Newsletter 4-8-2025

TOPH’S POST

It is with a lot of deep gratitude, sadness, and a myriad of other emotions I want to share with you that last year on two separate occasions, friends informed me of a potential job opening in Austin.  I was not actively looking for anything, but after much discernment I applied once the job was posted.  Three weeks ago, I accepted an offer to become the next Associate Pastor of University Baptist Church Austin and went down in view of a call this past weekend (which is the final step in the interview process).  On Sunday, the congregation of UBC Austin affirmed my call to be their next Associate Pastor and I will start August 1st.

This community has allowed me the privilege of serving as one of your pastors for almost 15 years, and I know I am leaving at a time in which UBC is thriving under the leadership of Andie, Jamie, Nicole, and Jess.  I love this current iteration of staff, and I’m deeply sad to leave the cohesive team we have formed together.  I am so incredibly proud of the work we have done collectively as a community over my 15 years here and have nothing but hope and optimism for UBC’s future.  At this point in my life and career I sense I am ready for a new challenge, and I am ready to push myself out of my comfort zone and move to a new place.  

I will be working with Andie and the staff on what the transition will look like, but all along I have told UBC Austin I want to have ample time to close out my time here well.  My last Sunday will be sometime in July, and I would love to see as many of you there as possible.   We will have plenty of time over the next several months for proper goodbyes, but I want to tell you all how much I love you.  I love each of you, and I am grateful for the ways in which you serve and love our community, and I am immensely grateful for the ways in which you have cared for and loved me.  For anyone reading this: I would love to grab coffee, lunch, dinner, or a pint with you over the coming months to say thank you.  Thank you UBC for all your love and care, let’s have a hell of a time together over the next several months. 

With all my love,

Toph  

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Wheel of Awareness Group- Wednesday- 5:30pm

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Picnic at Miss Nellie's Pretty Place- April 13th, after church

UBC will provide light sandwiches, chips and fruit. You are welcome to bring something to share or pack/pick up lunches for your family!

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

EASTER EGGS FOR THE EASTER EGG HUNT
We are having an Easter egg hunt directly after church on Easter Sunday, and are currently accepting huntable egg donations. Please do not bring eggs with chocolate or peanuts due to allergies in our kiddos.

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March Madness Update!

I’d like to congratulate our March madness bracket winners: Frank Ely, and espnfan for winning the men’s and women’s bracket!! Since these are not your real names, contact Toph@ubcwaco.org to set up a lunch meeting of your choice. 

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

CAMP UBC: RENEW

We are putting on a day camp for rising pre-k through rising 3rd graders July 14th-17th from 9-noon. This four day camp will focus on a gardening/sustainability theme, and guide students through expressing their faith and love for the community around them.

Register your kids!

Share with your friends too! Learn more and register here.

Volunteer!

Adults and students 6th grade and up can volunteer! Sign up here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Maundy Thursday Potluck-Thursday, April 17th, 5:30pm

Good Friday Liturgy - Friday, April 18th, 5:30pm

Easter Egg Hunt- April 20th

Donations needed of filled Easter eggs (no chocolate or nuts, please).

Mister Rogers Sunday - April 27th

It is our annual Mister Rogers service at the end of the month, and if you are graduating HS, college, grad school, or PhD we would love to honor you during the service.  We would also love to have you stay after church for a special lunch with staff.  Please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubwaco.org. If you have any questions, contact Toph.

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/13- Jamie

4/20- Andie

4/27- Mister Rogers

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Kyle Howerton
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 4-1-2025

ANDIE’S POST

Oh In The Night

We are about midway through Lent, and as we start each Sunday liturgy with an acknowledgement of weariness and dark, I am experiencing something interesting: settledness. Coziness.  A sense of ease.  How does that relate to the questions we ask of God and ourselves during this season?  How does closeness with and gratitude for my church community factor into the reality that we are a people within time trying to understand a timeless God?  Something beautiful and surprising is solidifying in my head, heart, and theology.  I often talk about the Divine in one another, but it is almost as if the sum is greater than the parts when acknowledging the Divine within the body of Christ.  I find a new answer to the question, "What is God like?" when I open myself to the answer, "God is like the community of UBC."  We gather in a building, in each other's homes, at the park, at our UBC kiddos' school events, and I see the essence of the omnipresence of God represented.  In the dark, things root and grow.  The darkness incubates.  I see us being incubated together during Lent, and it is a strange and wonderful process that will lead us into deeper celebration at Easter.  Thank you for joining in it with such vulnerability as we seek to grow, not just individually, but corporately, in the nature and likeness of Christ this Lent.  In so many ways, we are all together what God is like.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Wheel of Awareness Group- Wednesday- 5:30pm

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

UBCYP and College Hangout - April 3rd - 7pm at Toph’s Casa

If you are a young professional or college student, join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout on Thursday, April 3rd at 7pm at Toph’s Casa.  We will be having dinner together and discussing what we would like to do for our end of the year party.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church this Sunday, or email toph.

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March Madness Bracket Challenge

March Madness is back, and we are doing our annual bracket challenge.  Join either the ESPN Men’s Bracket Challenge and/or ESPN Women’s Bracket challenge.  The group name for both groups is: "UBCWaco Madness!"  The winner of each bracket challenge will receive a free lunch with Toph at the place of your choosing.  Contact Toph if you haver any questions.

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

CAMP UBC: RENEW

We are putting on a day camp for rising pre-k through rising 3rd graders July 14th-17th from 9-noon. This four day camp will focus on a gardening/sustainability theme, and guide students through expressing their faith and love for the community around them.

Register your kids!

Share with your friends too! Learn more and register here.

Volunteer!

Adults and students 6th grade and up can volunteer! Sign up here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

ubcKids camp fundraiser- Sunday, April 6, Skate Waco (401 Towne Oaks Dr.) 2-5pm

Picnic at Miss Nellie's Pretty Place- April 13th, after church

UBC will provide light sandwiches, chips and fruit. You are welcome to bring something to share or pack/pick up lunches for your family!

Maundy Thursday Potluck-Thursday, April 17th, 5:30pm

Good Friday Liturgy - Friday, April 18th, 5:30pm

Easter Egg Hunt- April 20th

Donations needed of filled Easter eggs (no chocolate or nuts, please).

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/6- Andie

4/13- Jamie

4/20- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 3-25-25

TOPH’S POST

Spring is upon us in Texas, and I am not afraid to jinx it: winter is over, and we now prepare for the hopefully slow march towards the hellish sweltering temps of Texas in the summer.  However, before we all resign ourselves to always being inside in the comforts of air conditioning out of fear our bodies may melt, we have the lovely opportunity to enjoy this beautiful Spring weather.  This is my favorite time of year in Texas, and what I offer below our my top three free or low-cost things to do while the weather is nice. 

#1 – Sunset at Woodway Beach – If you take Bosque all the way to Woodway Park and keep driving, you will hit a dead end at Woodway Beach.  This is hands down the best place to watch the sunset in the city.  Take some chairs, or a blanket, or just sit in your car and enjoy the view.

#2 – River Trail in Cameron Park – This is a lovely out and back trail along the river in Cameron Park.  You can park at Jacob’s ladder and catch the trail by the river from there.  The trail is flat, and easy to navigate, it’s a great spot for kids and adults.  This is a great option on the warmer days, as most of the trail is shaded by trees.

#3 – Cameron Park Zoo – This is one of the best seasons to visit our wonderful zoo here in Waco.  The animals are out and about more often with the weather being so nice, and the zoo is a great spot to spend a few hours walking around.  If you have ability to go on Monday or Wednesday, the zoo offers discounted tickets (Monday – one full price tickets can buy two other tickets at %50 off.  Wednesday – resident of McClennan county can enjoy $10 tickets per person)

Honorable Mention for best patio dining this time of year: Slow Rise on the Brazos, Brazos Landing, Revival Eastside Eatery, and Opal’s.  

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Wheel of Awareness Group- Wednesday- 5:30pm

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

UBCYP and College Hangout - March 27th - 7pm at Toph’s Casa

If you are a young professional or college student, join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout on Thursday March 27th at 7pm at Toph’s Casa.  We will be having dinner together and discussing what we would like to do for our end of the year party.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church this Sunday, or email toph.

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

n’UBC’ers Luncheon - March 30th - noon

Are you new to UBC in the last 6 months?  If so, we would love to have you stay for lunch after church on March 30th.  The luncheon is a time to learn more about UBC’s history, and how you can get involved.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March Madness Bracket Challenge

March Madness is back, and we are doing our annual bracket challenge.  Join either the ESPN Men’s Bracket Challenge and/or ESPN Women’s Bracket challenge.  The group name for both groups is: "UBCWaco Madness!"  The winner of each bracket challenge will receive a free lunch with Toph at the place of your choosing.  Contact Toph if you haver any questions.

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

ubcKids camp fundraiser- Sunday, April 6, Skate Waco (401 Towne Oaks Dr.) 2-5pm

Maundy Thursday Potluck-Thursday, April 17th, 5:30pm

Good Friday Liturgy - Friday, April 18th, 5:30pm

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/30- Andie

4/6- Andie

4/13- Jamie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 3-18-2025

ANDIE’S POST

Maybe We're the Lucky Ones

I grew up around extended family.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins galore.  The first baby I held other than my own little sister was my little cousin.  There was nothing like a loud, food-filled dinner in my grandma's kitchen after spending all day swimming in her pool.  Her backyard was very small, but filled with every kind of rose bush you could imagine.  I spent my summers begging my parents for one more sleep over at her house, one more drive-in movie night with my cousins, one more swim before coming back home.  When we moved, I knew that I was taking that same reality away from my kids.  In Washington, we lived five minutes from my parents, ten minutes from my older sister, and my little sister was moving into the same neighborhood we had just left.  I grieved for the experiences my kids would no longer have.  Family is a loaded word when applied to the church, and as a policy, I don't use it.  Today, I am going to break my rule. 

Last night, we spent thirty minutes exploring what deeper love for God and our enemies looks like through the example of St. Patrick.  Jamie painted a picture of a man so overcome by God's love that he returned to his former captor to offer grace and forgiveness.  After, we had a UBC game night.  We sat around three tables and the couch in the Backside and ate, laughed, and engaged in some friendly smack talk.  At one point, the twins were running around playing catch with Jaxson Franklin.  At another, I looked to my right and Sharyl Loeung was holding McCrae Mackey who was grinning at me ear to ear with his new toothies.  Georgia Dizdar taught my daughter Evers how to skip.  My daughter Hazel snuggled Maggie Kleinbeck while playing Skip Bo with Emma Balaban, who is in my MiCasa.  High schoolers hung out with soon-to-be middle schoolers, and now they'll know each other next year at youth group.  Connection took place in beautiful and surprising ways, and I found myself acutely grateful for the trust and ease of our UBC community, for the familial warmth I've found.  We chose engaging as a core principle for 2025, and I am sensing that value embodied more each day.  It is vulnerable work to love well, and it can take grace and forgiveness to continue in relationships when we inevitably experience hurt.  Last night was a reminder to me that engaging deeply in this community is worth the effort.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Wheel of Awareness Group- Wednesday- 5:30pm

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Town Hall- Sunday, after church

Beer & Hymns w/ First Pres & St. Matthew’s, Brotherwell Brewing, 12:30pm

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March/April Dinner Clubs

Are you looking for a way to get to know other UBC’ers?  Do you eat dinner?  March/April dinner clubs are getting together, and you can sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org  You will be placed with 4-6 other people, and your commitment will be for everyone to find a time to grab a meal together 1-2 times in March or April.  If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

March Madness Bracket Challenge

March Madness is back, and we are doing our annual bracket challenge.  Join either the ESPN Men’s Bracket Challenge and/or ESPN Women’s Bracket challenge.  The group name for both groups is: "UBCWaco Madness!"  The winner of each bracket challenge will receive a free lunch with Toph at the place of your choosing.  Contact Toph if you haver any questions.

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP and College Hangout - March 27th - 7pm at Toph’s Casa

If you are a young professional or college student, join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout on Thursday March 27th at 7pm at Toph’s Casa.  We will be having dinner together and discussing what we would like to do for our end of the year party.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church this Sunday, or email toph.  

n’UBC’ers Luncheon - March 30th - noon

Are you new to UBC in the last 6 months?  If so, we would love to have you stay for lunch after church on March 30th.  The luncheon is a time to learn more about UBC’s history, and how you can get involved.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

ubcKids camp fundraiser- Sunday, April 6, Skate Waco (401 Towne Oaks Dr.) 2-5pm

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/23- Andie

3/30- Andie

4/6- Andie

4/13- Jamie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 3-11-2025

JAMIE’S POST

Greetings.

I am currently on a retreat at a cabin in Whitney. I’m alone, apart from the roadrunner that chases butterflies through the back meadow and the family of deer that wander through around dusk. I’m also spending time with a stack of books, one of which I first read about 10 years ago when Craig recommended it to me as a good Lent read. It’s Annie Dillard’s For The Time Being, a collage of reflections on time and death and humanity and meaning. For today’s newsletter, I wanted to share a passage that came back into my life yesterday. This was written in 1999:

Is it not late? A late time to be living? Are not our generations the crucial ones? For we have changed the world. Are not our heightened times the important ones? For we have nuclear bombs. Are we not especially significant because our century is?—our century and its unique Holocaust, its refugee populations, its serial totalitarian exterminations; our century and its antibiotics, silicon chips, men on the moon, and spliced genes? No, we are not and it is not. These times of ours are ordinary times, a slice of life like any other. Who can bear to hear this, or who will consider it? Though perhaps we are the last generation—now there’s a comfort. Take the bomb threat away and what are we? Ordinary beads on a never-ending string. Our time is a routine twist of an improbable yarn.

We have no chance of being here when the sun burns out. There must be something heroic about our time, something that lifts it above all those other times. Plague? Funny weather? Dire things are happening. In fact, we are witnessing a mass extinction of animals: According to Oxford’s Robert M. May, most of the birds and mammals we know will be gone in four hundred years. But there have been five other such mass extinctions, scores of millions of years apart. People have made great strides toward obliterating other people, too, but that has been the human effort all along, and our cohort has only broadened the means, as have people in every century. Why are we watching the news, reading the news, keeping up with the news? Only to enforce our fancy—probably a necessary lie—that these are crucial times, and we are in on them. Newly revealed, and we are in the know: crazy people, bunches of them. New diseases, shifts in power, floods! Can the news from dynastic Egypt have been any different?

THIS WEEK

NO YOUTH GROUP (SPRING BREAK)

NO PINTS WITH TOPH (SPRING BREAK)

NO WEDNESDAY WHEEL OF AWARENESS GROUP (SPRING BREAK)

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, March 16th-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy- Monday, March 17th, 5:30pm

Test Your Luck at a St. Patrick's Day Game Night!
March 17th 6pm-8ish
*Insert every St. Patrick's/four leaf clover/gold coin stereotype here* because we are having an all-church game night!  Immediately following the St. Patrick's Day liturgy, you are invited to stay and play board games, eat snacks, and spend time connecting with other UBCers.  Bring a snack to share and your favorite (reasonably lengthed) board game; we'll provide the beverages.  Sign up in the lobby or email andie@ubcwaco to register! 

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for Lee and Norm

Lee recently had foot surgery and is unable to put any weight on it. We have the chance to support her while she recovers and Norm while he cares for Lee. Sign up here.

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March/April Dinner Clubs

Are you looking for a way to get to know other UBC’ers?  Do you eat dinner?  March/April dinner clubs are getting together, and you can sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org  You will be placed with 4-6 other people, and your commitment will be for everyone to find a time to grab a meal together 1-2 times in March or April.  If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Town Hall- March 23rd, after church

n’UBC’ers Luncheon - March 30th - noon

Are you new to UBC in the last 6 months?  If so, we would love to have you stay for lunch after church on March 30th.  The luncheon is a time to learn more about UBC’s history, and how you can get involved.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/16- Craig

3/23- Andie

3/30- Andie

4/6- Andie

4/13- Jamie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 3-4-2025

JAMIE’S POST

Greetings. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the gateway into Lent, and our built-in annual reminder that we are all going to die one day.

I’ve come to be quite appreciative of such a reminder, prone as I have been in the past to characterize life as a thing that will begin later, after meeting such and such goal or crossing some benchmark or another. Life is not a thing that happens later. Life is happening now; always now. And it is a gift. A gift that, in its own strange way, is enhanced by the fact that it doesn’t last forever.

Ash Wednesday finds us again each year wandering through the clutter of our days to shake us awake and reignite the fires of our intention in the time we share with one another, in the way we make meaning, and in the way we love.

I hope to see you tomorrow at 7am or 5:30pm, but in case I don’t: remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.

THIS WEEK

Ash Wednesday Liturgy- 7am or 5:30pm

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Ubckids Fundraiser at Freddy’s in Hewitt- Thursday, March 6th, 4-8pm

Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am

If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for Lee and Norm

Lee recently had foot surgery and is unable to put any weight on it. We have the chance to support her while she recovers and Norm while he cares for Lee. Sign up here.

Mealtrain for the Lemmons

NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

March/April Dinner Clubs

Are you looking for a way to get to know other UBC’ers?  Do you eat dinner?  March/April dinner clubs are getting together, and you can sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org  You will be placed with 4-6 other people, and your commitment will be for everyone to find a time to grab a meal together 1-2 times in March or April.  If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, March 16th-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy- Monday, March 17th, 5:30pm

Test Your Luck at a St. Patrick's Day Game Night!
March 17th 6pm-8ish
*Insert every St. Patrick's/four leaf clover/gold coin stereotype here* because we are having an all-church game night!  Immediately following the St. Patrick's Day liturgy, you are invited to stay and play board games, eat snacks, and spend time connecting with other UBCers.  Bring a snack to share and your favorite (reasonably lengthed) board game; we'll provide the beverages.  Sign up in the lobby or email andie@ubcwaco to register! 

Town Hall- March 23rd, after church

n’UBC’ers Luncheon - March 30th - noon

Are you new to UBC in the last 6 months?  If so, we would love to have you stay for lunch after church on March 30th.  The luncheon is a time to learn more about UBC’s history, and how you can get involved.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/9- Andie

3/16- Craig

3/23- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 2-25-2025

ANDIE’S POST

Spring is Springing, but am I?

I love this time of year in Texas (said the brand new Texan), because there are the most beautiful, bright days interspersed with cozy grey.  All of a sudden, my laundry is folded, I'm cooking more, and oh wait, what's that?  I worked out?!  As the slump and seasonal depression melts, I am faced with a bit of a dilemma: How do I embody the joy and renewal of a new season when the pain and fear of our previous season have followed me in?  I consistently wrestle with the tension between being a source of hope and holding space to weather the evils and realities we are watching unfold.  I saw someone on Instagram refer to the Queer community with the letters LGBQ, embracing the anti-Trans rhetoric that is working its way through our nation. I fear for our national parks.  I mourn for the loss of jobs and the threat of job loss.  And also, two UBCers want me to baptize them.  And also, new UBCers are rooting into our church community left and right.  And also, I'm planning a sabbath retreat for my MiCasa.  And also, my daughter stood up for her and her friends at school yesterday.  My precious church, I love you, and I say this with love (and not with any intention to foster avoidance): Lean into the And Alsos.  That is where the life comes from.  That is where we are refreshed.  That is how we embody the love of the God who was embodied in Jesus.  It is a beautiful thing to be alive, and as we move into the Lenten season, we are reminded, with gratitude, of just how short that existence really is.  I find myself longing to be together with you all in new and fresh ways that reflect the grace of spring, and I am excited about what God is resurrecting in our life and midst.  

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Spring Story and Tea Time -  March 2 - noon

Join us for a brand new event on Sunday, March 2 after church.  We are going to gather together and hear stories either told or read.  The theme of this Spring Story Time is “new life.”  Do you have a favorite story you would like to read or tell about new life?  This open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to participate and read or share their own stories.  You can sign-up in the lobby if you want to share a story, or email toph@ubwaco.org.  UBC will provide small sandwiches and chips and drinks.  We would like you to bring some tea to share and exchange with others.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

UBC NEW BABY TEAM

ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.

Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

**UPCOMING**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ash Wednesday Liturgy- March 5th, 7am or 5:30pm

Ubckids Fundraiser at Freddy’s in Hewitt- March 6th, 4-8pm

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, March 16th-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy- Monday, March 17th, 5:30pm

Test Your Luck at a St. Patrick's Day Game Night!
March 17th 6pm-8ish
*Insert every St. Patrick's/four leaf clover/gold coin stereotype here* because we are having an all-church game night!  Immediately following the St. Patrick's Day liturgy, you are invited to stay and play board games, eat snacks, and spend time connecting with other UBCers.  Bring a snack to share and your favorite (reasonably lengthed) board game; we'll provide the beverages.  Sign up in the lobby or email andie@ubcwaco to register! 

Town Hall- March 23rd, after church

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/28- Andie

3/2- Andie

3/9- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 2-18-2025

JESS’S POST

I thought a lot about what to write today, because the truth is, the world feels really disorienting right now. I wanted to find a poem or thoughtful reflection by another author to share, but nothing felt quite right. 

So instead, I give you my own reflection: 

The world is really bleak right now, and my two-year old niece told me she loves me. 
The world is really bleak right now, and I had delicious pad Thai a few weeks ago. 
The world is really bleak right now, and I finally feel like my antidepressants are working. 
The world is really bleak right now, and my friend is getting gender affirming surgery. 
The world is really bleak right now, and my girlfriend told me she loves me. 
The world is really bleak right now, and I love the new season of Severance. 
The world is really bleak right now, and women's sports are the most popular they've ever been. 
The world is really bleak right now, and I got a great tax return. 
The world is really bleak right now, and my soccer team plays this week. 
The world is really bleak right now, and Andie told me she loves me. 
The world is really bleak right now, and I slept well last night. 
The world is really bleak right now, and the barista gave me my drink for free this morning. 
The world is really bleak right now, and my queer group chat told me they love me. 
The world is really bleak right now, and

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

UBCYP and College Hangout - February 20th - 6:30pm

Join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout at Toph’s Casa on Thursday evening, February 20th.  We will be having dinner together and playing some games.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

**UPCOMING**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spring Story and Tea Time -  March 2 - noon

Join us for a brand new event on Sunday, March 2 after church.  We are going to gather together and hear stories either told or read.  The theme of this Spring Story Time is “new life.”  Do you have a favorite story you would like to read or tell about new life?  This open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to participate and read or share their own stories.  You can sign-up in the lobby if you want to share a story, or email toph@ubwaco.org.  UBC will provide small sandwiches and chips and drinks.  We would like you to bring some tea to share and exchange with others.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy- March 5th, 7am or 5:30pm

Ubckids Fundraiser at Freddy’s in Hewitt- March 6th, 4-8pm

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, March 16th-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

Town Hall- March 23rd, after church

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/23- Andie

2/28- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 2-11-2025

TONIGHT

Toph Taco Tuesday - 6:30pm - Maria Mezcals

Join for us a special evening Toph Taco Tuesday downtown at Maria Mezcal’s.  See you there at 6:30pm on Tuesday, February 11.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Galentine’s Day- Thursday, 6-8pm

Email andie@ubcwaco.org to sign up!

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

**UPCOMING**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP and College Hangout - February 20th - 6:30pm

Join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout at Toph’s Casa on Thursday evening, February 20th.  We will be having dinner together and playing some games.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, February 23rd-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

Spring Story and Tea Time -  March 2 - noon

Join us for a brand new event on Sunday, March 2 after church.  We are going to gather together and hear stories either told or read.  The theme of this Spring Story Time is “new life.”  Do you have a favorite story you would like to read or tell about new life?  This open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to participate and read or share their own stories.  You can sign-up in the lobby if you want to share a story, or email toph@ubwaco.org.  UBC will provide small sandwiches and chips and drinks.  We would like you to bring some tea to share and exchange with others.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy- March 5th, 7am or 5:30pm

Border Immersion Trip - March 9-12, 2025

We are taking our first trip to the border as a community to learn more about the immigration crisis and learn first hand about the migrants’ experience seeking asylum in the US.  Spots are limited to 8 people, and there will be more trips later in the year.  If you would like more information, please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/16- Andie

2/23- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 2-4-2025

ANDIE’S POST

One day [Jesus] got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.  They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.  Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were terrified and amazed and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water and they obey him?” Luke 8:22-25 NRSV(UE)

The world's on fire, how 'bout yours?  Except unlike Smash Mouth, this is decidedly not how I like it.  I've seen responses to the rapid-fire executive orders from all over the spectrum: "Fight, fight, fight!" "Joy is resistance!"  "Avoid the overwhelm." "Unplug; take care of you."  All of those seem like really good options, which in of itself is overwhelming.  So I did what I do when I've run out of my own good ideas: I tune into my 90's middle school bracelet wearing self and wonder WWJD: What would Jesus do?  The story above is one of the few that appears in all three synoptic gospels, and you can take it a hundred different directions.  For me, I find within it some key elements that will hopefully give us some insight into what 2025 can look like.  First of note: Jesus was among friends.  He got into a boat filled with his companions; fellow sojourners on a walk of faith.  Second, he rested.  He felt safe enough to take a pause and let the lake lull him to sleep.  Third, when things hit a tipping point, he was ready and able to act.  He said what needed to be said, both to the elements and to his brothers.  He calmed the wind and waves and then asked the disciples a pointed question: "Where is your faith?"  Why didn't you calm the storm?  Why didn't you believe that I would?  I say to you, my precious UBCers, go and do the same.  Be among one another.  Come to a movie night or game night or special liturgy or start a MiCasa.  Come to Sunday mornings.  Be among friends.  Next, rest when you need it so that you are ready to act.  Act when the time comes.  Act, and be ready to call those around you to action who are too scared or feel too alone to speak up themselves.  We need each other today and always, and remember that the one who calms the storms is in your boat.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

PINTS WITHOUT TOPH (w/ Jamie)- Wednesday, February 5th, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Parents Night Out is this Friday from 6-8 pm!

We are looking for some extra hands to help pack Pack of Hope bags with the kids during this time. If you want to volunteer, reach out to Nicole at nicole@ubcwaco.org

SOUPer Bowl Lovefeast - February 9th - noon

It is one of the best times of the year, it is time for another Lovefeast at UBC.  This year, in honor of the Super Bowl, we are having a Souper Bowl Lovefeast after church on February 9th.  Please bring your favorite soup or stew to share (we can plug crockpots in during the service in the backside).  UBC will provide the drinks and bread, but we need you to bring your favorite soup or stew.  We will hang out, eat some good food, and debate who will the game that night.  This is another great chance to engage with your UBC community.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for Alice and Ceci

We can help support Alice and Ceci while Alice is recovering from the hospital. Ceci could use quick, easy meals she can also pack for lunch for work. Sign up here.

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

**UPCOMING**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (6pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Toph Taco Tuesday EVENING EDITION- Tuesday, February 11th, 6:30pm, Maria Mezcaleria

Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, February 23rd-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)

Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.

Border Immersion Trip - March 9-12, 2025

We are taking our first trip to the border as a community to learn more about the immigration crisis and learn first hand about the migrants’ experience seeking asylum in the US.  Spots are limited to 8 people, and there will be more trips later in the year.  If you would like more information, please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/9- Andie

2/16- Andie

2/23- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 1-28-2025

NICOLE’S POST

I have been thinking hard about how I’d like to include our UBC kids in our efforts to engage with and better our community and world around us. UBC is a special place that fosters inclusivity and belonging, and even our youngest little church goers feel the comfort and safety that goes with that. If you look out in the halls of the elementary Sunday school rooms, you can see the types of things the older kids came up with that make UBC special, and a common theme you’ll read is that “everyone belongs”. What a special gift we get to give these kids. This is a gift that I’d like to reach outside of the walls of our church, and be able to give to as many children as we can. 

One of the ways I’d like to engage our kids ministry with the church is doing things like our food drive for Pack of Hope. This organization ensures that local children facing food insecurity have enough to eat over weekends and breaks when school-provided meals aren’t available. Food insecurity affects almost 25% of kids in McLennan County. A quarter of children in our community- church, schools, friends- don’t know where their next meal is coming from. I want to fix it, yet I know I can’t cure it all. I’d like to start somewhere, though. 

At our Parent(s) Night Out on February 7th, the kids will assist in packing bags filled with food for those in need. It’s a tangible way for them to understand that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. 

My hope is that by involving our youngest members in conversations like this, we’re showing them they have the power to contribute. That we can see a problem, and start somewhere at trying to fix it. That no act is too small. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate with the kids, and welcome any ideas you may have for future ways to involve our UBC kids in serving our church and greater Waco community! Send me an email at nicole@ubcwaco.org to chat. :) 

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints with Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

UBCYP Hangout - Janaury 30th

Come join us for our first UBCYP hangout of the year in downtown Waco!  We will start at Southern Roots, then make our way over to Waco Ale.  You can sign-up by emailing toph@ubcwaco.org or in the foyer at church.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Chandler Family

You can sign up to help support the Chandlers as they carry the loss of Jeremy’s dad here.

Mealtrain for the Duke Family

You can sign up to help support the Dukes as they carry the loss of Holly’s mom here.

Food Drive for Pack of Hope

We are collecting food for Pack of Hope, an organization benefiting students in and around Waco that provides non-perishable, easy to cook food items over weekends and school breaks to kids who have food insecurity. We will be collecting food until Feb 2nd! Items include:

Mac n cheese cups 

Chef boyardee cans 

Applesauce pouches 

Fruit snacks

Breakfast bars 

Cereal- boxes or single serve cups 

Juice boxes 

Pudding cups 

Pop tarts 

Cookie packs 

Cheese crackers 

Slim Jim’s

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

**UPCOMING**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)

Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (6pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

PINTS WITHOUT TOPH (w/ Jamie)- Wednesday, February 5th, Pinewood Public House, 6pm

Parents Night Out- Friday, February 7th, 6-8pm

For kids age 3-6th grade. They’ll help pack bags for the Pack of Hope food drive, have pizza, and watch a movie! 

Souper Bowl Lovefeast - February 9th - noon

It is one of the best times of the year, it is time for another Lovefeast at UBC.  This year, in honor of the Super Bowl, we are having a Souper Bowl Lovefeast after church on February 9th.  Please bring your favorite soup or stew to share (we can plug crockpots in during the service in the backside).  UBC will provide the drinks and bread, but we need you to bring your favorite soup or stew.  We will hang out, eat some good food, and debate who will the game that night.  This is another great chance to engage with your UBC community.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Border Immersion Trip - March 9-12, 2025

We are taking our first trip to the border as a community to learn more about the immigration crisis and learn first hand about the migrants’ experience seeking asylum in the US.  Spots are limited to 8 people, and there will be more trips later in the year.  If you would like more information, please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/2- Kerri

2/9- Andie

2/16- Andie

2/23- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 1-21-2025

ANDIE’S POST

A Prayer for When You Wake Up and Everything's Changed:

Lord, I woke up this morning like every morning
Two of my kids went to school

Two of my kids crawled into bed for warmth and kisses
My thoughts wandered to you, tried to find you, but they were too loud

What now?

Why now?
Not another one! 

What about our earth? WHAT ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS?!

Lord, when I woke up, my fridge was full, my dogs were whining, and the laundry still needed folded
Teach me how to live and love when everything's the same, but everything has changed

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints with Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

UBC’s 30th Birthday Party - January 26th - noon

UBC is turning 30 this month, and we would love to celebrate with you.  We are going to be throwing a party after church on the 26th of this month, and we want you to come and invite your friends.  We will have food, drinks, games, party favors, and epic playlist to get us in the spirit.  UBC will cover everything for the party, we just want you to show up!  We will also have a slideshow of UBC through the years, so if you have any pictures please send them to toph@ubcwaco.org before Thursday, January 23rd.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Pryor Family

Jessica is home from Colorado after a cancer reoccurrence and surgery. They would appreciate support from their friends at UBC during a rough recovery! Sign up here.

Food Drive for Pack of Hope

We are collecting food for Pack of Hope, an organization benefiting students in and around Waco that provides non-perishable, easy to cook food items over weekends and school breaks to kids who have food insecurity. We will be collecting food until Feb 2nd! Items include:

Mac n cheese cups 

Chef boyardee cans 

Applesauce pouches 

Fruit snacks

Breakfast bars 

Cereal- boxes or single serve cups 

Juice boxes 

Pudding cups 

Pop tarts 

Cookie packs 

Cheese crackers 

Slim Jim’s

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Toph Taco Tuesday- Veronica’s Restaurant- January 28th- noon

UBCYP Hangout - Janaury 30th

Come join us for our first UBCYP hangout of the year in downtown Waco!  We will start at Southern Roots, then make our way over to Waco Ale.  You can sign-up by emailing toph@ubcwaco.org or in the foyer at church.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

Parents Night Out- Friday, February 7th, 6-8pm

For kids age 3-6th grade. They’ll help pack bags for the Pack of Hope food drive, have pizza, and watch a movie! 

Souper Bowl Lovefeast - February 9th - noon

It is one of the best times of the year, it is time for another Lovefeast at UBC.  This year, in honor of the Super Bowl, we are having a Souper Bowl Lovefeast after church on February 9th.  Please bring your favorite soup or stew to share (we can plug crockpots in during the service in the backside).  UBC will provide the drinks and bread, but we need you to bring your favorite soup or stew.  We will hang out, eat some good food, and debate who will the game that night.  This is another great chance to engage with your UBC community.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Border Immersion Trip - March 9-12, 2025

We are taking our first trip to the border as a community to learn more about the immigration crisis and learn first hand about the migrants’ experience seeking asylum in the US.  Spots are limited to 8 people, and there will be more trips later in the year.  If you would like more information, please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

1/26- Andie

2/2- Kerri

2/9- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 1-14-2025

TOPH’S POST

New Beginnings

We are 13 days into 2025, and I still must remind myself what year it is when I am writing down the date on something, and this isn’t something new, I struggle with it every year.  At the start of each year, I wade through the first few weeks looking forward to the new year, while still feeling like I am living the previous year.  It takes some time to adjust to the newness, to let it sink it, to turn the page. 
I have been thinking about fresh starts this year, and all the ways new beginnings happen in life, the ones we choose, and the ones thrust upon us by life.  New beginnings can be exciting, anxiety producing, full of grief, full of anticipation and wonder, challenging, comforting, scary, hopeful, and a myriad of other things.  The start of a new year often brings a chance to reflect on the year before and anticipate the year to come, to set new intentions for what you want this next season of life to hold.  Over the last 6 weeks I have been thinking about new beginnings, the ones I chose in 2024 and the ones which were thrust upon me, and the ones I anticipate in 2025.  I have been reflecting on a part of a poem I came across recently: 

I’m seeking to focus the frame
Of what and whom I want to be
Of how and whom I want to love
Guiding Love find me again
Give me grace upon grace for who I am

Here at the start of 2025, maybe you are at a new beginning, whether it’s one you chose and or one that was chosen for you.  As you enter this year my prayer for you is one of clarity: clarity of who you are and who you want to be, clarity of how you want to show up in the world and how immensely loved you are, and clarity of what you need from yourself and others in this coming year.  My prayer is when you find this clarity, you will find Love and Light have been with you all along, helping you to focus the frame, guiding and leading you into the all-inclusive love of Jesus which can transform the world.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm

Youth group is back this week! Not a youth or the caregiver of a youth but still want to support the youth group? Sign up to bring dinner!

Pints with Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the Pryor Family

Jessica is home from Colorado after a cancer reoccurrence and surgery. They would appreciate support from their friends at UBC during a rough recovery! Sign up here.

Food Drive for Pack of Hope

We are collecting food for Pack of Hope, an organization benefiting students in and around Waco that provides non-perishable, easy to cook food items over weekends and school breaks to kids who have food insecurity. We will be collecting food until Feb 2nd! Items include:

Mac n cheese cups 

Chef boyardee cans 

Applesauce pouches 

Fruit snacks

Breakfast bars 

Cereal- boxes or single serve cups 

Juice boxes 

Pudding cups 

Pop tarts 

Cookie packs 

Cheese crackers 

Slim Jim’s

Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBC’s 30th Birthday Party - January 26th - noon

UBC is turning 30 this month, and we would love to celebrate with you.  We are going to be throwing a party after church on the 26th of this month, and we want you to come and invite your friends.  We will have food, drinks, games, party favors, and epic playlist to get us in the spirit.  UBC will cover everything for the party, we just want you to show up!  We will also have a slideshow of UBC through the years, so if you have any pictures please send them to toph@ubcwaco.org before Thursday, January 23rd.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

Toph Taco Tuesday- Veronica’s Restaurant- January 28th- noon

UBCYP Hangout - Janaury 30th

Come join us for our first UBCYP hangout of the year in downtown Waco!  We will start at Southern Roots, then make our way over to Waco Ale.  You can sign-up by emailing toph@ubcwaco.org or in the foyer at church.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

Parents Night Out- Friday, February 7th, 6-8pm

For kids age 3-6th grade. They’ll help pack bags for the Pack of Hope food drive, have pizza, and watch a movie! 

Souper Bowl Lovefeast - February 9th - noon

It is one of the best times of the year, it is time for another Lovefeast at UBC.  This year, in honor of the Super Bowl, we are having a Souper Bowl Lovefeast after church on February 9th.  Please bring your favorite soup or stew to share (we can plug crockpots in during the service in the backside).  UBC will provide the drinks and bread, but we need you to bring your favorite soup or stew.  We will hang out, eat some good food, and debate who will the game that night.  This is another great chance to engage with your UBC community.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

1/19- Andie

1/26- Andie

2/2- Kerri

2/9- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 12-31-2024

ANDIE’S POST

New Year, Same You

Wherever you go, there you are.  Isn't that the saying?  No matter where you roam, you bring you with you.  You bring the sum of your experiences, your joys, your traumas, your fears, failures, and hopes for the future.  You are your own constant companion.   We spend so much time in absent-minded, disembodied distraction that we forget how important it is to sit with ourselves.  We forget to listen to the stirrings in our soul that bring us to the places and purposes that God has written for us.  Our lectionary text this week comes from John 1, and it is one of my absolute favorite passages in the whole of scripture. It is poetic and moving and raw.  The Word preexisted, the Word gave birth to the world, and the Word, filled with life and light, took on a body to better experience all that has been made.  This week, find a few moments to bring your attention to your breath, your heart beat, and the way you exist in the world.  Put on the new socks you got for Christmas, bundle up in a soft blanket, hug someone you love.  Remember that you, like the Word who dwelt among us, have been gifted a body that contains multitudes.  You have a mind that is creative and elastic.  You have beautiful memories to replay and to make.  Sit with the layers of who you are, because wherever you go, my friend, there you are.  What a gift, indeed!

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

13 Going on 30 Movie Night- Monday, January 13th, 5:30pm
We are turning 30 in January, and are going to watch 13 going on 30 on the 13th as part of our celebration.

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

1/5- Andie

1/12- Andie

1/19- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 12-24-2024

JAMIE’S POST

In the Morning, In the Evening

Pizza in the morning, pizza in the evening, pizza at suppertime. When pizza’s on a bagel, you can eat pizza anytime.

The immortal words of this ancient poem have been on my mind this week as I turn my attention toward Sunday.

As you know, Sunday is our third annual Brunch Church, where we traverse the liminal space between the hanging over of the previous year and the dawning of the next by eating Brunch, just as God intended.

Ubc will provide coffee, mimosas, alcohol-free mimosas, and a pile of scrambled eggs.

We ask that you would bring a brunch dish to share. Something that one might eat at breakfast, or lunch, or perhaps anytime.

Something that transcends the imaginary borders we place around the temporal propriety of consumption.

Like a dish that is simultaneously pizza and bagel. Three years in, and no one has yet had the courage.

Anyway, see you Sunday and don’t forget about the Christmas Eve liturgy at 5:30pm tonight.

NO KIDS ROOMS THIS SUNDAY

Ubckids will be among us as we eat Brunch this Sunday.

THIS WEEK

Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm

Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am
We’ll close out the year by having a brunch potluck for our Sunday liturgy. It’s not before church or after church—it IS church. Ubc will provide coffee, mimosas, and scrambled eggs—bring a dish to share!

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

13 Going on 30 Movie Night- Monday, January 13th, 5:30pm
We are turning 30 in January, and are going to watch 13 going on 30 on the 13th as part of our celebration.

--
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

12/29- Brunch Church

1/5- Andie

1/12- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 12-17-2024

ANDIE’S POST

You are Cordially Invited

I love the concept of rhythms.  I wasn't a lectionary girlie before coming to UBC, but in my second year, I have found an ease and comfort in returning to the seasonal events I experienced last year.  One of the most magical for me was our Christmas Eve service.  There are a couple of ways churches approach Christmas Eve.  Some make a big push: Extra marketing, bigger billboards, more door-to-dooring.  Some skip it all together with the thought that people would want to be home.  Our approach occupies the space in-between: Come if it will be meaningful to you.  Come if you need somewhere to be.  Come if you want a tangible reminder of why we gather on Sundays, turn our attention to Jesus throughout the week, and try to live lives of purpose and impact.  I had tears in my eyes as I surveyed our sanctuary last year, and anticipate taking it all in with awe and wonder again this year.  People who were strangers just a few months prior had already become the people I trusted, relied on, and loved.  If that is not the embodiment of the Church I don't know what is.  I said this on Sunday, and would like to say it again (and again and again!): You bring me joy.  You, my church, my tiny corner of the world, make me happy.  If you are looking for somewhere to be on Christmas Eve, I would be honored to spend it together.  If you need a reminder that cuts through the stress, overwhelm, and consumption that December can bring, we will offer that, too.  I can't wait to join our voices to sing to and about the One who brings light into our lives and into this weary world.

NO KIDS ROOMS THIS SUNDAY

Ubckids will be in the service with the adults this Sunday (12/22), as well as the following Sunday for Brunch Church.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 19th- 6pm (Childcare Available)

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Kid’s Volunteers

SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 6pm (Childcare Available)

Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm

Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am
We’ll close out the year by having a brunch potluck for our Sunday liturgy. Ubc will provide coffee, mimosas, and scrambled eggs—bring a dish to share!

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

12/22- Andie

12/29- Brunch Church

1/5- Andie

1/12- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 12-10-2024

JESS’S POST

If you’ve been to any of Waco’s coffee shops lately, you know that the students are out in full force. Finals are looming and papers are due. This season is truly living up to its “hustle and bustle.” 

I’ve worked at Pinewood, a favorite local coffee spot, for about a year now. And like many service workers - I can at times be jaded about customer service and the varying interactions I have with people. 

But today I’d like to tell you about a good one I had. A few weeks ago, a newer regular came in during election week. He asked me how I was doing. Customers ask me this every day, and I generally give a one word answer of “fine, good, or well.” But I could tell he was genuinely asking and had time to listen. And so I said, ya know? I’m not really doing that great. He looked back and said “to be honest, me neither. I’m really scared.” I looked back at him and said, “I’m really scared, too.”

And then I charged him for his americano with room for cream, and we went about our days. But that moment has stayed with me. 

I am never one to find good in situations; in fact, if anything I find he bad, to my detriment. So I am certainly not writing to gloss over the deadly ramifications that another Trump presidency could have on the lives of many folks. 

Here’s what I am writing about today: to remind you that we take care of us. At the end of the day, we are the ones who look out for each other. But this is more than a reminder to check on your people. This is me saying, UBC, the closest thing we have to sitting down in a room with Jesus the Christ is sitting down with another human. For me, this is the most critical message of Advent. Jesus may have come into the world as a baby. I wasn’t there; I can’t say for sure. But I can tell you that I have seen Jesus and felt His care when my customer looked at me in the eyes and said, “I’m scared, too.” 

I’ve felt the presence of the human incarnate God when I wept with my therapist about the most private pains. 

I’ve felt the nearness and farness of God as I’ve journeyed with a church that I loved but that eventually stopped loving me. And I’ve felt that same nearness and farness as I returned to a church that loved me implicitly before I loved it (that’s UBC, if you wondered).

Anyways, what’s the point of all this? What am I saying? I hope for us to remember that a critical way that God takes care of us is in the ways that we take care of each other. At the end of the day, we take care of us. So UBC: this Advent, may we be a people who lean in, share sorrow and joy, and who care for each other. And there - in the places of our deepest humanity - is where we find God, incarnate amongst us. 

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 12th- 6pm (Childcare Available)

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 6pm (Childcare Available)

Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm

Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

12/15- Andie

12/22- Andie

12/29- Brunch Church

1/5- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 12-3-2024

ANDIE’S POST

Tending our Values

Three things: 
One: I hate talking about money in church.  You may not know this about my history, but I attended a church early on in my faith where the lead pastor embezzled thousands of dollars of tithe money.  This was followed by a massive exodus from the congregation and an overwhelming push by the elders to give more.  My trust was shattered, and I felt betrayed by my pastor, church, and God.
Two: In my church history, giving has always been tied to my faith.  DIRECTLY.  I have been told from the pulpit that if I trust God with little, God will bless me with much, and if I can't (translation: won't) give ten percent of our income, I do not take God at God's word.  Though I don't agree with a word of that now, it felt really awful when I did.

Three: Despite my past experiences, I am still going to talk about money with you, because the conversation is important and deserves to be reframed.  Today is Giving Tuesday, a chance to take what we have and invest in organizations that are meaningful to us.  UBC's budget rises and falls on congregational support.  Though we are working on grant opportunities, our spending outpaces our giving.  In 2025, we are facing a budget disparity of roughly $150,000.  While that might feel pretty insurmountable, I unabashedly believe that Waco and the world need UBC.  We must find creative ways to keep loving and serving people with marginalized identities, more progressive theology, and the kind of expansive love that Christ represents, and that takes financial resources.  So here's my request: If you have ongoing giving set up, would you take a minute and consider adjusting it?  Even $20 a month can make an impact!  If you value the work of UBC and can support it financially but haven't yet, please think about starting.  Last, if you'd like to give a one time gift on Giving Tuesday, it will help us close out the year with a hopeful eye to the future.  For our family, we've considered what it would mean to UBC to skip the extra DoorDash once or twice a month or to thrift some of the items we usually buy new.  It might not be a lot, but if we make changes together, the impact will multiply.  My hope as your pastor is that we let our values guide every aspect of our lives, and that includes our spending. Out of 325 churches in Waco, UBC is one of seven affirming churches and one of four churches with a female senior pastor.  Our ministry matters and can change the lives of those who need a safe, inclusive community where they belong.  Thank you for your openness and the care you show for UBC; as always, I'm available to answer any questions or to chat!

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 5:30pm (Childcare Available)

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th- 6pm (Childcare Available)

College and UBCYP Christmas Party - Sunday - 6pm

Tis the season to celebrate!  We will be having a Christmas party at Toph’s Casa this Sunday night, at 6pm.  There will be Christmas trivia, beverages, and appetizers to share.  You can sign-up on Sunday morning, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

Please bring an appetizer to share.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org 

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 6pm (Childcare Available)

Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm

Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

12/8- Sharyl

12/15- Andie

12/22- Andie

12/29- Brunch Church

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 11-26-2024

CAROLS, COCKTAILS, AND COOKIES

This Sunday evening at 5pm, we will gather for our annual yuletide rager: Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies. There will be:

1) Carol-oke (feel free to go ahead and seek out your preferred versions of songs on YouTube)

2) Batch-made cocktails and mocktails

3) Cookies—copious amounts of cookies.

Or at least I hope there are copious amounts of cookies—that part is really up to you: we are asking everyone to bring cookies to share. They needn’t be homemade. They needn’t be explicitly Christmas-themed. They needn’t even embody the dislocated longing of Advent. They can be any cookies you want. Even Oreos. Maybe even especially Oreos. The choice is yours.

If you have any questions, feel free to email any of the pastoral staff. Personally, I’d email toph@ubcwaco.org. But anyone you want.

See you there

-Jamie

ARROW DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY

We are partnering with Arrow Child and Family ministries this year to buy gifts for foster care kids and their siblings.  We have agreed to get 2 gifts each for 30 kids.  We ask that you keep the gifts under $20, and they are due at UBC by the first Sunday in December.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church or email toph@ubcwaco.org.   Contact Toph with any questions. 

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies- Sunday, December 1st, 5pm

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Christmas Gifts for Arrow

We are partnering with Arrow Child and Family ministries this year to buy gifts for foster care kids and their siblings.  We have agreed to get 2 gifts each for 30 kids.  We ask that you keep the gifts under $20, and they are due at UBC by the first Sunday in December.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church or email toph@ubcwaco.org.   Contact Toph with any questions. 

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 5:30pm (Childcare Available)

Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 6pm (Childcare Available)

Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm

Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

12/1- Andie

12/8- TBD

12/15- Andie

12/22- Andie

12/29- Brunch Church

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose

Newsletter 11-19-2024

ANDIE’S POST

The Lesson in Love Feast

Last Sunday was our Thanksgiving Love Feast, and once again, I was blown away by the connections within our church.  It was so fun to sit back and watch conversations happen, and to spend more time with the people we see in passing on Sunday mornings.  One thing in particular struck me this year, and I wanted to share some thoughts about it.  We had several tables set up and ready to go, but as more UBCers came, it turned out we needed more space.  People moved quickly to set up additional tables so that everyone who needed a seat had one.  It reminded me of that old saying, "When you have more than you need, don't build a taller fence, build a longer table."  As I think forward to engaging, our 2025 theme, I think about what it would look like if we committed to engage more fully at UBC and in our larger community.  How many tables would we have to add this time next year if we prioritize our presence at UBC?  How many more conversations will take place if we are willing to show up, grow deeper, build new relationships, and root with abandon?  So many of us have been harmed by a narrative of mandatory church attendance; that is not what I am suggesting.  Instead, I invite us to consider who we want to be when looking back over 2025, or even at the end of 2024, and how intentional and consistent engagement at UBC might support that vision.  2025 will hold more church-wide events and opportunities to care for the community of Waco.  My hope is that we are open to the ways in which we can further the important work of UBC in our own lives and in the lives of our neighbors.  If we want to feel connected to the life of the church, we need to show up, and I am so grateful that I got to see that firsthand at Love Feast. 

ARROW DEADLINE APPROACHING

We are partnering with Arrow Child and Family ministries this year to buy gifts for foster care kids and their siblings.  We have agreed to get 2 gifts each for 30 kids.  We ask that you keep the gifts under $20, and they are due at UBC by the first Sunday in December.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church or email toph@ubcwaco.org.   Contact Toph with any questions. 

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm- Pinewood Public House

UBCKids Shorty’s Pizza (Hewitt Location) Lunch and Play-Sunday, Nov 24 after church
UBCKids will buy some cheese and pepperoni pizzas for the kids- adults responsible for their meals! Please RSVP here, or email nicole@ubcwaco.org to let her know you plan on coming!

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email administrator@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Mealtrain for the VerPloegs!

Sweet baby Robin made her debut on October 18th! Please help Sarah and Eric transition to a family of 3 with meals or gift cards! https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/m4gr3k

Christmas Gifts for Arrow

We are partnering with Arrow Child and Family ministries this year to buy gifts for foster care kids and their siblings.  We have agreed to get 2 gifts each for 30 kids.  We ask that you keep the gifts under $20, and they are due at UBC by the first Sunday in December.  You can sign-up in the foyer at church or email toph@ubcwaco.org.   Contact Toph with any questions. 

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Taco Tuesday With Toph- November 26th, noon, Maria Mezcaleria

Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies- Sunday, December 1st, 5pm

Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 5:30pm

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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

11/24- Andie

12/1- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org) [on sabbatical]
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose