Newsletter 7-16-2024

TOWN HALL SUMMARY

We gathered, we listened, we Town Halled!

Here's a little sum up of what we discussed last Sunday:

Staffing Updates:
-We are so thrilled to welcome Nicole Dizdar as UBC's new kids pastor.  Nicole is bringing years of teaching experience and a passion for social-emotional growth and learning to the kiddos of UBC.  She is settling into the role, evaluating our classroom's ages, structure, and curriculum, and looking forward to connecting with families. If you see her on a Sunday, make sure you say hi!
-Youth Pastor Search: So far, we have not received any applications that we are pursuing, but will continue to work diligently to find the right person for UBC.  I whole-heartedly believe that they exist, and they are worth the wait!

-Toph's Sabbatical: Are you missing Toph?  Of course you are! Take heart, he'll be back from sabbatical next month.  In the meantime, big thanks to those who are stepping in to keep us connecting this summer.

Denomination Update:
UBC is affiliated with CBF, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  The affirming branch of CBF has recently merged with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB).  We are in discussion about joining AWAB in addition to our affiliation with CBF.  Our membership in AWAB will communicate our ongoing theological commitment to affirm and welcome all of our LGBTQIA+ siblings.  Please check out AWAB here: https://awab.org/.  We would love your input as we explore this potential relationship.

Mark your calendars for our ALL CHURCH RETREAT!!
  UBC is having a sleepover!  October 4th and 5th we are heading to a retreat center and spending time together as a community.  We are working to keep costs low, and more information will be available as the retreat draws closer, but save the date for an incredible community-wide experience!

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me, another staffer, or any member of our leadership team.  I love you and I like you!

-Pastor Andie

JULY WORKSHOPS

Dreading Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Bob?  Unsure how to pray in a way that doesn't put you to sleep or make you feel like you're talking to the wall?  Want to integrate your spiritual life into your actual life?  Do you recognize that the planet is burning but feel helpless to stop it?  K, that was a lot of questions, but the point is we have a workshop for that!  Every Sunday in July, we are offering a different workshop that coordinates with a special sermon series through the book of Jonah.  Join us at 9:30 as we explore Civil Discourse, Creative Prayer, Integrated Living, and Sustainability in the context of our 2024 theme of Lightening.  Childcare will be available on a first come first serve basis (10 spaces). Register in the lobby if you plan on bringing your kiddos! 

THIS WEEK

ubckids U-Swirl meetup - July 16th (TONIGHT), 5pm

Waco Dives- Jasper’s - July 17th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Sunday Workshop: Integrated Living//On Being One Person, 9:30am

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.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- D’s Mediterranean- July 24th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Pints without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House - Wednesday, July 31st, 6pm

Kindergarten Commissioning!- August 11th
On Sunday, August 11th UBC will be celebrating our incoming kindergartners and their caregivers during our regular service. If you didn't receive an email about this and want your kindergartner to participate, please RSVP here!

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/21- Andie

7/28- Andie

8/4- Craig

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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill