I thought about that classic church sign recently. The one that asks, “What’s Missing from CH__ __CH?” And beneath that are the letters, “U R.” The idea, of course is to demonstrate that you are (U R) a necessary part of church.

The reason I thought about that is because for the first three weeks in September, we’re going to be looking at the ways you are needed at UBC, and I’ve been struggling to come up with a name for the series. I thought it could be fun to riff on that old sign and ask, “What be missing from __ __ C?” The answer would be that “U B” missing from “U B C!”

I thought it was pretty cute, but, despite being grammatically incorrect, it’s also not true—not on Sunday mornings, anyway.

Thanks be to God, our average weekly attendance has been steadily rising, especially over the last year. Yes, church attendance trends have changed for a number of reasons (years ago, “regular” attendance meant coming three-to-four Sundays a month, whereas now people are considered regular if that come twice or even once a month). Yet despite all the vacations and ball games and visits to grandkids and pajama worshipping from home via YouTube, we’ve been seeing a lot of new faces at UBC, and we’ve been seeing them become less new as they return and demonstrate a desire to grow closer to this family of faith.

So my half-way clever catch phrase wouldn’t cut it. The main point of this series isn’t that people need to be at church more on Sunday (though I would always love to see our “regular” faces more regularly!). The point, instead, is to demonstrate the ways people can be involved at UBC beyond just on Sunday. It’s not necessarily that “U R" missing from our church. It’s that “U R” vital to our church—it’s that UBC needs U!

This is such an important time to make that clear. Thanks to the chaos of COVID and the length of a healthy interim between pastors, our ministry teams at UBC fell out of their pattern of normal rotation. This means that people who started serving five or six years ago (or in some cases, even longer than that) are still on the teams for which they originally agreed to serve only a two or three year term! It’s long past due, not only to THANK these folks who’ve served long beyond what they signed up for, but to get things running efficiently again. And, more than that, it’s the perfect opportunity to look at our teams ministry in general and do some tidying up, doing away with teams that are no longer necessary, bringing in a new team or two that might better reflect our needs today, and review our rotation structure to ensure that serving the church isn’t a burdensome duty, but a joyful gift that also gives back when we offer up our time and talents. Three weeks won’t be enough to accomplish all of that, but it will allow us to start by exposing everyone to the needs that exist at our church and inviting everyone to consider where their spiritual gifts might line up with a certain area of ministry at UBC.

Now, some might be wondering, “Spiritual gifts? How do I know what those are?” Well, they’re honestly closely tied, not only to the things we do well, but to the things that we love doing at a heart level—things that give us life, even as we do them for others. But, because that can be a difficult thing for some people to identify, there are several surveys and inventories available to help people understand the gifts God has given them. One of them, prepared by the United Methodist Church, can be found here—it’s simple and straightforward, and I would strongly encourage everyone to sit down at some point during this series and take 10 minutes to see what gifts you might have inside you.

Each week, through the framework of our guiding “W’s”—Welcome, Wonder, and Walk—we’ll be naming all sorts of opportunities and areas of ministry that line up with the gifts God’s calling you to put to work at church. The aim is to inform and challenge folks—especially those who love UBC but might not yet be plugged in to service—to find their way to be involved.



Because this church is moving forward. We’re seeing new faces. We’re doing new things. We’re sharing Jesus’s love across every corner of Chapel Hill in new and exciting ways. I am SO excited about what God has on our horizon. But we can’t get there without greasing the wheels and getting the train moving in that direction with some new people on board. So fill out the inventory, come on Sundays, and prayerfully consider how you can plug in, because UBC NEEDS U!

4th Annual Franklin All Nighter

Sundown to Sunup, November 1-2

We cannot believe the 4th Franklin All Nighter is on it's way, UBC Family! Many of you are on the Franklin All Nighter email list but for those who may have missed it, here's a little update on how much we've accomplished together.

Over the past 3 years, we have raised more $87,000 for mental health awareness and to support local mental health services for UNC students, student athletes, and those currently unhoused right here in Chapel Hill.

We know our UBC family played a huge role in caring for our neighbors in this way--so thank you to each of you! We could not do it without you and cannot wait to see what's in store for this year.

Our goal for this year is to raise $30,000 for local mental health services for:

• UNC students - offered through UNC Counseling and Psychological Services - "CAPS"
•    UNC student athletes - offered through UNC Athletics Mental Health and Performance Psychology program - "MHPP"
•    The unhoused in Orange County - offered through the Street Outreach, Harm Reduction & Deflection team - "SOHRAD"

If we reach this year's goal, we will have raised well-over $100,000 for these services together!

So, if you haven't had a chance to sign-up to participate, volunteer, donate, or sponsor, check out those options available at the button below!

Student Sunday 2025

Another Student Sunday is in the books! The day was an absolute blast. We greeted our returning students, got to meet so many new faces, and ended the day with a special performance from the Clef Hangers (and their honorary member)! We are so thankful to all of our volunteers who made the day so special for our students--especially our fearless Hospitality Team. Check out some moments from the day below.

Student Lunches & Fellowship Resuming September 7, Volunteers Needed

UBC will be restarting University Student lunches & fellowship after worship in the Great Hall on Sunday, September 7. These lunches are separate from our annual Student Sunday. We welcome all university students to attend!

We would like to ask for your help. There are volunteer slots available to bring a meal, dessert, and/or to prep/serve/clean-up. If you would like to volunteer, you may sign-up here.

For questions, please reach out to the church office.

Know some university students? Please invite them to attend! We would love for them to join in!

“Adopt” a Tar Heel Opportunity - Family Volunteers Needed

Resuming for the 2025-2026 academic year, this ministry connects college students (even Blue Devils!) with a family from the UBC congregation who will walk alongside students during their college journey.

So far, 6 students and 3 families have signed up to connect with one another. Families are encouraged to reach out soon, if interested.

If you are a college student or family who would like to participate, please email admin@ubc-ch.org to connect with Susan Anderson (UBC coordinator) and Jacob Schwier (CBSF, UNC Chapter President).

CBSF Fall Retreat!

The Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship Fall Retreat for College Students and Young Adults is coming up September 26-28. Click here to register or for more info!

Upcoming Youth Group Gatherings

Youth Group will gather from 5pm-6:30pm in Youth Room, unless otherwise stated:

• Sunday, September 7
• Sunday, September 21
• Sunday, October 5
• Sunday, October 19
• Sunday, November 9 (Bonfire at the McCoys!)
• Sunday, November 23
• Sunday, December 7 (Youth Christmas Party!)

Request for Youth Group Leaders and Helpers

Parents and church members are invited to help plan and lead one of the above listed Youth Gatherings for Fall 2025. Sundays, November 9 and December 7, are all set for volunteers but if you are interested in assisting during any of the other dates, please reach out to Betsy Watson via the church office.



CBFNC Youth Beach Retreat, October 24-26, at Fort Caswell

Deadline for Registration September 10

Parents, if you're interested in registering your kids for the retreat, please email the church office.

Children's Ministry Leaders and Nursery Attendants, Volunteer Opportunities

We’re looking for a few more folks to help care for and teach the children of UBC. If you feel led to help out with UBC's Children's Ministry—whether that means assisting in the nursery during worship or leading/helping during Sunday morning or Wednesday evening Children's activities—we’d love for you to consider joining the Children's Ministry Team.

If you want to get involved or have questions, just reach out to Emily Krieger, our Minister to Children.

Sunday Morning Children's Registration

All parents of children from babies to 5th graders, please look for the registration table (coming soon to the Gathering Area) to update your child's information for Sunday morning activities. Thank you for helping us to have the most current information on your child, and your whereabouts on Sunday mornings in case of an emergency.

Bibles to Kindergarteners, Sunday, September 28

Children entering kindergarten this fall will receive a Bible from the church during worship on Sunday, September 28. If you have a child entering kindergarten this year or an older child who never received a Bible from a church, please let Emily know.

Let us Make a Joyful Sound, Join UBC Chancel Choir

Like to sing? Chancel Choir rehearsals gather weekly on Wednesday and will meet at 6:30pm through September 3. Rehearsals will meet at 6:45pm on Wednesdays once Wonderful Wednesdays resume on September 10.

Handbell Ringers Needed

Rehearsals gather after 11am worship on Sundays. Stay tuned for when handbell rehearsals will resume.

Contact Minister of Music & Worship, Craig McCoy, if you are interested in joining Chancel Choir or Handbells.

UBC Choral Scholars Ministry

UBC offers choral scholarship positions to area college students during the academic year, whose interests are in ministry of music within the local church. These positions allow students to participate in the overall music ministry by singing with an accomplished church choir and possibly participating in one of the following musical responsibilities with children, youth or handbells. The scholars are encouraged to be involved in the college ministry of the church and enjoy the opportunity of fellowship within the University Baptist Church family.

If you would like to contribute to this student scholarship ministry, any contribution to, "University Baptist Church Choral Scholars," is appreciated as we maintain this ministry to students. You may contribute by check or online here by selecting "Choral Scholars" in the fund drop-down menu. Scholarships are $1500 per academic year.

Wedding Registry Links available here and here.

Sunday Morning Classes Resume Sunday, September 7, 9:45am

Elementary - Children's Hallway

Youth - Youth Room

Young Adult, Married, Singles (YAMS) - Hospitality Room

Adults - Insko Classroom

Wonderful Wednesdays Resume, September 10, 6pm

Adults will gather in the Community Room with Children's Activities gathering on the Children's Hallway. Chancel Choir rehearsal will meet at 6:45pm in the Choir Room.

Church Council and Church Conference, Gathering by Zoom, 6p

Church Council: Monday, September 29

Church Conference: Monday, October 13

*Zoom invites sent the morning of these meetings.

2025 Football Parking Volunteering and UNC vs. Clemson Game

Volunteers are needed 4 hours prior to kick off to assist checking in fans who have reserved a parking space.

Sign-up to volunteer by clicking here.

Additional volunteers needed for the UNC vs. Clemson game on Saturday, October 4. ESPN will be hosting a podcast event in a section of UBC's parking lot that day with football parkers parking in another section of UBC's lot.

4-5 volunteers that day would be appreciated to assist with football parking needs as well as the needs of ESPN personnel which will be similar to typical football parking needs.

Helping Churches Thrive Creative Workshop Retreat, November 14-15

at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem

You're invited! We would love for the UBC family to participate in this retreat together at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.

The retreat will feature plenary speakers and breakout sessions on topics such as church legal issues, financial sustainability, building vibrant volunteer cultures, hybrid staffing models, cultivating authentic community, leading change, navigating division and more.

The cost is $25/person without accommodations. To register or for more info, visit their website here.

If you and/or your family register, let other members of the UBC family know they'll be in good company by RSVP'ing here!

Questions for our church office? Feel free to reach out.

Invitation from Chaplain Xavier Page:

A Biblical and Therapeutic Life Course

The Doors of the Church Are Open. Now, What? The Wonderful Counselor Invites You on a Journey of Change and Transformation—Through the Integration of Faith-Based and Evidence-Based Therapeutic Practices. The Invocation Begins at the Intersection of Theology and Psychology.

This is a four-week Biblical and Therapeutic Life Course, a faith-based, evidence-informed course using the Faith-Based Positive Change Model (FBPCM) led by Chaplain Xavier Page, M.Div., MA, LCMHC. This will be a closed group with 6 to 8 participants and will include a combination of both FBC and UBC church members.

Meetings are on Tuesdays at 6pm, starting September 9, 2025, and ending September 30, 2025. A follow-up session is scheduled for October 14, 2025, at 6pm. If you are interested, please email xavier@historicalheal.com.

Tellers Needed! The Teller Team is in need of new volunteers to assist with counting after worship on Sundays. The team is looking for both consistent and fill-in volunteers.

Usher/Greeter Team Needs Your Help! Greeters needed for Worship services. Usher/ Greeter duties include setting up for services, passing out bulletins, etc. Your help would be so appreciated! Click here to sign-up!

IFC Community Kitchen UBC assists the IFC Community Kitchen by providing volunteers from 10a until 1p on the 1st Saturday of each month. To sign-up, click here.

Giving to UBC Online? You may set-up one-time or recurring giving by clicking here! Church members can sign-up for a Realm account to track giving, here.