Over the course of the last year as we, UBC, have been moving together through the process of finding a new Lead Pastor, I have been so thankful for every single person that has stepped into our pulpit on a Sunday morning and offered us a word from the Lord. We’ve heard from people from all over the country and I have felt incredibly honored by the gifts that so many of them have given us. It has been such a kindness.
This past Sunday we were gifted a beautiful sermon from one of our former community members who has moved on and served in several different communities in Texas – Christopher Mack. A sermon about – well I would say many things, as all the good ones are – but particularly, as he spoke, he included a list of questions (adapted from a list made by the episcopalian church).
Titled “Becoming Beloved Community Where You Are” these questions did the hard but important work of challenging while also being incredibly kind. And if you were here with us on Sunday I hope you’ve continued to think about them and if you weren’t here they are – so maybe you can begin thinking through them!
Truth Telling on Church and Race:
What racial/cultural/ethnic groups are part of ubc Waco?
Are there 'default settings'? or 'assumptions about church' that make ubc comfortable, but confuse or exclude others?
How much cultural interpretation work is required from groups not well-represented here?
Participating in Beloved Community:
How has Waco participated in racial injustice and racial healing over time?
What is Waco’s dream for Beloved Community? How is ubc fostering it? Where do we feel stuck?
Repairing the Breach in Society and its Systems:
What institutions and systems bear the scars of (or are greased by) racial injustice?
How will we participate in the repair, restoration and healing of people, institutions and systems?
The Way of Radical Love:
How are we growing as reconcilers, repairers, healers, justice-workers, and peace-makers?
What activities, practices, learning, and experiences would transform us?
How might we listen to stories that stretch our understanding and expand our world?
Reality Check:
Do we need to be the hero, the one who ‘gets it’?
When our good intentions do not have the good impact we hope, what will be our response?
When our country takes 2 steps forward then 3 steps back, and marginalized communities are hurting, traumatized, and anxious… will we use our privilege to opt out because of the fatigue? If not, then how are we working to strengthen our ability to persevere for the long haul?
The sermon is a great context obviously, and you can watch it on our Facebook page. But I think the questions stand on their own. I think it’s an important list of questions for us, as a community UBC, to have some answers. And I’m thankful to Christopher for giving them to us.
“The goal of Beloved Community is centering our collective communal lives around the Hope, Beauty, Goodness, Justice, Truth, Forgiveness, Healing, and Transformation of Christ.” Is something CMac said. What a gift to us, UBC. Let’s honor it well.
Taylor Post
Children and Families Pastor
Limits and Parenting with Wade Mackey - Sunday, 4:00 pm at UBC
Childcare will be provided.
Cesar Chavez Family in Need
We have a family in the neighborhood who just moved into a new house, but is needing furniture. They are in need of a sofa, kitchen table/chairs, and a dresser. If you can help, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org. We would like items that are in good condition, or new. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Finance Team Nominations
We 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 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.
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 give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or 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.
Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 22nd
Youth Coffee w/ Kieran - Saturday, February 25th
Lent Movie: Pig - Thursday, March 2nd
Note: this event is intended for adult audiences, as Pig contains mature language and situations. Contact jamie@ubcwaco.org for more info.
UBC Family Retreat - Friday, March 3rd-Monday, March 6th
Passport 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 Carolina & Betsy for their help cleaning up following the Love Love Feast.
📖 Preaching Schedule
2/19: Kirk
2/26: Kerri Fisher
3/5: Lilly Ettinger
3/12: Bri Childs
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)