UBA's Annual Celebration is just around the corner—This Sunday, Oct 23, 4pm-7pm if you haven't heard yet.
Last year was our first attempt at the citywide worship, fellowship, and celebratory event, and we think it went fairly well (if we do say so ourselves). And this year's shaping up to be EVEN BETTER than last.
In anticipation of this year's celebration, we asked the staff and churches who attended what their favorite parts of last year's event were. Here's what they had to say:
Josh Ellis, Executive Director
Last year's meeting exemplified so many things that make UBA a great association. First, our celebration was gospel-centered in the same way that the mission of UBA is gospel-centered.
Second, it showcased the diversity of our churches and leaders by proclaiming the Word and worshipping God in multiple languages and rightfully treating all racial groups as equals.
Lastly, our celebration maintained its priorities as we emphasized what God was doing in our city and spent only minimal time conducting the business at hand. These are just a few of the things I loved about our annual celebration and what I hope to continue this year as well.
Kevin Abbott, Chief of Staff
My favorite thing about the annual celebration last year was having the privilege to experience a brief snapshot of heaven, Revelation 7:9, “After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes”.
What an experience it was to be able to worship with the nations, right here in our Association, in our city of Houston!
Bryant Lee, Church Consultant
My favorite thing was the charge to fulfill the Great Commission in our communities in our generations. Matthew 28:18-20
Brianna Perea, Administrative Assistant
It was great to see people from different churches across the city gathering and connecting. I loved seeing the testimonials from different churches about how being a part of UBA has helped them serve their communities well.
Victor Marte, Church Consultant
My favorite thing was to worship in my native lenguaje and to see others that didn’t understand what the songs said, still worshiping in the Spirit and vice versa.
Cris Alley, Church Consultant
Last year's annual celebration was a strong reminder that the gospel we have in common can build a unity the world desperately wants but can't possibly achieve.
Alex Martinez, Administrative Assistant
The worship experience was awesome! I loved seeing different cultures together worshiping The Lord in different languages. Kind of like a taste of heaven! I felt a sense of unity and love.
Campo Londoño, Church Consultant
People mentioned to me how the [multi-lingual] Scripture reading was emotional for them.
Marie Burrus, Communications Specialist
As someone who works remotely from out of town, I was struck by the unified diversity. I saw the variety of cultures in Houston unified by a love for Christ, and it was beautiful. Plus, it was just a lot of fun! Meeting and fellowshiping together with our churches felt like a glimpse of Heaven.
But don't just take our word for it. The feedback we got from the event survey showed similar excitement from churches that attended. Here's what they had to say:
Great, encouraging night!
Loved it!
Highlighting the Spanish-speaking community was fantastic. It's not about us; it's about Him!
We hope to see you in a few days. If you haven't already, RSVP so we know you're coming!
The Annual Celebration is one of the best living experiences of UBA's diversity, gospel unity, collaborative nature, and celebration of God's work in all corners of our city.
Here are five things you need to know before you get there.