the way You are
the love you have for me
i could lay my head in Sheol
i could make my bed at
the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place i could escape You

Your heart won’t stop coming after me

i could lay my head in Sheol
i could make my bed at
the bottom of the darkness deep
there is not a place i could escape You

Your heart won’t stop coming after me

Eternal Anchor

Eternal Wisdom, Eternal Grace
is there a creature You have not named
and known in greater depth
than the cells of which it’s made
and bound up in a love not even death
could separate?

Eternal Anchor, Eternal Grace
wrapped in Light like Eternal Flame
would you incinerate the thorns
stabbing in my brain
and with a Word obliterate
the cycles I retrace?

would you raise a staff, split the sea
and graft my withered branch
into Your family tree
and come to my defense
if my brother called it cheap
as if my every breath someone else
had planned to breathe

Eternal Anchor, Eternal Love
is there a distance You would not run
with glory gathered up,
kicking up the dust,
to close the gap I made
to try my luck?

would you raise a glass, call a feast
and grace my withered hand with Your family ring
and as I search for words to try to explain
would they be drowned out with your redemption parade?
and as the forests clapped their hands
and mountains stomp their feet
would a thousand trumpets roar
as trampled voices sing?
and would I be caught up in that Embodied Melody;
of the all-creation, misfit family band of everything?

will all that was lost yet be found?
will al that was lost yet be found?
Name beyond all naming, Love beyond all framing,
will all that was lost yet be found?

There

before there were mountains to crumble
before there were seas to rise
before there was pain, the loss and the weight
You were there, You were there, You were there

and although our fear is rising
although our fire has gone out
although our hearts are worried and fraught
You are there, You are there, You are there

i’ve got a problem, i’ve made a drug
of worrying over what is yet to come
it’s clouding my vision, strangling my love
away

but after the sun stops burning
after the stars have gone out
after the world ceases to turn
You’ll be there, You’ll be there, You’ll be there

You’ll be there, You’ll be there, You’ll be there
You’ll be there, You’ll be there, and we’ll be there

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17:

I love the Eternal; for not only does the Eternal hear
    my voice, my pleas for mercy,
But the Eternal One leaned down when I was in trouble and brought the Eternal’s ear close to me.
    So as long as I have breath, I will call on the Eternal One.
Once I was wound in the wrappings of death;
    the terror of dying and the grave had a grip on me;
    I could not get away, for I was entombed in distress and sorrow.

I believed Your promise; therefore I spoke,
    “I am in deep trouble.”
In my confusion I blurted out,
    “All people are liars!”

How will I pay back the Eternal
    for all the Eternal’s graciousness toward me?
I will raise the cup of deliverance
    and call out the name of the Eternal.
I will fulfill the promises I made to The Eternal One
    here as a witness to all the Eternal One’s people.

Precious in the eyes of the Eternal
    are the deaths of those who follow after the Eternal One.
O Eternal One, You know I am Your servant.
    I am Your servant, a child of Your maidservant, devoted to You;
    You have cut me loose from the chains of death that bind me.
And I come, eager to offer a sacrifice of gratitude
    and call on the name of the Eternal.

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Toph’s sermon text, is Luke 19:1-10:

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

This is the Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God)

Hope

You lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
while we were hopeless and wandering
You were the Breath in our lungs
You sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said “i’ll bend lower to find you
i’ve called you mine.”

You lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
though we keep losing our minds here
You know the depth of our thoughts
You sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said “child, I made you on purpose
I’ve called you mine"

and now every broken piece
will find its place again
and every twisted word you heard
in the night will be silent
the fever it will break
the shadow it will fade
’til all that’s left is light and love
in the Dawn that never fades
on and on

You lit a fire in the darkness
the darkness did not overcome
though our walls keep on closing
You are the field where we’d run
You sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
said “this is not how it ends here
I’ve called you mine

and you can’t go back
no, you can’t go back
though everything keeps fading
this fading here will end
and the ever-brilliant Word whispered
in the night will be shouted
the fever it will break
the shadow it will fade
’til all that’s left is light and love
in the Dawn that never fades
on and on

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

Benediction

As we approach this week

May we love God
Embrace Beauty
and Live Life to the fullest

Amen

Worship Resources for UBC Kids and Families

(And also anyone who might want them)

Hello friends! (This is Taylor) Here is a link to some fun coloring sheets and activity ideas for Eastertide Week 3. I’ll be talking about them during worship tomorrow! Also included is a kid’s worship bulletin - so if you print it off beforehand kiddos could do that while they watch our worship service! I’m excited to see what you do with these coloring sheets and activities - so please take a picture and tag @ubcwaco when you use them! Thanks everybody! Here is the link: https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/weekly-resources/Easter-Week3.pdf.

p.s. - Remember! If you don’t have a printer just let me know and I can print them out for you!

New Giving App

In case you missed this info last week:

We're excited to offer a new way to give to UBC - through a simple, fast and secure app!  You can download the free Church Center app and enter "UBC Waco" as your church.  In just a few taps, you'll have your account set up and can give any amount, anytime, from anywhere in the world.  You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving instantly.  Best yet, this app is designed specifically for churches, with reduced fees that make sure more of your donation actually goes to support UBC.  If you're not an app person, no worries - we've added Church Center as an option under the "give" tab on our website.  Thanks for your giving and support of our UBC community!

ITLOTC 4-21-20

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Easter

On Doing Enough

Sometimes when I have a good idea for a newsletter article I store it in my head for later.  I don’t write every week. I write 2 of the 4 weeks of a month and T-Bone Taylor Post and Jameson McGregor write the other two (for some reason Toph has just weaseled his way out of this responsibility his whole religious career).   So in off weeks, when I have a good idea, I put that in the file cabinet for later. Well, here’s what happened. Last week Taylor wrote the newsletter and included this quote “I hope that in this season you are being kind to yourself and remembering that your worth is not defined by what you do or what you produce – but, rather, that you are inherently loved and worthy and created in the image of God and you can rest in that.”  That’s the quote that other Taylor (social media Taylor) used to advertise the piece.  Now here’s the problem: that was essentially my stored up idea for the newsletter.  

I’m going to write my idea anyway.  

We all know that personality tests are fake and can’t tell you anything helpful about your life.  It’s another form of astrology. But let’s just say for a moment that one of these personality tests fooled me into thinking it was really effective.  Like it anticipated all my motivations in complicated ways including how I behave in stress and growth. This fake personality test might suggest that I am motivated by accomplishing things.  Let me give you an example of how this works. On Saturdays, I like to get work done around the house. I wake up with a mental checklist in my head and all day I slowly work through it checking it off.  When evening arrives I sit down on my couch, watch an episode of Ozark with my cocktail and let the fact that I finished my to-do list wash over me.  While some of you might experience the joy of the comfort of your couch, or the taste of the beverage or the entertainment value of the show, my joy comes from knowing that the work needed to be done, it is done, and that I did it.   Conversely, if I wake up on Saturday and the weather is unpredictable, a tool I need breaks or I get distracted by something not on my list, I feel my day is an utter waste and I am unable to enjoy my evenings. I slip into a small form of depression.  The thought of doing nothing, but laying around all day reading or watching TV feels like a form of hell to me. None of that enjoyment was earned. Instead, it feels like eating an entire bucket of ice cream. It felt good while you are eating it, but then you feel sick, perhaps even nauseous.    

Back to the fake personality test which says that I love to get things done.  Some, who have taken fake personality test too far, have labeled entire countries with fake personality test labels.  As it turns out, America and I are the same. We are labeled as those who love to achieve. (interesting side note, Dallas is also labeled as an achieving city.  I also think it could be the smarminess.) 

*interlude where I break character and feel a moment of inspiration + distraction and call Taylor (pastor Taylor not social media Taylor) to make a list of enneagram TX cities.  Kathleen also makes contributions from the peanut gallery (give credit where credit is due):

1 College Station (once you are there you have to follow the rules) 

2 San Antonio (HEB Headquarters, nothing is more helpful) 

3 Dallas 

4 Marfa (can’t be explained even if wanted to, too unique)

5 Amarillo (isolated)

6 Fort Worth (I can’t tell you because it’s too controversial, DM if you want deets) 

7 Austin (I wanted to make Austin a 4, but Taylor lobbied for 7) 

8 Houston (really Houston could be all of them, but they are the biggest and toughest … did you see them bounce back from Harvey?)

9 El Paso (safest, nicest city in the world) 

Anyway, back to fake personality tests and the American condition of achieving.  Living in America has been pretty great for me. It rewards achievers. Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,”  Rudy … we love overcomers. It’s the American dream.  I love overcomers! Anyhow, I was thinking about my wife.  Fake personality test says she is the opposite of me. Her heaven is sitting on a couch all day in bad weather reading (also, so I don’t get in trouble, let’s add that she’s very productive … I’m merely describing her preference).  Anyhow, my point is, that I sometimes wonder what it is like to live in a country where the ethos doesn’t match your personality. I would think it is hard. And now that we are in the midst of COVID shutdown I can see that it’s actually bad.  

Here’s my main point.  I can see everyone trying their damndest to be productive.  Everyone is trying to put out digital content. Everyone is trying to offer something meaningful.  Take the religion business for example. If I wanted to fill up my day with video devotionals and church videos I could … because everyone is making them.  If I wanted to find committees to be on to fill up my day with zoom calls, I could because everyone is trying to be connected and do important things. I think one of the biggest crises in America right now and in the months to come is that we won’t know how to be, just be.  

One year, when I was in the middle of my resident assistant training at my small christian university (which is like church camp for college kids with a few more rules and responsibilities), one of my friends had a good word.  If you don’t know what a good word is, then you need to go spend some time in full gospel community churches for a while. Anyhow, the good word was that “we are human beings not human doings.” I hate how cliche that is, and maybe it’s because fake personality test says I'm an achiever, but I’ve always struggled with that.  I don’t know how to just be and these moments are exacerbating that fact. 

So I wanted to say to everyone either one of two things: if you live in American and don’t thrive on doing work … I'm sorry, that is sucky hard.  If you do thrive and work and find that you can’t be you right now, I’m sorry to you too. To both of you though, I want to encourage you to not fall prey to doing things just to do them and feel busy.  Take this time to slow down and ask yourself what you actually want to do that will give you life.

Offering for Cuba

The partner organization we work with in Cuba, FIBAC (Fraternity of Baptist Churches in Cuba), is collecting money to help during the pandemic.  There is currently a shortage of food and hygiene supplies.  We will be collecting money over the next two weeks to send to our partners in Cuba, so that may help their people during this time.  If you would like to donate, just make a check out to UBC, and put Cuba in the memo line.  If you have any questions, you may contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Family Resource Pantry

We are still collecting items for the family resource pantry.  Last week, which was the first week it was open, we were able to serve 46 families in Waco ISD.  We have brought on new partner churches this week, and we are beginning to expand the reach of the pantry to other ISD’s surrounding Waco.  Below you will find a list of the items that we need the most.  If you would like to help sort items, prepare items for delivery, or deliver items, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org   Thank you to everyone who has given so far, I think this is going to be a valuable resource for families in the Waco area.  Here are what we need this week: food staples (rice, beans, pasta, pb&j, bread, cooking oil, cereal, etc…; hygiene supplies; and cleaning supplies.  You may have items shipped directly to UBC, or Toph will be happy to come pick them up from your house.  

Lead Team Nominations

Due to the unforeseen circumstances that COVID has created and the way this may have disrupted candidates lives, we have decided to wait another month before selecting someone to fill Byron Griffin’s role on the leadership team. To that end we are also opening up the nomination process in this time due to the lack of communication about this process because we have not been meeting.

If you would like to nominate someone for the leadership team, please do so by using this link to fill out the form.

(A) Purpose.  The Leadership Team shall be the primary decision-making body of UBC.  The Leadership Team will oversee all the business and property of the church, as well as make the final decisions regarding hiring and dismissal of staff and the acquisition and selling of assets that are beyond budgetary provisions.  

(C) Qualifications.  Each member of Leadership Team shall have been a member of UBC for at least one year, exhibited an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of the church, and be willing to fulfill all responsibilities in the Leadership Team job description. 

(E) Term.  Members of Leadership Team may serve for a duration lasting up to three years.  While they are encouraged to remain the full three years, members may voluntarily remove themselves from their position at any time

Parishioner(s) of the Week

Meg Peck was named Garland School of Social Work student of the year. Great job Meg!

Work is Worship

Greeters: No Greeters this week

Coffee Makers: no coffee makers this week

Mug Cleaners: no mug cleaners this week

Money Counter:  no money counters this week

Leadership Team

If you have a concern or an idea for UBC that you’d like to share with someone that is not on staff, feel free to contact one of our leadership team members. 

Chair: Kerri Fisher: Kerri_Fisher@baylor.edu

Byron Griffin: byrontgriffin@gmail.com

Jeremy Nance: Jeremy.J.Nance@L3T.com

Joanna Sowards: jo.sowards@gmail.com

Kathy Krey: kathykrey@gmail.com

Jose Zuniga: jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com

Taylor Torregrossa: Taylordtorregrossa@gmail.com

Student Position: Davis Misloski

Student Position: Maddy O’Shaughnessy

UBC Finance Team

Do you have a question about UBC’s financial affairs? Please feel free to contact any of your finance team members.

JD Newman: JD_Newman@baylor.edu 

Catherine Ballas: catherine@refitrev.com

Jen Carron: jen.carron78@gmail.com

Mike Dodson: financeteammike@gmail.com

George Thornton: GeorgecCT1982@gmail.com

UBC HR Team

If you have concerns about staff and would like contact our human resources team, please feel free to email any of the following members.

Erin Albin: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Rebekah Powell: rpowell671@gmail.com

Kristen Richardson: wacorichardsons@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Twin (A Poem)

“Twin” A Poem for UBC 

4-19-20

A long time ago in a place called Nazareth

A rabbi emerged with a new teaching on Sabbath

His name is Jesus, He is the son of God

If you find that impressive prepare to be awed

His mom was named Mary; she was a virgin

How did this happen? A metaphysical surgeon

Like Rabbis are oft prone to do

This teacher went looking for a crew

He settled on twelve, one for each tribe

Every individual unique with his own vibe

They were

Peter the rock, who Jesus gave the keys

He’s often considered the greatest of these

Andrew his brother who was called first

Finished behind Peter, which is just the worst

James of Zebedee a son of thunder

The first to die, makes you wonder

His brother John, known as an apostle

He wrote Revelation and the 4th gospel

Alpheus had two sons, one was James

Sawed in pieces, he didn’t play games

The other was Thaddues also called Jude

That’s about all we know of that dude

Levi known as Matthew was a collector of tax

But we’ll forgive him because we’ve all got cracks

The eunuch was converted because of Phil

Baptized on the spot, what a thrill

There was Bartholemoew also known as Nathaniel

The only thing that rhymes with that is cocker spaniel

Don’t forget about Simon the zealot

There was trouble with Rome and he could smell it

Then there’s Judas whose known to betray

“God have mercy on his soul,” I pray

That leaves one to discuss this Easter week two

His name is Thomas, and he leaves us something to chew

There’s a lot in this story, I don’t know about

But let’s start with the obvious; he’s famous for doubt

The doors are locked and the windows are sealed

when Jesus appears like Dave Copperfield

The disciples were locked up for fear of the Jews

But Jesus says, “Peace, I have good news

Dead for three days, I was down and out

But suck it Satan, you’ve lost this bout

Just to be sure check out my scars

Those nails and thorns left some good mars”

The disciples looked and what did they see

It was in fact Jesus, “Rejoice and Yippee!”

Then Jesus breathed his God breath of life

And the Holy Spirit pierced them like a knife

Jesus said forgive sins and they are gone

Or you can hang onto them, but that’s just wrong

break

An important part of this story you must know

Is that Thomas wasn’t there for this part of the show

Where was this doubter, out looking for a fix?

He’s probably an ennea five with a wing six.

The others told him about what he missed

An encounter with risen Jesus, what a twist!

Skeptical Thomas didn’t believe

Instead he wanted to be left to grieve

“Unless I can see and touch his scar

I have to believe you saw a ghost from afar”

Well a week went by and not much changed

Thomas listened but his hesitation remained

The disciples were gathered back in their locked house

No one could get in, not even a mouse

But then who should appear in magic act two

Jesus was back and his peace he gives to you

Jesus said, “touch my hands; touch my side”

Thomas did, and his eyes opened wide

Astonished He confessed, “My Lord and my God

You’re looking great in this resurrection bod.”

Jesus replied, “you believe because you behold

But blessed are those who are only told.”

Thank God for Thomas the patron saint of the hipster

Those who are confused and prone to be a resister

You see I think Jesus’ story appears suspicious

To good to be true, it feels a bit fictitious

Water to wine, mud to vision

Walk on water, exorcism

Healing the blind, the lame walk again

Dead back to life, hosanna and amen.

But that’s just His story, what about the rest 

Manna from heaven, Gideon’s test

Swallowed by a fish, parted the sea

Wish you could watch it on YouTube TV

Truth be told I can think of reasons to doubt

Not least among them spiritual drought

But even if you’re good and full of God’s zeal

You have to admit there’s a lot God could heal

Let’s start with this virus that kills the air sac

Or that we live in a world with Nickelback

6 million Jews died in concentration camps

Some people can’t eat even with food stamps

The world is being destroyed at an alarming rate

And people are hated if they aren’t straight

Children are in cages down on the border

Pawns in a system of political disorder

Bodies are sold as if that’s the norm

Assault is excused with promise of reform

These problems though they have a theme

Humanity is responsible it would seem

But what about the problems you can’t pin on us

Like tsunamis, earthquakes and a weird virus

And the problem is really much more you see

We have violence in nature and entropy 

Even if we could all get along together

We know that universe won’t last forever

I know what you’re thinking; it’s because of the fall

But if I read Genesis 3 that’s not there at all

But all of that doubt is about evil 

That says nothing of the science upheaval 

The enlightenment ushered in moderNISM

Which seemed to create a faith/science schism 

It started with Copernicus comma Nick

Who suggest that the universe was heliocentric 

Years later Galileo would support the theory

And the church’s response made people leery 

There was Darwin who became evolution’s commentator 

And suddenly people weren’t sure that they needed a creator 

Marx said religion is the opium of the people 

With the primary function to make economic sheeple 

Nitsche was similar; he had his own critique

Religion was there to celebrate the weak  

Science kept moving forward doing its thing 

Eventually people thought God was a make believe king 

You might be wondering “Why has Josh written a po’em?

This whole effort seems a little below him?”

If I’m honest it’s because I’m trying to hide

Thomas' story has touched something inside

This year has been hard and I’m not sure why

But it seems prudent to let my apprehension testify

I think it began when I watched my father depart

I could sense that something changed in my heart

Death has been around as long as life

But on that day it introduced new strife

It’s not that I was mad at God, only disappointed

The affections of my heart had become disjointed

So I began to wonder and I began to roam

I even stepped outside of my orthodox home

I made more friends that didn’t believe like me

I listened to podcasts and read books that disagree

And what did I find? I’m glad you asked 

The same Jesus I experienced was out there he’s vast

That will make you wonder though

About the bible and what’s okay to let go

Shellfish, mixed fibers and marriage laws

Gold jewelry, slavery and a divorce clause

How can I be faithful? Does God really care?

What if I believe something different? Do I dare?

I’m not saved by works, I’m saved by grace

But are wrong beliefs cause for losing my place? 

All this confusion it can feel like a haunting wraith

But Tillich said, "Serious doubt is confirmation of faith."  

So I return to that story of Jesus in that room

And I realize there’s so much I can’t assume

Like why Jesus picked his scars instead of throne

To prove he was back and not a clone

Our world is postmodern/ truth claims fall flat

Beliefs are subject to change like a thermostat

Makes me wonder if a throne would work

I bet not since politicians are beserk

So it seems to me the only power that could be real

Would come from a God who would suffer to heal

I suspect the scars are in invitation to you and me

To come join God in this counterintuitive intimacy

I should be honest and tell you doubt will remain

But even that can save us if we share in each other’s pain

I suspect that some of you are beginning to pray

That I would run out of things to say

So let me end this poem on a win

God anticipated this, you are the twin