JAMIE’S POST
Some of you may know that my dad died recently. It was actually seven weeks ago this evening. As I have been becoming acquainted with the winding paths of grief, I have found myself everywhere from numb to inconsolable to awash in immense gratitude. Some moments are more pleasant than others, but I have found it meaningful to make space for the hard parts; to acknowledge and express my own sadness and loss. Something about making this space helps me deal and helps me live more fully. I’m sure some of you have lost someone this year or are reminded of someone long lost as we navigate this holiday season. Or perhaps you haven’t lost someone in a literal sense, but you’ve lost the way you used to relate to someone. Or you’ve lost a job. Or a dream. Grief seems, at its core, to be a response to change, and change is a constant. Whatever the nature of your grief, I’d like to invite you to gather together at 5:30 on Thursday for a liturgy of mourning. This is a time to acknowledge a range of difficult emotions that come with being human and offer them to the One who is near to the brokenhearted. Perhaps in bringing our losses together, we’ll find strength to move through the remainder of this year and turn our eyes toward the next.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
*No 5th and 6th Grade Wednesday Gathering*
Liturgy of Mourning - December 7th, 5:30pm
College Hangout - December 10th - 7pm
Join us for our last college hangout of the semester at Toph’s place. We will eat dinner together, and play some Christmas games. Please sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org
GIVING
UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your tithes and offerings allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.
You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.
If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email jeff@ubcwaco.org.
CHURCH NEEDS
Tech Booth Volunteers
We are looking for a few more folks to volunteer in the tech booth on slides, lights, and the livestream. Previous experience isn’t required—we can train you! Contact jamie@ubcwaco.org if you’re interested.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers, and are always on the look out for more! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please email kids@ubcwaco.org
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.
Spiritual Direction Group
The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 1 new participant. We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:40-10:30 AM), and ask that members be able to commit to regularly attending meetings. Our small group works together to discern the activity and presence of God in our daily, ordinary lives. We focus on the art and power of asking and listening. Coordinated by Laura Sepanski, who graduated in May 2022 from Truett Seminary Spiritual Direction certificate program. Contact Laura at Laura_Sepanski@baylor.edu with questions or interest in signing up.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UBCYP Progressive Dinner Party - Thursday December 14th - 6pm
Join us for our first ever progressive dinner party. We will have appetizers at one location, then entrees, and finally dessert. Please contact toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up, or sign-up in the foyer. If you are willing to hose one of the locations, please let Toph know.
Youth Christmas Party - Wednesday, December 20th
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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
12/10- Andie
12/17- Andie
12/24 *At 5:30 pm* - Andie
12/31- Brunch Church
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
Katie Valenzuela
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks
HR Team (hrteam@ubcwaco.org)
Erin Hill
Patrick Broaddus
Craig Nash
Kristen Howerton
Abbey Mackey
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Colton Towns
Julie Sievers
Ethan Cohen