“Grab Bag: The Trinity”
Matthew 28:16-20
A sermon preached by the Rev. Douglas M. Donley
August 22, 2010
University Baptist Church
Minneapolis, MN

Well, we have reached the end of three sermons form the UBC grab bag.  I have really enjoyed this series.  It has caused me to dust off old books, reexamine my beliefs and pushed me to go deeper as I look for the relevance in the topic selected both for me, for the original writer and for the larger congregation.  I don’t think these selections are accidents and I believe God will use our examinations of these topics in unexpected ways.  I think I’ll do a Bible Study on some of the other topics later on in the year.  There were some great things suggested by you all.  Last Sunday, jay linnell picked the topic at the end of the service.  It read: “I would like to her a sermon on the Trinity”.  So, here we go.

This topic elicited several responses from UBCers.  Even Nadean Bishop passed along an old sermon of hers.  I’ll get to that in a minute.

Prayer Shawl Liturgy December 20, 2009
University Baptist Church
Minneapolis, MN

I received my shawl as I waited in the hospital for a simple surgical procedure.  I was surprised to be the recipient of the beautiful shawl since I was to go home later the same day.  But a magical thing happened when I covered myself with it:  I felt a real sense of peacefulness and support – as though I was encircled by loving hands and thoughts.  When I got home, I rested in my bed and covered myself with my shawl.  It provided warmth, and I know for a fact it supported my healing.  Thank you.

When I got my prayer shawl, I felt like my life was falling apart.  It was extremely touching to be given a handmade shawl (and a big hug!), and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone.  I slept with the prayer shawl for many months that winter, and it still reminds me that my UBC family will help me get through things.  The people at UBC have been a big part of my recovery, and I’m so thankful for this symbol of the love and care that helped me get through some very tough times.

I have both knit some prayer shawls and received one.  I don't really know which of the two gave me the most warmth.  I can't really honestly claim that I prayed for the recipient with each stitch, but certainly at times during the knitting process and definitely when I finished it.  And though many of the hours making it were done in private, some of the hours were done in the company of other knitters.  And that is where much of the warmth occurred.  I would use words like camaraderie, fellowship, delight. And generosity, when I received it, because I know first hand the love and effort it took (and money, for all that yarn!) 

“You hem me in behind and before and lay your hand upon me…For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:5, 13, 14)

Rivers of Paradise 2009-10 Worship Series

In our worship at UBC this year, we seek to reconnect with the image and challenge and opportunity of paradise.  Seeing the rivers near us remind us that we flow near and through paradise and we seek to reclaim a paradise perspective on the world. Paradise is not simply something we receive after death. It's something we also reclaim and establish here on earth. The is a strong and neglected root of our Christian faith.

Join us on the journey down the rivers of paradise at UBC.

University Baptist Church has a vibrant music program. All the music groups at UBC are open to new members at any time. We welcome you to join the fun! The program year begins in early September and runs through early June.

• The UBC Chorale
• Special Music
• The Carillon and Majors Bell Choirs