ANDIE’S POST
Hope in the Age of Hype
I had a friend reach out late Saturday evening with this message: "You still awake, night owl?" Of course the answer was yes, and her request was simple. She wanted me to read her sermon. She preaches semi-regularly at her church, but if you caught my sermon on Sunday, you'll recognize why this weekend felt daunting. She was preaching at the church where our friend's funeral had taken place early that day. Hers was the task of meeting people in their grief in a very specific way. The lead pastors had presided over the funeral that afternoon, so she was taking Sunday morning preaching off of their plate. I read it, and it was lovely, like it always is, and I told her so. Her response? "You're my favorite hype queen!" My friend is easy to hype up. She is an incredible, insightful, hilarious human. But my feedback was centered on something else. She brought hope to a moment that was wildly painful in a way that was both invitational and delicate. The way we meet the misery and the magic of life says something about us. The way we receive people's words and care in the misery and magic of life says something about us. Preaching is an act of co-authorship. We as preachers bring our words and our hearts, and those who would hear them bring theirs in return. We are changed in one another's presence and in the presence of the Spirit of God. As I read her words, I was reminded how important it is to hype each other in the practice of this kind of hope. It is the substance of our faith, it is oxygen, and it is resistance. We are watching what happens when hype is disordered; it is on us to find the way Jesus would have us build one another up, turning our attention to the hope of his love.
THIS WEEK
Youth Group is back on Wednesday nights!
*Pints at Pinewood - Wednesday, Pinewood Public House, 6pm
Derek Webb Survival Songs Tour (Ticketed)- September 21st, 8-9:30pm
Derek Webb is bringing the Survival Songs House Show Tour to Ubc.
“As an artist, citizen, and dad of teens, let me tell you what I see when I look at the world today: queer people, especially queer kids, are in imminent danger and desperately need a soundtrack to comfort, encourage, and empower them. Over the past month, I’ve written and recorded an entire album that seeks to do just that. It’s called Survival Songs and I can't wait to share it with you live.”
New songs, and lively discussion. Limited seating.
LGBTQ+ teens (18 and under) can attend any show on the Survival Songs tour for FREE. Just select “LGBTQ+ Teen Ticket” at checkout to get your ticket(s). These tickets run on the honor system, please don’t abuse it.
Pack of Hope Food Drive- September 7th-28th
McLennan County Pack of Hope attempts to erase child hunger in McLennan County by supplying eligible students of participating school districts with bags of nutritious food from Friday through Sunday, while they are not receiving meals in school. We are doing a food drive to support their efforts. You can drop any of the following off in Nicole’s office: Microwaveable meals (Chef Boyardee & Mac and Cheese), breakfast bars, granola bars, crackers, fruit gummies, cereal, fruit cups, pudding, pop-tarts, cookies, juice, SlimJims, etc.
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
Howerton Meal Train
Kristen had an unexpected gallbladder surgery on Sunday, 9/14! Here’s a chance to support their sweet family with meals and food delivery gift cards. Sign up here.
Go Fund Me for Carolina to keep the family together
Go Fund Me
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.
Tech Volunteers
Want to help keep the wheels from falling off on Sunday mornings? We are in need of volunteers to run lights, slides, and our livestream in the tech booth. No prior experience required--we will train you on whichever station you would like to help with. Email jamie@ubcwaco.org for more info.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mi Casa Game Night- Sunday, September 28th, 6pm
The Book Club @ Ubc- Tuesday, September 30th, 7-8pm
Join us as we discuss the book “The Thursday Murder Club”. Tea and sweet treats provided. Bring your own beverage or snack to share if you’d like! Childcare provided for babies-5 years old.
St Francis Liturgy- Wednesday, October 1st, 5:30pm
Join us for a liturgy incorporating the life and works of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis day is actually October 4th, but we all know y’all aren’t looking to come to church on a Saturday.
Pickleball @ the DinkDen- Sunday, October 5th, 2pm
Prep Party Dinner- Tuesday, October 7th, 6pm
Everyone (and their families!) who participated in Prep Party is invited to come to UBC and enjoy the delicious fruits of their labors! UBC will provide rolls, salads, and beverages.
Ubc Family Camping Trip: Families Around the Fire @ Airport Park- October 10-11th
"Families Around the Fire" is a family-based outdoor adventure program. Lessons include:
Leave No Trace: Supporting sustainable outdoor recreation
Campsite setup: Outdoor living considerations
Outdoor Cooking: Stove, grill, and Dutch oven
FAQ: Planning your next experience
The cost is $100/family which includes 2 meals and the camping equipment/gear. Contact Nicole@ubcwaco.org if you need help covering the costs. Sign up here.
All-Ubc Bowling Night @ Main Event- Friday, October 17th, 6:30-9pm
Join us in the VIP room for bowling fun! UBC has reserved the room from 7:30-9:00. UBCers are responsible for shoe rentals.
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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
9/21- Andy Clark
9/28- Jamie
10/5- Andie
10/12- Andie
10/19- Ellen Di Giosia
CONTACT INFO
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson McGregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Nicole Dizdar, Kids Pastor
(nicole@ubcwaco.org)
Hannah Kapitaniuk, Volunteer College Director
(hannah@ubcwaco.org)
Leadership Team
Britt Duke
Marcus Franklin
Katie Robinson
Margo Shanks
Brooke Reich
Staff Support Team
Kyle Howerton
Jim Wren
Betsy Bracken
Finance Team
Brandon Glover
Jonathan Hill
Ben Rose