I have a problem…I don’t know what to wear. Every day, I wake up and look at the weather and it’s not helpful. In the morning, I may need a jacket. In the afternoon, a vest may be needed. Early evening, who knows? You get the picture. A thousand things run through my mind - will I be outside very much today? Am I even leaving the house today? All this comes into play when I try and figure out what to wear.
My spiritual life feels very similar to this. Some days I’m just not sure what I think or how I feel about much of anything. Other days, I’m quite confident in those things. Believe it or not, some days I think one thing in the morning, but by noon, I’ve gotten new information and it changes everything.
I used to think this was a bad thing - it’s only in the last few years when I’ve really discovered the beauty in not knowing everything. To finally be able to say, “I do not know everything,” or, and this is difficult to say, “I might be wrong,” has taken way too long for me to grasp. BUT this is what keeps me digging. I continue to read and study and pay attention so that I continue to learn and maybe even change my mind.
So, as we are stepping our way through this year’s season of Epiphany, let’s not even pretend we have it all figured out. The process of continuing to figure things out is where the fun is. Together, let’s forge ahead!
Kirk Hatcher
Interim Pastor
Exploring Gender Identities Series at Lakeshore Baptist Church
Lent Book Club
Want something structured for your Lenten journey this year? Let’s read a (small) book together. Email jamie@ubcwaco.org for details.
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
UBC Women’s Group Cozy Hangout - Friday, 7:00 pm at Brooke Reich’s House
Come join us for a cozy night in by the fireplace. Wear your comfiest clothes (pj’s encouraged!) and bring a favorite snack or drink to share. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org with questions.
The UBC Women’s Group is for those women who are out of college who want to join a group to connect with other women. Most of our members are in their 30s and 40s, but any woman past college-age is welcome! We plan monthly gatherings to just hang out and chat about life. We have themed parties sometimes too. Join us! For more information, please contact Tiffany Covert at covertjt@yahoo.com.
Youth Coffee w/ Kieran - Saturday, 1pm at Pinewood
Sunday School - Sunday, 9:30 am at UBC
Following the Way of Wisdom Jesus with Sharyl Loeung meets in the Red Room.
LGBTQIA+ Meetup - Sunday, 6:30 pm at Toph’s Casa
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.
Giving Update
UBC survives on the generosity of our 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, February 4th
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 Southern Roots, and Will Knight will be there to greet everyone.
UBC Women’s Group Galentine's Day - Saturday, Feb 11th
Love Lovefeast - Sunday, February 12th
Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 22nd
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 parishioner of the week is Wade Mackey, who is leading a “Parent Limits” class on Sundays this spring.
📖 Preaching Schedule
1/29: Kirk
2/5: Kirk
2/12: Guest
2/19: Kirk
2/26: Kerri Fisher
3/5: Lilly Ettinger
3/12: Kirk
3/19: Liz Andrasi Deere
3/26: Kerri Fisher
💭 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)