ANDIE’S POST
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but more than that, it is an opportunity to engage a topic that has been off limits in the Church for far too long. It shouldn't surprise us that in a world that is far from perfect, we are also wildly imperfect. In a world with illnesses that afflict our bodies, we can anticipate that illnesses will also impact our minds. Here are three things I want you (and the Church) to know about mental health: 1) Not a single person has perfect mental health. In fact, challenges to mental health impact 20% of adults, 50% of teens, and 15% of children each year. 2) You are not your diagnosis alone. You are a rich, complex, beautiful human made in the Image of God. 3) Struggling with mental health is not a lack of faith. You can't quiet time your way out of anxiety, depression, a personality or mood disorder.
Friends, you are not alone on your mental health journey, nor are you alone as you seek to support your loved one on theirs. The Church has kicked people while they are down for far too long. Please join me in emphatically shouting, "ENOUGH."
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.
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 Family In Need
A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.
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 [ONE SPOT LEFT]
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
Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm
Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org
UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm
Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org
UBCYP Hangout – July 12th – 6pm
Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, July 12th. We will be gathering at Brian and Elyse Blair’s house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Brian: bblair96@gmail.com If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org
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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
5/12- Andie
5/19- Andie
5/25- Aleigh
6/2- 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) [on sabbatical]
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