ANDIE’S POST
Tending our Values
Three things:
One: I hate talking about money in church. You may not know this about my history, but I attended a church early on in my faith where the lead pastor embezzled thousands of dollars of tithe money. This was followed by a massive exodus from the congregation and an overwhelming push by the elders to give more. My trust was shattered, and I felt betrayed by my pastor, church, and God.
Two: In my church history, giving has always been tied to my faith. DIRECTLY. I have been told from the pulpit that if I trust God with little, God will bless me with much, and if I can't (translation: won't) give ten percent of our income, I do not take God at God's word. Though I don't agree with a word of that now, it felt really awful when I did.
Three: Despite my past experiences, I am still going to talk about money with you, because the conversation is important and deserves to be reframed. Today is Giving Tuesday, a chance to take what we have and invest in organizations that are meaningful to us. UBC's budget rises and falls on congregational support. Though we are working on grant opportunities, our spending outpaces our giving. In 2025, we are facing a budget disparity of roughly $150,000. While that might feel pretty insurmountable, I unabashedly believe that Waco and the world need UBC. We must find creative ways to keep loving and serving people with marginalized identities, more progressive theology, and the kind of expansive love that Christ represents, and that takes financial resources. So here's my request: If you have ongoing giving set up, would you take a minute and consider adjusting it? Even $20 a month can make an impact! If you value the work of UBC and can support it financially but haven't yet, please think about starting. Last, if you'd like to give a one time gift on Giving Tuesday, it will help us close out the year with a hopeful eye to the future. For our family, we've considered what it would mean to UBC to skip the extra DoorDash once or twice a month or to thrift some of the items we usually buy new. It might not be a lot, but if we make changes together, the impact will multiply. My hope as your pastor is that we let our values guide every aspect of our lives, and that includes our spending. Out of 325 churches in Waco, UBC is one of seven affirming churches and one of four churches with a female senior pastor. Our ministry matters and can change the lives of those who need a safe, inclusive community where they belong. Thank you for your openness and the care you show for UBC; as always, I'm available to answer any questions or to chat!
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
Liturgy of Mourning- Thursday, December 5th, 5:30pm (Childcare Available)
Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th- 6pm (Childcare Available)
College and UBCYP Christmas Party - Sunday - 6pm
Tis the season to celebrate! We will be having a Christmas party at Toph’s Casa this Sunday night, at 6pm. There will be Christmas trivia, beverages, and appetizers to share. You can sign-up on Sunday morning, or email toph@ubcwaco.org
Please bring an appetizer to share. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org
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
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
Advent Formation Workshops- Thursday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 6pm (Childcare Available)
Christmas Eve Liturgy- Tuesday, December 24th, 5:30pm
Brunch Church- Sunday, January 29th, 10:45am
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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
12/8- Sharyl
12/15- Andie
12/22- Andie
12/29- Brunch Church
COMMUNITY BOARD
CONTACT INFO
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
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