“The choir schedule for the kids at UUMC is huge for us. Not having to come up on a separate night for choir means a great deal to our family, as our schedule is pretty tight already. Having a pre-school choir for my twins is also huge – they so want to do what their older sisters do.

Having a way to keep all kids in the service for part of it (short part) is great. We like them experiencing church with us in the sanctuary, but they cannot last the whole hour, so it’s great they can stay for a while, then all go and do something related and spiritual, but more age-appropriate. All four kids seem really happy there.
We are glad UUMC seems to be a somewhat ‘liberal’ leaning church. We love that the pastor wears rainbow crosses and there is a diverse crowd in attendance. We love that he also wrote a letter asking the state school board to keep religion in churches and teach science in the classroom. We also love the soup kitchen - our oldest daughter served there about a year ago with her girl scout troop.”
Felicia Adams, UUMC regular visitor

“When I was at UT in the 1970s, this church had a reputation for its music. There were voice faculty who would teach music lessons here. It’s just been a tradition that this church has had a very strong music department.

When I was thinking of joining the choir 13 years ago, I was worried the choir members would be real straight-laced but it turned out they were just as wacky as the opera people I had been singing with; they were also very loving and supportive.
There’s a social aspect of the choir that’s just great. We have everybody from high school students to retired people and it’s a big group – 40-60 people are in the core group.
The joy of singing in the sanctuary is incredible, where the acoustics are wonderful, the congregation is extremely appreciative and they are very good singers themselves. I feel like I get so much more than I give.”
Jan Reed, UUMC member & choir member

“When I first walked into the church, it felt very homey and welcoming. People said ‘hi’ and smiled and I met my ‘pew buddy’. He invited me to sit with him the very first day and I’m still sitting with him now. I didn’t feel pressured to take communion, like I did at another church.
The church is so open-minded about absolutely everything. Everybody is eager to learn more and experience different viewpoints. If you go to a small group like the United Methodist Women groups or a Homeroom group or do regular volunteering, it becomes a separate little family. I belong to three different church families now – each one is really fun.”
Taylor Pfaff, UUMC member & Open Doors Ministry volunteer

“The church is busy ‘doing’. I believe UUMC has a heart for service and love for the outcast and fights for the downtrodden. UUMC provides ministries for me to attend and become involved – social witness, fight for justice, campus ministry and Young Adults (ACT II).

I particularly like Open Door and Hands-on-Housing for service. I also enjoy my College Mission Trips and Young Adult Ministries. The ministries UUMC provides attracted me to the congregation and the quality of the ministries and the people I found actively involved in them kept me coming back.
Here at UUMC, I am accepted, challenged, able to serve, and hear good news. Most importantly, UUMC is the place where my passions and my gifts from God are utilized - a chance for me to give back, to meet the world’s greatest needs. For this period in my life, UUMC is the faith community I call home.”
Shaun Tooley, UUMC member & Young Adults (ACT II) Lay Leader

“I enjoyed my visit with your congregation and felt very welcomed from the time we approached the door and were greeted there. The lady my daughter and I sat next to was very nice and welcoming. During the greeting time she welcomed us (after seeing that we had signed in as visitors) and told my daughter that she hoped to see her every Sunday.
She told her that she always sits in that area and that she would love to see her again. She told me she had been reading The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations book and was trying to practice what she read! Thank you for all you do to reach out to the students and the community there at UUMC.”
Kim Meyers, Katy, visitor

“UUMC is warm and welcoming. Its core members are not only well-educated and informed, they are committed to Christian discipleship, especially in ministries of social justice. UUMC’s worship is challenging and beautiful.

The sermons call me to stretch my Christian muscles and the music gives voice to my awe and gratitude. The pastors and staff are very thoughtful about the worship design and frequently add new and creative elements.
For example, while the pipe organ plays a major role in worship, other instruments are frequently used, such as drums. I particularly enjoy the worship and choir at church. UUMC is a place where I am ministered to and where I minister to others. I feel like I’m at home when I’m at UUMC.”
Nancy Mossman, UUMC member

“UUMC is a safe place that welcomes people of all walks of life, backgrounds and personal missions as we journey together in a better understanding of living out God’s word by serving others.
UUMC has changed my life by putting me in direct contact with people of all ages, especially the church elders, whom I know care for me and live out their personal relationships with God in ministry to others.
The music ministry means the world to me and UUMC is blessed with outstanding pastors and church leaders… My overall feeling about being part of UUMC is one of true gratitude.”
Melody Chatelle, UUMC member

“It was a joy for us to participate in Easter Sunday worship at UUMC, Austin. The depth and integrity of the service enriched our hearts and minds in the great blessing of Christian story and community. I am so grateful for your pastoral leadership that has affected both of our grown children in such positive ways. Both of our children resonate with the liturgy and style of worship (and music) that is practiced, as well as your thoughtful preaching that speaks to their minds and hearts.”
Elizabeth Box Price, Oklahoma, visitor

“The service was such a joyous celebration, it left me feeling grateful for having been led there that morning by my daughter. The information you included was impressive – what marvellous opportunities UUMC offers for service & spiritual growth. Your service was like a balm to my soul. I don’t get to visit Austin as often as I would wish, but I certainly won’t miss the chance to be with you when that trip occurs.”
Sandra DuBois, New York, visitor

“I enjoyed the service on Sunday – the music, the sermon, but mostly the relaxed tone of the service and the feeling of being truly welcome. As organist at First United Methodist in Midland, it will be difficult for me to be back in your service anytime soon, but I may take home some ideas from your service that could help our services to be more people-friendly. Thanks for a joyful, spiritual experience in your church.”
Joan Lucas, Midland, Texas, visitor

“The service this morning in our church was the best in my memory, beginning with Darlene’s crisp, crystal clear invitation, Dana’s beautiful solos, Pam’s colorful and inspiring missionary message, the readings from scripture and the sermon. I wish today’s sermon could have been ‘bottled’ or recorded, including your session with the children. Thank you and congratulations on a terrific service.”
Glenn Ivy, Austin, UUMC member