TOPH’S POST
Election Season
The UBCYP crew gathered at my place last week, and we had a civil discussion around the upcoming election. I only proposed one question for our conversation: what is one of the driving issues in this election that is guiding the way you will vote? The answers varied from immigration to reproductive rights, to the economy/taxes, and a general concern for democracy to name a few. I’d be interested, for each of you reading this article, to know what are the issues you care most deeply about in this season that are guiding your vote?
In full transparency, one of the main driving issues I am concerned with is immigration. I’ve been thinking a lot about immigration recently, particularly in preparation for Andie and I’s trip to the southern border with Fellowship Southwest. While we were along the US/Mexico border, in Brownsville, McAllen, and Reynosa, we had the opportunity to learn from different organizations and pastors about the immigration crisis and the US’s complicity in creating the crisis. One partner said something that stuck with me: immigration policy is literally life and death.
In the Gospel of Luke, in chapter 4, Jesus announces his “ministry plan” to the religious leaders in his hometown when he reads from the Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God repeatedly directs God’s people to take care of the alien and foreigner among them, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to care for the most vulnerable in our society with a self-sacrificial love. Recently I have been reflecting on a question I read many years ago: would you rather vote for someone who benefits you more than the rest of society, or vote for someone who benefits the rest of society more than you? The second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to love our neighbor, and if we are willing to vote for the candidate that benefits ourselves more than the rest of the society, we are no longer following the inclusive love of Jesus, rather we are worshiping capitalism.
Over the next week, as you think about whom you will vote for, my hope is you will spend time reflecting on the most vulnerable in our society, reflecting on those who are on the margins, and in doing so you will find Jesus among them calling us to join him.
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
All Saints Liturgy- November 1st- 5:30pm
UBC Tailgate - 4-7pm - this Saturday
We will be tailgating this Saturday from 4-7pm, and we will have hotdogs and beer for you to enjoy! Our tailgate spot is near the law school, on the main walkway to bridge. If you are coming, we would love to know so we know how many hot dogs to buy, you can email toph@ubcwaco.org if you didn’t sign-up in the foyer. Right now there is a strong chance of thunderstorms, so we will make the call on whether the tailgate is happening or not at noon on Friday. Please check our social for the update.
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 VerPloegs!
Sweet baby Robin made her debut on October 18th! Please help Sarah and Eric transition to a family of 3 with meals or gift cards! https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/m4gr3k
Christmas Gifts for Arrow
We are partnering with Arrow Child and Family ministries this year to buy gifts for foster care kids and their siblings. We have agreed to get 2 gifts each for 30 kids. We ask that you keep the gifts under $20, and they are due at UBC by the first Sunday in December. You can sign-up in the foyer at church or email toph@ubcwaco.org. Contact Toph with any questions.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Liturgy of Gratitude- November 7th- 5:30pm
Bonfire - November 9th - 6-8pm
We are gathering for our annual fall Bonfire at the Blaire’s ranch! UBC will be providing smore’s and water, please bring whatever else you would like to drink. You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up. We will send out direction to the ranch next week!
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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
11/3- Andie
11/10- 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