JESS’S POST
Four Friends Catch Up Over Pasta
I’m doing better / they need to run more tests /
we’re moving in together / i’m never dating
again / how is your dad? / how is your
heart? / how are you dealing with the state of
the world? / I love your new hair colors / I’m
on new meds / remember how young we used
to be? / let’s build a commune / we can have
sheep / and goats? / yes, and dancing / I
missed you / it’s been too long / this is
delicious - the sauce, the salad / this night /
all of it.
This poem by Amy Kay has been speaking to me recently. My twenties thus far have been an evolving definition of friendship and family. As a newly-moved-out-adult, I thought that quality time with friends always involved intense, emotional conversations. As time went on, I found myself instead finding the most enjoyment in fun hangouts - movies, games, or just running errands together. Lately, I’ve been loving watching weekly tv shows with friends. I’ve appreciated the predictability of knowing I’ll see someone I care about on a certain day, and that I’ll get to enjoy a shared interest. Phone calls have also been growing on me. With one of my closest friends recently moving out of state, we’ve been finding new ways to feel connected to each other.
This past weekend, staff met to consider what our focuses will be going into 2025. (is the plural of focus foci?) One thing that resonated with all of us was a desire for UBCers to feel that they are in meaningful relationships with each other, whatever that may look like. My request to each of you today is to consider what friendship is to you in this time of life: is it the sauce and the salad? is it fantasizing about building a commune with people you care about? is it asking or being asked about your new meds? or is it all of it?
THIS WEEK
Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm
We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.
Pints with Toph - Wednesday at 6pm at Pinewood
UBC ALL CHURCH RETREAT - FRIDAY & SATURDAY
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
Youth Group Dinner Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up.
Kid’s Volunteers
It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. 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.
Dinner Clubs
Dinner Clubs are back, and you can sign-up in the foyer at UBC. Do you like eating dinner? Do you like getting to know new people? If so, sign-up for our October/November Dinner Clubs. You will be placed with 2-3 other households, and you all will schedule a time between now and Thanksgiving to have dinner 1-2times. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Toph Taco Tuesday -October 8th, noon
Out on the Brazos - October 19th
Out on the Brazos is coming up, and UBC will have a table at the event. If you would like to come and share with people why you love UBC, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org or sign-up in the foyer at church. You can find more information about the festival here: https://www.wacopridenetwork.org/out-on-the-brazos
College Hangout - October 17th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa
UBCYP Hangout - October 20th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa
All Saints Liturgy- November 1st- 5:30pm
Liturgy of Gratitude- November 7th- 5:30pm
Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
10/6- Andie
10/13- Sharyl
10/20- Andie
10/27- Andie
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)
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