ANDIE’S POST
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” John 14:27, NRSV.
Many of us have a complicated relationship with peace. We have been told that God is a God of peace, that the peace of Christ surpasses understanding, that we are to be peacemakers, and that the peacemakers will be called blessed. And yet, we are watching lives stolen, destroyed, irreparably altered with no apology. We are bearing witness to the very worst humanity offers itself in real time. Where is the peace in that?
In this moment, I am especially grateful for the great grace and space UBC offers to those of us whose hearts are troubled. We are allowed to be afraid, confused, sad, and angry. That posture is reflective of the words of Jesus in John 14. Jesus was assuring his friends that though he would be absent for a moment, the Spirit of God would become more and more present to them in the midst of their uncertainty and fear, not despite it. His words are an invitation to those with heavy hearts, not a condemnation of them. Jesus does not give violence as the world does, rather, Jesus offers something profound and beautiful through the imminence of the Spirit. Jesus gives the mercy of the Spirit: close, constant, and available in every moment of helplessness, panic, and grief.
I don’t know how to alleviate the suffering that we are seeing in Gaza. It is devastating, and angering, and maddening that violence is winning in so many parts of our world. Each day, it is harder and harder to stay engaged and present to the pain that swirls around us. Friends, peace is not the absence of hard things. Peace is not avoidance. Peace, in all its various forms, is something we co-create with God and one another for the flourishing and well-being of all. May we find the resilience to bear witness to the realities of this world so that we may engage in the serious work of peacemaking. I don't know what it looks like moment to moment, but I know it is worthy of our investment, emotion, and time.
God, we bring our siblings of every background, nationality, and belief to you. Teach us, and them, to love as we are loved. Make peace among all humanity, as is your nature, character, and name. Form us more fully in the likeness and grace of Christ, so that we too may make peace. Amen.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
5th & 6th Grade Gathering - Wednesday, 6pm
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Pub
UBCYP Hangout - October 19th -7pm
Join us for our next young professional gathering at Souther Roots Brewing Company, on October 19th at 7pm. We will hang out, eat some pizza, drink some beer, and get to know one another better. Invite a friend, more the merrier. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to let him know you are coming. If you have any questions, email Toph.
Belief and Belonging Festival Discount Code
Since the folks at the Belief and Belonging Festival are renting our space, they have offered a special coupon code for $10 off of general admission for ubcers. Just enter UBCWACO during checkout. For tickets and festival info, head here: https://www.beliefbelongingfest.com
You can also contact Sharyl West Loeung at sharylwl@gmail.com.
College Retreat - October 20-22 - Cedar Creek Lake
Mark your calendars for the weekend of 10/20-22 for our Fall College Retreat. This is a great time to get to know other UBC college students, spend some time in formation, and enjoy a great lake house on Cedar Creek Lake. The cost is $40, and will cover all meals and lodging. We will be carpooling from UBC on Friday afternoon, the 20th. You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.
ubc[creatives]-Sunday, October 22, 4pm
Come hang out with other creative folks and talk about making stuff!
GIVING
UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your tithes and offerings 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 jeff@ubcwaco.org.
CHURCH NEEDS
Tech Booth Volunteers
We are looking for a few more folks to volunteer in the tech booth on slides, lights, and the livestream. Previous experience isn’t required—we can train you! Contact jamie@ubcwaco.org if you’re interested.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers, and are always on the look out for more! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please email kids@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 toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.
Spiritual Direction Group
The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 1 new participant. We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:40-10:30 AM), and ask that members be able to commit to regularly attending meetings. Our small group works together to discern the activity and presence of God in our daily, ordinary lives. We focus on the art and power of asking and listening. Coordinated by Laura Sepanski, who graduated in May 2022 from Truett Seminary Spiritual Direction certificate program. Contact Laura at Laura_Sepanski@baylor.edu with questions or interest in signing up.
Faith of the Outsider - Sunday, 9:30am, Piano Room
Inspired by the work of Frank Anthony Spina, this class will look at the ‘outsider’ motif running throughout the Bible, seeing how outsiders are often welcomed into and become a part of God’s plan. Each week we will look at one Biblical story of an outsider and broaden our view of inclusion and exclusion in the Biblical narrative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Top(h) Golf - Tuesday, October 24th, 6-8pm
Join us next Tuesday, October 24th, from 6-8pm at Top Golf. UBC will cover the bay, you just pay for whatever food and drinks you order. No need to sign-up, just show up! If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org
UBC Women’s Hangout: Dinner and Drinks-Wednesday, October 25th, 6:15pm @ Di Campli’s
Youth Group for 6th-12th graders is from 6-8 PM at UBC, so drop off your kids and come have dinner with the ladies! Must RSVP to Tiffany Covert (covertjt@yahoo.com) by October 23rd so a reservation can be made.
UBC Bonfire - November 3rd at 6pm
Join us for annual bonfire at the Dodson’s on Friday night, November 3rd at 6:30pm. UBC will provide drinks, and all the items needed for s’more's. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit around the fire. You can sign-up in the foyer on Sundays, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up. If you have any questions, reach out to Toph.
UBC Tailgate - November 4th - time tba
Join us for our second UBC Tailgate before the Baylor vs Houston game on Saturday, November 4th. We will be gathering at the Howerton’s tailgate, and UBC will provide the drinks, and either breakfast tacos or hotdogs (depending on game time). The time of the game hasn’t been release yet, but make plans to join us for the tailgate. You can 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
10/22 Katie V
10/29- Andie
11/5- Andie
PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK
Trevor Carlson for taking care of coffee duty while Craig has been gone!
WANT TO CHAT?
Share Your Feedback
Have feedback for us? Feel free to reach out to staff directly with any praises, curiosities, or concerns. You are also invited to submit feedback to the HR team and allow them to pass it along! You can do that with this form: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Leadership Team
Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)
HR Team
Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Finance Team
Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)
