ANDIE’S POST
VisionQuest 2025 Part Deux (and a bonus post!)
We gathered, we visioned, we quested (we also ate a ton of Baris, but that is less the point)! Our staff sat down and took stock of where we saw God at work in our congregation and in our ministries over 2024, and reflected on the value and impact of lightening. What we have experienced together is a great sense of excitement, life, and hope at UBC. In the coming year, and yes I know we still have the great month of Hallowthanksmas ahead, we want to focus on the concept of engagement and engaging. How do we more fully engage within our church community? How do we more fully engage our broader community of Waco? How do we continue to cultivate UBC so that it is an engaging place to find relationships, safety, growth, and a sense of belonging? I am excited about the myriad ways in which we can explore and be formed together as we weave "engage" into 2025. For now, and especially as political discourse continues to intensify, may you feel the light and lightening love of Jesus who exchanges his rhythms of grace for our chaos and uncertainty.
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Last weekend, 35ish UBCers headed to Glen Rose, TX for a family-style all church retreat and let me tell you: It filled a space in my soul that I didn't know was empty. I definitely didn't get any sleep, and I smelled like bug spray, smoke, and marshmallows for longer than I care to admit, but being together to pause and laugh and eat and learn and hike and breathe was a beautiful and formative experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Our youngest UBCer in attendance was 7 weeks old, and our oldest had a handful of decades on our youngest. That was part of the fun and puzzle inherent in creating an experience that made space for everyone. At times it was loud, a little chaotic, and WOW can our kids and teens put away snacks, but watching so many people I love share deep conversation and connection was incredible. It felt very on brand for UBC in that way. Thank you for a very dear reminder that when the Church makes a way to root herself in deference to one another, in mutual love, and in grace, we are all formed more fully in the way of Christ.
WACO HIGH TEACHER APPRECIATION
We’ve agreed to help with a teacher appreciation at Waco High to thank them for all their hard work. Would you be willing to buy a $10 gift card to somewhere you think a teacher would love? (think Starbucks, Pinewood, ChickFila, Target, etc…). You can drop your gift cards in the offering box in the foyer over the next few Sundays. We will collect gifts cards till October 27th. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org
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.
NO PINTS W/ TOPH THIS WEEK
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
College Hangout - October 17th - 6pm - Toph’s Casa
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
UBCYP Hangout - October 20th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa
Arrow Child and Family Ministries Lunch and Learn- October 27th - noon
Arrow is one of UBC’s community partners, and Hope Middlebrook will be joining us and sharing more about how you can get involved with foster care and adoption in McLennan County. If you would like to learn more about Arrow, please sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up.
All Saints Liturgy- November 1st- 5:30pm
Liturgy of Gratitude- November 7th- 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
10/13- Sharyl
10/20- Andie
10/27- Andie
11/3- Andie
COMMUNITY BOARD
The Cove Goes to Paris
Every day, the Cove offers sanctuary to teens in our community who need a place of rest. This fall, Waco Civic Theatre is presenting Victor Hugo’s classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, featuring music from the Walt Disney film. The story explores how the church offers protection for those who are hurting from the cruelties of the world outside, echoing the Cove’s mission here in Waco. Featuring a live orchestra and partnering with Central Texas Choral Society for a full choir, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to support two local non-profits in our community and see an absolute masterpiece of theatre art! Go to www.WacoCivicTheatre.com for tickets and use the code COVE24 so that 10% of the proceeds will be donated to The Cove.
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