We Need UBC
(by Jeff)
As we wrap up the year, I think about how we can do better as people. There is this idea that people suck and they suck for a good reason too. It's no surprise that I occasionally attend another church in town and one of the most common recurring themes that I hear is we are pretty terrible people and we still deserve the love and support regardless.
One of the things I noticed about UBC is that UBC has an open and welcoming community and that is refreshing. I am not saying that other church is NOT a welcoming place, just that they aren’t willing to affirm the LGBTQ+ community in fear of upsetting the extreme conservatives and those with "deep" pockets in their congregation.
I know that our community at UBC is small but mighty. We may not have the largest congregation in the area but we are absolutely a strong community. With that being said, I know that we need UBC and the UBCers know that we need UBC. To me the best way to ensure that we continue to have UBC is by the community contributing to the life of UBC.
I hope that as we close the year, that we can find it within our hearts and pockets to contribute to UBC in a strong and impactful way, preferably as a recurring giving rather than a one time giving. We want those who have been impacted by UBC to continue to have a place to call their worship home where they feel safe and welcomed.
An Illustrated Advent for Families: God With Us
You can find printed copies of these Advent packets to use at home on the big table in the lobby. If you’d like a digital version of this resource, you can download the packet at this link.
UBC Pastor Search
The Lead Pastor job description is now posted on our website. Please feel free to share!
Leadership Team & Finance Team Nominations
We are so grateful to Jose Zuniga for serving on LT these last several year, and he will be rotating off in December. We are asking for nominations to replace his spot on LT. Thanks for considering carefully if you are interested or if you know someone who might do a good job. We also have a few spots still open on our Finance Team. If you know anyone who would like to serve the church in this way, please send your nominations in.
If you have questions about serving on the Leadership Team or Finance Team and want to learn about what is involved, please feel free to read our bylaws or email LeadershipTeam@UBCWaco.org. Nominations can be sent to our email address or to any of our staff members.
Update Your Mailing Address
We’re asking everyone to please share their current address so we can send you things like your annual giving statement, information about our fundraising efforts, and other important information from UBC. You can update your address at this link: https://ubcwaco.churchcenter.com/people/forms/450248
Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies - Sunday at 5:30pm
Please join us for this festive inaugural event at UBC. We are excited to hear different Christmas carols song by several different UBC’ers, and participate in the merriment with our angelic voices! UBC will be making some cocktails, and mocktails, for everyone to enjoy. What we ask of you: please make some cookies to share with the crowd. We will have some bags so you can take home different cookies people bring. We will also be putting up our Christmas Tree at UBC this week. Please bring an ornament to put on the tree to help us decorate. This will be a wonderful way to help kick off the Christmas season at UBC. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org.
We still have significant financial need to cover before the end of the year in order for UBC to continue in the same way. If UBC is a place you care about and benefit from, please consider giving as you are able. You can set up one-time or recurring online giving here. Your presence with us is always valued, whether you are able to give or not.
Youth Volunteers
Volunteers are a critical part of UBC’s Youth Group - it’s no exaggeration to say that it literally would not run without them. We’re in need of volunteers to engage with the kids, particularly at our Wednesday night meetings, and to make sure everyone is safe. There is also plenty of room to use specific skills or experience you might have - whether that’s leading lessons, running games, or something else entirely! For more information click this link and/or email kieran@ubcwaco.org.
Youth Dinner
If you’d like to get involved with the Youth Group but can’t volunteer on Wednesday nights you can sign-up to provide youth dinner (cooked, bought, or otherwise!) instead. Sign up for that here and Kieran will reach out to you at the beginning of the week you sign up for to arrange details.
UBCYP Gathering - Sunday, December 11th at 6:30pm
Youth + 5th & 6th Grade Christmas Party - Wednesday, December 14th at 6pm
Mothers of God Liturgy - Thursday, December 15th at 7pm
Join us for a creative liturgy gathered around this Meister Eckhart quote: "We are all meant to be mothers of god, for God is ever waiting to be born".
Christmas Eve Service - Saturday, December 24th at 5pm
Christmas Morning Online Worship - Sunday, December 25th at 10:45am
Brunch Church - Sunday, January 1st at 10:45am
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
🎉 Parishioner of the Week
The parishioners of the week are Kailey Towns and Emily MacDonald.
📖 Preaching Schedule
12/4: Kirk
12/11: Ryan Miller
12/18: Patrick Broaddus
12/25: Special Christmas Stream (Online Only)
1/1: Brunch Church!
💭 Share Your Feedback
You’re invited to share your feedback (good, bad, or in-between) about the goings-on at UBC! All comments will be shared directly with the UBC Human Resources team who will then share it with Leadership Team, Finance Team, or Pastoral Staff as needed. Share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448
Leadership Team
Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Jose Zuniga (jzgrphix2002@yahoo.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)
HR Team
Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)
Finance Team
Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)