Newsletter 6-21-2024

JAMIE’S POST

Greetings. One of my favorite poets I’ve encountered in the last several years is Jay Hulme. You might have already encountered his poem “Jesus at the Gay Bar” on social media—it’s made the rounds a few times now—but I’m going to go ahead and put it before you now anyway:

Jesus at the Gay Bar
Jay Hulme

He's here in the midst of it —
right at the centre of the dance floor,
robes hitched up to His knees
to make it easy to spin.

At some point in the evening
a boy will touch the hem of His robe
and beg to be healed, beg to be
anything other than this;

and He will reach His arms out,
sweat-damp, and weary from dance.
He'll cup the boy's face in His hand
and say,

my beautiful child
there is nothing in this heart of yours
that ever needs to be healed.

And if you’re feeling so inclined, you can encounter some of Jay’s thoughts about what he had in mind when crafting this poem here.

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.

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

“Why Affirming Theology?” Class! - June 23rd & 30th - 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.

CHURCH NEEDS

Ubc Shirts Have Arrived!

If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.

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- Saffron - June 25th (TUESDAY), 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

6/23- Andie

6/30- Andie

7/7- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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 6-11-2024

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.

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@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

Ubc Shirts Have Arrived!

If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

YOUTH RETREAT

There are only TWO spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today!  Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.

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

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

“Why Affirming Theology?” Class! - June 23rd & 30th - 9:30am

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

6/16- Andie

6/23- Andie

6/30- Andie

7/7- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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 6-4-2024

JESS’S POST

Hi UBC! Jess here. I'm about a month into my position as Office Manager for UBC, and I am really loving working here. As I'm sure no one is surprised by, my fellow staff members have been friendly and welcoming and helped the transition into the position go smoothly. 

I've always disliked the "tell us about yourself" sort of question because I don't know what people want to know. So I'll give my best attempt at sharing some fun details about myself, but if you want to know more, let's get coffee!

I'm studying social work at Baylor and will begin my senior year of undergrad this fall (2024). I'll be interning at The Store (a food security initiative on Baylor campus) as part of my social work program. I also have a part-time job at Pinewood as a barista (come say hi!) in addition to working here at UBC. I stay pretty busy, especially during the school year, but some of my favorite things to do are climb, run, play and watch soccer (mostly women's) and spend time with my friends and their kiddos (I love being an auntie!). I identify as queer (happy pride!) but haven't really been "out" until the last year or so. I've been at UBC for about three years and deeply value the inclusive and welcoming community that is a hallmark of this place. 

I'll wrap this up with a little this or that of my preferences just for fun!

Beach or mountains? Mountains
Cats or dogs? Neither
Morning or night? Night
Coffee or tea? Always coffee!
Hot or cold? Cold
Books or movies? Books
Music or podcasts? Music
Neutrals or colors? Neutrals
Inside or outside? Somehow both at the same time, plz!

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.

CHURCH NEEDS

Ubc Family In Need

A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.

Ubc Shirts Have Arrived!

If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

YOUTH RETREAT

There are only TWO spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today!  Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.

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

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

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

6/9- Andy Clark

6/16- Andie

6/23- Andie

6/30- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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 5-28-2024

THIS WEEK

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

Pints Without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House, Wednesday, May 29th, 6pm
Hey friends!  While Toph is on sabbatical, I’ll be (partially) taking over Pints with Toph.  Join me on the LAST WEDNESDAY of May, June, and July at Pinewood 6pm to hang out and keep those good vibes going! See you there!

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.

CHURCH NEEDS

Ubc Family In Need

A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.

Ubc Shirts Have Arrived!

If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

YOUTH RETREAT

There are only TWO spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today!  Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.

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

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

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

6/2- Andie

6/9- Andy Clark

6/16- Andie

6/23- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

 

Newsletter 5-21-2024

TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK (ANDIE’S POST)

[Content warning: Queer exclusion and suicidal ideation]

Last week, we had the great joy of opening our building to Officer Janae Draper, the LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer at the Waco Police Department, and several local community members and leaders.  Officer Draper offered an extensive training on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and honoring the existence of Queer folx in our community, intended for future use by law enforcement.  Officer Draper plans to make the training widely available to other police departments, government officials, and any organization that would benefit from a better understanding of LGBTQIA+ history and inclusion.  I cannot speak highly enough of the work that Officer Draper is doing.  In her own words, she “will not just be a name on a page.”  She is actively working to make the city of Waco a safer place to be Queer.  What a gift to provide a space for such meaningful work.  If you are interested in attending Officer Draper’s next training, please email her at JanaeD@Wacotx.gov.  

Our Queer family members continue to suffer exclusion and attack nationwide and in our own backyard.  Last night, the Clifton school board voted 5-2 against allowing students to use any name or pronouns that do not match government-issued documents.  The self-harm and suicide rate among trans youth is the highest of any population of the same age.  Chosen name use is documented to decrease depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior.  Please keep the students at Clifton close in your hearts and prayers as they process this decision.  

As we peek around the corner at Pride Month, may we remember that our faith roots us in love, and Pride roots us in rebellion.  May we care for ourselves and others with the intentionality and welcome of Christ as we continue the work of seeking justice and equity for all who are systemically marginalized.  

TOPH'S EARLY SABBATICAL

There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers ofresponsibilities during our most recent Lead Pastor transition, and after many discussions with Andie, friends, and my therapist, I have come to realize I’ve been, and I am experiencing severe burnout. To tend to my overall health, all parties agreed it would be beneficial for me to take an early sabbatical this year, which has been approved by LT, and will start on May 7 and end early August. I am deeply grateful for this community and the ways in which we take care of each other, and deeply grateful for some time for rest and renewal after a long few years. I have worked with Andie and Jamie and LT to cover my responsibilities while I am away and looking forward to seeing everyone in August.
-Toph

THIS WEEK

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

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

CHURCH NEEDS

Ubc Family In Need

A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.

Ubc Shirts Have Arrived!

If you ordered/signed up for a ubc shirt, you can pick it up on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring $20 cash/check or pre-pay on church center (select the ubc t shirt fund) if you haven’t paid yet.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

YOUTH RETREAT

There are only three spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today!  Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.

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

Pints Without Toph (With Andie) - Pinewood Public House, Wednesday, May 29th, 6pm
Hey friends!  While Toph is on sabbatical, I’ll be (partially) taking over Pints with Toph.  Join me on the LAST WEDNESDAY of May, June, and July at Pinewood 6pm to hang out and keep those good vibes going! See you there!

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

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

5/26- Aleigh

6/2- Andie

6/9- Andy Clark

6/16- Andie

6/23- Andie

COMMUNITY BOARD

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)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

 

Newsletter 5-14-2024

SUMMER BOOK STUDY ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

TOPH’S EARLY SABBATICAL

There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers of responsibilities during our most recent Lead Pastor transition, and after many discussions with Andie, friends, and my therapist, I have come to realize I’ve been, and I am experiencing severe burnout. To tend to my overall health, all parties agreed it would be beneficial for me to take an early sabbatical this year, which has been approved by LT, and will start on May 7 and end early August. I am deeply grateful for this community and the ways in which we take care of each other, and deeply grateful for some time for rest and renewal after a long few years. I have worked with Andie and Jamie and LT to cover my responsibilities while I am away and looking forward to seeing everyone in August.

-Toph

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER - Sunday, 9:30am

THIS SUNDAY at 9:30 we are hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser to help send students to our summer retreat. Suggested donation is $10 per person or $35 for a family.  Join us as we support the spiritual development of our students while eating the perfect food: Breakfast food.  

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

Ubc Family In Need

A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.

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

Finance Team

We are still looking for a couple of people for Finance Team. If you are interested or have questions about the role, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org.

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

YOUTH RETREAT

There are only four spots left for our youth summer retreat, so if you are planning on attending, grab yours today!  Forms are available in the lobby and on Wednesday nights.

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.

Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19

A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

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

5/19- Andie

5/25- Aleigh

6/2- Andie

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) [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)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

 

Newsletter 5-7-2024

ANDIE’S POST

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but more than that, it is an opportunity to engage a topic that has been off limits in the Church for far too long.  It shouldn't surprise us that in a world that is far from perfect, we are also wildly imperfect.  In a world with illnesses that afflict our bodies, we can anticipate that illnesses will also impact our minds.  Here are three things I want you (and the Church) to know about mental health: 1) Not a single person has perfect mental health.  In fact, challenges to mental health impact 20% of adults, 50% of teens, and 15% of children each year.  2)  You are not your diagnosis alone.  You are a rich, complex, beautiful human made in the Image of God.  3)  Struggling with mental health is not a lack of faith.  You can't quiet time your way out of anxiety, depression, a personality or mood disorder.  

Friends, you are not alone on your mental health journey, nor are you alone as you seek to support your loved one on theirs.  The Church has kicked people while they are down for far too long. Please join me in emphatically shouting, "ENOUGH."

TOPH’S EARLY SABBATICAL

There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers of responsibilities during our most recent Lead Pastor transition, and after many discussions with Andie, friends, and my therapist, I have come to realize I’ve been, and I am experiencing severe burnout. To tend to my overall health, all parties agreed it would be beneficial for me to take an early sabbatical this year, which has been approved by LT, and will start on May 7 and end early August. I am deeply grateful for this community and the ways in which we take care of each other, and deeply grateful for some time for rest and renewal after a long few years. I have worked with Andie and Jamie and LT to cover my responsibilities while I am away and looking forward to seeing everyone in August.

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

CHURCH NEEDS

Ubc Family In Need

A family of ubcers is going through a hard time and we’d like to gather some gift cards (restaurants, groceries, gas, amazon, etc.) to offer support. You can drop gift cards in our mail slot any time during the week or you can put them in the offering box on Sunday morning.

UBC Swag

We are selling new UBC shirts to help raise money for our youth and kids to go to camp this year.  The cost is $20 (or more if you want to donate to camp), and the shirts will be available in mid may.  You can signup in the foyer at church or pre-order here.  We have kids and youth sizes available as well.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups [ONE SPOT LEFT]

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

KIDS CAMP

Kids camp registration is now closed. All ten spots have been filled, and we are so excited to send our Ubc kiddos to Passport in July! Be on the lookout for a sign up for drivers to and from camp.

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.

Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19

A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP Hangout – June 14th – 6pm

Join us for our monthly UBCYP hangout on Friday night, June 14th. We will be gathering at Marcus and Elysa Franklins house. Please byob. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email Marcus: m_franklin@baylor.edu If you have any questions, contact andie@ubcwaco.org

UBC Summer Party – June 22nd – 3-7pm

Help us kick off the summer with a party at Ryan and Lauren Miller’s house on Saturday the 22nd . The Miller’s will be providing the main dish for dinner, please bring a side to share with everyone. UBC will provide some bottled water, if you want other drinks please byob. Lastly, there is a pool! If you want to swim, make sure to bring your suit and a towel. If you have any questions, please contact andie@ubcwaco.org. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email ryan@brewtheology.org

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

5/12- Andie

5/19- Andie

5/25- Aleigh

6/2- Andie

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) [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

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 4-30-2024

TOPH’S POST

Mr. Rogers Sunday is always one of my favorites. I enjoy the video, but what I really enjoy is the luncheon afterwards. Every year, we invite the graduates to stay for lunch with staff, and we allow some time for them to share what UBC has meant to them in their time here, and for us to say thank you to them for all the ways they have contributed to the life of our community. Without fail, and this year was no exception, our graduates share what a welcoming space UBC is. Sunday, during our luncheon, many shared how this was the first church they could come and be their full selves and be welcomed in every way for who they are. It is moments like these that continue to remind me what a special place UBC is, and why I love being a part of this community. So, thank you UBC community. Thank you for continuing to cultivate a space where people are welcomed and celebrated for who they are. It is you I like!!

TOPH’S EARLY SABBATICAL

There has been a lot of transition over the last few years with added layers of responsibilities during our most recent Lead Pastor transition, and after many discussions with Andie, friends, and my therapist, I have come to realize I’ve been, and I am experiencing severe burnout. To tend to my overall health, all parties agreed it would be beneficial for me to take an early sabbatical this year, which has been approved by LT, and will start on May 7 and end early August. I am deeply grateful for this community and the ways in which we take care of each other, and deeply grateful for some time for rest and renewal after a long few years. I have worked with Andie and Jamie and LT to cover my responsibilities while I am away and looking forward to seeing everyone in August.

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

YOUTH PARENTS MEETING - May 5th
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming youth retreat, please join us in the youth room (behind the sanctuary) after church on May 5th for a brief info meeting. We will cover logistics, cost, and the plan for the retreat itself.  See you then!

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

UBC Swag

We are selling new UBC shirts to help raise money for our youth and kids to go to camp this year.  The cost is $20 (or more if you want to donate to camp), and the shirts will be available in mid may.  You can signup in the foyer at church or pre-order here.  We have kids and youth sizes available as well.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

KIDS CAMP

Camp! Camp! Camp!

Registration for Passport Camp is full! If you have signed a kid up, please return the form from Kid’s Check In along with a $50 deposit. Scholarship information can be found at https://passportcamps.org/camp-scholarships/.  Reach out with any questions to andie@ubcwaco.org or 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.

Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19

A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

5/5- Andie

5/12- Andie

5/19- Andie

5/25- Aleigh

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 4-23-2024

SAPPY (ANDIE) POST ALERT:
STAFF ADVENTURE DAY 2024

Last week was our annual Staff Adventure Day, and I’m not gonna lie, the pressure was on!  It was the first one I’ve planned, and I wanted it to be P-E-R-F-E-C-T.  We started the day at Pinewood, then went for Thai food in Temple.  After, we hung out outside at Barrow Brewery, and for the crowning jewel, we took a glass-blowing class at Salado Glassworks.  And while I did grin ear-to-ear like a kid in a candy store during class (BUCKET LIST!), my favorite moments were the in-betweens.  I loved the drive down.  I loved sitting under the trees at Barrow laughing and swapping stories.  I loved the honest conversations and cheering each other on while we tried something new.  It is a rare gift to serve with your friends, and I take that gift seriously.  Cheers to Staff Adventure Days, to staff meetings, to popping our heads into each others’ offices, and to supporting one another as we seek to serve UBC with all our hearts.  May we all seek to build and deepen the relationships that keep us open and honest, laughing and venting, and more authentically ourselves. 

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

College Hangout - April 25th - Toph’s Casa - 7pm

Come hang out and have dinner.  Sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

Mr Rogers Sunday - April 28th

If you are graduating this year (HS, College, Grad School, PHD) we would love to honor you during the service on April 28th, and invite you to stay for lunch afterwards with the staff.  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

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

UBC Swag

We are selling new UBC shirts to help raise money for our youth and kids to go to camp this year.  The cost is $20 (or more if you want to donate to camp), and the shirts will be available in mid may.  You can signup in the foyer at church or pre-order here.  We have kids and youth sizes available as well.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Mealtrain for Sierra and Raphael

We have some friends in our community who are grieving the loss of their baby. We have started a meal train to support them as they grieve. You can sign up here.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

A COUPLE OF KIDS THINGS

Camp! Camp! Camp!
Passport Camps emailed last week to let us know that our kids camp session is almost full.  If you are planning on sending your child, please submit your registration and $50 deposit to save your spot.  The first 10 kids with completed registration forms will be the kids who are heading to camp.

Forms are available at Kids Check In.  Please return along with a $50 deposit to secure your spot.  Scholarship information can be found at https://passportcamps.org/camp-scholarships/.  ALSO, we are still looking for one adult male chaperone to send with our kids.  If you're interested, please email andie@ubcwaco.org or kids@ubcwaco.org.

YOUTH PARENTS MEETING - May 5th
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming youth retreat, please join us in the youth room (behind the sanctuary) after church on May 5th for a brief info meeting. We will cover logistics, cost, and the plan for the retreat itself.  See you then!

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.

Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19

A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/28- Mr. Rogers Sunday

5/5- Andie

5/12- Andie

5/19- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 4-16-2024

TWO COOL THINGS

Pinewood Block Party - April 20th, 11am-10pm

Our beloved Pinewood Roasters, creators and sustainers of the coffee we proudly brew each week, are throwing their annual block party this Saturday, April 20th. Among the stacked cast of performers are several folks you know. Julia Lucille (4pm) played guitar and sang at church on Palm Sunday. Tapajenga (5pm) is her husband Paul Mitchell (along with the entirety of ubcmusic), and Sack Lunch! (7:15pm) is comprised of two Ben’s who were a part of our community when they lived in Waco. Tickets are $5 day of and things kick off with a crawfish boil at 11am.

BIPOC Spring Market - Apr. 27th 11am-3pm, co-hosted by Designs with Jamie & Cha Community
Join Designs with Jamie & Cha Community for their fourth bi-annual Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Spring Market on Saturday, April 27 11am-3pm at Cha Community Waco (1001 Franklin Ave). There will be more than a dozen local BIPOC-owned small business & artist vendors, giveaways, Buy One, Get One (BOGO) boba, and more community fun! Vendor spots are all filled at this time. For any questions, email Jamie Wong Baesa and/or Jaja Chen at DesignswJamie@gmail.com and  Jaja@chacommunity.com

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

UBCYP Hangout - April 18th - Toph’s Casa - 7pm

Come hang out and have dinner.  Sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

Pinewood Block Party - April 20th, 11am

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

UBC Swag

We are selling new UBC shirts to help raise money for our youth and kids to go to camp this year.  The cost is $20 (or more if you want to donate to camp), and the shirts will be available in mid may.  You can signup in the foyer at church or pre-order here.  We have kids and youth sizes available as well.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org

Mealtrain for Sierra and Raphael

We have some friends in our community who are grieving the loss of their baby. We have started a meal train to support them as they grieve. You can sign up here.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

A COUPLE OF KIDS THINGS

Camp! Camp! Camp!
If you are interested in sending your kids to camp this year, it's time to get those registrations submitted!  Forms are available at Kids Check In.  Please return along with a $50 deposit to secure your spot.  Scholarship information can be found at https://passportcamps.org/camp-scholarships/.  We have secured 10 spots, so make sure you secure yours soon!  ALSO, we are still looking for one adult male chaperone to send with our kids.  If you're interested, please email andie@ubcwaco.org or kids@ubcwaco.org.

YOUTH PARENTS MEETING - May 5th
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming youth retreat, please join us in the youth room (behind the sanctuary) after church on May 5th for a brief info meeting. We will cover logistics, cost, and the plan for the retreat itself.  See you then!

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

Centering Prayer Practice Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, April 28-May 19

A way of praying without or beyond words, Centering Prayer is a gentle and grounding practice. It can be particularly helpful when our old ways of praying don't seem to fit anymore (for whatever reason) or when we don't quite have the language (or the capacity for language) that prayer seems to require. Together we'll try on different approaches to this time-honored way of opening to God, discovering more of what it means to love and be loved by a God who values and honors our consent. Equal parts learning, practicing, reflecting, and sharing, this group is meant for those who are practiced in Centering Prayer as well as those who have never even heard of it before. Email brooke@ubcwaco.org for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

College Hangout - April 25th - Toph’s Casa - 7pm

Come hang out and have dinner.  Sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

Mr Rogers Sunday - April 28th

If you are graduating this year (HS, College, Grad School, PHD) we would love to honor you during the service on April 28th, and invite you to stay for lunch afterwards with the staff.  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/21- Kerri

4/28- Andie

5/5- Andie

5/12- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 4-9-2024

JAMIE’S POST

Greetings.

I’ve been thinking about being alive this last couple of weeks. It’s a thing I do during Eastertide.

Many years ago, I came across Karl Barth talking about the resurrection of Jesus as this massive divine YES to life.

It’s a yes to beauty and breath and bodies and being and belonging.

Because I’ve been thinking about all this, I’ve been thinking about this poem I encountered a couple of years ago by Padraig O’Tuama.

I’m mentioning this because I just wanted to make sure you had the chance to encounter it too. I’ll paste in the text below, but you should really click through this link and listen to him read it.

How to Belong Be Alone

It all begins with knowing
nothing lasts forever,
so you might as well start packing now.
In the meantime,
practice being alive.

There will be a party
where you’ll feel like
nobody’s paying you attention.
And there will be a party
where attention’s all you’ll get.
What you need to do
is to remember
to talk to yourself
between these parties.

And,
again,
there will be a day,
— a decade —
where you won’t
fit in with your body
even though you’re in
the only body you’re in.

You need to control
your habit of forgetting
to breathe.

Remember when you were younger
and you practiced kissing on your arm?
You were on to something then.
Sometimes harm knows its own healing
Comfort knows its own intelligence.
Kindness too.
It needs no reason.

There is a you
telling you another story of you.
Listen to her.

Where do you feel
anxiety in your body?
The chest? The fist? The dream before waking?
The head that feels like it’s at the top of the swing
or the clutch of gut like falling
& falling & falling and falling
It knows something: you’re dying.
Try to stay alive.

For now, touch yourself.
I’m serious.

Touch your
self.
Take your hand
and place your hand
some place
upon your body.
And listen
to the community of madness
that
you are.
You are
such an
interesting conversation.

You belong
here.

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

!NO PINTS WITH TOPH THIS WEEK!

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 Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

A COUPLE OF KIDS THINGS

Kids Pastor Selection Team:
A big thank you to Mary Chandler, Kyle Howerton, Betsy Bracken, and Marcus Franklin for joining our Kids Pastor Selection Team!  I will keep the congregation updated as we progress in the process, and am so excited to work with such an incredible group of people. -Andie

Camp! Camp! Camp!
There is a Kids Camp sign up sheet at kids check-in along with registration forms.  Youth Retreat registration forms have been distributed and will also be available on Wednesday nights.  Spots are limited, so if your child is interested in either, please get your forms submitted as soon as you can.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP Hangout - April 18th - Toph’s Casa - 7pm

Come hang out and have dinner.  Sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

College Hangout - April 25th - Toph’s Casa - 7pm

Come hang out and have dinner.  Sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org

Mr Rogers Sunday - April 28th

If you are graduating this year (HS, College, Grad School, PHD) we would love to honor you during the service on April 28th, and invite you to stay for lunch afterwards with the staff.  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/14- Andie

4/21- Kerri

4/28- Andie

5/5- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 4-2-2024

ANDIE’S POST

Welcome to Eastertide, my friends.  The weeks following Easter Sunday tell the story of Jesus’ last days on earth.  He appears to his friends, gives them direction for the next phase of their lives and ministry, and perhaps most importantly, restores them after they abandoned him at the cross.  Defeated and drowning in shame, the disciples returned to their former life as commercial fishermen.  Jesus comes to them on the shore, calls to them, and makes them breakfast.  That is the way of Christ.  When things seem bleak and we have resigned ourselves to our own failure, Jesus comes to us and provides a meal in the form of bread and of juice.  When we can’t see our own goodness through the fear and shame we hold, Jesus appears to us.  In the coming days, find some time to sit on the shore and rest in the reality that wherever Jesus goes, restoration follows.  Delight in the unmitigated forgiveness and invitation of Christ.  Seek out direction and purpose from the One who destined you for wholeness and for the healing of our world. 

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

Backside - Friday, April 5th, 7pm

Join us for an open mic//open wall art event. If you are interested in sharing a poem, story, song, visual art piece, etc. please email jamie@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 Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

A COUPLE OF KIDS THINGS

Kids Pastor Selection Team:
A big thank you to Mary Chandler, Kyle Howerton, Betsy Bracken, and Marcus Franklin for joining our Kids Pastor Selection Team!  I will keep the congregation updated as we progress in the process, and am so excited to work with such an incredible group of people. -Andie

Camp! Camp! Camp!
There is a Kids Camp sign up sheet at kids check-in along with registration forms.  Youth Retreat registration forms have been distributed and will also be available on Wednesday nights.  Spots are limited, so if your child is interested in either, please get your forms submitted as soon as you can.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mr Rogers Sunday - April 28th

If you are graduating this year (HS, College, Grad School, PHD) we would love to honor you during the service on April 28th, and invite you to stay for lunch afterwards with the staff.  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

4/7- Andie

4/14- Andie

4/21- Kerri

4/28- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 3-26-2024

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Maundy Thursday Potluck - March 28th - 5:30pm

We’ll remember the last dinner Jesus had with his friends by having a potluck. Bring a dish to share.

Good Friday Liturgy - March 29th - 5:30pm

EASTER - March 31st - 10:45am

THIS WEEK

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

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 Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

March Madness Bracket Tourney

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (toph’s opinion), March Madness is here.  If you want to join the fun and enter a bracket, follow this link for the men’s tourney and this link for the women’s.

Group name: UBC Satan Slayers!  
Password: nottodaysatan

The winner of each group will get to select their lunch establishment of choice, and Toph will take you out.  Who do you have cutting the nets down this year?

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Backside - Friday, April 5th, 7pm

Join us for an open mic//open wall art event. If you are interested in sharing a poem, story, song, visual art piece, etc. please email jamie@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

3/31- Andie (Easter)

4/7- Andie

4/14- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 3-19-2024

TOPH’S POST

Holy Saturday

Holy Week is next week, and we will have multiple opportunities to gather as a community: Palm Sunday Picnic, Maundy Thursday Service, and a Good Friday Service.  With each passing year I am drawn more into the chaos, and ebbs and flows of the week.  We start with the jubilation of Christ’s entrance as we anticipate our hopes and dreams coming true with the ushering in of the kingdom we’ve envisioned.  We move toward the intimacy of table fellowship with Jesus, and he again must reshape our narrative of what his kingdom will be like so we are can prepare for what is to come.  We then must face the cross: the death of our dreams and hope lost.  

Growing up, the only thing we celebrated during Holy Week was Easter.  And we should celebrate Easter, the conquering of death, the hope of resurrection in all things.  When we skip over the rest of the moments, we deny ourselves an essential element in Holy Week: God is with us.   God has been through the highs and lows of our journey, even when hope is lost, and God seems silent. God is with us.  And I don’t know about you, but it is much easier for me to see God in resurrection moments and mountaintops, but it is necessary for me to believe God is with me in grief, sorrow, and hopelessness.  I have little interest for a God who only appears on mountaintops and in victories.   All of this has me thinking about Holy Saturday, when Jesus has died, and God is silent.  As I think about the civil wars in Somalia and Yemen, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the thousands of people who have been killed in Palestine, and the people of Haiti who live under the rule of gangs, I must believe in a God who is present in silence.  I must believe all the prayers and cries of the oppressed and terrorized are heard by God, and God is near (even when we don’t believe God is).    

In Black Liturgies, Cole Arthur Riley has a prayer for Holy Saturday.  I hope you will join me in praying this prayer next Saturday: 

God of the liminal, When we take account of the tragedies of the world, it is difficult to believe there is a powerful and loving God.  Are you really with us?  Why won’t you intervene to bring justice and healing now?  We trust that you are patient with these doubts.  A God who is not threatened by our unbelief but draws near to us in it.  Help us toward an understanding of you that includes tension and mystery.  Let us be empathetic with our souls, which have endured so much suffering, and have a right to ask deep questions of our maker.  But as we do, let us find empathy for you—a God who is no stranger to suffering but endures all things with us, that we might find full liberation.  Let our doubts lead us into a deeper intimacy with the divine, as we tell the truth of the questions that plague us. Amen.

THIS WEEK

College Hangout - March 19th - 7-9pm

Join us for our next college hangout on March 19th from 7-9pm.  We will be heading to Top Golf.  UBC will pay for the bay, you just pay for whatever food and drinks you want!  Email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions or to sign-up.

UBC Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

Parent's Night In - Friday, 5-7pm
Families are invited to gather for spiritual formation with Andie. Parents will discuss the wilderness of parenting while kids will enjoy a movie night.

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

NEW BABY MEALTRAIN ALERT

Elysa and Marcus Franklin welcomed a new baby this week! Let’s keep them fed for a few weeks while they become acquainted with parenthood: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lo9yq4.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

March Madness Bracket Tourney

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (toph’s opinion), March Madness is here.  If you want to join the fun and enter a bracket, follow this link for the men’s tourney and this link for the women’s.

Group name: UBC Satan Slayers!  
Password: nottodaysatan

The winner of each group will get to select their lunch establishment of choice, and Toph will take you out.  Who do you have cutting the nets down this year?

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

!!TIME CHANGE!! Women’s Group hangout - Saturday, March 23rd - 6pm

@ Shorty’s in Hewitt. Bring your partners/kids if you have them. If you’re single, come too! RSVP to Tiffany @ covertjt@yahoo.com.

Palm Sunday Picnic - March 24th - after church

After church, grab some food and meet up at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place in Cameron Park for a picnic.

Maundy Thursday Potluck - March 28th - 5:30pm

We’ll remember the last dinner Jesus had with his friends by having a potluck. Bring a dish to share.

Good Friday Liturgy - March 29th - 5:30pm

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/24- Andie (Palm Sunday)

3/31- Andie (Easter)

4/7- Andie

4/14- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 3-12-2024

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

UBCYP St. Patrick’s Party - 3/17 - 7pm - Toph’s Casa

Join us for our next young professional’s gathering to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Toph’s place.  We will be having an Irish feast, and telling stories of when you have encountered leprechauns.  Please BYOB you would like.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email 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

NEW BABY MEALTRAIN ALERT

Elysa and Marcus Franklin welcomed a new baby this week! Let’s keep them fed for a few weeks while they become acquainted with parenthood: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lo9yq4.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

March Madness Bracket Tourney

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (toph’s opinion), March Madness is here.  If you want to join the fun and enter a bracket, follow this link for the men’s tourney and this link for the women’s.

Group name: UBC Satan Slayers!  
Password: nottodaysatan

The winner of each group will get to select their lunch establishment of choice, and Toph will take you out.  Who do you have cutting the nets down this year?

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

College Hangout - March 19th - 7-9pm

Join us for our next college hangout on March 19th from 7-9pm.  We will be heading to Top Golf.  UBC will pay for the bay, you just pay for whatever food and drinks you want!  Email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions or to sign-up.

UBC Women’s Group hangout - Saturday, March 23rd - 11:30AM

@ Shorty’s in Hewitt. Bring your partners/kids if you have them. If you’re single, come too! RSVP to Tiffany @ covertjt@yahoo.com.

Palm Sunday Picnic - March 24th - after church

After church, grab some food and meet up at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place in Cameron Park for a picnic.

Maundy Thursday Potluck - March 28th - 5:30pm

We’ll remember the last dinner Jesus had with his friends by having a potluck. Bring a dish to share.

Good Friday Liturgy - March 29th - 5:30pm

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/17- Jamie (St. Patrick’s Day)

3/24- Andie (Palm Sunday)

3/31- Andie (Easter)

4/7- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 3-5-2024

THIS WEEK

NO YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEK

Parent of one of our youth group kids, you can sign up for the youth mailing list by emailing emily@ubcwaco.org.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

Daylight Savings - Sunday - “2” am

Here in the future, your clocks will probably help themselves but don’t forget to prepare your heart to be robbed of an hour of sleep on Saturday night.

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

NEW BABY MEALTRAIN ALERT

Elysa and Marcus Franklin welcomed a new baby this week! Let’s keep them fed for a few weeks while they become acquainted with parenthood: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lo9yq4.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

March Madness Bracket Tourney

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (toph’s opinion), March Madness is here.  If you want to join the fun and enter a bracket, follow this link for the men’s tourney and this link for the women’s.

Group name: UBC Satan Slayers!  
Password: nottodaysatan

The winner of each group will get to select their lunch establishment of choice, and Toph will take you out.  Who do you have cutting the nets down this year?

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UBCYP St. Patrick’s Party - 3/17 - 7pm - Toph’s Casa

Join us for our next young professional’s gathering to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Toph’s place.  We will be having an Irish feast, and telling stories of when you have encountered leprechauns.  Please BYOB you would like.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org

College Hangout - March 19th - 7-9pm

Join us for our next college hangout on March 19th from 7-9pm.  We will be heading to Top Golf.  UBC will pay for the bay, you just pay for whatever food and drinks you want!  Email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions or to sign-up.

UBC Women’s Group hangout - Saturday, March 23rd - 11:30AM

@ Shorty’s in Hewitt. Bring your partners/kids if you have them. If you’re single, come too! RSVP to Tiffany @ covertjt@yahoo.com.

Palm Sunday Picnic - March 24th - after church

After church, grab some food and meet up at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place in Cameron Park for a picnic.

Maundy Thursday Potluck - March 28th - 5:30pm

We’ll remember the last dinner Jesus had with his friends by having a potluck. Bring a dish to share.

Good Friday Liturgy - March 29th - 5:30pm

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/10- Liz Andrasi Deere

3/17- Jamie (St. Patrick’s Day)

3/24- Andie (Palm Sunday)

3/31- Andie (Easter)

4/7- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 2-27-2024

ANDIE’S POST

“Just take a breath,” I said to myself yesterday morning as I walked out of my house on the way to the church.  Busses had been missed, the nanny’s car wouldn’t run, and Jeremy got stuck at work.  Meanwhile, I had a meeting first thing and two of the most delightful toddlers who can’t stay home alone, despite their strong belief that we should leave them to their devices unattended.  I needed to be in two places at once, and if you’ve ever tried it, you know firsthand that it doesn’t work.  I shared a couple of weeks ago that my Lenten practice is to PUT DOWN THE WORK COMPUTER AND WALK AWAY, and when I do that, redirect my attention to the presence of God.  Thanks to a chaotic Monday, I’ve recognized that not only do I want to more fully notice the Divine in my life, I want to notice my life in every single moment.  I want to work on taking in the good, the hard, and yes, the chaotic, so that I can be present with myself and with others in increasingly meaningful and tangible ways.  For me, that looks like slowing down, taking a breath, settling in, and finding the glimmers of light and goodness that surround me.  It is a complicated thing to seek delight in the simple things after having “be grateful for everything” weaponized to silence hurt, abuse, and discontent.  Yet little by little, the Spirit is weaving beauty over those wounds as I awaken more to the sweetness of a life arched to see Jesus where I hadn’t seen him before.  There is grace in those spaces, my friends: The spaces where we notice, the spaces where we breathe, the spaces where we have the courage to experience joy.  In the wilderness of Lent, may we journey into those spaces and allow the Spirit to surprise us with glimmers and with life. 

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Note: 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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

UBCYP Meetup. - Thursday - 6-8pm

Hello!  Well, sometimes your fire pit gets thrown away by apartment management, and sometimes you have to pivot.  We will no longer be having a hang by the fire this week, we are going to try something new: happy hour at Cricket’s.  Join us from 6-8pm at Cricket’s this Thursday.  Email toph@ubcwaco.org by Thursday at 4pm to let me know your coming, so I can get us a table.  Hope to see you there.

No Lectio Divine Class this Sunday (3/3)

The group will resume on 3/10.

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

NEW BABY MEALTRAIN ALERT

Elysa and Marcus Franklin welcomed a new baby this week! Let’s keep them fed for a few weeks while they become acquainted with parenthood: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lo9yq4.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

March Madness Bracket Tourney

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (toph’s opinion), March Madness is here.  If you want to join the fun and enter a bracket, follow this link for the men’s tourney and this link for the women’s.

Group name: UBC Satan Slayers!  
Password: nottodaysatan

The winner of each group will get to select their lunch establishment of choice, and Toph will take you out.  Who do you have cutting the nets down this year?

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30, beginning Feb 14

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30
(not meeting 3/3)

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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.

Woven Book Club

The Woven book group will meet one last time on April 21 right after church. We'll be covering the final section of the book and overall thoughts. If you're interested in nurturing a faith our kids don't have to heal from but haven't been able to join us before now, this is a great chance to jump into the conversation. Please email Brooke@ubcwaco.org to RSVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

College Hangout - March 19th - 7-9pm

Join us for our next college hangout on March 19th from 7-9pm.  We will be heading to Top Golf.  UBC will pay for the bay, you just pay for whatever food and drinks you want!  Email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions or to sign-up.

Palm Sunday Picnic - March 24th - after church

After church, grab some food and meet up at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place in Cameron Park for a picnic.

Maundy Thursday Potluck - March 28th - 5:30pm

We’ll remember the last dinner Jesus had with his friends by having a potluck. Bring a dish to share.

Good Friday Liturgy - March 29th - 5:30pm

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

3/3 - Andie

3/10- Liz Andrasi Deere

3/17- Jamie (St. Patrick’s Day)

3/24- Andie (Palm Sunday)

3/31- Andie (Easter)

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 2-20-2024

JAMIE’S POST

In the gospel story, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness praying, fasting and ultimately facing temptation about what sort of life he would live. Through all of this, he is taking up the question of what it means to be Jesus, asking “who am I?” And “what am I for?” The season of Lent invites us to follow Jesus into the wilderness and take up the question of what it means to be who we are created to be. What does it mean to live and live well, to live life to the fullest? When we take stock of our lives, what belongs? What doesn’t? Who are we becoming, and what is coming out of that becoming? This season invites us to pare our busy-ness down, to quiet ourselves, and to listen to the story that is unfolding in our lives.

This can be uncomfortable. At any given time, there are probably myriad ways where each of us has fallen into patterns that are out of line with who we’d hope to be. The same is true of the ways we are wandering the lifelong path of being formed in the way of Christ. We are ever situated to reconsider the way we love God, love our neighbor, and practice the genuineness, presence, and care of Christ in our ordinary lives. Lent offers us an invitation to think of these things in earnest.

Perhaps you’ve taken on some sort of fast or spiritual practice this season to aid in focusing your attention on the invitation of Lent. If so, I hope that’s meaningful for you. If you haven’t (and its never too late to start if you want to), perhaps you’ll simply take a few moments each day to be quiet and think about who you are becoming. However the wilderness finds you this year, may your wandering be a blessing.

P.S.—Be sure to check out the “GROUPS” section of the newsletter for details on our Lent groups.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Note: 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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

Backside - February 23rd - 7pm

We’re having an open mic/open wall art event on Friday, February 23rd at 7pm. If you’d like to share something, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org.

Women’s Group Hangout - February 24th - 11AM

The next UBC Women’s Group hangout will be Saturday, February 24th at 11AM at The Olive Branch for brunch/lunch. Shopping afterwards at Spice Village for those interested. RSVP to Tiffany at covertjt@yahoo.com.

College Hangout - February 25th - 6pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are college student, join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place.  We will have dinner together,  and a time of discussion about dating in college, and I will tell you about this horrendous book I read my freshman year called “I kissed dating goodbye.”  (Spoiler alert, not even the author could do it).  If you have ever wanted to ask questions about dating, and simply have curiosities, email toph@ubcwaco.org ahead time with your questions and we will make sure those are discussed.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email Toph.

Black History Waco Tour - February 25th - 1pm

We are teaming up with our friends over at First Presbyterian, and Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History and the Texas Collection for a walking tour.  We do have limited spots since this is a walking tour through downtown Waco (15-20), so please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org if you would like join.  *Baylor's oral history department will actively identify key spots during the tour to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

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

NEW BABY MEALTRAIN ALERT

Elysa and Marcus Franklin welcomed a new baby this week! Let’s keep them fed for a few weeks while they become acquainted with parenthood: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lo9yq4.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30, beginning Feb 14

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, beginning Feb 18

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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

UBCYP - February 29th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are a grad student or young professional (and young is relative here), please join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place on Thursday evening, February 29th.  We will have a fire and some drinks, please bring a snack to share.  You can sign-up in the foyer or email Toph@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

2/25 - Andie

3/3 - Andie

3/10- Andie

3/17- Jamie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 2-13-2024

ANDIE’S POST

Beauty from ashes is perhaps the kindest and cruelest element of our faith.  We want to be the best version of ourselves, the most patient, kind, loving, justice-minded people we can be.  AND, the things we sometimes have to wade through to become those people are painful.  When silver is processed, it is super-heated, and the impurities float to the top.  The dross is then skimmed from the top, and the metal is made stronger.  Lent is a reminder that we, too, are in process, and sometimes that process requires a little heat.  I know I can oscillate between putting crippling amounts of pressure on myself and giving myself a free pass, but Lent is a time for stability.  It is a steady march to Easter, to the promise of refined and renewed life.  While many of us associate Lent with giving something up, I would ask us to contextualize our actions in this way:  Where is dross building up in my life?  What needs to be skimmed away to reveal the strength below?  Perhaps your questions look more like this: Where do I need to apply heat?  Where do I need to engage more fully in my life with Jesus so that I may delight in a life lived to its fullest?  My Lenten practice will be letting tomorrow’s work be for tomorrow.  Any time I am tempted (at 11:00 at night!) to grab my computer and get a jump start on the next day’s agenda, I will settle in instead.  I will settle into that moment, breathe deeply, and allow the reality of God’s presence in my life to swirl around me, and I will close my laptop.  It is the fire that I need to keep me still and centered, and it is the dross of over-performing that needs gently removed.  If you are taking stock and have a sense of what refinement you need in your own life and want to share it with someone, you can send it to me.  I’d love to support you and pray for you during this season.  Either way, may you identify the thing in your life that needs altered and strengthened, and may it result in a lightening of your heart, spirit, and body.

THIS WEEK

Ash Wednesday - February 14th - 7am; 5:30pm

We will have two opportunities to attend the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, at 7am and 5:30pm. Join us as we gather to focus our attention on our mortality and growth as we enter the season of Lent.

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Note: 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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

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 Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

Lent Group - Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30, beginning Feb 14

Lent is an invitation to  make space in our hearts, minds, and lives for the mystery of Easter. This group will share with and support one another as we experiment with the three traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving. Together we'll also consider Lent's historical context and what it offers to the life of faith today.

Lectio Divina Group - Sundays, 9:30-10:30, beginning Feb 18

Lectio Divina (translated "sacred reading") is a way of opening ourselves to God by praying with scriptures. Together, we'll experiment with different approaches to this ancient/future way of drawing near to God. We'll share with and support one another as we practice entering the story of God and finding our own stories reimagined so that we might be formed more fully in the way of Christ.

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

Backside - February 23rd - 7pm

We’re having an open mic/open wall art event on Friday, February 23rd at 7pm. If you’d like to share something, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org or sign up in the lobby. I

Women’s Group Hangout - February 24th - 11AM

The next UBC Women’s Group hangout will be Saturday, February 24th at 11AM at The Olive Branch for brunch/lunch. Shopping afterwards at Spice Village for those interested. RSVP to Tiffany at covertjt@yahoo.com.

College Hangout - February 25th - 6pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are college student, join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place.  We will have dinner together,  and a time of discussion about dating in college, and I will tell you about this horrendous book I read my freshman year called “I kissed dating goodbye.”  (Spoiler alert, not even the author could do it).  If you have ever wanted to ask questions about dating, and simply have curiosities, email toph@ubcwaco.org ahead time with your questions and we will make sure those are discussed.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email Toph

UBCYP - February 29th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are a grad student or young professional (and young is relative here), please join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place on Thursday evening, February 29th.  We will have a fire and some drinks, please bring a snack to share.  You can sign-up in the foyer or email Toph@ubcwaco.org

Black History Waco Tour - February 25th - 1pm

We are teaming up with our friends over at First Presbyterian, and Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History and the Texas Collection for a walking tour.  We do have limited spots since this is a walking tour through downtown Waco (15-20), so please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org if you would like join.  *Baylor's oral history department will actively identify key spots during the tour to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/18 - Andie

2/25 - Andie

3/3 - Andie

3/10- Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen

 

Newsletter 2-6-2024

TOPH’S POST

In staff meetings recently, we have been thinking about this next year as a community, and have been discerning and discussing what it would like to lighten the burdens of those in our community, and of UBC herself.   In other words, how might we bear witness to and for each other, reminding ourselves of the abundant life and beauty found in Christ, and how might we bare witness to this lightening in our community and the broader world?  Which for me brought to mind Jesus word’s in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you…and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  I was then reminded of Cole Arthur Riley’s work, This Here Flesh, in which she writes:  “I don’t have many certainties about God.  I do have hopes.  Chief among them is that it’s true what they say: that God is love, is made of love, and looks at the faces of you and me and my gramma and, without hesitation or demand, delights.”  As we move into 2024, I don’t have a lot of certainties about what this year may hold, but I have a lot of hopes.  I hope UBC will flourish in all the important ways: loving the community within our walls well taking great delight in each other, welcoming those outside of our community with open arms and active listening so that we might better discern how to come along side of them, and that we will be a people so caught up in the mystery and wonder of God our joy will brighten the Waco community.  One certainty I do have: it is a great delight to pastor this community, and to journey alongside of you as we seek the kingdom of God together.  As we are entering into the Lenten season, and you are discerning what you might let go of or what you might pick up,  if you would like someone to journey with you through active listening and prayer, I would love to meet with you during the Lenten season for  a coffee or a pint or a phone call.  

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Note: 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.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

SOUPer Bowl Sunday - February 11th - 12pm

In lieu of our traditional Love Lovefeast, we are having a potluck after church on the 11th.  Bring your favorite soup or chili to share with everyone, and we will eat right after church.  No need to sign-up, just plan on bringing a dish and staying for lunch on the 11th.  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

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

Kids & Youth Survey

As we dream about the future of kids ministry and youth ministry, we would love the input of as many UBCers as possible.  Please take some time to think through what matters to you and to our church, and respond here.

Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups

Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.

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

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ash Wednesday - February 14th - 7am; 5:30pm

We will have two opportunities to attend the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, at 7am and 5:30pm. Join us as we gather to focus our attention on our mortality and growth as we enter the season of Lent.

Backside - February 23rd - 7pm

We’re having an open mic/open wall art event on Friday, February 23rd at 7pm. If you’d like to share something, just email jamie@ubcwaco.org or sign up in the lobby. I

Women’s Group Hangout - February 24th - 11AM

The next UBC Women’s Group hangout will be Saturday, February 24th at 11AM at The Olive Branch for brunch/lunch. Shopping afterwards at Spice Village for those interested. RSVP to Tiffany at covertjt@yahoo.com.

College Hangout - February 25th - 6pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are college student, join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place.  We will have dinner together,  and a time of discussion about dating in college, and I will tell you about this horrendous book I read my freshman year called “I kissed dating goodbye.”  (Spoiler alert, not even the author could do it).  If you have ever wanted to ask questions about dating, and simply have curiosities, email toph@ubcwaco.org ahead time with your questions and we will make sure those are discussed.  You can sign-up in the foyer, or email Toph

UBCYP - February 29th - 7pm - Toph’s Casa

If you are a grad student or young professional (and young is relative here), please join us for our next gathering at Toph’s place on Thursday evening, February 29th.  We will have a fire and some drinks, please bring a snack to share.  You can sign-up in the foyer or email Toph@ubcwaco.org

Black History Waco Tour - February 25th - 1pm

We are teaming up with our friends over at First Presbyterian, and Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History and the Texas Collection for a walking tour.  We do have limited spots since this is a walking tour through downtown Waco (15-20), so please sign-up in the foyer or email toph@ubcwaco.org if you would like join.  *Baylor's oral history department will actively identify key spots during the tour to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

2/11 - Andie

2/18 - Andie

2/25 - Andie

3/3 - Andie

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 (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)

Ben Raley
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks

HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)

Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen