Newsletter 9-24-2024

ANDIE’S POST

VisionQuest 2025 

Earlier this year, Jamie, Toph, and I sat in my living room dreaming about the upcoming year in the life of UBC. It felt a little premature, because I was just getting to know who UBC is myself. This Sunday, Nicole and Jess are joining us as we envision what God may have for our congregation in the upcoming year. As I reflect on the growth that has already taken place, I get happy little butterflies thinking about how we will once again merge our history and our future. As we look forward to the last three months of the year, I can't wait to continue to incorporate our 2024 theme of lightening into Advent, the season in which we wait for the Light of God to break into the darkness. My ongoing hope for UBC is that we are people who carry the lightness of Jesus to those who are weary beyond expression. Please hold the staff of UBC close as we seek to listen to the Spirit of God together. Words can't express the love and gratitude I hold for UBC, but that's not going to stop me from trying! Check back in two weeks for a VisionQuest update!

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday at 6pm at Pinewood

UBCkids Volunteer Appreciation Tacos- Sunday, September 29th
All UBCkids volunteers (or those interested in signing up to volunteer), grab a breakfast taco from the kids’ check in room! 

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

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Toph Taco Tuesday -October 8th, noon

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

9/29- Andie

10/6- Andie

10/13- TBD

10/20- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org) [on sabbatical]
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)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 9-17-2024

NICOLE’S POST

Hey there! Nicole here. I can’t believe I’ve been here at UBC as the kids’ pastor for nearly three months. I still wake up every single morning feeling so grateful to work a job that is a dream! Thank you for how you’ve welcomed me, Duke and my energetic children with open arms. 

On energetic children and parenting- oftentimes I find myself thinking “why don’t I know what to do right now?” when my kids truly amaze me with their behavior…and not like “you’re amazing!” but “I’m amazed that I can’t figure out why you’d do such a thing.” Attending college for elementary education and child development, completing masters coursework in counseling and child brain development, teaching for eight years, and having three little kids, sometimes I feel like I should have it all figured out. But I don’t! 

I have figured out a few things though. We live in the “gentle parenting” times, and one of my favorite champions of the movement is Dr. Becky Kennedy, who wrote a book titled “Good Inside”. She centers on the belief that all humans are inherently good in their core, including children. This approach allows us to view children’s behavior through a lens of compassion and understanding, rather than punishment or shame. By acknowledging and connecting with a child’s feelings, we can guide them more effectively. Essentially, we are separating the behavior from the child. As adults, we model emotional regulation, kindness and compassion to our children. We find out the “why” behind the behaviors. I often say I’m healing myself as I parent.

Why am I writing about this? I think this has been heavily on my mind as I think about the church as a whole. We aren’t “big church” and “kid church” and “youth group” and all the little things UBC is made of, but we are the sum of all of those parts, a complete and whole family under the UBC roof. A family where you are accepted just as you are, loved and cared for through your highs and lows, a community of adults, teenagers, children, babies, parents, college students…and we have a great gift of modeling love, patience, and understanding to our UBC family every time we interact. There is no shame, divisive or hateful speech from the pulpit, or expectations around how things “should” be. UBC does these things so well, and I’m so thankful this is where my own children will be raised. A sense and feeling of belonging to a community is so incredibly important as humans, and knowing we can belong to a community that loves us where we are at is a gift. 

Thank you, UBC, for your constant reminder that we are all “Good Inside.”

ALL CHURCH RETREAT

THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS THURSDAY!

The UBC All Church Retreat is October 4-5th.  We will be heading to Glen Lake Camp and Conference Center in Glen Rose, Texas.  We can check in anytime after 1, but we would ask you arrive by 7pm for our first formation time together.   On Friday evening we will have a campfire with a s’mores and hot cocoa bar, and then we will have several actives together on Saturday before departing at 5pm to return to Waco.  We are very excited about this time together as a church, and would love for you to come.  The cost is $55 for an individual, and for families it is capped at $125.  Use this link to sign-up: UBC Retreat  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday at 6pm at Pinewood

UBCkids Zoo Meet Up - Saturday, Sept 21st, 10am
Meet at the front entrance at 10!

UBCYP Hangout - Sunday September 22nd - Dodson’s pool 

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

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Toph Taco Tuesday - September 24th, noon

We are meeting at Ranchito at 23rd & Waco Drive.

UBCkids Volunteer Appreciation Tacos- Sunday, September 29th
All UBCkids volunteers, grab a breakfast taco from the kids’ check in room! 

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

9/22- Kerri

9/29- Andie

10/6- Andie

10/13- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org) [on sabbatical]
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)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 9-10-2024

ANDIE’S POST

Happy Pastorversary to Me!

Sunday the 15th marks my one year anni at UBC.  My very first meeting was on a beautiful Friday morning at Pinewood.  I sat across a picnic table from Emily MacDonald and heard all about her plans for our youth ministry.  She shared about her life and about her time at UBC.  After she left, I sat there, took some deep breaths, and tried not to cry.  I was so excited, and so nervous, and so hopeful, and I felt so inadequate.  There was a fairly constant voice in my head telling me that this place was too good to be true, and that if it was actually this good, I would ruin it.  It is with massive relief that I can report neither of those scenarios panned out.  So with that said, here's a list of things that made me fall in love and stay in love with UBC:

1) You get what you see and you see what you get.  UBC doesn't shrink itself to fit into molds that are palatable but harmful.  

2) We have a genuine and invested staff.  Every single time I leave a one-on-one with one of our staff members I think to myself, "That was so freaking fun." Not only do I get to share the work of UBC, we get to share our lives.

3) The congregation as a whole is thoughtful, curious, kind, welcoming, and open.  On my first Friday at Pinewood, I saw three UBCers and was met with the warmth and connection that represents our church to this day.  

4) UBC is filled with people who want to see the love and equity of Jesus become a reality even as we are defining and redefining what that means for us as individuals.  

My list is infinite, but for the sake of your sanity I'll stop there.  If UBC was in Timbuktu, I would live in Timbuktu.  Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart. Pastoring at UBC is one of the greatest privileges of my life.  I love you all.

JOINING AWAB

Recently, the affirming branch of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) merged with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB).  As an affirming congregation, UBC is a great fit for AWAB. Here is a link where you can weigh in on this potential new affiliation.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday at 6pm at Pinewood

College Hangout - Friday September 13th - Toph’s Casa

nUBC’ers - luncheon - September 15th - after church

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

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

The Cove - restocking supplies

Our friends over at The Cove are running short on some supplies, and we have agreed to help them restock.  The Cove is a Waco-based nonprofit designed to provide a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need.  The items most needed now are full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.  They are also in need of feminine hygiene - specifically pads.  Would you consider purchasing some of these items and bringing them to UBC the next two Sundays to help our friends at the Cove?  There will be a place outside Toph’s office for you to drop these items off.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubwaco.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

UBCYP Hangout - Sunday September 22nd - Dodson’s pool 

UBC All Church Retreat - October 4-5

Make sure to mark our all church retreat on your calendar for the first weekend of October.  We will be heading to Glen Lake Camp and Conference Center in Glen Rose, Texas.  We can check in anytime after 1, but we would ask you arrive by 7pm for our first formation time together.   On Friday evening we will have a campfire with a s’mores and hot cocoa bar, and then we will have several actives together on Saturday before departing at 5pm to return to Waco.  We are very excited about this time together as a church, and would love for you to come.  The cost is $55 for an individual, and for families it is capped at $125.  Use this link to sign-up: UBC Retreat  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

9/15- Andie

9/22- Kerri

9/29- Andie

10/6- Andie

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org) [on sabbatical]
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@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)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill

Newsletter 9-3-2024

TOPH’S POST

Greetings! It has been wonderful getting back in the swing of things after my sabbatical, and the best part has been seeing many of your lovely faces on Sundays and at Pinewood. What a gift it is to be given a sabbatical, and even more so to have the support of my community, family, and friends. The summer was rejuvenating in many ways and has allowed me to fulfill some dreams of exploring new places. Over the course of the summer, I’ve had the privilege to visit two new continents, spend time in the mountains of New Mexico, see friends in Denver, and spend a good chunk of time in Austin. This sabbatical was truly about rest, and rejuvenation, and I am excited to be back with y’all after my time away.

We have a couple of current opportunities to support some of our community partners right now. Our friends over at The Cove are running short on some supplies, and we have agreed to help them restock.  The Cove is a Waco-based nonprofit designed to provide a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need.  The items most needed now are full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.  They are also in need of feminine hygiene - specifically pads.  Would you consider purchasing some of these items and bringing them to UBC the next two Sundays to help our friends at the Cove?  There will be a place outside Toph’s office for you to drop these items off.  If you have any questions, please contact Toph.

The second opportunity is this coming Sunday, and we will be writing words of encouragement to the teachers and staff at Cesar Chavez Middle School. CCMS is our longest standing community partner, and we want to help them kick off the year with some words of encouragement. After church this Sunday, we will have two tables set-up with pens and paper for you to write an encouraging word, and we will also have a large poster for kids to write an encouraging word or draw a picture as well. Will you take 5-10 minutes after church this week to gather as a community and write a note for our friends at CCMS? If you have any questions before Sunday, contact Toph.

JOINING AWAB

Recently, the affirming branch of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) merged with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB).  As an affirming congregation, UBC is a great fit for AWAB. Here is a link where you can weigh in on this potential new affiliation.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6pm

We meet at UBC from 6-8pm and dinner is provided. If you are a person between 6th and 12th grade please join us! For more regular updates on youth group please email emily@ubcwaco.org to get on the youth email list.

Pints with Toph - Wednesday at 6pm at Pinewood

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

Youth Group Dinner Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to bring dinner for youth group to enjoy together. Here is a link to sign up. 

Kid’s Volunteers

It’s time to sign up for the fall rotation of kids volunteers! Never volunteered in a kids room? Fear not: there is a training on August 18th after church. Do it for the future! You can sign up here.

The Cove - restocking supplies

Our friends over at The Cove are running short on some supplies, and we have agreed to help them restock.  The Cove is a Waco-based nonprofit designed to provide a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need.  The items most needed now are full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.  They are also in need of feminine hygiene - specifically pads.  Would you consider purchasing some of these items and bringing them to UBC the next two Sundays to help our friends at the Cove?  There will be a place outside Toph’s office for you to drop these items off.  If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubwaco.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

Toph Taco Tuesday - September 10th - Noon

Join us for our second Taco Tuesday next week, on September 10th!  We will be meeting at Culture Mia in downtown Waco at noon!  If you have any questions, contact Toph.

College Hangout - Friday September 13th - Toph’s Casa

nUBC’ers - luncheon - September 15th - after church

UBCYP Hangout - Sunday September 22nd - Dodson’s pool 

UBC All Church Retreat - October 4-5

Make sure to mark our all church retreat on your calendar for the first weekend of October.  We will be heading to Glen Lake Camp and Conference Center in Glen Rose, Texas.  We can check in anytime after 1, but we would ask you arrive by 7pm for our first formation time together.   On Friday evening we will have a campfire with a s’mores and hot cocoa bar, and then we will have several actives together on Saturday before departing at 5pm to return to Waco.  We are very excited about this time together as a church, and would love for you to come.  The cost is $55 for an individual, and for families it is capped at $125.  Use this link to sign-up: UBC Retreat  You can email toph@ubcwaco.org with any questions.

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

PREACHING SCHEDULE

9/8- Andie

9/15- Andie

9/22- Kerri

CONTACT INFO

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org) [on sabbatical]
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@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)

Abbey Mackey
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken

Finance Team (finance@ubcwaco.org)

Ethan Cohen
Jonathan Hill