A Word from Paul

Working with college students requires me to stay sharp on the vernacular of our younger generations. As I’ve shared before, I’m far from fluent in today’s linguistic trends, but I try to know enough to at least survive a conversation with an undergrad, and in my studies over the last year or two, I’ve picked up on a phrase I actually kind of like—“It’s giving…”

The expression is used to describe something that evokes the vibe of something else. Someone might say of my appearance, for instance, “It’s giving ‘Jason Bateman.’” Or of my office the week before the All Nighter, “It’s giving ‘tornado aftermath.’” Or of my attempts to understand Gen Z speak, “It’s giving ‘dad desperately trying to be relevant.’”

And while that may be true, in my desperate attempt at relevance I’ve noticed the phrase popping up more often as the days get shorter and the leaves change hues. I’ve heard students excitedly comment on how the smell of pumpkin spice is “giving Halloween,” or how the cooler air is “giving fall.”

And as we advance deeper into autumn, it’s made me wonder, what activities, what artifacts, what markers might lead one to say,“It’s giving November”?

There are the obvious answers, like turkeys, or flannel overshirts, or political ads everywhere you turn. But in thinking about our church, I’ve realized that “What’s giving November” at UBC is, well, giving.

This is a season to celebrate harvest, to recognize what we have, and from that recognition, consider how we can be generous with our blessings. One of the ways we do that here is by making November the month during which we encourage everyone to reflect on how they give to our fellowship.

As will be made clear in the Sunday morning “giving testimonies” taking place this month, gifts to the church come in many forms. People give incalculable amounts of time to the ministries of our church, some of which is out front and visible, but much of which is also hidden behind the scenes. Folks at UBC offer their expertise by serving on different teams relevant to their skills and passions, they give encouragement when people in our congregation struggle, they contribute by spreading the word about what God is doing here, embodying the Welcome, Wonder, and Walk of Jesus in their own lives.

But in November, we like to place a special emphasis on financial giving, in particular. This is the time of year when we distribute our Estimate of Giving Cards, and invite people to consider what monetary gifts they will aim to make to our church in the coming year, as those are essential to our Budget and Finance Team’s work in constructing the budget that will guide us come January. And while, most years, giving estimates will trickle in through December, or sometimes even early January, this year we are encouraging everyone to please return their cards by the end of this month, so that we can have everything we need to responsibly plan for next year.

Because if this last year is any indication, we have exciting things in store. Our church is growing—we’ve added 12 members and seen more consistent visitors this year than I can remember. We took more youth than we have in a long time on summer and fall retreats. And our college ministry continues to expand, as well; anyone who prepares Sunday meals can tell you that there are always plenty of mouths to feed, and at this year’s NC Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship fall retreat, we brought more students than any other campus in the state.

But as we grow, so do our needs! In our facility, for instance, there are roofs that need replacing, paint that needs refreshing, and audio/visual systems that need upgrading. Or, consider our youth—our increase in numbers is terrific, and we can expect that to continue as our fifth graders transition to middle school, but serving them with only volunteers is becoming unsustainable. Just as we have a Children’s Minister to serve the kids who are learning to love God at UBC, we need a Youth Minister in whom we make an equal investment so their spiritual growth can continue into the delicate season of adolescence.

And so, just as November invites us to be grateful for all of the good things that are happening in our fellowship, it also challenges us to consider how we will give in response. So please, take time this month to prayerfully consider what giving looks like for you and your family at UBC. Perhaps you’ve never submitted an Estimate of Giving Card before, but you feel like 2027 might be the year to start. Perhaps you’ve been a giver for a long time, but are excited by the life that’s swirling at UBC, and you’re compelled to pledge a little more in order to bolster the good things that are happening. And, whether you’re able to make a financial commitment or not, perhaps we’re all inspired to offer some time and talent to helping us be a refreshing expression of Jesus here on the corner. Whatever gifts you feel led to offer, please know your commitments are between you and God alone, and beyond our Financial Administrator, no member or minister in this church knows who submits estimates of giving or what amounts they pledge. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, the specifics of what a person gives are far less important than the fact that a person gives. Because sacrificing our time, our energy, our resources, or anything else for the Kingdom of God, isn’t about drawing attention to ourself. It’s about setting an example that sends attention to something greater, and giving others an opportunity to look at our church and say, “Wow…It’s giving JESUS.”

Pre-Franklin All Nighter Set-up and Volunteer Opportunities:

Wednesday, November 4 at 6pm in the Great Hall

We invite you to come and get in on the pre-FAN fun.

If you're not able to able to make it for the prep day, please check out the other volunteer opportunities available!

To volunteer for Franklin All Nighter, you may click here.

Franklin All Nighter Breakfast & Celebration Service

Sunday, November 8, 6:45am & 7:45am

In the Great Hall after Franklin All Nighter. We’ll start with breakfast and the celebration service will follow. Everyone is welcome!

Regularly scheduled Sunday Morning Classes, 11a Worship, & Student Lunch will not gather.

5th Annual Franklin All Nighter

Sundown to Sunup, November 7-8

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

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

Registration is open now! Student registration fee is $10 with code STUDENT25.



To register, donate, or sponsor, click the button below!

Fall 2026 Youth Group Gatherings

All Sunday meetings gather 5pm-6:30pm in the Youth Room, except for Franklin All-Nighter and unless otherwise stated. 

• Saturday sunset-Sunday sunrise, November 7-8 (Franklin All-Nighter) 
• Sunday, November 22
• Sunday, December 6 (Christmas Party)

Youth and Eliza Brooks at Horse Farm

Thank you to, Eliza Brooks, for inviting the Youth Group to learn more about working on a horse farm!

FBC at UBC Thanksgiving Meal & Fellowship

Wednesday, November 18, at 5:30pm in the Great Hall

Our annual Thanksgiving meal with FBC is coming up! This year, we will gather for a meal and fellowship.

A worship service will not follow the meal but we hope to return to our usual worship time together next year.

Church Council and Church Conference

Church Council Meeting: Monday, November 30, at 6pm

Church Conference: Monday, December 9, at 6pm

*Both meetings will have options to gather in-person or by Zoom.

Pastor-Deacon Led Cookout 2026

The Deacons Team and Paul cooked up some burgers and hot dogs for us back in October. From the smiling faces, good conversation, and the kids' football game, you'd never know the grill gave the deacons a hard time! Thank you to John Whitley, Deacon Chair, and the rest of the Deacons Team for rolling with whatever came and hosting a great cookout for the UBC Family.

Music & Worship Ministry

Last Wonderful Wednesday Gathering of Fall 2026, November 11

FBC at UBC Thanksgiving Meal & Worship will gather the following Wednesday, November 19, at 5:30pm. Wonderful Wednesdays will resume January 13.

Advent 2026:

Advent Decorating, Sunday, November 22, after Worship

To help decorate, please gather in the sanctuary after worship. Many hands appreciated!

First Sunday of Advent & One Event, November 29

Sunday morning classes & student lunch will not gather.

Christmas Choral Worship Presentation

Sunday, December 6, during Worship

This choral worship presentation will be offered by the UBC Chancel Choir.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion

Thursday, December 24, 2025, at 6pm

All are invited to this special Christmas Eve Service.

CBSF Friendsgiving! Thursday, November 19

Stay tuned for details.

Student Lunches & Fellowship, Final Gathering of Fall 2026, November 22

These lunches gather in the Great Hall after worship.

Volunteer host needed for November 15 meal. 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!

Student Exam Care Packages - Donate Through Sunday, November 29

We are collecting donations for student exam care packages, to help & encourage the students of UBC as they prepare for upcoming exams!

If you would like to donate, you may sign-up by clicking here.

We are collecting for a group of about 25 students. If you select an item, please make sure to bring enough for each care package.

All donations may be brought to the 1st floor gathering area and placed in the bin marked “Student Exam Care Package Donations.”

Please bring donations to UBC by Sunday, November 29.

Thank you, UBC Family, for the love you give our students!!

CBSF Exam Study Day, Thursday, December 4, 8am-4pm, in the College Room

All college students welcome. Exam care packages and a jolt of caffeine will be in the College Room to help you get through your first study day!

Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 20, during Worship

We invite you to join us for a special Christmas presentation from our UBC Children & Youth Ministries. More good tidings on this special worship service coming soon!

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

Stewardship season is here, and we're taking time to reflect on all the ways we give and the many ways our generosity makes a difference in the life of our church and community.

At UBC, giving is about more than what's in our offering plate.

Your generosity takes many forms, and we're grateful for each of them. From caring for the ministries and people at the Heart of UBC, to tending the physical spaces God has provided to our congregation as a Home base, to supporting new ideas and special causes, like Franklin All Nighter, that help our church grow and share our Harvest with our local and broader community. Every gift plays a part in the life we share together.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite you to prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to give. You may submit your Estimate of Giving for 2027, using this link here.

We hope you'll join us as well for New Consecration Sunday on November 22 as we gather in worship, give thanks, and celebrate the many ways we are called to give of ourselves in the way of Christ.

Thank you for being part of the UBC family. We're grateful for your generous hearts and for all the ways we get to share in this life of faith as we Welcome, Wonder, and Walk together.

Members in Service

Sunday, November 8

Franklin All Nighter Celebration at 6:45am then 7:45am! Regularly scheduled Sunday worship and activities will not gather.

Sunday, November 15

Cross Bearer: Jake Adams

Greeters: Megan Facer, Stan Comer

Nursery: Betsy Watson, Mary Frances Norman, Robbie or Victoria Crowder, Ryleigh Fulghum

Tellers: Patrick or Eliza Brooks, Rachel Wheaton

Church Office Closed, Monday, November 9

Church Office Closed, Thursday-Friday, November 26-27

2026 Football Parking

Volunteers Appreciated

Volunteers are needed 4 hours prior to kick off to assist checking in fans who have reserved a parking space. The sign-up sheet is available here.

Sunday Morning Greeting Opportunities

Church Members and College Students Appreciated

Greeters assist before/during Sunday Worship services. Greeter duties include setting up before worship, passing out bulletins, etc. Your help would be so appreciated! Click here to sign-up!

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.