Newsletter 11-12-2024

NICOLE’S POST

My four year old son, Marko, was accidentally profound this week, and gave me some words I had been searching for. 

Marko: Mommy, I don’t want to be an astronaut when I grow up anymore.

Me: Oh really? Why the change?

Marko: I like the Earth so much! I don’t want to blast off from it.

I, also, like the Earth so much. Sometimes, when we love something deeply, it also can result in deep heartbreak when we feel it isn’t loving us back. 

I offer this prayer for us this week:

Dear God, thank you for creating an Earth that is so lovable. Filled with people of all different races, backgrounds, beliefs, families. Help us process the heartbreak we may feel this week; the fear we may have for ourselves or for our neighbors; the disappointment we may feel when what we picture our Earth being doesn’t always align to what it is. May we continue to be an advocate for everyone You have created, and believe that together, we can be a picture of your limitless love and grace. Amen.

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!

Thanksgiving Lovefeast- Sunday, November 17th, 5:30pm
Ubc will provide turkey and ham—you bring a side or dessert to share!

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

UBCKids Shorty’s Pizza (Hewitt Location) Lunch and Play-Sunday, Nov 24 after church
UBCKids will buy some cheese and pepperoni pizzas for the kids- adults responsible for their meals! Please RSVP here, or email nicole@ubcwaco.org to let her know you plan on coming!

Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies- Sunday, December 1st, 5pm

Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 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

11/17- Andie

11/24- Andie

12/1- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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