UBBC News. Inside this issue issue: Mission Update. the. Monthly News from University Baptist & Brethren Church CROP Walk Update

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1 F E B R U A R Y the UBBC News Monthly News from University Baptist & Brethren Church Inside this issue issue: Mission Update Page 2 Pastor s Page 2017 CROP Walk Update Page 3 Writer s Sunday Rule of Life Mini-Retreat Page 4 Mission of the Month Page 5 Christian Ed Thanks again to everyone who participated in the 2017 CROP Walk! The final report from their treasurer shows UBBC contributing $3,370! Remember 1/4 of our total, $842, goes to the State College Food Bank with the balance going to Church World Service. Ellen Will is joining the local CROP Walk planning committee in hopes of bringing UBBC into the kick-off hosting location rotation Alternative Christmas Fair Page 6 Alternative Christmas Fair Special Offering for CBD The Alternative Christmas Fair raised nearly $50,000. There were 112 donations, 57 from UBBC members and friends. See the full story on page 6. Page 7 Denominational News December Special Offering The 4th quarter special offering raised $7,650 for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. This offering was more than 3 times our goal of $2,500.

2 Pastor s Page The Season of Lent A good time to play around with new rules. For many years I have given up some combination of coffee, chocolate and/or sweets for Lent. It is always a challenge for me, as those are my favorite food groups. For me, it s not about the deprivation that is somehow supposed to connect me to the suffering of Jesus. For me, it s more about how integral and automatic these foods are in my day to day living and so, when I make a conscious choice to not have coffee in the morning or a peppermint patty after lunch, I feel on edge. My life becomes a lot less automatic and a bit more intentional. I do feel a little more on edge, but you know, when you are teetering on the edge, you are paying a lot more attention. Walking a little deeper in discomfort allows me to stay more alert to the presence of God in whatever delightful and devastating ways that can happen in any given moment. I know that giving something up is problematic for many, so some folks take something on during Lent: a daily devotional; taking walks; journaling; reading the Bible or a special book; contemplative prayer; etc. The wonderful thing about taking something on is that it helps to reorient one s focus and has the potential to turn in to a new habit. It seems fair to say that the goal for giving up or taking on something during Lent is the same: to grow closer to God. We make and live by rules that help us to be healthier, have better relationships, get better grades, be safe, and do our best. We are each uniquely crafted by God. The set of rules that each of us already lives by is distinct from the collections that others live by. If our leaning is towards a closer knowing of God, then surely we must explore how that might be best expressed in our own particular lives. The Deacons are hosting a mini, pre-lent retreat on Fat Tuesday, February 13 th at UBBC. See the article elsewhere in the newsletter for more details, and consider coming as a way to help you hold the questions around giving something up or taking something on for Lent and for the health of your spiritual life. Church News Christian Sympathy is extended to Jane Brubaker, John and Jim French - and their families upon the death of their father, Joe French. Joe French died Sunday, January 14, while in Hospice Care in the Atrium at the Village at Penn State. A Memorial Service will be held at UBBC Saturday, March 10 at 1 p.m. Rejoice in the birth of Eric Kody Stauffer born on January 18, 2018! The proud parents are Rachael Fye and Matt Stauffer, and grandparents Shirley and Ray Fye. 2

3 UBBC NEWS RULE OF LIFE Pre-Lent Mini Retreat February p.m. Writers Sunday, April 8 th Mark your calendars &/or Join the Writing Team Writers Sunday is scheduled for April 8 th. We will be exploring the theme: Connections to nature, ourselves, one another, the world, God. We are calling for anyone who enjoys writing to contribute to the content of the worship service and a companion booklet. Charlotte De Lissovoy is our writing coach. Submissions are due (via - cdelissovoy@gmail.com) to her by February 19 th. On March 5 th and March 19 th, the writing group will gather at church (7pm in the library) to reflect together on the collection of writings and lay out the order of worship. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Charlotte or Kim Hunziker (kimhunziker8@gmail.com). The Deacons are hosting a Shrove Tuesday, pre- Lent, spirituality retreat on the 13 th at UBBC, in the Fireside room from 7 to 9pm. We will explore the ancient practice of living with a Rule of Life and consider ways it might be relevant for our lives today, especially as we look towards the church season of Lent. How can rules help us grow closer to God? Marjorie Thompson, in Soul Feast, says that a rule of life is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. It is not meant to be restrictive, but does ask for commitment. She writes, a personal rule is a way of ordering our lives to catch the wind of grace (p.150). This will be an informal and interactive experience. We will talk and write and wonder together and make some of it up as we go. The hope is that you can enter into the season of Lent with a different way of thinking, a new rule or maybe some new tools to help you catch a bit of grace along the way. Please contact Kim Hunziker (kimhunziker8@gmail.com) if you are planning to come or have any questions. 3

4 Mission of the Month By Sylvia Neely UBBC supports missions through our donations, through allowing use of our facilities, and through the active work of volunteers. Each month we will highlight one of those mission areas. The two largest amounts in our mission budget go equally to Church of the Brethren and the American Baptist Church. This month we focus on the Church of the Brethren. The work of the Church is organized into four main areas. Especially important is the Global Mission and Service, a wide-ranging collection of initiatives which includes (among other programs) Brethren Disaster Ministries, Brethren Volunteer Service, Brethren Work Camps, and Global Food Initiative. The International Ministries helps support congregations throughout the world. Its Office of Public Witness partners with other groups to promote peace and justice issues. Congregational Life Ministries is a division within the church that cultivates individual and congregational leadership. Casey Cook participated in one of their programs, the annual Christian Citizenship Seminar, that met in New York City and then traveled to Washington to meet with Congress. Organizational Resources does the behind-the-scenes work of support services, record keeping, and management of personnel and finances. The final large division is the Office of the General Secretary which comprises the leadership team, the Brethren Press, Messenger magazine, and the Office of Ministry that sustains and encourages ministerial leadership. Lack of space will not allow describing all of the wonderful activities made possible by our donation to the Church of the Brethren. If you want to learn more, the detailed report for 2016 is available online at The main website has lots of information and news: In October 2017, the Mission and Ministry Board adopted a Vision for a Global Church of the Brethren that celebrates the growth of the church throughout the world and affirms the fellowship among all of the congregations. The report asserts that no one regional or national church will be regarded as the authority over other bodies. If you want to learn more about the global reach of the Church of the Brethren, a conference entitled Mission Alive 2018 will explore what it means to be a global church. It will be held on April 6-8 in Frederick, Maryland. Here is the link for more information: The Church of the Brethren adopted a powerful theme: Another Way of Living. This is what that means: It s a commitment to not be conformed to the world. In a time when divisions seem hardened and harsh, a people who model another way of living can be a witness to God s powerful love. Through the ministries of the Church of the Brethren, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action (1 John 3:18). 4

5 Living Generously February Adult Forums Christian Education 4 th : Climate change seems like an overwhelmingly large and depressing problem. So how does one person keep hope and make a real difference? Hear one person s story as Sharon Yohn tells how her family has gained hope by working with Citizens Climate Lobby, the Stone Church of the Brethren (Huntingdon), Juniata College students, and local kids to advocate for climate action. 11 th : Viki Stumbers, Coordinator of the Interfaith Human Services Fuel Bank Program. Viki will share how the IHS Fuel Bank program provides needed emergency fuel for Centre County residents, and how residents qualify to receive this service. 18 th : Tammy Gentzel, Executive Director of Centre County United Way, will bring us up to date on the crucial work of this community organization and discuss with us the challenges facing charities in a time of reduced public budgets, changing assumptions among younger generations, and shifting business priorities. 25 th : Letter Writing & Journaling on Racism, Carolyne Meehan & Katie O Hara Krebs UBBC Game Night Saturday, February 10 th 6:30-8:30 p.m. Suffering from Cabin Fever? We've got the solution! From your friends formally known as Campfire Kids comes an Inter- Generational Group Outing for Fellowship and Fun: Get your Game ON! Join us in the Fireside Room on Saturday, February 10th from 6:30-8:30 pm for some game-playing, dice-rolling (c'mon now, we're talking about Yahtzee!), and merriment-making. Drinks, some games, score pads, and pencils will be provided. Please bring a snack to share, a game to share, and your family to share in the fun. Come for as long as you like, leave when you need to, we'll just be happy to have you! Questions? Contact Ellen (ellenewill@gmail.com). Available and willing to help set up tables and chairs? Please let Ellen know. So, dust off your board games and Get Your Game ON! 5

6 Mission Update Continued Alternative Christmas Fair Wrap-Up By Cindy Carpenter The UBBC congregation was most generous with their donations of time and money this year making the Alternative Christmas Fair a huge success. During December 2017 we raised a total of $49,131 for 26 social service agencies in which 100% of the money has been distributed to the participating charities in the amounts requested by the giver. The contributions are much needed funds for the agencies so that they may do their important social work for our communities. Besides the donations raised, the nonprofit agencies had the opportunity through the ACF for people to people contact talking about their work and recruiting volunteers, a valuable aspect of the event. The Children s Fair, on the third floor, the fun place to be, raised $130 for the Save the Children fund. The hard working kitchen crew served a lot of delicious soup and sandwiches, raising $1,448 for the 2018 ACF operating expenses. A huge thank you to the hardworking ACF committee: Jean Yeatman - publicity; Deb Ritter - kitchen; Marjie Nye - cashier; Faye Jester & David Beyerle treasurer/accountant; Lucy Loomis - greeters; Jean Morrow - Facebook; Jean Hill decorations; Paul Carswell unloaders; Tom Cook and Paul Moser setup & clean-up; Laura Jester ACF Sunday after; and Sylvia Neely at large committee member. Also, thank you to everyone who enthusiastically helped the committees. I would like to express a special gratification to King Printing who every year donates the printing of the donation forms in honor of Tom King. In addition this year King Printing donated the printing of posters, plus gave us a reduced cost in logo design and printing of cards. King Printing has been most generous and helpful with keeping the costs of the ACF down. Thank you for making this a very charitable year and keeping a warm light glowing! Special Offering for CBD February 11, 2018 UBBC has committed to supporting Camp Blue Diamond s Capital Campaign with $5,000 to be paid over 3 years. CBD has a goal of $650,000 for 3 major projects: Multi-purpose/Recreation building, Office Renovation and Family Campground. As of August 2017, CBD has reached $550,000 in pledges. 6

7 Denominational News Camp Blue Diamond ( Summer Camp: Registration is Open!!!. Sign up soon to get your first choice since the camps fill up quickly. UBBC pays half the cost. Jr-High Retreat: grades 6-8, February 23-25, 2018 Annual Dinner: March 23 & 24, 2018 Spring Work Day: April 7, 2018 Quilt & Craft Camp: April 20-22, 2018 Father & Sons Retreat: April 27-28, 2018 Senior Adult Day: June 1, 2018 Church of the Brethren 2018 Annual Conference Living Parables is the theme of this year s Annual Conference being held in Cincinnati Ohio with Moderator Samuel Sarpiya. Registration for delegates and non-delegates will open on Thursday, March 1, Middle PA District Church of the Brethren District Women s Retreat May 11-12, 2018 The District Women s Spring Retreat will be held on May 11-12, 2018 at Lurel Lodge, Halbritter Estates in Duncansville with Marlys Hershberger as the guest speaker. First time attendees are free. Scholarships are also available. More information coming soon! 7

8 UBBC NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 Our Mission Woven Together in love, We seek like Jesus To serve God s world Justly, Simply, Compassionately. Believing that God s unbounded love and grace are offered to all and meant to be shared and celebrated by all, we embrace persons of every age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnic and religious background, and economic means as vital and integral members of God s family. We welcome EVERYONE to participate in all aspects of the worship, membership and life of our church. UBBC Staff: Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Pastor Karen Duclos Moser, Director of Christian Ed Christopher Kiver, Director of Music University Baptist & Brethren Church 411 S. Burrowes St. State College, PA16801 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED February 2018 Newsletter Inside! Phil Jones, Property Manager Leona Foore, Organist Kim Hunziker, Pastoral Intern Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID State College, PA Permit No. 121