ANDIE’S POST
The Lesson in Love Feast
Last Sunday was our Thanksgiving Love Feast, and once again, I was blown away by the connections within our church. It was so fun to sit back and watch conversations happen, and to spend more time with the people we see in passing on Sunday mornings. One thing in particular struck me this year, and I wanted to share some thoughts about it. We had several tables set up and ready to go, but as more UBCers came, it turned out we needed more space. People moved quickly to set up additional tables so that everyone who needed a seat had one. It reminded me of that old saying, "When you have more than you need, don't build a taller fence, build a longer table." As I think forward to engaging, our 2025 theme, I think about what it would look like if we committed to engage more fully at UBC and in our larger community. How many tables would we have to add this time next year if we prioritize our presence at UBC? How many more conversations will take place if we are willing to show up, grow deeper, build new relationships, and root with abandon? So many of us have been harmed by a narrative of mandatory church attendance; that is not what I am suggesting. Instead, I invite us to consider who we want to be when looking back over 2025, or even at the end of 2024, and how intentional and consistent engagement at UBC might support that vision. 2025 will hold more church-wide events and opportunities to care for the community of Waco. My hope is that we are open to the ways in which we can further the important work of UBC in our own lives and in the lives of our neighbors. If we want to feel connected to the life of the church, we need to show up, and I am so grateful that I got to see that firsthand at Love Feast.
ARROW DEADLINE APPROACHING
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.
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
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!
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
Taco Tuesday With Toph- November 26th, noon, Maria Mezcaleria
Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies- Sunday, December 1st, 5pm
Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 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
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
Ben Rose