Newsletter 6-13-2023

KIERAN’S POST

Happy Tuesday UBC!

I write to you today from the lounge area in our dorms at camp. The kids are currently off with their Bible Study leaders diving into the second full day of learning. We’ll have lunch soon after this, because of course it’s camp, so everything is go go go!

We’ve been having a fantastic time away - we’ve been placed in Red House with a number of other churches, and we’ve competed together in various games and activities throughout our time so far. There’s also been a lot of time to learn about God, and each other, which has been really brilliant so far.

The theme of Passport Youth this summer is “Upside Down” - that is to say, allowing our minds and hearts to be reorientated to see those marginalised, oppressed, and ignored by so many throughout the world. It’s been a very practical, thought-provoking course, and our lessons/discussions have had a real emphasis towards social justice and people-first initiatives, which I have been a big fan of.

Today we’ll be volunteering at the Disability Resource Centre in Abilene, which is an assisted living facility nestled on 170 acres of green land to provide a home and life-time care for adults with intellectual disabilities. We’ll be doing arts and crafts with the people onsite, playing games, and decorating cookies. It’s a really great chance for the kids to put into practise the things we’ve been learning about, and I’m excited to see what the afternoon holds!

Thank you so much to everyone, parents, drivers, youth, who’ve made this camp possible. All of the admin and planning all becomes immediately worth it once we’re here and seeing the amazing time that everyone is having.

That’s everything from me for today - we’ll be back in Waco on Thursday, so we’ll see you all this Sunday!

Kieran

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Jasper’s

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

GIVING

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.

CHURCH NEEDS

VBS Volunteers

We  are having  VBS 2023 on June 19-23 from 5:30-8:80pm and we are still looking for volunteers! If you are available to serve please let us know by sending an email to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org! There are many ways to serve including storytelling, crafts, and movement!

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Summer calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org

Tech Booth Volunteers

We are in need of a few folks to join the rotation for our tech booth on Sunday mornings. No prior experience is required--we'll be happy to train you! Areas of need are lights, slides, and livestream. If you are interested, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

ATTENTION PARENTS

SIGN UP FOR VBS (June 19-23, 5:30pm-8:30pm)

Now is the time to sign up your kids for VBS! The dates are June 19-23 and we'll be at the church in the evenings from 5:30-pm-8:30pm. The groups are 3-5yo, 1-3 grade, and 4-6 Grade - there is a sign up sheet at the church or you could send me an email taylor to sign up for VBS! Either way works! You can email taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives - Wednesdays at Noon

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch.  This is a great time to meet other UBC’ers.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

VBS - Monday, June 19th-Friday, June 23rd, 5:30-8:30pm

We are having VBS at the end of June this year and the theme is Compassion Camp: What Every Living Thing Needs! I'm so looking forward to spending this week with our kids and volunteers! And there is currently a sign up sheet for kids and volunteers in the lobby! Or you can email me directly!

LGBTQIA+ and Allies - June 25th - 7-9pm

We are having our annual LGBTQIA+ and allies meetup in a few weeks at Toph’s Casa, and this will be a potluck.  Please bring a finger food to share with group.  You can sign-up on Sunday morning in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up.

Passport Kids Camp - Sunday, July 22nd-Tuesday, July 25th

UBCYP Hangout – July 2nd – 4 – 8pm

Join us for our next UBCYP gathering, we will be gathering at the Dodson’s for a pool party.  We will meet up around 4pm, and you can swim if you want.  We will eat dinner together around 6:30.  UBC will provide the hamburgers/hot dogs, please bring a side to share and byob.  You can sign-up on Sunday morning, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

UBCYP Summer Retreat – August 4th – 6th

We are having another summer retreat for those in your 20’s and 30’s at UBC.  We will be heading to a lake house in East Texas, and come back in time for church Sunday morning.   The cost is $50.  You can sign-up on Sunday mornings, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.  

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

6/18- Kirk

6/25- Craig

7/2- Taylor

PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK

Everyone who volunteered to drive/chaperone for youth camp!

WANT TO CHAT?

Share Your Feedback

Have feedback for us? Feel free to reach out to staff directly with any praises, curiosities, or concerns. You are also invited to submit feedback to the HR team and allow them to pass it along! You can do that with this form: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448

Pastoral Staff

Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor (taylor@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Kieran Cressy, Youth Pastor (kieran@ubcwaco.org)
Kirk Hatcher, Interim Lead Pastor (kirk@ubcwaco.org)

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)