KIRK’S POST
A little over thirteen months ago, I began a journey alongside the rest of the staff at UBC. I had been out of ministry life for a few years at that point, after having spent the previous twenty-five years on church staffs in Texas and Oklahoma. I didn’t know what was about to happen as I agreed to join UBC’s staff as the interim lead pastor. All of the typical trepidations found their way to me: would you like me? can I do the job? will UBC let me do the job? Will I like the job? These were questions among a long list as I began in June 2022.
On my first Sunday at UBC, the anxieties were no longer a thing. It had been a long time since I had been welcomed like you welcomed me. UBC has allowed me to be me in the midst of this transition to a new lead pastor. During this year, I have learned a few things about myself that I’d like to share in my final newsletter article for UBC:
While it initially mattered to me whether or not UBC “liked” me, once I was here, that mattered less. What became more important for me was to consider how I could best love UBC during this time. You allowed me to love you in a variety of ways - Thank you!
There are lots of ways to do church, and UBC has found the way that fits this group of people. No system is perfect, and UBC lives into the imperfect to find the best possible outcome in any number of situations. Thank you for showing me how to be church!
I love being able to have a group of people for whom I get the privilege to love, to pastor. It had been a number of years since I had been in that position - at least on a church staff, and UBC allowed me to discover that desire again. Thank you!
In baseball terms, no one hits a home run every time they preach. You have put up with the foul balls, the strike outs, and the occasional double or triple with my preaching - and you pointed it out when I laid down a terrible bunt. Thank you for letting me live into the joy I find when I preach. Thank you!
Because of your generosity, I’ve been able to make new friends - hopefully the kind that stay long after my time at UBC is up. Thank you!
As UBC heads into a new season with a new lead pastor, I look forward to seeing you show all of us how to be a people of God who Love God, Embrace Beauty, and Live Life to the Fullest.
THIS WEEK
Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Veronica’s Restaurant
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
Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House
Ubc Family Movie Night (ft. pizza)- Thursday, 5:30pm
This Thursday, July 27 we are having a UBC Family Movie Night! If you want to come and be a part you can email taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org. The night will begin at 5:30pm and we will eat pizza. Then we'll watch a movie!! So see you Thursday night, July 27, at 5:30pm for pizza and a movie! And email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org to let her know if you're coming!
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.
If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email jeff@ubcwaco.org.
CHURCH NEEDS
***Ubc Family In Need***
One of your fellow Ubc families is in need of some financial support as they navigate their immigration/education journey! You can learn more and donate here.
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.
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
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
7/30- Kirk
8/6- Kirk
8/13- Kieran
8/20- Craig
8/27- Katie V
PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK
Our drivers and volunteers who have helped make kids camp happen!
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)