Welcome to 2023 everyone. I hope everyone had a good holiday season, and you were able to spend some time relaxing, gathering with friends and family, and dreaming about what 2023 might hold for you.
We are gearing up for a busy Spring at UBC, and we would love for you to take some time and think how you might get involved in some new ways at UBC by joining a group and/or volunteering. Our SS classes and Micasa’s will kick off the week January 22. We have opportunities for you to volunteer with our Children’s and Youth ministries, Cesar Chavez Middles School, and on Sunday mornings.
We would love for you to also take a look at the Calendar and see what upcoming events you might want to be a part of. We are grateful for those of you who call UBC home, both near and far, and value your continued support.
Lastly, we had Town Hall this past week after church, and if you weren’t able to make here is a link to the notes: Town Hall. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubwaco.org Cheers to 2023!
Embrace Beauty,
Toph Whisnant
UBC Pastor Search
The Lead Pastor job description is now posted on our website. Please feel free to share!
Spiritual Direction Small Group Opportunity
The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 2-3 new participants. We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:30-10:30 AM), and ask that members be able to commit to regularly attending meetings. Our small group works together to discern the activity and presence of God in our daily, ordinary lives. We focus on the art and power of asking and listening. Coordinated by Laura Sepanski, who graduated in May 2022 from Truett Seminary Spiritual Direction certificate program. Contact Laura at Laura_Sepanski@baylor.edu with questions or interest in signing up.
Youth - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at UBC
5th & 6th Graders - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at UBC
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at Pinewood
Youth Coffee w/ Kieran - Saturday, 1:00 pm at Pinewood
Giving Update
UBC survives on the generosity of this congregation. Your tithes and offerings 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 set up a single or recurring online gift here.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Spring calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.
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.
Youth Games Afternoon - Saturday, December 3rd at 1pm
Author Lunch with Eric Minton - Sunday, January 22nd
We are excited to have a friend and author Eric Minton join us on January 22nd to speak at UBC. Eric is a former pastor turned psychotherapist specializing in marriage and family therapy. Eric’s first book came out last year, and it is an excellent read that challenges the church’s interwoven connectedness to capitalism and the American dream, and invites us to find fulfillment outside of competition, scarcity, and self interest. Eric will be preaching on Sunday morning, and we will have a luncheon afterwards for you to be able to hear more about Eric’s work, and ask questions. We would encourage you to purchase the book and read it before he comes. You can purchase the book here: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506471914/Its-Not-You-Its-Everything
If you have any questions, please contact Toph.
Backside - Friday, January 27th
LGBTQIA+ Meetup - Sunday, January 29th
This is a great time to get to know other UBC’ers and learn their stories. We will be gathering at Toph’s Casa, and would ask you bring your favorite finger food to share. If the weather is nice, we will gather around the firepit outside, and you will also need to bring a chair. You can sign up in the lobby at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org If you have any questions, contact Toph.
UBCYP Meetup - Thursday, February 2nd
Join us for our first gathering of the year. We will reflect on 2022 and discuss what our hopes are for 2023, and we will play some games together. You can sign-up in the lobby, or email toph@ubcwaco.org We will be gathering at Toph’s Casa, and it will be byob.
Love Lovefeast - Sunday, February 12th
Save the Date for Summer Camps
Youth Camp - June 11th-15th
Kids Camp - July 22nd-25th
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 Will Knight and Jon Davis for all their behind the scenes work.
📖 Preaching Schedule
1/15: Sharyl
1/22: Eric Minton
1/29: Kirk
💭 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)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.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)