Spiritual growth happens throughout life for children, youth, and adults. We are intentional about Spiritual Formation at UBBC. We offer learning experiences that teach about the Bible, the mysteries of faith, the stories of Jesus, prayer, and putting our faith into action.
Spiritual Formation for All Ages
Our congregation is committed to the spiritual growth and development of each member; individually and as a group. We engage the healing of God’s love. We invite all to learn and live the teachings of Jesus. We encourage all to be open to the movement of the Spirit in their lives and in the world.
Sunday School in September-May @ 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Elementary Class (K-5th grades) – Meets in room 302
Youth Class (6th-12th grades) – Meets in room 303
Our children and youth will will be guided through scripture based lessons using the Shine Curriculum. Each lesson includes spiritual practice, telling a Bible story through scripture, and correlated activities.
Adult Forum – Meets in the Fireside Room on the lower level
The Adult Forum is a class where adults of all ages engage in a wide variety of topics related to life and faith. The Forum uses guest speakers, panels, video series, Bible study and more to address spiritual, cultural, social justice, and other current issues.
Youth Group provides middle and high school youth experiences for spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Some annual events are a Coffee House, Love Feast, a day at Diamond Valley Lodge, House of Care Dinner, and hosting Soups & Sweets Cafe during First Night activities.
Camp Blue Diamond provides summer camp, and retreat experiences for all ages. CBD is affiliated with Middle PA Church of the Brethren, and is located in central PA, about 30 miles from State College in Rothrock State Forest.
Summer Work Camp Experiences provides middle school and high school youth, and adults an opportunity to learn about service and social justice through work experiences. These programs are provided by Church of the Brethren.
Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) provides high school aged students the chance to explore the relationship between faith and a particular political issue, and then act from a faith perspective regarding that issue.
Exploring Membership at UBBC
Youth Explorers Classes
This class is offered to 6-12th grade youth who want to know more about the Christian faith and becoming a member at UBBC. Each youth is invited to have a mentor, read a Gospel, interview current members and explore topics like images of God, importance of the Bible, following Jesus and more. Weekly classes are held in homes, with a final overnight retreat.
Adult Explorers Classes
This class is offered for those who are interested in exploring membership at UBBC. This 4-6 week class explores the expectations of members, the history of UBBC, origin of the Statement of Mission and Welcome, and the dual affiliation with American Baptist Churches USA and Church of the Brethren.
Retreats
The Deacons, who are charged with caring for the pastoral and spiritual welfare of the congregation, host or lead retreats from time to time. Retreats typically explore how practices of faith (Christian: ancient, traditional, contemporary; and borrowed) can support healthy, whole spiritual development. Recent retreats have included Art & Spirituality; Write your own Rule of Life; Overcoming Difference; talking across boundaries.