ANDIE’S POST
Hocus Pocus it's Hard to Focus!
If you have spent more than five minutes in a room with me, you are probably aware of my affinity for all things spooky. I loved trick-or-treating as a kid, even though my costumes were always underneath a snow suit in snowy Alaska. I liked the silly little ghost that oooOOOoooed at me from its string in my childhood living room, and I frequently stole the spider rings from the cotton cobwebs in our hallway. Much to my sadness, though, I spent a chunk of my adult life fearing SpookySzn. What if the devil was somehow more active in October? What if I was dabbling in darkness? That anxiety eventually extended to Easter. After all, the "secular" celebration of the Big Bunny was rooted in fertility. Was I somehow glorifying the temple prostitution of old? While I write this with a wink and a nod, the reality is that I allowed legalism masquerading as obedience to steal the joy of finding Jesus in creative and quirky places. What if there truly is no separation between the lives we live and the God we worship? What if instead of fearing that we might accidentally wander out of God's presence we remember that every step we take is within the love and nearness of the Spirit? I have spent too much time with a split focus: one eye on Jesus and the other on the potential spiritual hazards of this life. I've left that road behind, and am happy to report that the view from here is marvelous. In place of fear, I choose to embrace fun. Instead of perfectionism, I choose to embrace playfulness. Instead of giving one more thought to the stress and anxiety of driving God away, I am confidently leaning into the reality that She likes me too much to leave. Happy Halloween, my friends, may your candy bags overflow with more treats than tricks!
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.
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House
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 HIlls
Please help support Jonathan, Erin, and Jameson Hill during their time of grief with the recent death of Jonathan's mom: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/17n3zz
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
All Saints Liturgy- November 1st- 5:30pm
Ubc Tailgate- Saturday, November 2nd, 4-7pm
Liturgy of Gratitude- November 7th- 5:30pm
BONFIRE NIGHT- November 9th
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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
10/27- 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