TOPH’S POST
Mr. Rogers Sunday is always one of my favorites. I enjoy the video, but what I really enjoy is the luncheon afterwards. Every year, we invite the graduates to stay for lunch with staff, and we allow some time for them to share what UBC has meant to them in their time here, and for us to say thank you to them for all the ways they have contributed to the life of our community. Without fail, and this year was no exception, our graduates share what a welcoming space UBC is. Sunday, during our luncheon, many shared how this was the first church they could come and be their full selves and be welcomed in every way for who they are. It is moments like these that continue to remind me what a special place UBC is, and why I love being a part of this community. So, thank you UBC community. Thank you for continuing to cultivate a space where people are welcomed and celebrated for who they are. It is you I like!!
TOPH’S EARLY SABBATICAL
There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers of responsibilities during our most recent Lead Pastor transition, and after many discussions with Andie, friends, and my therapist, I have come to realize I’ve been, and I am experiencing severe burnout. To tend to my overall health, all parties agreed it would be beneficial for me to take an early sabbatical this year, which has been approved by LT, and will start on May 7 and end early August. I am deeply grateful for this community and the ways in which we take care of each other, and deeply grateful for some time for rest and renewal after a long few years. I have worked with Andie and Jamie and LT to cover my responsibilities while I am away and looking forward to seeing everyone in August.
THIS WEEK
UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
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.
YOUTH PARENTS MEETING - May 5th
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming youth retreat, please join us in the youth room (behind the sanctuary) after church on May 5th for a brief info meeting. We will cover logistics, cost, and the plan for the retreat itself. See you then!
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
UBC Swag
We are selling new UBC shirts to help raise money for our youth and kids to go to camp this year. The cost is $20 (or more if you want to donate to camp), and the shirts will be available in mid may. You can signup in the foyer at church or pre-order here. We have kids and youth sizes available as well. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org
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
KIDS CAMP
Camp! Camp! Camp!
Registration for Passport Camp is full! If you have signed a kid up, please return the form from Kid’s Check In along with a $50 deposit. Scholarship information can be found at https://passportcamps.org/camp-scholarships/. Reach out with any questions to andie@ubcwaco.org or kids@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.
Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19
A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.
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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
5/5- Andie
5/12- Andie
5/19- Andie
5/25- Aleigh
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)
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen