TOPH’S POST
Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday for two primary reasons: food and family gatherings. We didn’t see my dad’s side of the family very often, but each Thanksgiving growing up we would get together at one of his 4 siblings house, or my grandparents, and we would feast. There was an annual football game, and while I was too young to play most years, I would still be included in the game. As I got older, so did my dad and his siblings, and by the time I was in HS and could really affect the game, the game wasn’t what it once was. I remember one year, at my Uncle Mike’s house, we were playing, and my Aunt Helen was the quarterback. I was probably in 4 th or 5 th grade, and I went in on the last play of the game. My Aunt Helen, who was the best quarterback among the bunch, threw me the ball, I caught what would be the game winning touchdown! Looking back, I realize they definitely left me open, and were all probably tired and ready to go in, but to my young self all those things didn’t matter: I was included and celebrated.
I’ll turn 44 next month, and Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday, but a lot of life has happened as well, and Thanksgiving week happens to be a time when a few hard moments have happened. It is the week I found out my friend Cliff would soon be arrested, and the next November when he was found guilty of the crimes he committed I would learn a bit of what it means to be a prison chaplain for a season. It is the week my ex-wife and I separated, and I would never spend another night in the home we created, and that very same week, my Uncle Mike died of covid. Since it was November 2020, in the height of the pandemic, I would spend Thanksgiving and Christmas alone for the first time in my life. Life can be hard, and the holiday season is one for many in which there is a lot of joy, and memories of pain. If this is case for you, know you are not alone, and there is more than enough room within God’s expansive love to hold space for both. As we enter this season, a prayer I have for you is that you will feel included and celebrated. You, as you are now, in your joy or pain, in your doubt or assurance, will know in very real and tangible ways you are loved and wanted. We, as community at UBC, celebrate how God has uniquely crafted you through your journey.
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
Christ the King
As we near Christ the King Sunday, I’m curious what comes to mind for you when you see the phrase “Christ the King.” Does that mean something specific to you? What does the world look like when Christ is King? Are there glimmers of that around us? Or perhaps you find great discomfort with the phrase “Christ the King”—what’s that discomfort like? You get the idea—I’m curious about how that phrase finds you. I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to jot some thoughts down—could be a word, a poem, a paragraph, etc.; you can do that here.
UBC Kids Merch!
While cleaning out the kids ministry supply closet, we found a bin filled with t-shirt treasures! On November 12th and 19th, we will be selling tees in the lobby for a suggested cash donation of $5. All proceeds will be used to stock our classrooms. We have a variety of sizes, toddler through adult, so that you can rep UBC Kids wherever you go!
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
Carols, Cocktails, and Cookie - December 3 - 6pm
Join us for our 2nd annual carols, cocktails, and cookies. We will have folks playing some of their favorite Christmas music, and UBC will be providing a big batch cocktail, and mocktail, as well as Hot Chocolate for the kids. What we need from you? We would love for you to make or buy some cookies to share. Please contact toph@ubcwaco.org for any questions.
Liturgy of Mourning - December 7th, 5:30pm
College Hangout - December 10th - 7pm
Join us for our last college hangout of the semester at Toph’s place. We will eat dinner together, and play some Christmas games. Please sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org
UBCYP Progressive Dinner Party - Thursday December 14th - 6pm
Join us for our first ever progressive dinner party. We will have appetizers at one location, then entrees, and finally dessert. Please contact toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer. If you are willing to hose one of the locations, please let Toph know.
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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
11/26- Andie
12/3- Andie
12/10- Andie
12/17- Andie
12/24 *At 5:30 pm* - Andie
12/31- Brunch Church
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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)
Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Katie Valenzuela
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks
HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)
Erin Hill
Patrick Broaddus
Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen