January 20, 2019 – 9:30 a.m.

Beginning and Ending in Nonviolence

Isaiah 9:1-11; Luke 2:1-14; Mark 1:12-13

Guest Preacher Robert Neff

Unlike the Near Eastern Setting in which Israel expressed her faith, the world begins not in the violent conflict of the gods but in peaceful creation of the world. In the beginning the world is a vegetarian paradise in which all creatures are given vegetation for food to avoid any violence. This non-violent creation returns in the end time as expressed in the hope of Isaiah and in the reality of Jesus who brings peace and not a sword.

January 13, 2019 – 9:30 a.m.

People with Peace

Psalm 29

Guest Preacher Ben Wideman and 3rd Way Collective Students

What is 3rd Way Collective, and why does UBBC support it? Join us on January 13 as we hear from Campus Pastor Ben Wideman, and a group of Penn State students who will be reflecting on this unique Penn State campus ministry and its faith-based call to peace and social justice. Join us after the sermon for talk-back time with the student voices and to ask your questions about this movement.

Click here to read January/February Newsletter 2019

January 6, 2019 – 9:30 a.m.

Celebrating Epiphany

Matthew 2:1-12

The Christmas story is not complete without the visit of the three Kings or the Magi.  This part of the story is only recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.  Imagine making the journey to see this child king.  “Who is this?”  the Magi must have wondered, as did Herod, and now us.  Come and celebrate Epiphany the 12th Day of Christmas!

December 23, 2018 – 9:30 a.m.

Let Us Sing – HOPE

Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:39-55

The last verse of the hymn invites us to lift our voices in alleluia’s to the one who is “King.” This descriptor was more radical for the people of Jesus’ time as it resisted the powers of empire that threatened “the least of these” that Jesus came to serve. We are reminded by this seemingly benign and sweet song that whenever there is injustice in this world, we are to look to the one whose power is love. How might this increase our hope for the future?

December 16, 2018 – 9:30 a.m.

Special Offering for Disaster Relief and new members received.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson

UBBC’s children (and a few adults) will share a play that demonstrates how the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family.  Come and enjoy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

December 9 2018, 9:30 a.m.

Glories Stream – JOY

Psalm 86: 9-11; Luke 2: 8-20

The shepherds got quite a wake-up call that night when the sky lit up “like a Christmas tree” (so to speak). Awe at the transformative glory of what God can do in our lives is the focus this week. Glories are streaming every day if we only have eyes to see. How would our lives be renewed if we saw the world and our lives through the lens of wonder?