As we come to the close of our summer in Oklahoma, many of you have enjoyed some time away to refresh, visit family, and have new experiences.  Sarah and I visited Fredericksburg, Texas for our 25th wedding anniversary and were able to make some new friends with some lovely elephants…hopefully we made other friends as well!

Our vision at UHBC is to create an environment of grace where people grow in their relationship with Christ.  This includes how we interact with each other, how we treat guests, the appearance of our church, and how we engage with our community.  However, creating this environment of grace MUST be intentional as it doesn’t happen automatically.  Therefore, I wanted to encourage us as we will soon be back all together again starting August 16th to find ways to share and show grace.  Park further away and walk a little so the parking lots close by can be used for guests, or join the greeter team with a smile, or help pass out donuts through donut Sunday’s, or most importantly just smile and talk to people you don’t know.  Then, when you may get your toes stepped on or not like something or prefer something else, or may not even be drawn to someone - show them a little grace.  Remember, we get to spend eternity together!

Beginning August 16th we will start a new series called “Kid’s Stories for Adults” where we will look at some familiar Bible stories in the Old Testament with fresh eyes as adults. Invite someone to church with you and let’s be known for what we love and not for what we hate.

FROM AUSTRALIA TO UHBC: MEET JACOB
We're excited for you to get to know Jacob Keats, our candidate for University Director/Minister. Jacob grew up along the coast of South-East Queensland, Australia, where he developed a love of coffee, surfing, and the outdoors. He came to faith in Christ in 2020, at just nineteen, and that decision set the course for his life ever since. What started as personal conviction grew into a real passion for theology and for helping others encounter the same truth he found, leading him from volunteer youth leadership into vocational ministry training. Jacob currently serves as Student Minister at Chancellor Church, where he leads Bible studies and discipleship groups for young adults, teaches in children's ministry, and provides pastoral care to church members. Pastor Rodney first met and discipled Jacob while serving in Australia, so this connection has been years in the making.

FORMAL VOTE • AUGUST 16
Provided things go well with Jacob, UHBC will have a formal vote on Sunday, August 16th, during our church worship service. Please continue to pray for Jacob and for our process moving forward.

BRING IT, GIVE IT, TAKE IT
Something good is coming to UHBC. On August 15th, from 8am to 1:30pm, we're throwing open our doors for a Free Giveaway, and everyone is invited. Neighbors near and far are welcome to come browse, shop the tables, and take home whatever they need. No cost, no catch, just our church family finding practical ways to bless our community.

WE NEED YOUR HELP
This day doesn't run itself, and we'd love your hands on deck. Whether you're greeting guests, hauling boxes, or helping folks load up their cars, there's a spot for you. Sign-up sheets are waiting in the lobby, so grab one and let's make this a day our community remembers.  

HAVE ITEMS TO GIVE?
Clean out those closets and garages. Drop off donations at the church anytime during the week of August 10 to 15, or bring items the morning of the event between 6 and 8am. Please, no clothing items.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to our first ever adult pickleball tournament winners! Taking home 1st place were David and Trish, 2nd place went to Gavin and Drew, and Rodney and Joel rounded out the podium in 3rd place. Thanks to everyone who came out to play, cheer, and make our first tournament a fun success. We can't wait for the next one!

BIG THANKS
Thank you to our congregation for making it possible for university students to gather for lunch together all summer long. And a special thanks to those hosting in August, your hospitality means more than you know. A full belly makes for a very happy student!

UHBC GIFT BRINGS NEW ULTRASOUND MACHINE
Linda Rosenthal recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony representing UHBC at Stillwater Life Services. Lori Hatfield, director of SLS was able to order an ultrasound machine which meets specific needs of our community due to the generous gift our church was able to give. Statistics show that women who are able to hear the heartbeat and see the child they are carrying chose life more frequently. What a thrill to see God use the donations UHBC has made to save the lives of the innocent unborn.

SHOW GRACE
School is beginning soon and starting Sunday August 16th, if you are able-bodied please use our parking lot next to the McKnight Center to free up parking spots closer to the church for our guests and senior adults. Not only will you get a fresh walk in, you show grace to someone you haven’t even met yet.

YOUTH Bowling | August 5
Youth will meet at Frontier Lanes this Wednesday from 6-8PM. Please get dropped off and picked up at Frontier Lanes. The church will cover bowling and shoes; please bring money for food and snacks.

ADULTS NIGHT OUT | August 6
Join us from 6-8pm for 'open' pickleball play at the HUB. Borrow a paddle and just show up. Jacob Keats will be there, so you can engage with him as our potential University Minister/Director.

MEETING | August 9
Sunday School Teachers meeting August 9 - 8:30am in room 109 with guest Jacob Keats

END OF SUMMER EVENT | August 9
Ready for some FOAM fun? Join us from 4-6pm as we celebrate the end of the summer and going back to school! There will be foam, ice cream, and FUN!

August 9 | 4-6PM
Bring your favorite ice cream and/or topping and share! From 4-6pm in the Fellowship Hall, join us for a chance to interact with our potential College Minister/Director - Jacob Keats

August 16 | 4-6PM
Swim party at the Lawsons from 6-8pm! Lets celebrate the end of summer and welcome in the new youth being promoted. Address will be released closer to the date.

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY
Join us Wednesday mornings from 9:30–11:00 AM in Room 102 for an 8-week study of the Psalms by Sandra Richter, beginning August 26 and concluding October 14. If you enjoyed last year's study of Deborah, you'll love this one! The tentative plan is to study the Psalms of Ascent in the spring.

All women are welcome. Bring your Bible and let the church office know if you plan to attend so we can order your study book. Books will be available in August, and payment is due when you receive yours.

SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, November 7th | doors open at 9:30am

Ladies, please join us this year for a tradition that has gone on for ages! We will have music, brunch and a guest speaker.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
PSALM 23:2-3

MISSION MOMENT: BELIZE 2026 
This year, eight people from UHBC embarked on our annual mission trip to Belize, joined by four other team members, to share the love of Christ with the Belizean people.
Together, we were able to:

As always, our mission team was blessed beyond measure by the friendly, kind, and beautiful people of Belize.
As we continue to pray and listen to God's plans for this ministry, we invite our entire UHBC family to consider where you might serve—whether that is on the ground in Belize, Panama, or here in the USA, or by sewing bags and aprons from home. Sharing God’s love and story is an incredible blessing!
Thank you so much for your continuous love, prayers, financial support, and encouragement, which allow us to share our blessings across the world.