Newsletter 7-31-2024

ANDIE’S POST

Final Thoughts On Jonah

July has been one of my favorite months at UBC to date.  Not only were there incredible workshops available that taught me something new each week, but I was once again reminded of my own humanity through the humanity of Jonah.  Jonah ran.  Jonah tried again.  Jonah triumphed.  Jonah pouted.  I think I've done all of those things already today and it isn't even ten o'clock!  Part of the value of scripture is the assurance that we are never too far gone.  And while the Bluey episode "Baby Race" has taught us that comparison truly is the thief of joy, it is a gift in many ways that the stories in the Bible are not those of the religious elite (and when they are, they are examples of what not to do).  Our standards somehow exist in both becoming the likeness of Christ and in the fumblings and failures of our "heroes" of faith. I am forever grateful for the dissonance caused by a great God doing great things among ordinary people. My hope is that you have found value in the fears, failings, and faith of Jonah, and that you find fresh energy in following God into whatever space and place God is inviting you.  May we listen anew to the ways in which God is leading us as individuals and as a community. 

THIS WEEK

Pints without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House - Wednesday, July 31st, 6pm

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

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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- Billy Bob’s Burgers- August 5th (MONDAY), noon

Kindergarten Commissioning!- August 11th
On Sunday, August 11th UBC will be celebrating our incoming kindergartners and their caregivers during our regular service. If you didn't receive an email about this and want your kindergartner to participate, please RSVP here!

Ubckids Classroom Shower!- August 11th, after church

We could not be more thrilled to welcome Nicole, our new Kids Pastor, so we are throwing her a classroom shower!  She has been hard at work organizing our kids ministry spaces and taking stock of what our classrooms need.  Join us after church on August 11th to celebrate this new chapter in the life of UBC.  We will have cake, punch, snacks, and a couple of games.  Nicole has created an Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13ML4S098Q21M?ref_=wl_share 

Let's stock our kids rooms together!

Kids Volunteer Interest & Training Meeting- Sunday, August 18th, after church

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

8/4- Craig

8/11- Andie

8/18- Andie

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)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 7-23-2024

NICOLE’S POST

Donuts are for Sundays 

Hi UBC! Nicole here. I just finished my third Sunday as UBC's kids' pastor, and I'm writing this with my 15 month old baby napping in my arms, while my other two children explore every toy this church has to offer on this rainy Monday morning. This is their new favorite place to be. Reflecting on the whirlwind of my life in the past month, I am filled with so much gratitude to be serving the families of UBC. My own children actually- and I'm not exaggerating- JUMP out of bed on Sundays, excited about donuts and friends and their teachers that day and activities and toys and that "mama is gonna be right there!" and all the things UBC has offered them. They also have a huge affinity for the peppermints, even though they cringe over mint toothpaste? Who knows.

I have been so impressed with the volunteer engagement in the classrooms, and how well the volunteers love and serve the kids here at UBC. My mind immediately goes to the gift that the volunteers are giving the caretakers of our wonderful UBC kids- the adults are able to freely engage in their spiritual formation during our church service, and their kids are in a loving, safe space. This is truly such a blessing for not only the kiddos, but all of their caretakers as well. Thank you, volunteers!

Looking towards the fall, I have so much excitement and energy as I think of all the possibilities our kids' program has to offer our church and greater community. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms as I embark on this journey with you all! I can't wait to look back on this day a year from now and see how we have flourished together. 

JULY WORKSHOPS

Dreading Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Bob?  Unsure how to pray in a way that doesn't put you to sleep or make you feel like you're talking to the wall?  Want to integrate your spiritual life into your actual life?  Do you recognize that the planet is burning but feel helpless to stop it?  K, that was a lot of questions, but the point is we have a workshop for that!  Every Sunday in July, we are offering a different workshop that coordinates with a special sermon series through the book of Jonah.  Join us at 9:30 as we explore Civil Discourse, Creative Prayer, Integrated Living, and Sustainability in the context of our 2024 theme of Lightening.  Childcare will be available on a first come first serve basis (10 spaces). Register in the lobby if you plan on bringing your kiddos! 

THIS WEEK

Waco D’s Mediterranean - July 24th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Sunday Workshop: Sustainability, 9:30am

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.

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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- Schmaltz’s (Valley Mills Location)- July 30th (TUESDAY), noon

Pints without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House - Wednesday, July 31st, 6pm

Kindergarten Commissioning!- August 11th
On Sunday, August 11th UBC will be celebrating our incoming kindergartners and their caregivers during our regular service. If you didn't receive an email about this and want your kindergartner to participate, please RSVP here!

Ubckids Classroom Shower!- August 11th, after church

We could not be more thrilled to welcome Nicole, our new Kids Pastor, so we are throwing her a classroom shower!  She has been hard at work organizing our kids ministry spaces and taking stock of what our classrooms need.  Join us after church on August 11th to celebrate this new chapter in the life of UBC.  We will have cake, punch, snacks, and a couple of games.  Nicole has created an Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13ML4S098Q21M?ref_=wl_share 

Let's stock our kids rooms together!

Kids Volunteer Interest & Training Meeting- Sunday, August 18th, after church

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/28- Andie

8/4- Craig

8/11- Andie

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)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 7-16-2024

TOWN HALL SUMMARY

We gathered, we listened, we Town Halled!

Here's a little sum up of what we discussed last Sunday:

Staffing Updates:
-We are so thrilled to welcome Nicole Dizdar as UBC's new kids pastor.  Nicole is bringing years of teaching experience and a passion for social-emotional growth and learning to the kiddos of UBC.  She is settling into the role, evaluating our classroom's ages, structure, and curriculum, and looking forward to connecting with families. If you see her on a Sunday, make sure you say hi!
-Youth Pastor Search: So far, we have not received any applications that we are pursuing, but will continue to work diligently to find the right person for UBC.  I whole-heartedly believe that they exist, and they are worth the wait!

-Toph's Sabbatical: Are you missing Toph?  Of course you are! Take heart, he'll be back from sabbatical next month.  In the meantime, big thanks to those who are stepping in to keep us connecting this summer.

Denomination Update:
UBC is affiliated with CBF, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  The affirming branch of CBF has recently merged with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB).  We are in discussion about joining AWAB in addition to our affiliation with CBF.  Our membership in AWAB will communicate our ongoing theological commitment to affirm and welcome all of our LGBTQIA+ siblings.  Please check out AWAB here: https://awab.org/.  We would love your input as we explore this potential relationship.

Mark your calendars for our ALL CHURCH RETREAT!!  UBC is having a sleepover!  October 4th and 5th we are heading to a retreat center and spending time together as a community.  We are working to keep costs low, and more information will be available as the retreat draws closer, but save the date for an incredible community-wide experience!

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me, another staffer, or any member of our leadership team.  I love you and I like you!

-Pastor Andie

JULY WORKSHOPS

Dreading Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Bob?  Unsure how to pray in a way that doesn't put you to sleep or make you feel like you're talking to the wall?  Want to integrate your spiritual life into your actual life?  Do you recognize that the planet is burning but feel helpless to stop it?  K, that was a lot of questions, but the point is we have a workshop for that!  Every Sunday in July, we are offering a different workshop that coordinates with a special sermon series through the book of Jonah.  Join us at 9:30 as we explore Civil Discourse, Creative Prayer, Integrated Living, and Sustainability in the context of our 2024 theme of Lightening.  Childcare will be available on a first come first serve basis (10 spaces). Register in the lobby if you plan on bringing your kiddos! 

THIS WEEK

ubckids U-Swirl meetup - July 16th (TONIGHT), 5pm

Waco Dives- Jasper’s - July 17th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Sunday Workshop: Integrated Living//On Being One Person, 9:30am

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.

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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- D’s Mediterranean- July 24th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Pints without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House - Wednesday, July 31st, 6pm

Kindergarten Commissioning!- August 11th
On Sunday, August 11th UBC will be celebrating our incoming kindergartners and their caregivers during our regular service. If you didn't receive an email about this and want your kindergartner to participate, please RSVP here!

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/21- Andie

7/28- Andie

8/4- Craig

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)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 7-9-2024

TOWN HALL THIS SUNDAY

Hear ye! Hear ye! Town Hall approaches! Okay, I probably won't ever do that again, but the sentiment remains: Town Hall is coming!  Join us THIS SUNDAY the 14th immediately after church.  UBC has had an incredible year thus far, and we are excited to offer updates and visioning to keep those good vibes going.  

• At Town Hall, you'll have a chance to:
  Hear from our new kids pastor, Nicole Dizdar, and share your hopes and dreams for kids ministry moving forward.

• Receive a financial update

• Hear about upcoming events, vision, and a potential new ministry partner

• Have an all-around good time!

Stick around after service and share in this important part of community life.  May we embrace beauty together as we seek God for the next season in our church!

IMPORTANT NEED

Backpack Drive

Are you done with school but long to buy school supplies again? The fresh highlighters, the crisp folders, the cool non-scratchy pens. Well then I've got good news for you. Each year, UBC partners with Arrow Family Ministries to provide backpacks and school supplies to local families. This year, UBC has committed to 20 backpacks and the school supplies to go with them! If you're interested in providing a backpack and school supplies, please email Erin Hill at erin.albin1@gmail.com for more information. We need to have the backpacks and supplies to Arrow by July 21st so sign up today!

JULY WORKSHOPS

Dreading Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Bob?  Unsure how to pray in a way that doesn't put you to sleep or make you feel like you're talking to the wall?  Want to integrate your spiritual life into your actual life?  Do you recognize that the planet is burning but feel helpless to stop it?  K, that was a lot of questions, but the point is we have a workshop for that!  Every Sunday in July, we are offering a different workshop that coordinates with a special sermon series through the book of Jonah.  Join us at 9:30 as we explore Civil Discourse, Creative Prayer, Integrated Living, and Sustainability in the context of our 2024 theme of Lightening.  Childcare will be available on a first come first serve basis (10 spaces). Register in the lobby if you plan on bringing your kiddos! 

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives- Kitok- July 10th (WEDNESDAY), noon

UBCYP Hangout – July 12th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, July 12th. We will be gathering at Brian and Elyse Blair’s house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Brian: bblair96@gmail.com If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

Sunday Workshop: Creative Prayer, 9:30am

Town Hall - Sunday, after church

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.

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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.

Book Club: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd, 6pm

You are invited to join Dr. David Justice for a summer book study on Martin Luther King Jr.'s final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?. We will meet on Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd.  To register, please email David at David_Justice@Baylor.edu.

David earned his PhD in Theological Studies from Saint Louis University in 2023 and wrote his dissertation on Martin Luther King Jr. He currently serves as a postdoctoral teaching fellow at Baylor University. His research, writing, and teaching try to think about how to move us closer to the Beloved Community. You can find more information on him at his website: profjustice.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- Jaspers- July 17th (WEDNESDAY), noon

Pints without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House - Wednesday, July 31st, 6pm

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/14- Andie

7/21- Andie

7/28- Andie

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)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 7-2-2024

MEET OUR NEW KIDS PASTOR

Nicole was born and raised in a little town outside of Fort Worth- Azle, TX. She attended Baylor University from 2012-2016, where she earned her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis on teaching English as a Second Language. Nicole and her husband, Duke, have three kids- Georgia (5), Marko (3) and Marin (1). She has spent the last four years teaching second grade at St. Paul's Episcopal School. Nicole loves spending time with her kids, trying to be outdoorsy, and cooking. She is excited to join the UBC community and lead the Kid's Ministry!

JULY WORKSHOPS

Dreading Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Bob?  Unsure how to pray in a way that doesn't put you to sleep or make you feel like you're talking to the wall?  Want to integrate your spiritual life into your actual life?  Do you recognize that the planet is burning but feel helpless to stop it?  K, that was a lot of questions, but the point is we have a workshop for that!  Every Sunday in July, we are offering a different workshop that coordinates with a special sermon series through the book of Jonah.  Join us at 9:30 as we explore Civil Discourse, Creative Prayer, Integrated Living, and Sustainability in the context of our 2024 theme of Lightening.  Childcare will be available on a first come first serve basis (10 spaces). Register in the lobby if you plan on bringing your kiddos!

THIS WEEK

Book Club: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Tuesday, 6pm

No Youth Group!
Our Wednesday night youth gatherings have wrapped until August. You can find a calendar of summer youth events here.

If you are a parent of one of our youth group kids, you can sign up for the youth mailing list by emailing emily@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.

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 andie@ubcwaco.org for questions.

Book Club: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd, 6pm

You are invited to join Dr. David Justice for a summer book study on Martin Luther King Jr.'s final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?. We will meet on Tuesdays, May 28th-July 2nd.  To register, please email David at David_Justice@Baylor.edu.

David earned his PhD in Theological Studies from Saint Louis University in 2023 and wrote his dissertation on Martin Luther King Jr. He currently serves as a postdoctoral teaching fellow at Baylor University. His research, writing, and teaching try to think about how to move us closer to the Beloved Community. You can find more information on him at his website: profjustice.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives- Kitok- July 10th (WEDNESDAY), noon

UBCYP Hangout – July 12th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, July 12th. We will be gathering at Brian and Elyse Blair’s house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Brian: bblair96@gmail.com If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

—

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/7- Andie

7/14- Andie

7/21- Andie

7/28- Andie

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)

Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
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)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill