ICYMI: TOWN HALL UPDATE
Hi friends! Last weekend we had our first Town Hall of 2024. We had a great turnout, and I’m grateful for the chance to communicate about our vision and intentions for the year.
-Our 2024 budget was approved and is in place. If you don’t know the process, the staff creates the budget, and sends it to the finance team. After they have a chance to ask questions and make suggestions, they pass it on to the leadership team. The leadership team is the final stop before approval. Thanks to our staff and teams for their work on this!
-We are actively working on filling our open kids and youth positions. We have assembled a visioning team who will speak into the job description and requirements, and we want your input, as well! There is a link to a Visioning Survey in today’s newsletter. Whether you are a parent, student, or a UBCer in any capacity, we want your perspective. After the survey closes, our team will get together to draft the job postings. At this point, our intention is to hire two part-time positions. More info will be available as we progress.
-In the meantime, kids and youth are being cared for by some of our lovely UBCers and their volunteers. Thank you to Margo Shanks and Brooke Reich for their leadership of our kids ministry, and to Emily MacDonald for her leadership of our youth ministry. They have all agreed to continue in their respective capacities until we hire new staff.
-Kids who have completed 3rd through 5th grade will be able to attend Passport Kids Camp in July. The cost is $388 and the camp runs from the 27th-30th.
-Our youth group will go on a summer retreat this year, dates TBA. This will be for students who have completed 6th through 12th grade.
-We are working on fundraising opportunities for both kids camp and the youth retreat.
-The HR team is looking for a couple of UBCers to join them as they care for the staff. The HR team is shifting back into more of a support role, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and providing a listening and empathetic ear for our staff. If that is something you are interested in, please talk to one of our pastors or a member of the HR team.
Again, thank you to all who participated in Town Hall, either by attending last weekend or reading this update. It takes all of us, and I’m honored to love and serve UBC together.
Grace and peace,
Andie
THIS WEEK
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Note: if you are a parent of one of our youth group kids, you can sign up for the youth mailing list by emailing emily@ubcwaco.org.
Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House
College Hangout - January 28th - 7-9PM
Join us for our next college gathering at Toph’s Casa on the 28th. We will be sharing a meal together, and discussing what college events you would like to see this Spring. Sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org for details!
GIVING
UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your financial contributions 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 administrator@ubcwaco.org.
CHURCH NEEDS
Kids & Youth Survey
As we dream about the future of kids ministry and youth ministry, we would love the input of as many UBCers as possible. Please take some time to think through what matters to you and to our church, and respond here.
Mealtrain for Betsy Bracken
Our sweet Betsy Bracken broke her arm, and we’ve put together a meal train to care for her as she starts healing. You can sign up here. Note: please refrain from dishes with mushrooms or tomatoes.
Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups
Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOUPer Bowl Sunday - February 11th - 12pm
In lieu of our traditional Love Lovefeast, we are having a potluck after church on the 11th. Bring your favorite soup or chili to share with everyone, and we will eat right after church. No need to sign-up, just plan on bringing a dish and staying for lunch on the 11th. If you have any questions, contact Toph.
Ash Wednesday - February 14th - 7am; 5:30pm
We will have two opportunities to attend the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, at 7am and 5:30pm. Join us as we gather to focus our attention on our mortality and growth as we enter the season of Lent.
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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
1/28- Andie
2/4 - Kerri
2/11 - Andie
2/18 - Andie
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
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks
HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)
Patrick Broaddus
Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen