What's New
journey to bethlehem: advent at ubc
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Update from the Committee on the Church Future
UBC has been hard at work preparing for our future in many ways. We have met. We have prayed. We have discussed our options. And we have agreed that the time has come to construct a new church home for us to gather and worship.
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This past May we began the process of soliciting proposals for the sale of the church site and the building of a new 30,000 sq. ft. church on the parsonage site. We were blessed with the receipt of several worthy bids and, over the last few months, we have been evaluating the merits of each offer.
We have now reached the point where the Church Council and our congregation are ready to hear from the top two finalists, make their recommendation to our membership and for our members hold a vote on a final decision on our path forward.
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On Monday, November 13, the Church Council conducted an open meeting in the sanctuary with the top two bidders: Gilbane Development Corporation and Capstone Communities. The meeting was live streamed on our YouTube channel and the presentations will remain available to be viewed later on that platform.
Congregation members will be sent an electronic ballot to vote for either entity (or abstain). Those without email will receive a paper ballot. All members will be able to view or review the presentations prior to casting their vote.
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In addition to the presentation on YouTube, you can view the proposal from Gilbane Development Company here and the proposal from Capstone Communities here.
sermon archive
November 5 - A Time for a New Foundation - Rev. Dr. Elijah Zehyoue
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November 12 - Let Your Light Shine - Rev. Dr. Bruce Salmon
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November 19 - Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity - Rev. Sharon Scott
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November 26 - Our Right Now God - Rev. Clyde Casey
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For a full archive of sermons and musical offerings, visit our YouTube channel.
pastoral Transition update
The Church Council and the Transition Committee continue to follow a defined process during our pastoral transition. While it has been some time since our last update, both the Church Council and the Transition Committee are continuing to work to address our short and long-term needs for leadership.
Specifically, at the October Church Council meeting, the Transition Committee proposed, and the Church Council approved hiring a consultant to help us prepare for a search for our next settled pastor. We are excited to announce that we have hired David Peppler to serve in this capacity. David will lead us through a process that will look at our history and commitments, our identity as an American Baptist and Alliance of Baptist church, and our vision for ministry in this community and beyond. Look for additional information about David in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Transition Committee continues to look for an interim pastor who will preach regularly, teach, and provide pastoral care. The consultant and the interim pastor are two separate positions that will work together to help us move forward.
Had we been able to identify an intentional interim pastor, that individual would have fulfilled both the pastoral role and the transition consultant role, but since we have not been able to find such a person, we are proceeding with two parallel processes: two persons instead of one.
In the meantime, we are continuing with our Festival of Preaching through November with a different guest preacher each week. We appreciate the inspiration and encouragement they are providing to fill the preaching gap. The Worship Commission is also planning for worship leadership for the month of December. Our December preachers will be from within the congregation. Each Sunday in Advent, worship will focus on a different character in the Christmas story including Mary and Elizabeth, Joseph, the shepherds, and angels. More news on that in November.
If you have thoughts or concerns, the Church Council would like to hear them. There will be a drop box in the foyer for your input. You can also email questions and concerns to the church office. In the coming weeks we will designate time at the end of the service so everyone can hear the questions being raised as well as the responses.
Thank you for your patience, prayers, and faithfulness in this time of transition.
holy grounds
On the first Sunday of each month, from 10:00 to 10: 45 a.m., we’re brewing free specialty coffees in the parlor including, but not limited to, lattes, cappuccinos, and chai lattes. We’ll also have freshly brewed coffee and tea. Your barista is Noah, and your server is Daniel. Come for a cup of coffee or tea before worship. Bring a friend.