Worship is the heart of UBBC. Worship connects us to God, to one another, and prepares us to go back into the world. We gather at 9:30 am each Sunday to seek God, to sing and pray, to share and listen, and wait for the Spirit moving among us. Progressive in theology, we lean toward being traditional in our worship. We use bulletins, a pipe organ and piano, read scripture and listen to sermons but don’t be surprised to see some drama, or hear guitars, djembe drums, or tambourines accompanying the choir or congregational singing. Children and youth are vital participants in worship and have a special Children’s Time, offer an annual Christmas play, and serve as liturgists. Worship at UBBC often comforts and challenges a person all in the same hour.
What to expect….
Folks at UBBC are glad to see each other on Sunday morning and like to spend time catching up. So there’s lots of talking and visiting going on in the sanctuary until the handbell rings, people quiet down, and the Welcome and Announcements begin.
The worship service is created around a theme that comes from the topic or scripture for the sermon. After the Call to Worship, opening hymn and prayer there is Congregational Sharing. This is a time where worshippers share joys and concerns for prayer. While the sharing is often personal, people also share concerns about community, national, or global events.
Children are welcome in worship! Each week there is a Children’s Time and the children are invited to come up on the chancel for this special time. Often a story is read, but always the children are invited into a conversation around the theme of the service, or some other event or topic. Children return to the pews or sometimes are invited into further conversation and activities for the remainder of the hour. There are Children’s bulletins available for ages 3-7+ years. These bulletins provide fun interactive activities for children.
UBBC has a great choir that sings regularly in worship during the school year. Music ranges from classical sacred pieces to lively global music that moves the body and the spirit! The choral music often arouses an “Amen!” from the congregation or engenders a quiet moment of reflection and prayer.
Sermons are down to earth, usually based on a scripture which is often interpreted in a new or surprising way. The message isn’t too long but long enough to engage your heart and your mind.
An offering is taken to support the ministry and mission of UBBC. Several times a year a special offering is taken for example to support One Great Hour of Sharing, Disaster Relief, or other urgent needs.
Dress is casual and comfortable. Attitude is open and ready to meet God or be moved by God’s Spirit.