As you’ve heard from the past few Sundays, UBC is raising awareness to the fact we have been running in a financial deficit for much of the year, and we are seeking to be transparent about our current situation. As LT has been giving updates the past few weeks, there is a part of the conversation I am always drawn back to: Waco needs a place like UBC. Waco needs a place where women and our LGBTQIA+ community are completely affirmed, and Waco needs a community where you will not be marginalized because of your past, your questions, your look, political/social/theological views. Waco needs a community who celebrates how God has uniquely crafted you through your journey.
I deeply love the community we have been able to build during my 12 years here, and I love the fact we are more diverse now in every way, than when I came onto staff in June 2010. Back in 2019, when we entered a discernment process as community around building use and pastoral autonomy, I had the privilege of preaching the 3rd sermon, and I have been reflecting on those words this week:
“And let me be as bold to say that the world needs UBC. In an age in which we have news at the tips of our fingers, and we are unable to control our tongues and our typing: when we quickly condemn what we see in a video, to then receive condemnation for what we didn’t, and then realize maybe we should have waited for a clearer picture along: the world needs the Church. And in an age when more and more churches are demanding conformity and seeking to be homogenous, thus creating spaces where diversity is at worst not welcomed, or at best tolerated; the world needs UBC.”
So, for those of you reading this article (which I assume means you have a connection to our community and affinity for our thriving), I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for ways in you which you love and care for UBC. Thank you for your generosity in the giving of your time, your resources, and your finances. Thank you for helping to make UBC who she has been, who she is, and who she will be in the future. UBC would not be the same without you. I will leave you with a quote from Cole Arthur Riley’s book, This Here Flesh, about belonging:
“We don’t just welcome you or accept you; we need you. We are insufficient without you. One part’s absence renders the whole impoverished in some way, even if the whole didn’t previously apprehend it. In mutuality, belonging is both a gift received and a gift given. There is comfort in being welcomed, but there is dignity in knowing that your arrival just shifted a group toward deeper wholeness.”
Embrace Beauty,
Toph
Stories from our Congregation – Listening to LGBTQIA+ voices (CW)
We are looking forward to our 2nd installment of stories from our congregation this week. We have three folks who will be sharing some of their journey with us this Sunday, and I am excited to be formed more into the people of God through their witness. I did want to offer a content warning for Sunday morning. Depending on what our friends share with us on Sunday, it is likely you will hear stories which include trauma and abuse, at the very least you will hear stories about how the church has done harm to the queer community. If you have any questions about this coming Sunday, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org
Leadership 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.
If you have questions about serving on the Leadership 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
LGBTQIA+ and Allies Meetup - Friday, 6:30pm
We are having our monthly meetup this week at Lindsey Yaros house on Friday night. This is a great time to come hang out and get to know other UBC’ers. If you would like the address for this week’s meetup, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org
Women's Group-Hangout - Friday, 7pm at Tiffany Covert’s
Youth Coffee with Kieran - Saturday, 1pm at Pinewood Coffee
Thanksgiving Lovefeast - Sunday, 5:30pm at UBC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This coming Sunday is our annual Thanksgiving Lovefeast! UBC will be providing the turkey and ham, and we need you to bring a side dish or dessert to share. This is always a fantastic time, with incredible food, and you don’t want to miss out. Join us Sunday evening at 5:30pm, and get your holidays kicked off right.
We hope UBC is a place you care about and benefit from. If you value UBC and want it to stick around, please consider giving as you are able. You can set up one-time or recurring online giving here.
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.
UBC Families Meetup-Mini Golf - Monday, November 14th, 5-7pm
What a better way to kick off the week, and shed some of the Monday blues, than hanging out with other UBC Families. Join us at Top Golf on Monday evening for a time of fun and fellowship. There will be free mini-golf, corn hole, and large table top games like Jenga and Connect Four. Bonus, if you need to feed your folks, Top Golf has some excellent food and beverages. No need to rsvp, but if you have questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org
Youth Games Afternoon - Saturday, November 19th, 1pm
Post-Thanksgiving Evening Service - Sunday, November 27th at 6pm
Cocktails, Carols, and Cookies - Sunday, December 4th at 5:30pm
Youth + 5th & 6th Grade Christmas Party - Wednesday, December 14th at 6pm
Mothers of God Liturgy - Thursday, December 15th at 7pm
Christmas Eve Service - Saturday, December 24th at 5pm
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 Sarah Nelson, Alex Lux, and Emily McDonald who consistently go above and beyond in their service to our children’s ministry.
📖 Preaching Schedule
11/13: Listening to Our Congregation: LGBTQ Folks
11/20: Christ the King Sunday
11/27: Kirk
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)
