ALL SAINTS DAY
from andie
“Nobody gets it, nobody listens, and nobody cares about me!” I cried as I sat on a front porch swing in the dark. Next to me was the one person in the world who did indeed get it, who listened, who cared about me. As I shook with tears of frustration, embarrassment, and adolescent rage, my Grandma Mary put her hand on my back and didn’t say a word. She always knew when to speak and when to stay silent. She didn’t doubt me, correct me, or scare me, which was a rarity in the volatility that marked my home life. My grandma just sat with me. She was present to my pain, and she gave me precious space to experience it without repercussion. When I was new in my faith, my biggest hesitation came in the form of a heavenly “Father.” Sure, this Father was somehow less angry and punitive than my own, despite the genocide en masse that was ascribed to Him. “He is a good Father who gives good gifts” my pastors and leaders would say, and my job was to worship Him for who He is and what He has done for me. I couldn’t. I just could not bring myself to invite another domineering male presence into my fragile heart. So I didn’t, despite everyone around me insisting otherwise. Instead, in the intuitive wisdom held by most teens, I decided I would love and welcome and even worship a vision of God that resonated more true. I decided that I needed a heavenly Grandma. I need a divine Grandma so warm and so gracious and so safe that it would be natural for me to sit in Her presence. I needed a Grandma God who held space and held my heart, just like my own grandmother did time and time again.
When I light a candle on All Saints’ Day, it is for my Mary, the grandma who allowed me to breathe and question and be incensed and fall in love with justice. I wear her pearls, and I think of the legacy she had in my life and in my faith. I am grateful for the ministry of attending that she modeled for me, and for the countless times I have had the opportunity to put a hand gently on someone’s back in comfort, solidarity, and lament. Whoever it is that you light a candle for this week, may you experience the warmth and light of their legacy. We give thanks for the saints who have taught us this gentle and empowered way of being in the world, and we look to their example to more fully love those who will be here after we have gone. My heart is with you as you reflect and remember.
With love, Andie.
THIS WEEK
All Saints Liturgy - Wednesday, 5:30pm
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm - this will be a Halloween Party. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, there will be a contest!
5th & 6th Grade Gathering - Wednesday, 6pm - this will be a Halloween Party. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, there will be a contest!
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Pub
UBC Bonfire - November 3rd at 630pm
Join us for annual bonfire at the Dodson’s on Friday night, November 3rd at 6:30pm. UBC will provide drinks, and all the items needed for s’more's. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit around the fire. You can sign-up in the foyer on Sundays, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up. If you have any questions, reach out to Toph.
UBC Tailgate - November 4th - noon
Join us for our second UBC Tailgate before the Baylor vs Houston game on Saturday, November 4th. We will be gathering at the Howerton’s tailgate, and UBC will provide the drinks and hotdogs. You can email toph@ubcwaco.org for directions.
ubc[creatives]-Sunday, November 5, 4pm
Come hang out with other creative folks and talk about making stuff!
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
Tech Booth Volunteers
We are looking for a few more folks to volunteer in the tech booth on slides, lights, and the livestream. Previous experience isn’t required—we can train you! Contact jamie@ubcwaco.org if you’re interested.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers, and are always on the look out for more! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please email kids@ubcwaco.org
Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team
All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org
GROUPS
Micasas
Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC. They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night. If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.
Spiritual Direction Group
The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 1 new participant. We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:40-10:30 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.
Faith of the Outsider - Sunday, 9:30am, Piano Room
Inspired by the work of Frank Anthony Spina, this class will look at the ‘outsider’ motif running throughout the Bible, seeing how outsiders are often welcomed into and become a part of God’s plan. Each week we will look at one Biblical story of an outsider and broaden our view of inclusion and exclusion in the Biblical narrative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Liturgy of Gratitude - Thursday, November 9, 5:30pm
Join us for a time to reflect on all of that for which we are thankful.
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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
11/5- Andie
11/12- Andie
11/19- Andie
11/26- Christ the King Sunday
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
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@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)
Finance Team
Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)