ANDIE’S POST
Holding Space
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Repeat.
A LOT.
I want to acknowledge the weight that many (if not all!) of us are feeling as we prepare to receive election results. It makes me miss the days of a simpler faith; one that allowed me the leeway to flippantly declare, "Jesus is on the throne" and move on with my day. The ability to "Let go and Let God" seems so far away, and yet I am longing for it in profound ways. Regardless of the results, some will celebrate and some will grieve. Families will be impacted. Friendships will be tested. Anxiety will creep in at 3 in the morning. If you'll allow me to share a bit of pastoral care with you, please receive this blessing that I sent to the rest of the staff this morning:
May our fears invite us into deeper empathy for the marginalized. May our hopes remind us that we do not exist for ourselves alone. May our peace be found in the One who sides with the vulnerable.
My friends, it might be trite to look at what is at stake and say, "Jesus is on the throne." Still I find myself returning there with a fresh conviction that the work of loving the world in the name of Christ is one of the only constants this life affords. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, our call is to welcome the stranger, set free the prisoner, care for the vulnerable, and shine a light in the darkness because our Light has not been overcome. I am with you in this space of inbetween, and my hope is that we all find the fortitude to care for those in our midst whose burden of dread seems all-consuming. The beauty of the body of Christ is that when we care for each other, no one is left out of the cold. May you feel the warmth of the Light of the world and of one another today and in these impending days. With love, Andie.
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!
Liturgy of Gratitude- November 7th- 5:30pm
Bonfire - November 8th - 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. The bonfire will be from 6-8pm. You can sign-up by emailing toph@ubcwaco.org by Wednesday at 5pm. We will send out direction to the ranch on Thursday.
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
Thanksgiving Lovefeast- Sunday, November 17th
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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
11/10- 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