TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK (ANDIE’S POST)
[Content warning: Queer exclusion and suicidal ideation]
Last week, we had the great joy of opening our building to Officer Janae Draper, the LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer at the Waco Police Department, and several local community members and leaders. Officer Draper offered an extensive training on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and honoring the existence of Queer folx in our community, intended for future use by law enforcement. Officer Draper plans to make the training widely available to other police departments, government officials, and any organization that would benefit from a better understanding of LGBTQIA+ history and inclusion. I cannot speak highly enough of the work that Officer Draper is doing. In her own words, she “will not just be a name on a page.” She is actively working to make the city of Waco a safer place to be Queer. What a gift to provide a space for such meaningful work. If you are interested in attending Officer Draper’s next training, please email her at JanaeD@Wacotx.gov.
Our Queer family members continue to suffer exclusion and attack nationwide and in our own backyard. Last night, the Clifton school board voted 5-2 against allowing students to use any name or pronouns that do not match government-issued documents. The self-harm and suicide rate among trans youth is the highest of any population of the same age. Chosen name use is documented to decrease depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. Please keep the students at Clifton close in your hearts and prayers as they process this decision.
As we peek around the corner at Pride Month, may we remember that our faith roots us in love, and Pride roots us in rebellion. May we care for ourselves and others with the intentionality and welcome of Christ as we continue the work of seeking justice and equity for all who are systemically marginalized.
TOPH'S EARLY SABBATICAL
There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers ofresponsibilities 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.
-Toph
THIS WEEK
Book Club: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Tuesday, 6pm
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 Shirts Have Arrived!
If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.
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.
YOUTH RETREAT
There are only three spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today! Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.
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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.
Book Club: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd, 6pm
You are invited to join Dr. David Justice for a summer book study on Martin Luther King Jr.'s final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?. We will meet on Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd. To register, please email David at David_Justice@Baylor.edu.
David earned his PhD in Theological Studies from Saint Louis University in 2023 and wrote his dissertation on Martin Luther King Jr. He currently serves as a postdoctoral teaching fellow at Baylor University. His research, writing, and teaching try to think about how to move us closer to the Beloved Community. You can find more information on him at his website: profjustice.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pints Without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House, Wednesday, May 29th, 6pm
Hey friends! While Toph is on sabbatical, I’ll be (partially) taking over Pints with Toph. Join me on the LAST WEDNESDAY of May, June, and July at Pinewood 6pm to hang out and keep those good vibes going! See you there!
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
5/26- Aleigh
6/2- Andie
6/9- Andy Clark
6/16- Andie
6/23- Andie
COMMUNITY BOARD
CONTACT INFO
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
Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill