ANDIE’S POST
Last weekend, I had the great joy and sadness of flying to the PNW to preach at my previous congregation’s final service. It was a celebration of the things that God has done in their midst over the last 126 years, and it was an opportunity for a dwindling congregation to say their goodbyes and grieve. I am experiencing a lot of complex emotions as they embark on a new journey that many wouldn’t choose if they had more say. During my tenure, I saw a few devoted members carry 90% of the load, and clearly, that isn’t sustainable. It reminded me that we can’t take the beautiful things in our life for granted, nor can we simply rely on the people around us to do the things that we are also ours to do. We are all charged with the tending of the communities to which we belong. We are intertwined with one another, and our joy, mourning, and thriving is shared. At UBC, we have a particular opportunity to care for each other well out of desire and not guilt. It is a rare religious space that invites with love instead of inciting with fear or shame. That means that when we show up, it’s because we want to, not because we feel obligated. The question transforms from “what can I get” to “how can I connect” and I see that at the forefront of many UBCers right now. Multiple offerings of connection are springing up around us: Bringing meals, joining MiCasas, starting small groups, taking the reins of a new all church event. I don’t worry about our future when our present is so filled with people who want to provide for one another. AND, the danger of the few shouldering the majority is always in the back of my mind. If you haven’t stepped into a place of care for another UBCer or our broader community and have been on the fence about doing so, now is the time. There is energy and excitement in our church life that makes me wonder what’s on our horizon, so now is the time! Join a MiCasa, help out at youth group, bring a meal to a new family, organize a book club, take someone out to coffee. The opportunities are as diverse as we are, what matters now is that we continue to choose to actively care. Sometimes when things feel overwhelming, perspective comes through connection. Where do you need to connect today?
THIS WEEK
Youth Group- Wednesday, 6pm
Pints w/ Toph- Wednesdays, Pinewood Public House, 6pm
Wheel of Awareness Meditation- Sunday, 9:30am
ubcKids fundraiser @ Slim Chickens- Thursday, May 8th, 5-8pm
College/UBCYP Hangout - May 11th - 7pm
If you are a college student, grad student, or young professional, we would love for you to attend our final College/UBCYP hangout of the semester. We will be gathering at Toph’s place at 7pm for dinner and possible games. You can sign-up in the foyer at church, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or more information.
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
ANOTHER NEW BABY ON THE LOOSE
This is Walt Howerton! Born 4/25/25. Kyle, Kristen and Cooper are all home and doing well! You can sign up to bring them food here.
Summer Lunch and Literacy program volunteers We are in need of some volunteers to help during the lunch hour in late June and early August. Volunteers would help with engaging with families who come for the Waco ISD free lunch served at UBC, reading with kids in smaller groups, and leading story times and/or crafts, as well as locking up the building after the hour is over. You can volunteer for one day, or many days! Sign up is here: Summer Lunch Program Volunteers and you can email nicole@ubcwaco.org for more information.
Book Drive
We are accepting gently used or new kids' books to have for our literacy program! We are looking for books ranging from preschool to 6th graders. Bring any donations to the kids' office in May and June! You can also donate funds to specifically use for purchasing books at ubcwaco.org/give, and select "Literacy Program".
Bring Food for Youth Group
Part of our youth group’s weekly gathering is sharing a meal together. You can be a part of making that possible. Sign up to bring dinner here!
UBC NEW BABY TEAM
ALERT. We’ve got a veritable gaggle of babies on the way this year, and are in search of a group of volunteers who will help support the new families and little nUBCers by organizing meal trains, postpartum support, etc! Email nicole@ubcwaco.org if you're interested on serving on this team.
Are you one of our soon-to-be baby having families? Take a moment to fill out this form so we can prepare to support you and your nUBCer!
Kid’s Volunteers
SIgn up to help with ubckids! Do it for the future! You can sign up here.
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.
CAMP UBC: RENEW
We are putting on a day camp for rising pre-k through rising 3rd graders July 14th-17th from 9-noon. This four day camp will focus on a gardening/sustainability theme, and guide students through expressing their faith and love for the community around them.
Register your kids!
Share with your friends too! Learn more and register here.
Volunteer!
Adults and students 6th grade and up can volunteer! Sign up here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bingo de Mayo Fundraiser - May 12th - 6:30pm
As you aware, we’ve been dealing with a crappy situation: we have a busted plumbing pipe! We are excited to announce a fundraiser to help cover the costs of this massive repair. On Monday night, May 12th, we are gathering at church for Bingo de Mayo! We will be playing bingo together (there will be a suggested donation of $10 for each card you want to play), margaritas and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as some chips and salsa. If we have 100 people give $100 towards this repair it would cover around 50% of the cost! There will be some small prizes for each winner of every bingo round, and one very special UBC prize at the end of the evening. Get your friends and family together, and come play some bingo, and help us out! If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org
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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
5/11- Andie
CONTACT INFO
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)
Leadership Team (leadershipteam@ubcwaco.org)
Britt Duke
Andy Clark
Aleigh Ascherl
Marcus Franklin
Shelly Taylor
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks
Staff Support Team (staffsupport@ubcwaco.org)
Kyle Howerton
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken
Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)
Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose