TOPH’S POST
Spring is upon us in Texas, and I am not afraid to jinx it: winter is over, and we now prepare for the hopefully slow march towards the hellish sweltering temps of Texas in the summer. However, before we all resign ourselves to always being inside in the comforts of air conditioning out of fear our bodies may melt, we have the lovely opportunity to enjoy this beautiful Spring weather. This is my favorite time of year in Texas, and what I offer below our my top three free or low-cost things to do while the weather is nice.
#1 – Sunset at Woodway Beach – If you take Bosque all the way to Woodway Park and keep driving, you will hit a dead end at Woodway Beach. This is hands down the best place to watch the sunset in the city. Take some chairs, or a blanket, or just sit in your car and enjoy the view.
#2 – River Trail in Cameron Park – This is a lovely out and back trail along the river in Cameron Park. You can park at Jacob’s ladder and catch the trail by the river from there. The trail is flat, and easy to navigate, it’s a great spot for kids and adults. This is a great option on the warmer days, as most of the trail is shaded by trees.
#3 – Cameron Park Zoo – This is one of the best seasons to visit our wonderful zoo here in Waco. The animals are out and about more often with the weather being so nice, and the zoo is a great spot to spend a few hours walking around. If you have ability to go on Monday or Wednesday, the zoo offers discounted tickets (Monday – one full price tickets can buy two other tickets at %50 off. Wednesday – resident of McClennan county can enjoy $10 tickets per person)
Honorable Mention for best patio dining this time of year: Slow Rise on the Brazos, Brazos Landing, Revival Eastside Eatery, and Opal’s.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm
Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm
Wheel of Awareness Group- Wednesday- 5:30pm
If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.
UBCYP and College Hangout - March 27th - 7pm at Toph’s Casa
If you are a young professional or college student, join us for our next UBCYP and College Hangout on Thursday March 27th at 7pm at Toph’s Casa. We will be having dinner together and discussing what we would like to do for our end of the year party. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church this Sunday, or email toph.
Wheel of Awareness Group- Sunday- 9:30am
If you haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.
n’UBC’ers Luncheon - March 30th - noon
Are you new to UBC in the last 6 months? If so, we would love to have you stay for lunch after church on March 30th. The luncheon is a time to learn more about UBC’s history, and how you can get involved. If you have any questions, contact Toph. You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@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
Mealtrain for the Lemmons
NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE. Austin and Nikki welcomed baby Crosby last week. Sign up here to shower them with food.
Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!
UBC NEW BABY TEAM
ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.
Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!
Kid’s Volunteers
SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.
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.
March Madness Bracket Challenge
March Madness is back, and we are doing our annual bracket challenge. Join either the ESPN Men’s Bracket Challenge and/or ESPN Women’s Bracket challenge. The group name for both groups is: "UBCWaco Madness!" The winner of each bracket challenge will receive a free lunch with Toph at the place of your choosing. Contact Toph if you haver any questions.
Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)
Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (5:30pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. If you’d like to come, but haven’t signed up, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.
KIDS CAMP
Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP!
UPCOMING EVENTS
ubcKids camp fundraiser- Sunday, April 6, Skate Waco (401 Towne Oaks Dr.) 2-5pm
Maundy Thursday Potluck-Thursday, April 17th, 5:30pm
Good Friday Liturgy - Friday, April 18th, 5:30pm
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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
3/30- Andie
4/6- Andie
4/13- Jamie
COMMUNITY BOARD
CONTACT INFO
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)
Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)
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)
Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose