Liturgy Stuff 1-16-2022

January 16, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on January 16th (in the order they are needed).

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 is risen
christ will 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 is risen
christ will 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 is risen
christ will come again

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

whose steadfast love extends
to the edges of the cosmos

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

and to open our hearts to the Spirit of the Living God

that we might be drawn into
God’s work of beloved community
in our ordinary lives

amen

Come Alive

draw us in the dance older than time and space
that constellations made in the bend and the shake
cycle back from the end: full-reverse pirouette
like choreography infinite, infinite
but if the music stops
play it again, but pick up where we left off
that brilliant harmony with 13.8 billion parts

until we come alive
o, come, alive

draw us in to the dance until every piece finds its fit
and every step is improvised but carried out in perfect time
like the shape of breathing is the shape of all, spinning into one
as the empty tomb cloud is spreading out, spreading out
but if the music stops
play it again, but pick up where we left off
that brilliant harmony with 13.8 billion parts

until we come alive
o, come, alive

o, we’ve not become what we will be
but the rhythm of our feet is growing
and though we’re fraying at the seams
your gravity is holding
just keep on holding

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 tower 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 that we’ve unlearned
and in the wreckage of our selective loves
build a tower 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
’cause 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

Lifted/Lifting

eternal word, now spoken plain
familiar question, better framed
all the best answers seem to bend
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

guiding lamplight, make it plain
the path beyond these empty graves
a reconciling epiphany
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

o dynamic love, come renovate these painted tombs
and cultivate this fledgling hope into bloom
until it spreads like a garden through the gloom
until it’s lifted, keep on lifting

breath of life, exhaled in time
draw a blaze from ember light
subtle glow, now flickering
and if it fades, breathe out again
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

o dynamic love, come renovate these painted tombs
and cultivate this fledgling hope into bloom
until it spreads like a garden through the gloom
until it’s lifted, keep on lifting

time again, enduring light
recalibrate these bleary eyes
until the night is noonday lit
the veil is lifted, the veil is lifting

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 36:5-10:

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
    your judgments are like the great deep;
    you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
    All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
    and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.

O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
    and your salvation to the upright of heart!

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

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
surely goodness will follow me, follow me
in the house of god, forever

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 1-11-22

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Epiphany

2022 Updates

Chili Cook Off

Friends, UBC turns 27 in January. To celebrate and commemorate this event we are asking church champions, that’s you, to bring your best culinary skills to the table and share your secret family chili with us after church on January 23.

Youth and 5/6

Gentle reminder that youth starts on 1/19/21. Also reminder, our 5th and 6th graders will start meeting on Wednesdays.

3rd Wednesday

Hello friends, in the spirit of some new goals and because we are bursting with talent within our community, we will be gathering on the third wednesday for particular formational opportutnies. Our first one is January 19th from 6-8 P.M. That evening we will have a conversation with our very own Dr. Jonathan Tran to discuss his new book Asian Americans and the Spirit of Capitalism.

Town Hall

On January 23, after the chili cook off, we will have our quarterly town hall. In this meeting we will give you updated info on UBC behind the curtain kind of stuff.

First Sunday Meal - directly after church

Our first Sunday in February, Katie Valenzuela will be discussing race & diversity, why stories matter, and our responsibility as the Church. Each of us has a role to play in dismantling White supremacy and lifting up humanity. We hope you’ll join us. Please email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up so we know how much food to order. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids to eat.

Parishioner of the Week

Amber Burns for loving students who need support.

Liturgy Stuff 1-9-2022

January 9, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on January 9th (in the order they are needed).

We Three Kings

we three kings of far away are
bearing gifts, we traverse afar
field and fountain, moor and mountain
following yonder star

star of wonder, star of light
star with royal beauty, bright
westward leading, still proceeding
guide us to thy perfect light

born a king on Bethlehem’s plain
gold I bring to crown him again
king forever, ceasing never
over us all to reign

star of wonder, star of light
star with royal beauty, bright
westward leading, still proceeding
guide us to thy perfect light

glorious now, behold him arise
king and god and sacrifice
hallelujah, hallelujah
sound of praise ring through the night

star of wonder, star of light
star with royal beauty, bright
westward leading, still proceeding
guide us to thy perfect light

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship the Eternal One

the one whose voice shakes mountains
the one whose voice is in the silence

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

and to open our hearts to the Spirit of the Living God

that we might learn to see our neighbor
as God does

amen

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
surely goodness will follow me, follow me
in the house of god, forever

SMS [Shine]

send me a sign, a hint a whisper
throw me a line, ‘cause I am listening
come break the quiet, breathe your awakening
bring me to life, ‘cause I am fading

surround me with the rush of angels’ wings

shine your light so I can see you
pull me up, I need to be near you
hold me I need to feel love
can you overcome this heart that’s overcome?

you sent a sign, a hint, O Whisper
human, divine; heaven is listening
death laid love quiet, yet in the night: a stirring
all around the rush of angels

shine your light so I can see you
pull me up, I need to be near you
hold me I need to feel love
can you overcome this heart that’s overcome?

o the wonder of the greatest love has come

shine your light so all can see it
lift it up ‘cause the whole world needs it
love has come, what joy to hear it
he has overcome; he has overcome

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Isaiah 43:l-7:

Thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob, 

he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; 

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you. 

For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 

Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you, 

I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life. 

Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east, 
and from the west I will gather you; 

I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not withhold; 

bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth--

everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory, 
whom I formed and made."

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is John 14:6:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

There

before there were mountains to crumble
before there were seas to rise
before there way pain, the loss and the weight
you were there, you were there, you were there

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

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

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

Liturgy Stuff 1-2-2022

January 2, 2022

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the brunch potluck liturgy on January 2nd (in the order they are needed).

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

 god rest ye merry gentlemen
let nothing you dismay
remember christ our savior
was born on Christmas day
to save us all from satan’s pow’r
when we were gone astray
o tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
o tidings of comfort and joy

in bethlehem, in israel
this blessed babe was born
and laid within a manger
upon that blessed morn
that which his mother mary
did nothing keep in scorn
o tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
o tidings of comfort and joy

from god our heavenly father
a blessed angel came
and unto certain shepherds
brought tidings of the same
how that in Bethlehem was born
the son of god by name
o tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
o tidings of comfort and joy

The Collect 

God of glory, 
your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem, 
where the Light of the world is humbly born 
into the darkness of human night. 
Open our eyes to Christ's presence in the shadows of our world, 
so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice, 
and defenders of all for whom there is no room. Amen.

Joy to the World

joy to the world
the lord is come
let earth receive her king
let every heart prepare him room
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and heaven and nature sing

joy to the world
the savior reigns
let all their songs employ
while fields and floods
rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy
repeat, repeat the sounding joy

he rules the world
with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love
and wonders of his love
and wonders, wonders of his love

o for joy lift up your voice
christ has come, the christ has come
let the whole world see the lord
christ has come, the christ has come  

Lesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14

For thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
    and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
    “Save, O Lord, your people,
    the remnant of Israel.”
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
    and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
    those with child and those in labor, together;
    a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come,
    and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
    in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
    and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
    and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him,
    and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
    and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
    and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
    and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
    and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
    and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
    I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
    and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
says the Lord. 

Lesson 2: Psalm 147:12-20

Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! 

Praise your God, O Zion!

For he strengthens the bars of your gates; 

he blesses your children within you.

He grants peace within your borders; 

he fills you with the finest of wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth; 

his word runs swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; 

he scatters frost like ashes.

He hurls down hail like crumbs-- 

who can stand before his cold?

He sends out his word, and melts them; 

he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.

He declares his word to Jacob, 

his statutes and ordinances to Israel.

He has not dealt thus with any other nation; 

they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!

 ——————

St. Thomas Aquinas said: “It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.”  One of the things we want to focus on this year at UBC is playfulness.  Please reflect with those at your table to answer the following questions.  

What daily routine do you have that you enjoy? 

Is there opportunities to be surprised in your life right now?  If not, can you break a routine to introduce surprise? 

What makes you laugh?  (could be a show, person, memory)

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

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

Lesson 3: John 1:1-9

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

Please use this time to share you prayer needs with those at your table.

How do you want to grow this year? 

In what ways do you need support? 

What do you want to celebrate with gratitude? 

Lesson 4: 1 Corinthians 11:23-36

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drinkwithout discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come. 

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 

Departing Prayer

Live. And Live Well.

BREATHE. Breathe in and Breathe deeply.

Be PRESENT. Do
not be past. Do not be future. Be now.

On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day,
roll down the windows and

FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of
the sun.

If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to

FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.

Get knee-deep in a novel
and LOSE track of time.

If you bike, pedal HARDER and if you crash then crash
well.

Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done-a paper well-written, a project
thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.

If you must wipe the snot from your
3-year old's nose, don't be disgusted if the Kleenex didn't catch it all

because soon he'll be wiping his own.

If you've recently experienced loss, then
GRIEVE. And Grieve well.

At the table with friends and family, LAUGH.

If you're
eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke.

And if you eat, then SMELL.

The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on
the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven.

And TASTE.

Taste every ounce of flavor.

Taste every ounce of friendship.

Taste every ounce of Life.

Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift

Liturgy Stuff 12-26-2021

December 26, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on December 26th (in the order they are needed).

Joy to the World

joy to the world the lord is come
let earth receive her king
let every heart prepare him room
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and nature sing

joy to the world
the savior reigns
let all their songs employ
while fields and floods
rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy

he rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love
and wonders of his love
and wonders, wonders of his love

o for joy, lift up your voice
Christ has come, the Christ has come
let the whole world see the lord
Christ has come, the Christ has come

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Isaiah 61:10-62:3:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is John 1:1-18:

n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlement

god rest ye merry gentlemen
let nothing you dismay
remember christ our savior
was born on Christmas day
to save us all from satan’s pow’r
when we were gone astray

o tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
o tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

O Holy Night

o holy night, the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of our dear savior’s birth
long lay the world in sin and error pining
’til he appeared and the soul felt its worth

a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

truly he taught us to love one another
his law is love and his gospel is peace
chains shall he break for the enslaved is our brother
and in his name all oppression shall cease

sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
let all within us praise his holy name

christ is the lord, we’ll praise his name forever
his power and glory ever more proclaim
fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 12-22-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Advent 4

Love

Meet Our Newest UBCer

Eloise Ly Harris

Birthday: 12/20/21

Birth Height: 20 inches

Birth Weight: 7lbs 12oz

Enneagram Number: 8w7

ITLOTC Break

This will be the last ITLOTC entry for the year. The newsletter will go on a two week hiatus. So though I know many of you will be crouched around your email inbox on December 28th & January 4th hitting the refresh button to see what news of Church, that in fact will not be the case.

Holiday Season Schedule

Christmas Eve pageant and carols December 24th at 5:30

Worship on Sunday December 26th will be available exclusively on Facebook live and our other digital mediums. Said differently, there will be no in person worship on December 26th.

On January 2, we will gather in our PJ’s for a potluck style worship experience. UBC will provide kolaches and mimosas. Please bring a breakfast/brunch item to share.

Parishioner of the Week

Joe Hays for being a volunteer superstar at the family retreat on 12/3-12/5.

Parishioner of the Week

Tahlia Tran for working the mural in the youth room. Please check out her amazing work when she is done!

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M. (will begin again in January)

• 12/24 Christmas Eve Service (kids pageant) @ 5:30 PM

• 12/26 UBC church will be online only

• 1/2 PJs & Potluck

• 1/8 Midwinter Retreat for 7-12 Youth

• 1/23 UBC turns 17 Chili Cookoff

Liturgy Stuff 12-19-2021

December 19, 2021

***Special thanks to Jen and Paul Carron for stepping in on music while Jamie is out of town***

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on December 19th (in the order they are needed).

O Come O Come Emmanuel

o come o come emmanuel
and ransom captive israel
who mourns in lowly exile here
until the son of god appears

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come thou dayspring
come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come desire of nations,
bind in one the hearts of all human kind
bid thou our sad divisions cease
and be thyself our king of peace

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

in whom we find life and breath and everything

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

to be formed by the Spirit

in the Love of the Living God
which has no beginning and no end

Amen

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

There Will Come A Light/Away In A Manger

a day is coming soon
when the seeker will find wonder
a day is coming soon
when the meek will find their joy
a day is coming soon
when the wounded will find healing
a day is coming soon when
there will come a light into this darkness
a pillar of fire in the night, leading us home
and the evil that’s at our heels will find itself haunted
by insufferable sleepless nights and newborn cries

a day is coming soon
when this damage will find mending
a day is coming soon
when the weak will find their voice
a day is coming soon
when our hope will have a heartbeat
a day is coming soon when
there will come a light into this darkness
a pillar of fire in the night, leading us home
and the evil that’s at our heels will find itself haunted
by insufferable sleepless nights and newborn cries

there will come a light
there will come a light
there will come a light
not long from now
you sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
singing, “there will come a light,
not long from now”

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

When there will come a light
there will come a light
there will come a light
not long from now

Peace of Mind

I need peace of mind And a hopeful heart
To lose this rage And move out of the dark
I ain't looking for rainbows Or shooting stars
Just some peace of mind And a hopeful heart

I need a peace of mind And a lullaby
Cause there’s an angry voice In my head tonight
Tellin' me to do things That can't be right
I need peace of mindAnd a lullaby

And a miracle
For this broken soul
A little miracle
For this broken soul

I need peace of mind And gentle hand
As I try to change The way I am
And God forgives me When I can't
I need peace of mind And a gentle hand

Or a miracle
For this broken soul
A little miracle
For this broken soul

I need peace of mind And a hopeful heart

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Micah 5:2-5a:

You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah, 

from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel, 

whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days. 

Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth; 

then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel. 

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. 

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth; 

and he shall be the one of peace.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh's sermon text, is Luke 1:35-45:

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

O Holy Night

o holy night, the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of our dear savior’s birth
long lay the world in sin and error pining
’til he appeared and the soul felt its worth

a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

truly he taught us to love one another
his law is love and his gospel is peace
chains shall he break for the enslaved is our brother
and in his name all oppression shall cease

sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
let all within us praise his holy name

christ is the lord, we’ll praise his name forever
his power and glory ever more proclaim
fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 12-14-

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Advent 3

Joy

Family Retreat in Review

Hi friends! It’s Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor here to talk to you about how much fun we had on the Family Retreat a couple of weekends ago!

We all went together out to Trinity Pines Conference Center in East Texas to hang out for the weekend! We did crafts, colored murals, had some intentional family time, ate meals together, watched the Big 12 Championship Game, and played outside together! And we finished the weekend with a bonfire and s’mores! We all had such a fun time and I hope you’ll join us next time! It was such a fun way to get to know fellow UBCers and relax! Here are some pictures of all the fun we had!:

ITLOTC Break

Next Tuesday will be the last ITLOTC entry for the year. The newsletter will go on a two week hiatus. So though I know many of you will be crouched around your email inbox on December 28th & January 4th hitting the refresh button to see what news of Church, that in fact will not be the case.

Holiday Season Schedule

Christmas Eve pageant and carols December 24th at 5:30

Worship on Sunday December 26th will be available exclusively on Facebook live and our other digital mediums. Said differently, there will be no in person worship on December 26th.

On January 2, we will gather in our PJ’s for a potluck style worship experience. UBC will provide kolaches and mimosas. Please bring a breakfast/brunch item to share.

Oh Tannenbaum

OK, one more week of ornament decorating. Let’s make UBC’s tree the most eclectic weird tree on this side the Mississippi. Bring your ornament of choice to add to our tree.

Youth Schedule Holiday/New Year

December 15th // Wednesday: All Grade Groups! Youth Group CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!, UBC Building, 6pm-8pm.
+ There will be various games available, both physical and digital! (This will include a quiz game, Jackbox games, and also a Nintendo Switch!

+ We will also be having a talent show! The winner will receive a $10 giftcard prize!
+ Festive-wear highly encouraged

Okay, on to 2022. The overall schedule is something I'm still finalising (and I'll have that ready for you all in the New Year, along with new Living Calendars!), but I do have the following dates ready for you:

January 8th // Saturday: All Grade Groups! Midwinter Day Retreat, Lake Shore Church Waco, 4pm-11pm

+ This event is a collaboration between UBC Waco, Lake Shore, Calvary, 5th & James, and Hope Fellowship.
+ It is a drop-in, drop-out event, meaning Youth can come and go as needed or wanted!
+ We are really hoping to focus on socialising and connecting as Church communities again, especially after 2020 and 2021.
+ There will be game time from 4pm-7pm, followed by a short formation time, then dinner and a movie to finish!

+ Best of all the whole event, including t-shirts, will be totally FREE!

January 19th // Wednesday:All Grade Groups!Youth Group Spring 2022 Begins!, UBC Building, 6pm-8pm

+ The resumption of our main Youth Group evening begins on the third Wednesday of January!

January 23rd // Sunday MORNING:All Grade Groups!Youth Group Bible Study (Sunday School), UBC Building, 9:45am-10:30am

+ The study content is still TBD, but this is officially where we are relaunching the Bible Study from Monday evenings.

Parishioner of the Week

Joe Hays for being a volunteer superstar at the family retreat on 12/3-12/5.

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M. (will begin again in January)

• 12/24 Christmas Eve Service (kids pageant) @ 5:30 PM

• 12/26 UBC church will be online only

• 1/2 PJs & Potluck

• 1/8 Midwinter Retreat for 7-12 Youth

Liturgy Stuff 12-12-2021

December 12, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on December 12th (in the order they are needed).

O Come O Come Emmanuel

o come o come emmanuel
and ransom captive israel
who mourns in lowly exile here
until the son of god appears

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come thou dayspring
come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come desire of nations,
bind in one the hearts of all human kind
bid thou our sad divisions cease
and be thyself our king of peace

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

the Creator and Sustainer of all things
in whom all things are being made new

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

to be formed by the Spirit

in the Joy of the Eternal One
which is and is to come

Amen

Brightest

is this fear or joy, and what is the difference
there’s a change coming on the wind
my god, it’s electric
and the skin on the back of my neck
is needles and stitches
like there’s a new light among the stars
just out of my vision

what joy could come from darkness
and not destroy the place we’ve made
like if the candle we called brightest
suddenly fell in the hay

is this love or death, and what is the difference
there’s a change coming to the scales
my god, it’s infectious
and the veins on the back of my eyes
are straining and pulsing
like there’s a new light among the stars
that I can’t behold yet

what joy could come from darkness
and not destroy the place we’ve made
like if the candle we called brightest
suddenly fell in the hay

this is the moment that everything changes
and all of our fears find the peace they’ve been chasing
and all of our comforts shatter like mirrors
caught in a light like has never been seen here
and the mountains, they crumble
chasms, they shade them
and all of our answers grow into questions
when the feeble, like lions, are freed from their cages
and the mighty are pulled from the places they’re saving:

this joy, unspeakable joy

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

After the Dust Clears

after the dust clears and the newness is all
our feet will carve pathways down a familiar road
we’ll gather around a table for twelve
and struggle to find the anger we held

and just as the wine makes its third trip around
we’ll fail to remember what the fight was about
the details are faded, but the broad strokes remain:
we all chose a side, then we all walked away

now peering across into reddening eyes
we’ll find there a mirror of the passing of time
and wait for a beat, ‘til the silence is spent
then wonder aloud just where the time went

and raising a glass to the years that slipped by
we’ll conjure the memory of simpler times
and ignoring the fact that we cannot go back
we’ll wander the shores of our lives

and after it’s over, before we part ways
we’ll pick up the pieces with a final embrace
then linger a moment ‘round a grave dug for one
to bury our regret with joy on our tongues

see, joy is a song that you sing into strife
not to relieve it, but to keep you alive
and love is an anchor when the truth is laid bare
not to erase it, but to keep you there

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Zephaniah 3:14-20:

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel! 

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem! 

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
he has turned away your enemies. 

The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more. 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.

The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory; 

he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love; 

he will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival. 

I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it. 

I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time. 

And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast, 

and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth. 

At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you; 

for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth, 

when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the Lord.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Luke 3:7-18:

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high
sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing,
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the coming King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 12-7-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Peace

Coffee @ UBC

Hello friends. Riveting news. As you may remember the third week of Advent is always the week in which we talk about Joy. We wanted to do something to embolden that theme in our worshiping lives this Sunday, so we are doing so by bringing coffee back! What about the pandemic? As is the case in most restaurants, we are asking that you be masked when not drinking coffee. However, the most basic rule we are asking everyone to abide by, knowing that drinking coffee and mask policing would be a subjective endeavor, is simply this, please where your mask while/if you are singing. Happy coffee drinking, adverting and enJOYing.

Oh Tannenbaum

This Sunday UBC will be putting up our festive Christmas tree. In addition to the great ornament collection we own, which is scant, we are asking UBCers that should so desire, to bring an ornament to hang and share with the UBC community. The three will be located in the lobby near the entrance.

Top(h) Golf

The last Top(h) golf will take place tonight at Top Golf. UBC will provide the bay(s). Participants are responsible for any food purchased. So grab your clubs and meet Toph and other golf enthusiasts from 5:15-7:15.

Pints with Toph

Been itching to get a drink with some fellow UBCers. Wednesday Toph will host the final “Pints with Toph” of the semester at Pinewood Coffee Bar and Alcohol Extravaganza. 6-8 P.M.

Opportunities for Giving

Our friends at Cesar Chavez Middle School are hosting their “Make a Wish” program again this year, and they have asked for our help. Students write a short essay on what they would do with $100, and the faculty of CCMS help make some of those wishes come true. This year, instead of gifts being presented to our students, we are asking for gift cards in the amount of $25, $50, $75, & $100 along with Walmart and HEB food cards. You can bring your gifts to UBC, or just contact Toph to arrange a time to pick them up. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Also, our friends at Arrow Child and Family Ministries is hosting their annual Christmas Party at UBC, and collecting items for their kids. They have started getting donors to sponsor presents for the children in the homes. If anyone is interested in donating, there are two ways to donate. The first is to directly donate $30 and we will buy the present. People could also sign up and receive information and gift ideas. We ask the gifts to be a minimum of $30. Here is the link to sign up https://forms.office.com/r/hdt1KK6u2C

Christmas Eve Service

Champion friends, great news. We will gather again on December 24th for a worship experience that celebrates the story of the birth of Jesus by having a children re-enact it. To that end, if you will be around and plan on worshiping with us that evening, would you let Taylor@ubcwaco.org know so that we can begin casting roles. If you’ve not been before, it’s very impromptu. No need to prepare ahead of time by memorizing lines or lyrics. More like a carol sing and telling of the nativity story. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year!

5th & 6th Graders Update

We will be having our Christmas Party next week! I'm looking forward to seeing everybody today and I'll send you more info about our party this week! But just so you know - parents are welcome and it starts at our normal time!! The kids will be making gingerbread houses and watching a Christmas movie. Also, one more reminder that starting in January, the 5th and 6th grade meeting time will take place on Wednesday evenings.

Youth Update

It is our second to last week of Youth Group this week! We've started a mini Advent series that will conclude on Wednesday, and I'm very excited about it! As another quick heads-up, December 15th will be our last Youth Group event of the year, and it will be our Christmas party! I'll send more details next week, but it will be our usual time and will feature Christmas-y-type games and activities.

We also have Coffee With Kieran! at Pinewood this Sunday afternoon! This will be our last one of the year, so if anyone wants a Christmassy drink on the Youth Group's dime, now is your chance!

One last reminder before we move on to our schedule for the week; we are having an in town Midwinter on January 8th 2022 - it will be free, and hosted by Lake Shore Church from 4pm-11pm. In addition, our Summer Camp planning is underway, and I will send details out in the New Year. I just wanted y'all to have those things in mind as we head into the Holidays and the New Year!

That is everything, and so let's move on to our events for the week!

December 8th// Wednesday: All Grade Groups! Youth Group, UBC Building, 6pm-8pm.

December 12th // Sunday MORNING: All Grade Groups! Youth Group Sunday School - Attention Collection, UBC Building, 9:45am-10:30pm.

December 12th // Sunday AFTERNOON: All Grade Groups! Coffee With Kieran!, Pinewood Coffee Shop, 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Parishioner of the Week

Rachel and Isaac Burkhalter. Isaac and Rachel, some of our former Wacoans, now online worshiping community, got married at UBC on Saturday, November 20th.

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M.

• 12/9 Study Hall

• 12/24 Christmas Eve Service (kids pageant) @ 5:30 PM

• 12/26 UBC church will be online only

• 1/2 PJs & Potluck

• 1/8 Midwinter Retreat for 7-12 Youth

Liturgy Stuff 12-5-2021

December 5, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on December 5th (in the order they are needed).

O Come O Come Emmanuel

o come o come emmanuel
and ransom captive israel
who mourns in lowly exile here
until the son of god appears

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come thou dayspring
come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come desire of nations,
bind in one the hearts of all human kind
bid thou our sad divisions cease
and be thyself our king of peace

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

our Creator and our Comforter,
our Shelter and our Sustainer

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

to be formed by the Spirit

in the Peace of Christ
that is and is to come

Amen

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

Peace

when will the night be turned to day
when will our torches find their flame
when will our eyes have light to see
o god bring peace

when will our weapons have no place
when will our violence be replaced
when will our safety be compete
o god bring peace

o god, if you could change everything
would it be a king or a new way to breathe
neither or both, o god could it be
something we’d never conceive

when will our worries be dissolved
when will our anxious thoughts be lost
when will our minds be put at ease
o god bring peace

o god, if you could change everything
would it be a king or a new way to breathe
neither or both, o god could it be
something we’d never conceive

when will our cells maintain their shape
when will our bodies cease to fade
when will our dying taste defeat
o god bring peace

Like It Was Then

is it true now like it was then?
fleece on the ground: spare me the spin
is there a relief in the clouds?
a lamp to be lit?
is it true now? and what if it is?

is it true now like it was then?
a voice crying out, the end to begin:
”prepare ye the way of the lord
to beat back the hills”?
is it true now? and what if it will be?

will the tender compassion of our god
break like the dawn
will all those who in darkness walk
finally find resolve
and find set their feet on the way of peace
and will it cause a scene?
or be silent as a thief

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Malachi 3:1-4:

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Luke 3:1-6:

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low, 

and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth; 

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

god rest ye merry gentlemen
let nothing you dismay
remember christ our savior
was born on Christmas day
to save us all from satan’s pow’r
when we were gone astray

o tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
o tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 11-30-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Hope

UBC Music Advent EP (Magnificat)

As Jamie mentioned on Sunday, UBC Music recorded an advent EP last year called the Magnificat. In this album includes song Jameson has written specifically with the advent themes and scriptures in mind. If you are new and would like to familiarize yourself with some of our advent songs you can do so by listening on all major platforms including Spotify.

Opportunities for Giving

Our friends at Cesar Chavez Middle School are hosting their “Make a Wish” program again this year, and they have asked for our help. Students write a short essay on what they would do with $100, and the faculty of CCMS help make some of those wishes come true. This year, instead of gifts being presented to our students, we are asking for gift cards in the amount of $25, $50, $75, & $100 along with Walmart and HEB food cards. You can bring your gifts to UBC, or just contact Toph to arrange a time to pick them up. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Also, our friends at Arrow Child and Family Ministries is hosting their annual Christmas Party at UBC, and collecting items for their kids. They have started getting donors to sponsor presents for the children in the homes. If anyone is interested in donating, there are two ways to donate. The first is to directly donate $30 and we will buy the present. People could also sign up and receive information and gift ideas. We ask the gifts to be a minimum of $30. Here is the link to sign up https://forms.office.com/r/hdt1KK6u2C

UBC Swag

We have ordered some UBC Swag for the holidays, and you can start picking them up this Sunday. We have two stickers ($1 each), and a limited edition UBC hat for $25. Contact toph@ubcwaco.org for more details. We have a limited number of hats, and if you don’t have cash for stickers, please feel free to pick up 1 or 2.

Study Hall

Are you a college student who would love a to study, but not at a Baylor University library, an overcrowded coffee house, or your apartment? Boy do we have a winning opportunity for you. On Thursday December 9th the UBC building and it’s eclectic design spaces will be available for studying pleasure. We will also provide unhealthy food products such as: candy, famous Amos cookies, Doritos and the like. So if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please come on by.

Christmas Eve Service

Champion friends, great news. We will gather again on December 24th for a worship experience that celebrates the story of the birth of Jesus by having a children re-enact it. To that end, if you will be around and plan on worshiping with us that evening, would you let Taylor@ubcwaco.org know so that we can begin casting roles. If you’ve not been before, it’s very impromptu. No need to prepare ahead of time by memorizing lines or lyrics. More like a carol sing and telling of the nativity story. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year!

New Leaders Needed

Hello friends. With January right around the corner we are approaching that time of the church’s life cycle when we need to fill some roles on our teams. We are looking for two new finance team members and a college student representative for the leadership team. If you know someone who would be good for the finance team please email josh@ubcwaco.org. If you would like to nominate a student candidate for the leadership team you can do so here. Descriptions and requirements of those positions are posted below. Lastly, so we are clear, these are volunteer positions.

University Student Lead Team Member

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

2. Composition.  The Leadership Team shall consist of nine members of the UBC community that are not staff, finance team, or human resources team. Two of the Leadership Team’s nine members shall be university level students. 

3. 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. Student members shall only commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years.

Finance Team Member

Purpose.  The Finance Team shall exist for the following purposes:

1. To serve as the primary advisory group for the Leadership Team in all budgetary and financial aspects of the church.  

2. To oversee, in coordination with the ministerial staff, yearly budgetary processes, working to create a financial ministry plan in alignment with the ethos, mission and values of UBC.

3. To advise the staff and Leadership Team on any emergency financial matters that may arise with regards to the physical infrastructure of the church building, as well as those matters pertaining to compensation and benefits of personnel.

4. To assess the current financial status of the church on a monthly basis and advise the staff and Leadership Team on matters concerning changes in planned ministry expenses.

5. To advise the Human Resources/Staff Support team on all financial matters regarding new and existing personnel, including available resources concerning salaries, salary increases, insurance, taxes, etc.

6. To advise the church body on all matters relating to stewardship, financial integrity, etc.

Qualifications. Finance Team members shall have been an active participant in the life of UBC for at least a year, have received at least a bachelors degree level of education (or roughly an equivalent amount of experience in business or finance), and have at least a basic understanding of financial reports and budgets.

Youth Update

I don't have a complete schedule for the New Year yet, but I did want to confirm a few things. First, we will begin Youth Group again sometime in the second half of January. As soon as I have finalised the schedule, I will send out new Living Calendars that will supply all the relevant dates, etc. The second thing is that we will be having a (mini) Midwinter Retreat on January 8th in Waco from 4pm-11pm, hosted by Lake Shore!

To cut a long story short (I am more than happy to supply all the details, if you're interested or curious, but just for the sake of this email I'm cutting it short!), the coalition of churches that we usually go on retreat with saw several personnel changes, most didn't have camps last January, and as such we all fell out of contact. We reconnected last month however, and we've decided to plan an in-town (Waco, that is!) afternoon/evening 1 day Midwinter retreat. We have a final planning meeting this Wednesday, after which I will send out it's own dedicated email, but the great news about all of this is that it is completely free to attend, and will also (very likely) include a free t-shirt to celebrate Midwinter! (for more info on this please see youth email. if you do not receive the youth email please email kieran@ubcwaco.org).

With all that out of the way, here are the events happening this week!

December 1st // Wednesday: All Grade Groups! Youth Group, UBC Building, 6pm-8pm.

December 5th // Sunday MORNING: All Grade Groups! Youth Group Sunday School - Attention Collection, UBC Building, 9:45am-10:30pm.

5th & 6th Graders Update

Hello friends!

I just wanted to send a quick reminder that we don't have 5th and 6th Grade group this week but we'll jump back in to finish off the year on the 5th and 12th of December! And then we'll pick back up on Wednesdays in January.

I hope you have a great evening and that getting back into the swing of things goes as well as possible!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
Grace and Peace,
Taylor C. Post

Parishioner of the Week

Dave Tran

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M.

• Weekly coffee with Toph @ Pinewood on Thursdays from 8-10 A.M.

• 12/3-5 Family Retreat

• 12/9 Study Hall

• 12/24 Christmas Eve Service (kids pageant) @ 5:30 PM

divorce sermon 10-3-21

Liturgy Stuff 11-28-2021

November 28, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on November 28th (in the order they are needed).

O Come O Come Emmanuel

o come o come emmanuel
and ransom captive israel
who mourns in lowly exile here
until the son of god appears

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come thou dayspring
come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

o come desire of nations,
bind in one the hearts of all human kind
bid thou our sad divisions cease
and be thyself our king of peace

rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
o israel

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

the one who guides the humble in doing right
who teaches his way to the lowly

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

to be formed by the Spirit

in the Hope
of God drawing near

Amen

There Will Come A Light

a day is coming soon
when the seeker will find wonder
a day is coming soon
when the meek will find their joy
a day is coming soon
when the wounded will find healing
a day is coming soon when
there will come a light into this darkness
a pillar of fire in the night, leading us home
and the evil that’s at our heels will find itself haunted
by insufferable sleepless nights and newborn cries

a day is coming soon
when this damage will find mending
a day is coming soon
when the weak will find their voice
a day is coming soon
when our hope will have a heartbeat
a day is coming soon when
there will come a light into this darkness
a pillar of fire in the night, leading us home
and the evil that’s at our heels will find itself haunted
by insufferable sleepless nights and newborn cries

there will come a light
there will come a light
there will come a light
not long from now
you sang out hope into the dead of night
and it echoed off the edge of time
singing, “there will come a light,
not long from now”

A reading from Psalm 25

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
    do not let me be put to shame;
    do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
    let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
    for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
    according to your steadfast love remember me,
    for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
    and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
    for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

For your name’s sake, O Lord,
    pardon my guilt, for it is great.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
    for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart,
    and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
    and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes,
    and with what violent hatred they hate me.
O guard my life, and deliver me;
    do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
    for I wait for you.

It Is Well

when peace like a river attendeth my way
when sorrows like sea billows roll
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
it is well, it is well with my soul

and lord, haste the day
when our faith shall be sight
creation no longer will groan
the dead will find life
as you make all things new
caught up in you, it is well with my soul

Branch

behold a branch shall come
from where the axe was laid
the root, unmarred by kings
will crown a sprout of grace
the spirit of the lord
will rest upon him
his judgment will pierce through both brand
and the best wording
with righteousness and peace
he will judge them
and decide with equity
for the poor and forgotten
but he shall strike the earth
with a tongue like a javelin
and with a breath reduce to ash
the gloating wicked
and behold when this branch comes
as wolves and lambs lay down
your children will be left unharmed
safe above the ground

for they will not hurt or destroy
on all my mountain
and all the earth will raise
the same refrain:
o praise the name beyond all naming
open wide, ye gates, forsake your hinges
for the branch is raised, the beacon lifted
to gather in the rest to life unbending

behold a branch shall come
and I know you’re tired
but set your heart to search for life
on every withered stump

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Jeremiah 33:14-16:

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is Luke 21:25-36:

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

O Holy Night

o holy night, the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of our dear savior’s birth
long lay the world in sin and error pining
’til he appeared and the soul felt its worth

a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

truly he taught us to love one another
his law is love and his gospel is peace
chains shall he break for the enslaved is our brother
and in his name all oppression shall cease

sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
let all within us praise his holy name

christ is the lord, we’ll praise his name forever
his power and glory ever more proclaim
fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices
o night, divine, o night when christ was born
o night, divine, o night, o night divine

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 11-23-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

Broken Rhythms & Rest

Thanksgiving Break

All UBC events are cancelled this week including, but not limited to: pints/coffee with toph, women’s book club, college women’s group, youth group, 5th & 6th grade group, church hurts, & other forgotten-to-mention activities. Enjoy your week!

Study Hall

Are you a college student who would love a to study but not at a Baylor University library, an overcrowded coffee house, or your apartment? Boy do we have a winning opportunity for you. On Thursday December 9th the UBC building and it’s eclectic design spaces will be available for studying pleasure. We will also provide unhealthy food products such as: candy, famous Amos cookies, doritos and the like. So if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please come on by.

Christmas Eve Service

Champion friends, great news. We will gather again on December 24th for a worship experience that celebrates the story of the birth of Jesus by having a children re-enact it. To that end, if you will be around and plan on worshiping with us that evening, would you let Taylor@ubcwaco.org know so that we can begin casting roles. If you’ve not been before, it’s very impromptu. No need to prepare ahead of time by memorizing lines or lyrics. More like a carol sing and telling of the nativity story. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year!

New Leaders Needed

Hello friends. With January right around the corner we are approaching that time of the church’s life cycle when we need to fill some roles on our teams. We are looking for two new finance team members and a college student representative for the leadership team. If you know someone who would be good for the finance team please email josh@ubcwaco.org. If you would like to nominate a student candidate for the leadership team you can do so here. Descriptions and requirements of those positions are posted below. Lastly, so we are clear, these are volunteer positions.

University Student Lead Team Member

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

2. Composition.  The Leadership Team shall consist of nine members of the UBC community that are not staff, finance team, or human resources team. Two of the Leadership Team’s nine members shall be university level students. 

3. 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. Student members shall only commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years.

Finance Team Member

Purpose.  The Finance Team shall exist for the following purposes:

1. To serve as the primary advisory group for the Leadership Team in all budgetary and financial aspects of the church.  

2. To oversee, in coordination with the ministerial staff, yearly budgetary processes, working to create a financial ministry plan in alignment with the ethos, mission and values of UBC.

3. To advise the staff and Leadership Team on any emergency financial matters that may arise with regards to the physical infrastructure of the church building, as well as those matters pertaining to compensation and benefits of personnel.

4. To assess the current financial status of the church on a monthly basis and advise the staff and Leadership Team on matters concerning changes in planned ministry expenses.

5. To advise the Human Resources/Staff Support team on all financial matters regarding new and existing personnel, including available resources concerning salaries, salary increases, insurance, taxes, etc.

6. To advise the church body on all matters relating to stewardship, financial integrity, etc.

Qualifications. Finance Team members shall have been an active participant in the life of UBC for at least a year, have received at least a bachelors degree level of education (or roughly an equivalent amount of experience in business or finance), and have at least a basic understanding of financial reports and budgets.

Parishioner of the Week

Sarah Raley for finishing her MBA and securing a job as an assistant city attorney (Sarah also has a JD from a pervious life (yes, very much a smarty pants)). Congrats Sarah! We are excited to have you leading & guiding Waco legal processes.

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M.

• Weekly coffee with Toph @ Pinewood on Thursdays from 8-10 A.M.

• 12/3-5 Family Retreat

• 12/9 Study Hall

• 12/24 Christmas Eve Service (kids pageant) @ 5:30 PM

Liturgy Stuff 11-21-2021

November 21, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on November 21st (in the order they are needed).

Crown Him With Many Crowns

crown him with many crowns
the lamb upon his throne
hark how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its 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 power 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 pierced 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

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

who was
and is
and is to come

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

bending our hearts toward justice
and drawing us into the Kingdom
that is and is to come

Amen

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

Twice Begun

Jesus Christ did not cling tight
to height nor form divine
but instead emptied himself
into the hands of time
the wind drew cracks
in the lips of Love
the sun beat down the Light
now Life itself has torn the veil of death
that all the rest may rise

now life and death and resurrection
are painted over all creation
the colors swirling into one
as if every moment is now twice begun
and doesn’t stop: the path, the pulse, the clock

Jesus Christ did not cling tight
to height nor power divine
but instead emptied himself
into breath and blood and spine
as the feeble crowds began to mount
the powers of state and faith aligned
to crush that which might tear their mountains down
but he turned not his mind
that all the rest may rise

now life and death and resurrection
are painted over all creation
the colors swirling into one
as if every moment is now twice begun
so mourn your losses, sing your songs
but build your houses with fingers crossed
there is a hope now graven in the dawn
and every ending to that burning edge belongs

The Time Draws Nigh

the time draws nigh when you and i
are to be separated
and this doth grieve our hearts to leave
each other to be parted
but let us see eternity
and greet the saints with joy
our sighings o’er we’ll part no more
but reign with Christ in glory

in glory

family, dear, don’t let us fear
we soon shall live together
when Christ descends to call his friends
we then shall meet one another
then to sit down around the throne
with saints and lovely Jesus
eternal love we’ll sing above
and nothing then shall grieve us

the Lamb appears to wipe our tears
and to complete our glory
then we shall rest with all the blest
and tell the lovely story
to sit and tell Christ loved us well
and that while we were sinners
heaven will ring while saints do sing
glory to the redeemer

glory to the redeemer

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.

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is John 18:33-37:

Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

Joy to the World

joy to the world the lord is come
let earth receive her king
let every heart prepare him room
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and nature sing
let heaven and nature sing

joy to the world
the savior reigns
let all their songs employ
while fields and floods
rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy

he rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love
and wonders of his love
and wonders, wonders of his love

o for joy, lift up your voice
Christ has come, the Christ has come
let the whole world see the lord
Christ has come, the Christ has come

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 11-16-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

On (Western) Meditation

Night of Poetry and Music (11/17, 7pm)

Join us as we welcome poet Tanner Olson and musician Matt Doering for a night of poetry, music, and conversation on Wednesday, November 17th at 7pm. Admission is free—bring your friends!

Youth Group Update

Hello team UBC!

Happy week-before-Thanksgiving! We only have one event this week, our usual Youth Group, but I wanted to give you all a heads up as to what the schedule will look like over the next month!

We will be taking a break for Thanksgiving from 21st November to 27th November. This means there won't be any Sunday school on the 21st (I'll still be there at the usual service time!), no Youth Group on the 24th, but we will have Sunday School on the 28th!

After our Thanksgiving break, we will have 3 weeks left of Youth Group this semester, which is wild!

Our LAST Youth Group evening will be on 15th December - which will also be our Christmas party! I don't have full details of what that will entail yet, but I'll make sure to send a thorough email about it in the coming weeks.

Now, with all those notices out of the way, here is the schedule for this week!

November 17th // Wednesday: All Grade Groups! Youth Group, UBC Building, 6pm-8pm.

+ We will be doing a movie night! The plan is to watch Shang-Chi and Legend of the Ten Rings, which is rated PG-13. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please do get in touch with me!

5th & 6th Grade Update

Reminder, because we know there will be families out on the 21st and the 28th for Thanksgiving so we will not meet for either of those dates.

So we will be back again at our 4:30-6pm time on December 5th and December 12th.

After the 12th we will take a break until sometime in January! I'll keep you guys updated on when that will be!

I am also looking to plan a fun Christmas party for everyone!! I think it would feel more festive at somebody's home! If you are interested in helping plan that moment or interested in volunteering your home let me know!
So - here's what the next few weeks will look like:
November 21 and 28: Thanksgiving, no meeting!
December 5 and 12: At UBC at 4:30-6pm, normal content

Christmas Party! - no set date yet!
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!

New Leaders Needed

Hello friends. With January right around the corner we are approaching that time of the church’s life cycle when we need to fill some roles on our teams. We are looking for two new finance team members and a college student representative for the leadership team. If you know someone who would be good for the finance team please email josh@ubcwaco.org. If you would like to nominate a student candidate for the leadership team you can do so here. Descriptions and requirements of those positions are posted below. Lastly, so we are clear, these are volunteer positions.

University Student Lead Team Member

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

2. Composition.  The Leadership Team shall consist of nine members of the UBC community that are not staff, finance team, or human resources team. Two of the Leadership Team’s nine members shall be university level students. 

3. 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. Student members shall only commit to a year with the chance to renew up to three years.

Finance Team Member

Purpose.  The Finance Team shall exist for the following purposes:

1. To serve as the primary advisory group for the Leadership Team in all budgetary and financial aspects of the church.  

2. To oversee, in coordination with the ministerial staff, yearly budgetary processes, working to create a financial ministry plan in alignment with the ethos, mission and values of UBC.

3. To advise the staff and Leadership Team on any emergency financial matters that may arise with regards to the physical infrastructure of the church building, as well as those matters pertaining to compensation and benefits of personnel.

4. To assess the current financial status of the church on a monthly basis and advise the staff and Leadership Team on matters concerning changes in planned ministry expenses.

5. To advise the Human Resources/Staff Support team on all financial matters regarding new and existing personnel, including available resources concerning salaries, salary increases, insurance, taxes, etc.

6. To advise the church body on all matters relating to stewardship, financial integrity, etc.

Qualifications. Finance Team members shall have been an active participant in the life of UBC for at least a year, have received at least a bachelors degree level of education (or roughly an equivalent amount of experience in business or finance), and have at least a basic understanding of financial reports and budgets.

Parishioner of the Week

Will Knight, Ethan Coen, Maddie Whitmore, & Kareem Shane for helping clean up a wonderful live giving love feast! And also, more winners in the Lord coming your way, the Hills, Craig Nash, and Travis Cheatham for making turkeys and ham.

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M.

• Weekly coffee with Toph @ Pinewood on Thursdays from 8-10 A.M.

• 11/17 Night of Poetry & Music

• 12/3-5 Family Retreat

• 12/9 Study Hall

Liturgy Stuff 11-14-2021

November 14, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on November 14th (in the order they are needed).

Amazing Grace

amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now i’m found
was bound but now i’m free

‘twas grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed

through many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
’twas grace that brought me safe thus far
and grace will lead me home

my chains are gone I've been set free
my god my savior has ransomed me
and like a flood god’s mercy rains
unending love amazing grace

when we’ve been there 10,000 years
bright shining as the sun
we’ve no less days to sing god’s praise
than when we’d first begun

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

by whom the bows of the mighty are broken
by whom the lowly are lifted from the ashes

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

teaching us to love God, our neighbor, and our selves
in our ordinary lives

Amen

Bonfire

you are a bonfire, creation the ash coming off your flame
I am a shadow thrown to the ground by the light you gave
you were a mending force, patching up wounds, making dead things breathe
I am a fracture, split to the core, but you could fix me

so we wait for the day we’d rise from the darkness inside us
when every good and broken thing will meet you there
on that golden shoreline; we won’t need the stars to guide us
there’s a new light in the sky

you are a writer, twisting the plot so the words don’t fade
I am a margin, framing the side of the phrases you laid
you hold the best intentions of gravel and dust in time and space
while I am the friction between bending the knee and running away

so we wait for the day we’d rise from the darkness inside us
when every good and broken thing will meet you there
on that golden shoreline; we won’t need the stars to guide us
there’s a new light in the sky

and its breaking through even now, it’s breaking down
the fears we’ve called our refuge and even now
we can see the faintest light like a crack in time
like you’re already there and you’re calling us home
to the new world that you’ve grown

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

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

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

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 yield my flickering torch to thee
my heart restores its borrowed ray
that in thy sunshine’s blaze its 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

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading, and Josh’s sermon text, is 1 Samuel 1:4-20:

On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.

They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.”

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading is Mark 13:1-8:

 Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

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
who 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
unheard, 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 where all this is remade

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

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen

ITLOTC 11-9-21

ITLOTC

(In The Life Of The Church)

Pentecost

On Being Whole

The video I reference can be found here.

UBC YP Game Night

Have you been itching to trade some wheat for wood? Dying to collect some rent on Boardwalk? Well we have great news for you. Our next UBC YP (young professionals, a term we use as loosely as “human”) is happening at UBC on Friday November 12 @ 7:00 P.M. If you have any questions please email  danieleharris38@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving Lovefeast - November 14 - 530pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It is time for our annual Thanksgiving Lovefeast. UBC will provided the turkeys and ham, you just need to bring a side or dessert to share. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org.

Night of Poetry and Music (11/17, 7pm)

Join us as we welcome poet Tanner Olson and musician Matt Doering for a night of poetry, music, and conversation on Wednesday, November 17th at 7pm. Admission is free—bring your friends!

5th & 6th Grade Update

This week we have Thanksgiving LoveFeast at 5:30pm! And since that's a whole church activity we won't have our 5/6 Grade Time! Let's just all plan on meeting at Love Feast at UBC! It's my favorite event on our calendar!

I know there will be families out on the 21st and the 28th for Thanksgiving so we will not meet for either of those dates.

So we will be back again at our 4:30-6pm time on December 5th and December 12th.

After the 12th we will take a break until sometime in January! I'll keep you guys updated on when that will be!

I am also looking to plan a fun Christmas party for everyone!! I think it would feel more festive at somebody's home! If you are interested in helping plan that moment or interested in volunteering your home let me know!
So - here's what the next few weeks will look like:
November 14 (Next Week): At UBC at 5:30pm, Thanksgiving Love Feast!!
November 21 and 28: Thanksgiving, no meeting!
December 5 and 12: At UBC at 4:30-6pm, normal content

Christmas Party! - no set date yet!
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Parishioner of the Week

Dr. Jonathan Tran for the release of his new book with Oxford Press!

Upcoming Events

• Weekly Pints with Toph @ Pinewood on Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M.

• Weekly coffee with Toph @ Pinewood on Thursdays from 8-10 A.M.

• 11/12 UBC YP Game Night

• 11/14 Lovefeast

• 11/17 Night of Poetry & Music

• 12/3-5 Family Retreat

• 12/9 Study Hall

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: Kathy Krey kathykrey@gmail.com

Ben Raley: Benjaminrale y@gmail.com

Bryce Sandvall: Bryce@holeintheroof.com

Katie Valenzuela: KatarinaEValenzuela@gmail.com

Luci Hoppe: lhoppe@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 Hill: erin.albin1@gmail.com

Sam Goff: samuelgoff92@gmail.com

Craig Nash: Craig_Nash@baylor.edu

Kristen Howerton: khowerton94@gmail.com

Patrick Broaddus: patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com

Liturgy Stuff 11-7-2021

November 7, 2021

Below, you’ll find the song lyrics and scripture readings for the live stream on November 7th (in the order they are needed).

All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name

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

Call to Worship

we have gathered to worship 
the Eternal One

the One who watches over the stranger,
who upholds the orphan and the widow

to enter the story of God

and find our own stories reimagined

that the Spirit of God might form us in the way of Christ

tuning our lives
to the self-giving love of God

Amen

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

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
who 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
unheard, 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 where all this is remade

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

Come Healing (by Leonard Cohen)

gather up the brokenness and bring it to me now
the fragrance of those promises you never dared to vow
the splinters that you carried, the cross the left behind
come healing of the body, come healing of the mind
and let the heavens hear it, the penitential hymn
come healing of the spirit, come healing of the limb

behold the gates of mercy in arbitrary space
and none of us deserving the cruelty or the grace
o solitude of longing, where love has been confined
come healing of the body, come healing of the mind
and see the darkness yielding that tore the light apart
come healing of the reason, come healing of the heart

o troubled dust concealing an undivided love
the heart beneath is teaching to the broken heart above
let the heavens falter, let the earth proclaim
come healing of the altar, come healing of the name

o longing of the branches to lift the little bud
o longing of the arteries to purify the blood
let the heavens hear it, the penitential hymn
come healing of the spirit, come healing of the limb

Old Testament Reading

Today’s Old Testament reading is Psalm 146:

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes,
    in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
    on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
    who executes justice for the oppressed;
    who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
    the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
    he upholds the orphan and the widow,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,
    your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

New Testament Reading

Today’s New Testament reading, and Lilly’s sermon text, is Mark 12:38-44:

As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Giving

UBC relies on the generosity of the community. If you are a in place that you are able to give of your time, talent, and resources to UBC we would be grateful. If you want to make a financial contribution, the easiest way to do so is through our church center app.

Wild One

overwhelming, you cannot be contained
with leather bindings, the turn of 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
and 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
and you’re greater

unbound, you’re overwhelming
we build 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 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
and you’re greater

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Timeless, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.

Benediction

As we approach this week

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

Amen