Hello Friends:

 

Today marks one year after the deadly attacks by Hamas on people in Israel. Since that time tens of thousands of people have been killed with no end in sight. Presidential candidates really don’t have a solution to this mess. They’d rather talk about immigration, the hurricanes, the economy, battleground states. I get it, and yet the body count rises. What is the faithful response as people are distracted? Of course we want an end to the bloodshed. Of course we want hostages released. Of course we want a homeland for Palestinian people alongside Israelis. Of course we want the whole area to be at peace instead of mired in a regional war, aspects of which have been playing out for centuries. Jesus reminds us that we are to be peacemakers. He doesn’t say how, he just says to do it. I guess that’s our challenge.

 

Jean Lubke, Denise Roy and I are attending the Alliance of Baptists Thriving for Racial Justice conference in Washington, DC Monday-Wednesday of this week. I’m looking forward to seeing members of the other 25 churches that are part of this five-year study and witness program. While I’m out of town, Jane McBride is on call for any pastoral emergencies. You can reach her at 612-598-2432.

 

The word is that now over 200 people have died in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and thousands more are left without homes, food, electricity and potable water. If you want to make donations for disaster relief, you can do so at the UBC web site https://www.ubcmn.org/giving. We’ll pool these funds and send them down through the ecumenical disaster relief organization One Great Hour of Sharing. The Alliance of Baptists has a resource for other giving opportunities: https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene?fbclid=IwY2xjawFnuX9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYOogrMPjvDaoOyFMm8qfyai0oejhEmAs2zBylE02M-O2HmaFnizj11alA_aem_PpJgrebNTk5yR9gWp8TIFg

 

On Sunday, my sermon is entitled “Tell The Truth.” I John 4:7-26, Jesus encounters the famous Woman at the Well. She has been ostracized, belittled and bullied by her neighbors. She has to gather water in the heat of the day by herself, instead in the cooler hours accompanied by her friends. She’s a lonely figure. Jesus recognizes her and names the truth of her life. And it starts her conversion experience. What truths do you keep to yourself? What truths would make us better off if told? What frustrates you about the current state of malleable truth—falsehoods disguised as truth? Lots to think about. Carrie Lubke will be the worship leader and the UBC Chorale will sing.

 

After church on Sunday, we’ll hear from Myrtle Lemon-Todd who will tell us the latest about trans rights in Minnesota and how crucial these issues are in the current election cycle.

 

Blessings and Peace,

 

Doug Donley

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This week's schedule:

Monday thru Thursday—Meals on Wheels. If you would like to help, please contact Marie LaFrance at (763) 220-8909

 

Tuesday—7pm Memoirs Group

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83145841908?pwd=djhuSmMwZ1NESXZ5SExNOURXa2FNQT09

 

Wednesday—6pm UBC Chorale rehearsal—no bell choir rehearsal this week

 

Thursday—9am-noon Garden Team

 

Friday—11am Every Meal

 

Saturday—10am Card Club at the home of Jean Lubke

 

Saturday—1pm Grace in Contemporary Literature by Women

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5176976753?pwd=NG15ZlNlbDcwUElzTWFmLzRyZm5OQT09

 

Sunday—10am Service at UBC

11am (or so) Joys and Concerns—not live-streamed but on Zoom 

Meeting ID 839 4725 7444 passcode 257750 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83947257444?pwd=cFZCWEdqUkR0RDgwT0JwT3hrQ3FpUT09

11-11:30am Refreshments in the lounge.

11:30am Bible Study (library) Forum (lounge)

1:30pm UBC Council Meeting

4-6pm Sacred Harp

 

Sunday Worship

Worship in the sanctuary or via livestream on the UBC YouTube page.

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