ANDIE’S POST
The most inspiring thing I’ve read regarding New Year’s resolutions is along the lines of this: “There are no rules that say your resolution has to make you a better person. Get vengeful; make it weird.” Okay, maybe not the most inspiring thing, but it brings up a good point. We are often cogs in the never-ending self-improvement machine, and that doesn’t seem to get any easier within our systems of faith. While we might say that we don’t believe that we have to earn God’s love, the truth is many of us are driven by the perfectionism and striving that has become a hallmark of modern performative Christianity. We might say that who we are is enough, but we still tuck away parts of ourselves that we are afraid to bring to God or to one another. More and more, I am finding the release and beauty that exists in those moments of falling apart. There is grace and space inherent in the rhythm of Jesus for that kind of fracturing, because it is in our authenticity that we best experience the enveloping welcome of God. There is tremendous value in allowing ourselves the gift of honesty and expression, even if we fear that we will be tried and found lacking. If you are ready to make 2024 your year, yes, absolutely, you’ve got this! If you barely survived 2023, and the “fresh start” of 2024 feels daunting, there is so much room for you, too. Either way, let’s take some time and acknowledge the Divine love that surrounded us last year, surrounds us this year, and awaits us in every year we have. Happy New Year, UBC; may you love God, embrace beauty, and live life to the fullest knowing that your value is intrinsic, not earned.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
Pints with Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House
Woven Book Discussion #2 - Sunday, 12pm
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
Mealtrain for the Hills!
A pipe collapsed underneath the Hills' house, and now half of their home is without water, including their kitchen. Let's make sure they are fed and taken care of as they deal with all of this! Sign up 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
Town Hall - January 21st - After Church
We’ll have our January Town Hall after church on January 21st. Come hear updates from our teams and stay up to date on the life of the church.
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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
1/7- Andie
1/14- Andie
1/21 - Andie
1/28- 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
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