15 Apr New Episode of UB Now with guest, Matt McKeown

In the latest episode of UB Now, our host, Brian Biedenbach sat down with Matt McKeown from Daytona First Church of the United Brethren in Holly Hill, Florida. Matt is great storyteller and is full of great stories, and he was excited to talk about a partnership that is developing between two very different churches in their community.

This was a fun and insightful episode to record and is definitely worth a listen. You can listen by clicking on the media player above or by searching for it on your preferred podcast directory.

07 Mar Pray for Haiti

We received the following note from our friends in the Canadian UB Conference with an update on the unrest in Haiti. As you read this, we invite you to join us in prayer that the hearts of the people would turn toward peace and restoration.

“Social order continues to deteriorate in Haiti. This past weekend, gangs took over several police locations and two jails. This is not far from where some UB churches are. It was a very violent takeover that left many dead; thankfully no UB members were killed. 

A local UB shared this: 

Things are very bad, I have never witnessed this kind of escalation during this 5 year crisis. The streets are now 10× more unsafe due to more than 4,000 convicts that are roaming the streets of the capital and probably the countryside by now.

The streets are empty, there’s been lots of gunshots echoing in every neighborhood within the capital.

Many police stations have been attacked, things are completely out of control.

Let us cry out in prayer for Haiti. A mighty move of God is needed to see things restored. Our friends in Haiti are hurting but it does comfort them to know we are praying.”

05 Mar Getting Ready for the Ministry Leader Summit

The Ministry Leader Summit returns to Daytona Beach, April 29 through May 3. This event offers opportunities for associate staff serving in United Brethren churches to pull away, slow down, and be refreshed. This year Dr. Terry Linhart (Bethel University, Arbor Research Group) will join us to share some insights from his book, The Self-Aware Leader.

Click here to learn more about the event and how you can register.

18 Jan Just Released: UB Now, A Podcast to Connect and Resource Church Leaders

We have just released the first two episodes of a new podcast called UB Now featuring stories of what’s happening right now in local UB churches around the country. Episodes consist of interviews with local church pastors and ministry leaders discussing both the exciting things the Lord is doing in their midst as well as the challenging issues they may be facing.

Episode 1 features Ryan Koch (Hopewell UB), sharing his vision for strategic partnerships and relationally-centered ministries. In episode 2, you will hear from Ben Gladhill (Lake View Church) about the value of investing in people and empowering leaders.

Our hope is that these stories, and many more to come, might serve as a point of connection for church leaders walking through similar situations as well as a way for us  to resource, encourage and learn from one another.

You can listen to UB Now online or on your favorite podcast app. New episodes will be released every 2 weeks. If you have a story you would love to share on the podcast reach out to Brian Biedenbach, Communications Director, via email at brian@ub.org.

06 Jan Position Opening: Pastor in Greencastle, PA

Ebenezer Church in Greencastle, PA is a congregation with a rural feel within close proximity to the I-81 corridor in south-central PA. We are looking for a pastor who will enable us to connect with people and lead them into an authentic and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments where people are equipped and encouraged to “point up, point in, and point out”.

Our next pastor will be an effective communicator who preaches the gospel as the unerring Word of God and possesses a shepherd’s heart. The ability to encourage people to identify and use their spiritual gifts, and enable others to assume and carry our leadership are essential. Skill and experience in connecting with young people (18-30) will be a benefit. It is also expected that this individual will maintain professional ministerial credentials with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA.

Ebenezer Church is a church family of about 200 people, built on faith and led by the Holy Spirit to worship and to be witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our staff includes a part-time youth pastor and part-time secretary/treasurer. We are financially stable and have facilities which enable our needs.

If this sounds like something for which God has been preparing you, please send a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and a current photo to bishop@ub.org.