ANDIE’S POST
One day [Jesus] got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were terrified and amazed and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water and they obey him?” Luke 8:22-25 NRSV(UE)
The world's on fire, how 'bout yours? Except unlike Smash Mouth, this is decidedly not how I like it. I've seen responses to the rapid-fire executive orders from all over the spectrum: "Fight, fight, fight!" "Joy is resistance!" "Avoid the overwhelm." "Unplug; take care of you." All of those seem like really good options, which in of itself is overwhelming. So I did what I do when I've run out of my own good ideas: I tune into my 90's middle school bracelet wearing self and wonder WWJD: What would Jesus do? The story above is one of the few that appears in all three synoptic gospels, and you can take it a hundred different directions. For me, I find within it some key elements that will hopefully give us some insight into what 2025 can look like. First of note: Jesus was among friends. He got into a boat filled with his companions; fellow sojourners on a walk of faith. Second, he rested. He felt safe enough to take a pause and let the lake lull him to sleep. Third, when things hit a tipping point, he was ready and able to act. He said what needed to be said, both to the elements and to his brothers. He calmed the wind and waves and then asked the disciples a pointed question: "Where is your faith?" Why didn't you calm the storm? Why didn't you believe that I would? I say to you, my precious UBCers, go and do the same. Be among one another. Come to a movie night or game night or special liturgy or start a MiCasa. Come to Sunday mornings. Be among friends. Next, rest when you need it so that you are ready to act. Act when the time comes. Act, and be ready to call those around you to action who are too scared or feel too alone to speak up themselves. We need each other today and always, and remember that the one who calms the storms is in your boat.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm
PINTS WITHOUT TOPH (w/ Jamie)- Wednesday, February 5th, Pinewood Public House, 6pm
Parents Night Out is this Friday from 6-8 pm!
We are looking for some extra hands to help pack Pack of Hope bags with the kids during this time. If you want to volunteer, reach out to Nicole at nicole@ubcwaco.org
SOUPer Bowl Lovefeast - February 9th - noon
It is one of the best times of the year, it is time for another Lovefeast at UBC. This year, in honor of the Super Bowl, we are having a Souper Bowl Lovefeast after church on February 9th. Please bring your favorite soup or stew to share (we can plug crockpots in during the service in the backside). UBC will provide the drinks and bread, but we need you to bring your favorite soup or stew. We will hang out, eat some good food, and debate who will the game that night. This is another great chance to engage with your UBC community. If you have any questions, please 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
Mealtrain for Alice and Ceci
We can help support Alice and Ceci while Alice is recovering from the hospital. Ceci could use quick, easy meals she can also pack for lunch for work. Sign up here.
Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!
Kid’s Volunteers
SIgn up to help with ubckids! 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**: Wheel of Awareness Meditation Group (beginning March 9th)
Greetings, this is Jamie. If you didn’t know, I’m in school to be a therapist (no, I’m not leaving ubc). Last semester, I did a deep dive into Interpersonal Neurobiology and came out with training in a science-y meditation that I’d like to share. It’s called the Wheel of Awareness, and I’m going to be running a group during Lent for us to practice together. We did a one-off during Advent for the Peace formation workshop, and I’d like to do it several weeks in a row and talk about it together. Starting March 9th, we’ll be meeting on Sunday mornings (9:30am) and Wednesday evenings (6pm) for 45 minute sessions. Those sessions will include a check-in, a 20 minute meditation, and a debrief. We’ll have official sign ups closer to time, but I wanted to get it on your radar. If you have further questions or just can’t contain your excitement and want to sign up now, email jamie@ubcwaco.org.
KIDS CAMP
Kids camp will be July 20-23 at Glen Lake Camp in Glenrose for kids who have completed 3rd grade-6th grade. We have 10 spots. Cost is $438/camper, reach out to nicole@ubcwaco.com to secure a spot ASAP!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Toph Taco Tuesday EVENING EDITION- Tuesday, February 11th, 6:30pm, Maria Mezcaleria
Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, February 23rd-noon, Whitehall Park (weather permitting)
Pack a lunch or pick something up and meet us at Whitehall Park in Woodway for a picnic and some playtime. UBC will provide sodas and juice.
Border Immersion Trip - March 9-12, 2025
We are taking our first trip to the border as a community to learn more about the immigration crisis and learn first hand about the migrants’ experience seeking asylum in the US. Spots are limited to 8 people, and there will be more trips later in the year. If you would like more information, please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org
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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
2/9- Andie
2/16- Andie
2/23- Andie
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