UBC Miami

church basics

ubcmiami — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:20:41 +0000

Acts 2

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

There is consistence.
Truth is spoken.
People have social gatherings.
People eat & pray together.
There’s awe felt worship & miraculous witness of God.
There’s commonality & sacrifice.
There’s no division within the body. (of one mind)
There’s mobility.
There’s serving with sincerity and gladness.
There’s praise given to God.
They have a great reputation.

And God added daily.

For more on who and what the church is – view UBC Miami’s “CHURCH” message series.

hallelujahs in haiti

ubcmiami — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:52:48 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Toni Cawley, a fellow UBC-er, went to Haiti to help serve with the largest hospital setup in Haiti (conducted by UM Jackson Hospital). She said “this was the hardest work she’s ever done.” You can see their spirit lifted higher in praise to the One who is worthy of all our praise no matter what we face in life. Please keep praying for Haiti. http://www.ubcmiami.org/haiti

we should whittle

ubcmiami — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:01:07 +0000

Whittling is the art of carving shapes out of raw wood with a knife.

Whittling is typically performed with a light, small-bladed knife, usually a pocket knife. Specialised whittling knives are available as well. They have thick handles which are easier to grip for long periods allowing precise control and pressure. (Wikipedia: Whittle)

Leadership I’ve found is a lot like whittling – it’s definitely a discerned exercise of precise control & pressure towards a common creative goal. Something Jesus I’m sure as a carpenter, a man, and as God in the flesh displayed so well. So, I had a meeting with our talented communication staff yesterday trying to whittle down our purpose as a team – revisiting the “what” and “why” we do what we do. I asked them to describe to me a work situation where they experienced the moment of ”man, this is what I am passionate about!”- where they knew they were “in-the-zone” of what they are shaped to do. In all our sharing, each story was whittled down to seeing a God-need being met through our simple act of service, witnessing a person or group of people easily finding and learning to follow Christ.

So we bounced around the idea – to chisel down our purpose as a ministry to be:

“We do everything we can to help people find and follow Christ!”
(which just so happens to be in alignment to our church’s purpose!)

We update our website…so people can find and follow Christ.
We shoot and edit videos…so people can find and follow Christ.
We produce signage…so people can find and follow Christ.
We send press releases…so people can find and follow Christ.
We design logos..so people can find and follow Christ.
We pray together…so people can find and follow Christ.
We simplify..so people can find and follow Christ.
We upload podcasts…so people can find and follow Christ.
We fix typos…so people can find and follow Christ.
We share stories…so people can find and follow Christ.
We think of creative solutions…so people can find and follow Christ.
…and so on.

Questions:
Where/When do you find yourself the most fulfilled and invigorated – used by God?
What seems to be the common thread among those moments?
How can you simplify “that” into one easy memorable phrase?

Related reading:
Was just reading Kem Meyer’s post today – and thought it was relevant. Check it out!
5 ways to start dissolving silos… http://bit.ly/ap8u7n

the napkin thing

ubcmiami — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:40:32 +0000

I was honored to speak this past Sunday at UBC Miami along with Bill White & share some stories that have shaped my life.

“Draw Me A Picture” Watch Now.

hallelujahs in the night

ubcmiami — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:56:37 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Ray Sanchez

ubcmiami — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:27:54 +0000

weak christians

ubcmiami — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:02:10 +0000

So this was my tweet a few minutes ago (needs more than 140 characters)…

greggackle - Listened to Francis Chan’s message for One Prayer. Gave me that 1985 post Rocky IV feeling. Listen now - http://alturl.com/xgwd

- and without ruining it for you…I hope you leave the message feeling encouraged and empowered. I need these messages every now and then. Because, I got to admit that there are days where I just know something is wrong in my walk. And I’m not talking about just days where I am tired and weak. But days where I believe my weakness as the end all and be all. This is when it is so important for me to recognize that lie and quickly turn off the things that are keeping me weak and turn on the things that power me up. For me today it was stop thinking about work, spend time with your son, stop thinking about work while spending time with your son, spend time with God (not just a quick prayer but actually blast some worship in the house and strum the vocal cords), put Caden to bed, pray over house, eat a light dinner because you ate too much pizza for lunch – lay on the couch and listen to someone who believes in the power and strength of God – so you can remember what is in you…and it’s more than just gatorade. Doesn’t matter how little or big you believe He is, you’ve got to listen to this message (http://alturl.com/xgwd). Became one of those need-to-be-logged moments of the year where I worshipped – not only because He knew I needed it – but because He’s deserved more of it from me. Reader, if you do believe in God – I pray a boldness over your life that is wrapped in love and self control and would permeate into everything you do. If you do not believe in God, I pray you would not be afraid to wonder what if?…and then that you would see clearly His power and love that He has for you right now.

It was in my weakness tonight that I found my Strength again.

Zoraida Ojeda

ubcmiami — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:49:47 +0000

Bill White

ubcmiami — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:06:51 +0000

Ginger Mokher

ubcmiami — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:46:31 +0000