ANDIE’S POST
Spring is Springing, but am I?
I love this time of year in Texas (said the brand new Texan), because there are the most beautiful, bright days interspersed with cozy grey. All of a sudden, my laundry is folded, I'm cooking more, and oh wait, what's that? I worked out?! As the slump and seasonal depression melts, I am faced with a bit of a dilemma: How do I embody the joy and renewal of a new season when the pain and fear of our previous season have followed me in? I consistently wrestle with the tension between being a source of hope and holding space to weather the evils and realities we are watching unfold. I saw someone on Instagram refer to the Queer community with the letters LGBQ, embracing the anti-Trans rhetoric that is working its way through our nation. I fear for our national parks. I mourn for the loss of jobs and the threat of job loss. And also, two UBCers want me to baptize them. And also, new UBCers are rooting into our church community left and right. And also, I'm planning a sabbath retreat for my MiCasa. And also, my daughter stood up for her and her friends at school yesterday. My precious church, I love you, and I say this with love (and not with any intention to foster avoidance): Lean into the And Alsos. That is where the life comes from. That is where we are refreshed. That is how we embody the love of the God who was embodied in Jesus. It is a beautiful thing to be alive, and as we move into the Lenten season, we are reminded, with gratitude, of just how short that existence really is. I find myself longing to be together with you all in new and fresh ways that reflect the grace of spring, and I am excited about what God is resurrecting in our life and midst.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm
Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm
Spring Story and Tea Time - March 2 - noon
Join us for a brand new event on Sunday, March 2 after church. We are going to gather together and hear stories either told or read. The theme of this Spring Story Time is “new life.” Do you have a favorite story you would like to read or tell about new life? This open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to participate and read or share their own stories. You can sign-up in the lobby if you want to share a story, or email toph@ubwaco.org. UBC will provide small sandwiches and chips and drinks. We would like you to bring some tea to share and exchange with others. 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
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!
UBC NEW BABY TEAM
ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.
Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!
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 (5:30pm) 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
Ash Wednesday Liturgy- March 5th, 7am or 5:30pm
Ubckids Fundraiser at Freddy’s in Hewitt- March 6th, 4-8pm
Ubckids Meetup and Play- Sunday, March 16th-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.
St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy- Monday, March 17th, 5:30pm
Test Your Luck at a St. Patrick's Day Game Night!
March 17th 6pm-8ish
*Insert every St. Patrick's/four leaf clover/gold coin stereotype here* because we are having an all-church game night! Immediately following the St. Patrick's Day liturgy, you are invited to stay and play board games, eat snacks, and spend time connecting with other UBCers. Bring a snack to share and your favorite (reasonably lengthed) board game; we'll provide the beverages. Sign up in the lobby or email andie@ubcwaco to register!
Town Hall- March 23rd, after church
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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
2/28- Andie
3/2- Andie
3/9- 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