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.
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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
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