Newsletter 7-25-2023

KIRK’S POST

A little over thirteen months ago, I began a journey alongside the rest of the staff at UBC. I had been out of ministry life for a few years at that point, after having spent the previous twenty-five years on church staffs in Texas and Oklahoma. I didn’t know what was about to happen as I agreed to join UBC’s staff as the interim lead pastor. All of the typical trepidations found their way to me: would you like me? can I do the job? will UBC let me do the job? Will I like the job? These were questions among a long list as I began in June 2022.

On my first Sunday at UBC, the anxieties were no longer a thing. It had been a long time since I had been welcomed like you welcomed me. UBC has allowed me to be me in the midst of this transition to a new lead pastor. During this year, I have learned a few things about myself that I’d like to share in my final newsletter article for UBC:

  • While it initially mattered to me whether or not UBC “liked” me, once I was here, that mattered less. What became more important for me was to consider how I could best love UBC during this time. You allowed me to love you in a variety of ways - Thank you!

  • There are lots of ways to do church, and UBC has found the way that fits this group of people. No system is perfect, and UBC lives into the imperfect to find the best possible outcome in any number of situations. Thank you for showing me how to be church!

  • I love being able to have a group of people for whom I get the privilege to love, to pastor. It had been a number of years since I had been in that position - at least on a church staff, and UBC allowed me to discover that desire again. Thank you!

  • In baseball terms, no one hits a home run every time they preach. You have put up with the foul balls, the strike outs, and the occasional double or triple with my preaching - and you pointed it out when I laid down a terrible bunt. Thank you for letting me live into the joy I find when I preach. Thank you!

  • Because of your generosity, I’ve been able to make new friends - hopefully the kind that stay long after my time at UBC is up. Thank you!

As UBC heads into a new season with a new lead pastor, I look forward to seeing you show all of us how to be a people of God who Love God, Embrace Beauty, and Live Life to the Fullest.

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Veronica’s Restaurant

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Pints w/ Toph- Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Public House

Ubc Family Movie Night (ft. pizza)- Thursday, 5:30pm

This Thursday, July 27 we are having a UBC Family Movie Night! If you want to come and be a part you can email taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org. The night will begin at 5:30pm and we will eat pizza. Then we'll watch a movie!! So see you Thursday night, July 27, at 5:30pm for pizza and a movie! And email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org to let her know if you're coming! 

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

***Ubc Family In Need***

One of your fellow Ubc families is in need of some financial support as they navigate their immigration/education journey! You can learn more and donate here.

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Summer calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives - Wednesdays at Noon

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch.  This is a great time to meet other UBC’ers.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

UBCYP Summer Retreat – August 4th – 6th

We are having another summer retreat for those in your 20’s and 30’s at UBC.  We will be heading to a lake house in East Texas, and come back in time for church Sunday morning.   The cost is $50.  You can sign-up on Sunday mornings, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.  

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/30- Kirk

8/6- Kirk

8/13- Kieran

8/20- Craig

8/27- Katie V

PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK

Our drivers and volunteers who have helped make kids camp happen!

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

Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor (taylor@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Kieran Cressy, Youth Pastor (kieran@ubcwaco.org)
Kirk Hatcher, Interim Lead Pastor (kirk@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team

Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)

HR Team

Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)

Finance Team

Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)

 

Newsletter 7-18-2023

TOPH’S POST

Hello UBC Family,

This has been an exciting weekend in the life of UBC, and it was good to see so many of you at Lovefeast Saturday night, and church on Sunday. We hope you have had the opportunity to meet Andie Pellicer and her family this weekend or had the opportunity to tune in on-line Sunday. We (the Pastoral Search Committee and Staff) have been looking forward to this weekend for some time, and we have loved the energy felt among the community this weekend. We would love to hear your thoughts on the weekend, and your thoughts on moving forward with Andie Pellicer as UBC’s next Lead Pastor. The PSC has created a survey to collect those here. This survey is your opportunity to share your voice, and will close at 9am tomorrow morning. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any staff member, Leadership Team, or the Pastoral Search Committee.

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Cathay House

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Ubc Kids Hangout - Thursday, 2pm, Cameron Park Splash Pad
Hey UBC Families and Kiddos! If you are interested in having some fun and getting to know some other UBCers then come meet us Thursday afternoon at 2:30pm at the Cameron Park Splash Pad! We are going to be having UBC Kids Hangouts all summer long! We'll meet Thursday at 2:30pm and we'll have a great time hanging out! If you think you're interested in coming let me know so I can be on the lookout for you!

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

***Ubc Family In Need***

One of your fellow Ubc families is in need of some financial support as they navigate their immigration/education journey! You can learn more and donate here.

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Summer calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives - Wednesdays at Noon

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch.  This is a great time to meet other UBC’ers.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Ubc Family Movie Night (ft. pizza)- Next Thursday, 5:30pm

Next Thursday, July 27 we are having a UBC Family Movie Night! If you want to come and be a part you can email taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org. The night will begin at 5:30pm and we will eat pizza. Then we'll watch a movie!! So see you Thursday night, July 27, at 5:30pm for pizza and a movie! And email Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org to let her know if you're coming! 

UBCYP Summer Retreat – August 4th – 6th

We are having another summer retreat for those in your 20’s and 30’s at UBC.  We will be heading to a lake house in East Texas, and come back in time for church Sunday morning.   The cost is $50.  You can sign-up on Sunday mornings, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.  

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/23- Kerri F

7/30- Kirk

8/6- Kirk

8/13- Kieran

8/20- Craig

PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK

The Pastor Search Committee for coordinating Andie’s visit this past weekend!

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

Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor (taylor@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Kieran Cressy, Youth Pastor (kieran@ubcwaco.org)
Kirk Hatcher, Interim Lead Pastor (kirk@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team

Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)

HR Team

Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)

Finance Team

Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)

 

Newsletter 7-11-2023

TAYLOR’S POST

In another installment of our critically acclaimed, hotly anticipated “one person on staff asks the rest of staff a question” series, Taylor is curious about CDs.

Question: what is the best CD you ever owned?

Kirk: U2 - The Joshua Tree

Jeff:  Spice Girls - Stop *hides*

Jamie: Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything To Nothing

Taylor: NSync  - No Strings Attached 

Toph: Weezer- Blue Album

Kieran: My Chemical Romance- Welcome To The Black Parade

**PASTORAL CANDIDATE VISIT**
(THIS WEEKEND!)

Our final candidate for lead pastor is Andie Pellicer! Andie and her family will be visiting us the weekend of July 16th! Here are a few things to mark on your calendar for that weekend:

Saturday, July 15th
-Coffee for Youth and Caregivers at Pinewood (1-3pm)
-Love Feast/Meet and Greet @ 6pm (bring some food to share!)

Sunday, July 16th
-Sunday Liturgy at 10:45 am (Andie is Preaching)
-Lunch with Andie after church (bring $5 if you want to eat)

You can learn more about Andie here.

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Route 77 Food Park

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at Pinewood

Meals with Andie Pellicer this Weekend

Hello UBC Family!  We would love for you to join us for two meals this weekend to get to know Andie Pellicer and her family!  The first is Saturday night at 6pm at UBC.  This is a Lovefeast, so please bring a dish to share with the crowd.  The second opportunity is a luncheon after church on Sunday.  We will be having Jimmy Johns, so please bring $5 cash or check to contribute to the cost of the meal.  We will also have a QR code, if you prefer to pay that way.  To sign-up for lunch, please email toph@ubcwaco.org by Friday at noon.  If you have any questions, contact Toph!

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

Backpacks for Arrow Child and Family Ministry

One of our partners, Arrow Child and Family Ministries, is collecting backpacks for foster children for the start of the school year.  UBC has agreed to provide 20 backpacks and supplies for 20 foster kids.  Over the course of July, please buy one clear backpack, and the list of supplies below.  You can signup in the lobby.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org 

Supplies we need:
Clear backpacks for both younger & older children
Composition books
Pink erasers
Glue sticks
Markers and colored pencils
3-ring binders
Folders
Kleenex boxes
Headphones
Ziploc bags

***Ubc Family In Need***

One of your fellow Ubc families is in need of some financial support as they navigate their immigration/education journey! You can learn more and donate here.

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Summer calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives - Wednesdays at Noon

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch.  This is a great time to meet other UBC’ers.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Passport Kids Camp - Sunday, July 22nd-Tuesday, July 25th

UBCYP Summer Retreat – August 4th – 6th

We are having another summer retreat for those in your 20’s and 30’s at UBC.  We will be heading to a lake house in East Texas, and come back in time for church Sunday morning.   The cost is $50.  You can sign-up on Sunday mornings, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.  

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/16- Andie Pellicer

7/23- Kerri F

7/30- Kirk

PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK

Ben Simmons for taking care of music while Jamie was out of town!

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

Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor (taylor@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Kieran Cressy, Youth Pastor (kieran@ubcwaco.org)
Kirk Hatcher, Interim Lead Pastor (kirk@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team

Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)

HR Team

Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)

Finance Team

Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)

 

Newsletter 7-4-2023

JAMIE’S POST

Greetings. I’d like to direct your attention once again to the information in the section below. The pastor search committee is bringing their final candidate, Andie Pellicer, to meet the congregation in a couple of weeks. I had a chance to meet Andie a few weeks ago and can confirm: she is a good hang. But please don’t take my word for it. Come meet Andie and her family for yourself the weekend of July 16th. Details in the next section.

-Jamie

PASTOR CANDIDATE VISIT

Our final candidate for lead pastor is Andie Pellicer! Andie and her family will be visiting us the weekend of July 16th! Here are a few things to mark on your calendar for that weekend:

Saturday, July 15th
-Coffee for Youth and Caregivers at Pinewood (1-3pm)
-Love Feast/Meet and Greet @ 6pm (bring some food to share!)

Sunday, July 16th
-Sunday Liturgy at 10:45 am (Andie is Preaching)
-Lunch with Andie after church (bring $5 if you want to eat)

You can learn more about Andie here.

THIS WEEK

Waco Dives - Wednesday, 12pm at Cultura Mia Waco

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch. If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6:00 pm at Pinewood

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

Backpacks for Arrow Child and Family Ministry

One of our partners, Arrow Child and Family Ministries, is collecting backpacks for foster children for the start of the school year.  UBC has agreed to provide 20 backpacks and supplies for 20 foster kids.  Over the course of July, please buy one clear backpack, and the list of supplies below.  You can signup in the lobby.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org 

Supplies we need:
Clear backpacks for both younger & older children
Composition books
Pink erasers
Glue sticks
Markers and colored pencils
3-ring binders
Folders
Kleenex boxes
Headphones
Ziploc bags

***Ubc Family In Need***

One of your fellow Ubc families is in need of some financial support as they navigate their immigration/education journey! You can learn more and donate here.

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! And it's that time again - to make a Summer calendar! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please reach out to Taylor at taylor@ubcwaco.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waco Dives - Wednesdays at Noon

It is the most wonderful time of the year, Waco Dives is back.  Each week we meet at a different Waco hole in the wall spot for lunch.  This is a great time to meet other UBC’ers.  If you have any questions, contact toph@ubcwaco.org. #yourbestlunchnow

Sign up for Lunch with Andie!

If you are planning to stay for lunch with Andie on July 16th, go ahead and email toph@ubcwaco.org so we can have a good idea for how much food to buy. There will also be a sign up sheet in the lobby on Sunday!

Passport Kids Camp - Sunday, July 22nd-Tuesday, July 25th

UBCYP Summer Retreat – August 4th – 6th

We are having another summer retreat for those in your 20’s and 30’s at UBC.  We will be heading to a lake house in East Texas, and come back in time for church Sunday morning.   The cost is $50.  You can sign-up on Sunday mornings, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.  

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

7/9- Katie V

7/16- Andie Pellicer

7/23- Kerri F

7/30- Kirk

PARISHIONER OF THE WEEK

You! Congratulations, you!

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

Taylor Post, Children and Families Pastor (taylor@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Kieran Cressy, Youth Pastor (kieran@ubcwaco.org)
Kirk Hatcher, Interim Lead Pastor (kirk@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team

Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)

HR Team

Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Jess Smith (jess_smith1@baylor.edu)

Finance Team

Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Evan Kidd (evan.kidd1@outlook.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)