March 1, 2026
Worship presents our annual
Stewardship Sunday Service:
“Singing it Back”
Alyssa Halliday & Kris Kines, Worship Co-Leaders
Gary Smart, Pianist
Tim Edwards, Violinist
Stewardship is defined as the “responsible care and management of something that matters.” Here at BBUUC, we focus on the spiritual need to give—to express generosity by sharing time, talent, and treasure. It’s the act of weaving unseen forces into form to create a force for love. Our stewardship theme for the 2026-27 year is “Vision Quest,” inviting us all to individually and collectively envision the unfolding future of our congregation, where we are called as a faith community, and how we will answer. Our Worship Service will focus on how we care about what matters through the many lenses of stewardship, how we might use our resources collectively, and how we hear our individual calling, or personal “song” to guide us to purpose and action.
Don’t forget to bring your loose change (or extra paper money) for our monthly “Pennies from Heaven” collection!
The March benefactor is the Clay County Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, whose mission is: “To nourish and clothe those in need so that no one goes to bed hungry.” This support is especially vital right now, as many individuals and families are struggling, and access to benefits remains uncertain.
Our service will conclude with a luncheon for all, prepared by the fabulous North Florida School of Special Education!
About our Guest Musician
Timothy Edwards began his violin studies in the public schools of Detroit before studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and the University of Michigan (MM). He has performed extensively, holding positions as section performer, principal, and concertmaster at the DesMoines Metro Opera, Flint Symphony, Toledo Symphony, with substitute positions with the Detroit Symphony and Jacksonville Symphony. Timothy enjoyed a vibrant teaching studio of gifted young musicians and has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Florida State College of Jacksonville. He currently serves as soloist and chamber music collaborator on the staff of four churches in the Jacksonville area; and holds the position of Concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville, a primarily volunteer organization which provides free concerts to the greater Jacksonville community.
About our Member Musician
Dr. Gary Smart is a Presidential Professor of Music at the University of North Florida. His career has encompassed a wide range of activities as composer, classical and jazz pianist, and teacher. He composes and improvises music that reflects an abiding interest in Americana, jazz, world music, and Western classical tradition. He has performed in major venues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His “Concordia” for orchestra won the Concordia Jazz Competition Award and premiered at Lincoln Center, New York. Dr. Smart has spent two residencies in Japan, teaching programs at Osaka University and Kobe College. He has also taught in Indonesia as a “Distinguished Lecturer” for the Fulbright program.