Upcoming Events
From fun, community building activities to educational and spiritual growth opportunities, there are always great events happening at UUMC. If you want to stay in the loop about upcoming events, sign up for our newsletters!
Church Workday!
Join us for a Church Workday as we prepare for Easter! Our focus is making sure all the visitor areas like the Fellowship Hall, Entryway, Breezeway and Sanctuary are clean and prepared to welcome visitors on Easter. We’ll have some sandwich supplies for a light lunch so we can eat a little and divide into work groups. Many hands will make light work, so we’d love to see you there!
Contact Chad—chad@uumc.org—with any questions.
MYF & Tween Time: Church Workday
Tweens (4th - 5th graders) and youth (6th - 12th graders), join Natasha and Jillian in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and fellowship. Then we'll work with to keep the church nice and looking great for Easter. Parents can pick up kiddos at 2:30 pm or stay around to help!
Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org or Natasha at natasha@uumc.org
Methodist Youth Fellowship - Game Night
Middle school and high school youth are welcome to join in our annual Game On and Cabo Bobs adventure! The cost is $20 per youth for dinner and games.
Questions? Contact Natasha!
The Healing Power of Stories
Stories can be more than entertainment. Told with integrity and listened to in love, they connect us to God and to each other, and we are transformed. Come and learn more about why we all love a good story by Melissa Wiginton, co-founder of The Austin Story Project, who currently serves as Vice President for Strategic Engagement and Partnerships at Austin Seminary. She would love to share her deepest joy of helping us find and live the story of our own lives within God’s movement of healing and reconciling all creation.
Questions? Get in touch with Pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org—he’ll be happy to help!
Tween Time: Top Chef Competition
If your tween (4th & 5th grader) is interested in cooking, working with a team or just having fun in the kitchen, send them to our first annual Top Chef competition! We will meet in the Fellowship Hall after service. Your tween does not have to have kitchen skills to join us! We will learn! Lunch provided.
Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org with any questions!
Juniors' Curiosity Camp - Spring 2026
Calling all Kinder through 3rd graders—now called Juniors—to join Jillian at the church for a day of fun. We'll have crafts, games, activities and cooking to celebrate and explore their questions about our world.
We'll spend the AISD holiday together and give our Juniors bonding time, so they can find their people.
Questions? Email Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.
Gather at the Table
The community life team welcomes everyone to Gather at the Table before our Maundy Thursday service. Come enjoy a shared meal and thoughtful conversation as we walk through holy week.
Questions? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Maundy Thursday
Our Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) service is 7pm on April 2 in the Sanctuary. On Maundy Thursday we remember that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and instituted The Last Supper (Communion) before his crucifixion. Maundy means "command" and in response to Jesus' example, this service will include communion and optional foot washing as well as hymns and a brief homily.
Good Friday
Good Friday worship is 7pm in the Sanctuary. We’ll have a reflective service featuring congregational singing, special music, scripture readings, and other selected readings.
Youth: Easter Prep & Pizza
Please help us get ready for the Easter Festival during Parents’ Night Out. Set up booths, decorate, and fill some eggs. Pizza dinner provided.
Contact Natasha if you can make it!
Looking for something to do that evening? There’s a Parents’ Happy Hour! Learn more.
Parents' Night Out - April
Treat your kids to a fun night out with friends at UUMC! We'll have Spring and Easter-themed crafts, recreation, STEM, pizza, movie and dessert. This is the perfect time to do something fun by yourselves or join other parents for community time together. We can't wait to see you there! Fifth grade and under!
Parents: This month you have your own event! We’ll be having a Parents’ Happy Hour.
Questions? Email Jillian!
Easter Sunrise Service
Join us for worship Easter Sunday as we celebrate the joy and hope of Christ's resurrection
We will celebrate Holy Communion and hear a reading of Matthew 28:1-10. Pastor Teresa's sermon is "Alleluia, Anyway!" The Sanctuary Choir will sing “And Are We Yet Alive?” by Mark Miller. Come to worship and plan to stay for the Easter Festival and a time of food, fun and fellowship.
Easter Sunday
Join us for worship Easter Sunday as we celebrate the joy and hope of Christ's resurrection
We will celebrate Holy Communion and hear a reading of Matthew 28:1-10. Pastor Teresa's sermon is "Alleluia, Anyway!" The Sanctuary Choir will sing “And Are We Yet Alive?” by Mark Miller. Come to worship and plan to stay for the Easter Festival and a time of food, fun and fellowship.
Easter Festival
Join us for our Annual Easter Festival at UUMC full of fun and fellowship. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, facepainting, games and prizes, the best potluck ever in the fellowship hall and much more. Mark your calendars now!
College Ministry Movie Night: Jesus Christ Superstar
College students please join us for our annual Easter showing of Jesus Christ Superstar with dinner and Easter candy!
Contact Megan—motto@uumc.org—with any questions!
Sermon Series: Stations of the Resurrection
This sermon series carries us from the Sunday after Easter through May 3 where we will encounter the resurrected Christ appearing to the disciples. From Doubting Thomas and the Road to Emmaus to Jesus cooking breakfast for his friends, we will discover love is found in being present to the pain of this world and find hidden treasures of joy and beauty along the way that cause us to sing "Alleluia, anyway!"
Sound Bath
Join yoga teacher Chris Leigh for a sound bath event in our chapel. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or simply seeking solace, sound can assist meditation, relaxation and self-compassion.
Chris received her Hatha teaching certification under the guidance of her beloved teacher Sat Nam Joti Kaur Khalsi at the Blue Cypress School Of Holism in Wimberley Texas and has been teaching for a decade.
Questions? Contact Pastor Teresa at PastorTeresa@uumc.org.
Second Monday Mahjong
Second Monday Mahj is a fun way to get to know wonderful people you might not otherwise meet. This is an open group for any gender or age. Previous Mahjong experience not required.
Questions? Want to learn more? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
MYF - Kayak Adventure
All middle and high school youth are welcome to join us for our annual Kayak and PTerrys dinner on Lady Bird Lake. Drop-off & pick-up at Texas Rowing Center. The cost is $15 each. Cash or Venmo (@natasha-ulack).
Questions? Want to RSVP? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Newcomers Brunch
Are you new to UUMC and want to know more about the church? We’d love to chat with you and share some of the great things happening in our church! Join us for a simple breakfast, meet other newcomers, hear some stories from recently joined members, and have a Q&A with Pastors Teresa and Earl
We’ll meet in Heath Conference Room located on the second floor of the Education Building at the end of the hall on the right.
No RSVP necessary, just come as you are. If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.
Tween Time - Kayak Adventure
Tweens (4th & 5th graders): Meet Jillian at church! We'll eat lunch together at P Terry's, then walk together to kayak on Lake Austin, please bring water bottle and $10! Pick up at 3pm at the church!
Questions? Ready to RSVP? Email Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.
Family Camping Trip
Happy Family Camping Trip! Come for the weekend or come for the day, whatever works for your family. Food arrangements will be made once we have a final headcount. Can't wait to see you there!
Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!
Teen & Young Adult Choir Rehearsal
High School, College, and Young Adult Singers are invited to this one rehearsal pop-up choir! We will sing Eric Barnum's ethereal piece "Dawn"! Singers are recommended to take a look and listen to music before this rehearsal- tracks and music can be found here!
Questions? Contact AV!
*RSVPs are helpful as we plan, but is not required.
Methodism 101
Sundays
April 26 - May 10
Would you like to learn more about the United Methodist Church and Methodism—its history, core beliefs, mission, and structure? Pastor Earl will be leading a three-week Sunday School class and everyone is welcome to attend. The class will meet during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the Heath Conference Room in the Educational Building—located on the second floor of the Education Building at the end of the hall on the right side.
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org
Joint Sunday School with Felicia Martin, President of Texas Freedom Network
Felicia Martin (she/her/hers) is the President, Executive Director, and chief spokesperson for the organization on all public matters. She is responsible for the development, planning, staffing, and implementation of all programs.
Currently, Texas Freedom Network is a multi-issue organizing hub for over 150,000 Texans of all ages, faiths, identities, and abilities—all the way from Brownsville to Amarillo—working together for a more just and equitable state. TFN trains emerging grassroots activists on university and college campuses, while mobilizing clergy and Texans of faith to advocate for reproductive freedom and LGBTQIA+ equality. TFN organizes at the Capitol, in classrooms, and in local communities to build a Texas where everyone—no matter who they are or where they come from—can live as their fullest, freest selves.
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at pastorearl@uumc.org.
End of Year Party
All families are invited to hang out for burgers and swim at the Jones/Prevost house. We will celebrate the year and the beginning of summer together. Come and have fun!
RSVP to Jillian—jillian@uumc.org—for the address!
Youth: Summer Shareholders
The youth are fundraising for their summer trips.
Our high schoolers are going on a civil rights road trip. The middle schoolers will be going on an education justice mission trip. Our whole youth group will gather together for a Service Trip in Corpus Christi.
Shareholders are invited to donate to these adventures by buying $10 “shares” in the Youth Ministry. At the end of the summer, all shareholders are invited to join us for a pasta lunch where the youth will share details about their trips.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Bluegrass Sunday
Join us for one of our most popular Sundays of the year—Bluegrass Sunday!
This year our Bluegrass band will feature familiar UUMC faces, including Tom Caven, Paul Harper, George Sani, and AV. Let's lift up a song with guitar and banjo!
Questions? Contact AV at av@uumc.org!
Youth: Summer Shareholders
The youth are fundraising for their summer trips.
Our high schoolers are going on a civil rights road trip. The middle schoolers will be going on an education justice mission trip. Our whole youth group will gather together for a Service Trip in Corpus Christi.
Shareholders are invited to donate to these adventures by buying $10 “shares” in the Youth Ministry. At the end of the summer, all shareholders are invited to join us for a pasta lunch where the youth will share details about their trips.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Eunbee Ham
Please join us for worship as we welcome our guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Eunbee Ham, and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month together. Rev. Dr. Ham currently serves Madison Square Presbyterian Church in downtown San Antonio.
About Rev. Dr. Ham
Born in South Korea to Presbyterian missionary parents, Eunbee spent much of her childhood living interculturally, including in the Philippines and Mexico. After receiving her MDiv and MA in Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, she felt called to ministry in underprivileged communities in Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil, and Korea. She earned her doctorate in Pastoral Counseling at Emory University, where her research explored how race, class, culture, gender, and spirituality affect identity formation.
In a time when many feel disillusioned with religion, Pastor Eunbee feels passionate about welcoming those who identify as “spiritual but not religious” and helping people heal from religious trauma. She approaches the Christian gospel in fresh and creative ways, paying particular attention to social justice issues and mental health. Approaching worship through the curious, playful, and joyous experience of children, she seeks their participation as learners and teachers in the worshiping life of a faith community.
In her spare time, Pastor Eunbee loves watching Korean dramas, journaling, dancing, hiking, and exploring new cafes with her spouse, Chwi (pronounced “Chi”).
Joining Sunday
Are you visiting our church for a while and considering joining as a member? Here is a great opportunity for you to do it with others who would also like to join UUMC as members.
On May 17th and 24th, we will celebrate the joining of new members as a group. So please don't hesitate to reach out to pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org—if you are interested or if you want to know more about the meaning of membership and the process.
Senior Sunday
We would like to recognize all our graduating High School Seniors during the service with a small gift and a moment in front of the congregation. Parents of Seniors, please reach out to Natasha to help us prepare for this special event.
Youth: Summer Shareholders
The youth are fundraising for their summer trips.
Our high schoolers are going on a civil rights road trip. The middle schoolers will be going on an education justice mission trip. Our whole youth group will gather together for a Service Trip in Corpus Christi.
Shareholders are invited to donate to these adventures by buying $10 “shares” in the Youth Ministry. At the end of the summer, all shareholders are invited to join us for a pasta lunch where the youth will share details about their trips.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Tween & Youth: Texas Tree Exploration
Tweens (4th & 5th graders) and Youth (6th - 12th graders): join Jillian and Natasha for an awesome learning and service day. We will plant trees and learn about edible plants in our area of Texas. Lunch provided!
Joining Sunday
Are you visiting our church for a while and considering joining as a member? Here is a great opportunity for you to do it with others who would also like to join UUMC as members.
On May 17th and 24th, we will celebrate the joining of new members as a group. So please don't hesitate to reach out to pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org—if you are interested or if you want to know more about the meaning of membership and the process.
Youth: Summer Shareholders
The youth are fundraising for their summer trips.
Our high schoolers are going on a civil rights road trip. The middle schoolers will be going on an education justice mission trip. Our whole youth group will gather together for a Service Trip in Corpus Christi.
Shareholders are invited to donate to these adventures by buying $10 “shares” in the Youth Ministry. At the end of the summer, all shareholders are invited to join us for a pasta lunch where the youth will share details about their trips.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
An Extra Joyful Noise
On this last Sunday of May, join the Sanctuary Choir as we lift up several special choral anthems interspersed with congregational singing in a celebration of God's gift of music. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the choir's offerings in worship before they take a well earned summer break. Let's make an extra joyful noise!
Land and Legacy Town Hall
Join us after worship in Fellowship Hall as we continue our discussion around property discernment. Land & Legacy members will be there to speak to survey responses we received from the congregation and talk a bit more about the opinion of value we've received from CBRE.
Please note: A hybrid (Zoom) option is not available for this event.
Questions? Contact Chad at chad@uumc.org.
Youth: Summer Shareholders
The youth are fundraising for their summer trips.
Our high schoolers are going on a civil rights road trip. The middle schoolers will be going on an education justice mission trip. Our whole youth group will gather together for a Service Trip in Corpus Christi.
Shareholders are invited to donate to these adventures by buying $10 “shares” in the Youth Ministry. At the end of the summer, all shareholders are invited to join us for a pasta lunch where the youth will share details about their trips.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Queer Choir
All LGBTQ+ folks are invited to join a Pop-Up Queer Quire! We'll rehearse and capture our final product as a video to share with friends and family at the end of rehearsal. The Quire is then invited to lead music in worship on Sunday 6/7 at 11 AM. Join us to sing songs of hope & joy in this safe affinity space of music making!
RSVPs, while not required, can help us plan!
If you have any questions, email AV at av@uumc.org.
Vacation Church Camp
This year, Wesley Falls is focused on fortifying our supply of empathy and kindness. We’ll learn all about Wesley Fall Provisions- all the things we need to know to take care of our spirits. When we take care of ourselves, it's easier to be our best selves. Our daily essentials, or we might even say daily bread, are gratitude, curiosity, creativity, celebration and community. Some of the most important provisions we need to feel whole, to be resilient, and to be great neighbors. We hope to see you there! Aftercare available for extra fee.
Volunteers needed! Please reach out to jillian@uumc.org if you're interested.
Middle School Mission Trip
We will be attending the Be the Neighbor- Education Justice, Ft Worth, TX, this year with our current 6th-8th graders. Our middle schoolers will learn about and participate in service projects related to education justice. We'll spend an extra day on Friday exploring the DFW area, and head back on Saturday.
Questions? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Juniors' Summer Camp
All UUMC Kinder-3rd graders are invited to join us at the church for a week of service, SEL, crafts, games, and more. We will have a short walking field trip a couple of days. This camp is designed for our UUMC kids to get to know their church friends. Email jillian@uumc.org if you're interested!
High School Mission Trip
High schoolers are hitting the road for a nine-day civil rights road trip through the South. We will visit memorials, museums, and landmarks significant to black history in the United States.
Questions? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Level Up Camp
This camp is made just for our tweens (4th and 5th) and young Middle Schoolers (6th and 7th) to get to know our new crew. We'll have a service project at the church every morning and a fun adventure every afternoon. The cost is $170/ kiddo for the week. This includes snacks, lunch and all adventures. Can't wait to see you there!
Ready to RSVP? Have Questions? Contact: Jillian (Tweens) or Natasha (Middle Schoolers)
Youth Lock-In
All youth are welcome to join us for our annual spring break service lock-in on the first Friday of spring break. We'll tackle some Fig Leaf spaces to make Saturday morning's clothing-making for our unhoused neighbors a better experience for volunteers, leaders, and guests. We'll eat dinner, play some games & act as Fig Leaf volunteers in the morning. Pick up at 10 am.
Questions? Contact Natasha!
Tween Time: Crepes & Games
Tweens! (4th & 5th graders!)
We will head out after worship at noon to grab crepes for lunch and then to Activate Games for an immersive game room experience! We’ll jump, climb, problem-solve and laugh, as we complete rooms of challenges. There are games for a variety of interests so we hope to see you there.
Questions? Ready to RSVP? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.
Little Ones Potluck
All families with any kiddo 4 years and under is welcome to join our Little Ones crew for yummy food and good time together! Please plan to bring a small dish to share. This is always so fun and important for our little guys to know their church friends.
Email Jillian at jillian@uumc.org to get the address!
Iftar Dinner with Dialogue Institute
Come join us as we share in a Ramadan Iftar Dinner with our friends from the Dialogue Institute. We will also have friends from University Christian Church join us. Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, compassion, and generosity. This evening offers a meaningful opportunity to experience the spirit of Ramadan while engaging in heartfelt dialogue and friendship around a shared table.
Space is limited to 40 people, so please RSVP promptly if you hope to attend!
Contact Megan—motto@uumc.org—with any questions!
Tuesday Night Lights: Tending the Garden
Tuesdays February 24 - March 31
When you hear the phrase Christian Mysticism, what comes to mind? Many of us know it’s an ancient, and life-giving stream within our faith—yet the Mystical texts can feel obscure, and the mystics themselves can seem hard to approach. If you are curious about Mysticism but unsure where to begin, Walter Hames and Pastor Earl invite you to explore this rich tradition together during the season of Lent.
Guided by the book Tending the Garden: A History of Christian Mysticism, we will discover that the mystics were highly relatable people who were concerned with tending to a personal and loving relationship with God. Along the way, we will reflect on how their wisdom and spiritual practices speak to our own lives today: in prayer, in leadership, in politics, in intellectual life, and in the ordinary rhythms of being human. Also, our final session will include a special opportunity to meet and talk with the book’s author.
This is a hybrid class. To register, learn more, or receive the Zoom link, please email Pastor Earl at pastorearl@uumc.org.
Land & Legacy: Next Steps
Join Land & Legacy as we continue the discernment conversation around building development. We hope to have some information from the broker to share, but are excited to connect with y’all either way. If you haven’t attended one of our previous Town Halls, we encourage you to do so, as this conversation will build on earlier ones.
Childcare and some light bites will be available.
If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Chad—chad@uumc.org—he’s more than happy to chat with you.
Tween Time: Game Night
Tweens, join us for the most fun we'll ever have! Meet Jillian at the church at 5:30 pm and we'll get dinner together and then head to a game show inspired experience. This has been a favorite event of our kiddos, they won’t want to miss it! Please plan to bring $15 for dinner. Pick up at the church at 9 pm!
Questions? Ready to RSVP? Email Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.
Ash Wednesday - Evening Service
Join us as we begin our Lenten journey! The evening Ash Wednesday service will take place at 7pm in the Sanctuary and will include readings, contemplative music, holy communion, and imposition of ashes. Also, Pastor Earl will be in the courtyard at 6:45 for anyone who wants to come and participate in the burning of last year's palm branches.
The scripture lesson is The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in Luke 14:15-24. We begin Ash Wednesday with an open invitation. Instead of inviting people to focus internally on fasting and self-deprivation during Lent, this parable invites us into a communal feast. As guests are gathered in, the miracle is that there is still room. There is more love and abundance available, if only we are present to accept it.
Ash Wednesday - Midday Service
The noon Ash Wednesday service will take place in the Chapel on Feb. 18. This mid-day service will include imposition of ashes, readings, and Taizé music. Plan to stay after worship for lunch in the courtyard with our campus ministry students and a time of fellowship.
Please Note: there will be gathering music shared from noon until about 12:15 to allow those working to travel in time for the service.
We will also hold an evening service featuring communion and burning of the ashes.
Fat Tuesday - Pancake Dinner
Come celebrate Shrove Tuesday with pancakes (including gluten-free and red velvet) and other breakfast goodies. ALL are welcome-bring your beads and empty stomachs!
Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!
Youth & Tween: Fat Tuesday Pancake Prep
Tweens (4th & 5th graders) and youth (6th - 12th graders) are welcome to join Jillian and Natasha to prep for our annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. We will cook, decorate and play! No school for AISD- send them here!
Questions? Want to RSVP?
Tweens can contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.
You can contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Youth: Cooking & Conversation with College Ministry
All high school youth come make dinner and join in conversation and fun with our UUMC college group.
Questions? Want to RSVP? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org!
Austin Marathon
February 15th is the annual Austin Marathon. Since the route runs right down Guadalupe we will all need to plan a little additional time for travel.
As always, you can try using Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze. However, sometimes those applications don't work as well on these type of occasions. We’ve put together some handy tips for getting to church this Sunday!
Parent's Night Out - February
Treat your kids to a fun night out with friends at UUMC! We'll have Valentine’s Day themed crafts, recreation, STEM, pizza, movie and dessert. This is the perfect time to do something fun by yourselves or join other parents for community time together. We can't wait to see you there! Fifth grade and under!
Questions? Email Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!
Sweet Moves Salsa Night
Join us at 7 pm for a one-hour salsa lesson taught by AV, followed by music and dancing in the Fellowship Hall.
All ages, all people welcome to come learn, laugh, and be in community at UUMC. Bring some salsa or some sweet treats to share!
Questions? Want more information? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Caregivers Support Group
The Caregivers Support Group will meet via Zoom on the Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. It is a safe place for persons to gather and share confidentially about the joys and challenges of caregiving.
College Ministry: Super Bowl Party
College students join us for our annual Super Bowl Party! Even if you don't like football you can join the fun. There will be food and games.
Looking to join? Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org!
Lunch & Learn: The Texas Civil Rights Project
All are welcome to hear Rev. Jim Harrington, a Texas civil rights icon who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice. Rev. Harrington will share stories from his recently published book, The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement, reflecting on his lifelong fight for equality—from advocating for farmworkers alongside César Chávez to securing major reforms for people with disabilities—and his work to build a movement for social justice.
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at pastorearl@uumc.org.
RMN Reception: Drag Brunch
Join us as we rejoice in the progress our queer and trans community has made, and recommit to the work that remains before us.
After worship, join us in the Fellowship Hall for an intergenerational Drag Brunch, showcasing two of Austin's own Queens, Diamond Dior Davenport and Monica Monae! Check out AV’s video about what to expect this Sunday. If you’re curious about Drag Etiquette in general, we recommend this excellent video created by Waterloo Spectrum featuring kings and queens from their local community.
Questions? Want to help out? Contact AV at av@uumc.org!
Reconciling Ministries Network Sunday
Planned and led by our Queer Council, this week in worship we celebrate UUMC's anniversary of our affiliation with the Reconciling Ministries Network. We’ll welcome Rev. Dr. Adama Brown as our guest preacher.
Meet Rev. Dr. Adama Brown
The Rev. Dr. Adama Brown currently serves as the Director of Impact and Grants at the United Methodist Foundation of New England, where she brings more than twenty years of experience in research, data, and evaluation to the Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Adama directed research and data work at United Way of Rhode Island, where she utilized quantitative and qualitative analysis to better understand and reimagine social impact. Adama is particularly interested in the ways that data and narrative inform philanthropic work and can serve as a catalyst for change.
Adama has served in social justice ministries at the district and conference levels of the United Methodist Church. From 2015 to 2017, she served on the Amos Commission, the social justice arm of the Capital District of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, where she secured grant funding for Undoing Racism work. Beginning in 2010, The Rev. Dr. Brown became involved in the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), where she served as a board member and became a reconciling church consultant, helping churches, including her home church, First UMC of Austin, in their discernment to become a reconciling congregation. From 2019 to 2021, Adama co-chaired the Open Spirit Task Force, designed to facilitate discussion about whether or how the NEAC would engage or create new expressions of Methodism. Since 2019, Adama has been a member of the New England Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race, where she has co-created anti-racism curriculum and co-facilitated anti-racism training for NEAC clergy.
Adama is a sociologist by training and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in sociology from Iowa State University with an emphasis on mental health, research methods, statistics, and social policy. She also earned an MDiv from Iliff School of Theology with a specialization in pastoral counseling and spiritual care. Ordained in the New England Annual Conference, The Rev. Dr. Brown is a Deacon in Full Connection and the Deacon in Residence at Arnold Mills UMC in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
In her spare time, Adama is passionate about genealogy, jazz, justice, and joy.
L&L Virtual Town Hall
If you missed our last presentation with Christopher Kennedy we will offer a final virtual opportunity to hear his presentation on January 29 at 12 pm. We will record that presentation and make it available to watch at your convenience. It will be helpful context to have ahead of our next meeting so we encourage your to attend or watch as able. Find the Zoom link below.
Our next church-wide Land and Legacy meeting will be in late February to talk about next steps in our discernment process around our property.
If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Chad—chad@uumc.org—he’s more than happy to chat with you.
Diversity Fellowship: New Year's Party
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
Diversity Fellowship is kicking off the New Year with a collective celebration featuring traditional Korean New Year food! Diversity Fellowship is a great way for our community's ethnically diverse members to come together, enjoy food, and build meaningful friendships. Have questions or want to know more?
Feel free to contact Pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org—we'd love to connect with you!
Tuesday Night Lights: Study on Christian Nationalism
The Racial Justice Task Force of UUMC invites you to a four-week study on Christian Nationalism. Together, we’ll explore historical examples and how Christian nationalism emerged in American history and continues to shape the political climate today. We’ll also consider faithful ways to respond: how we can be agents of change and reach out to our neighbors with understanding and hope. Please join us in person or via Zoom! Please email Pastor Earl for the Zoom link.
Our Whole Lives Sex Ed: Kinder & 1st Grade
Our Whole Lives is here again! This year, our kinder-1st graders will get 5 Sundays with our trained OWL teachers- Natasha and Kelly. We will meet in the library right after church, eat lunch together and then begin our lesson! Please plan to bring lunch every Sunday!
OWL dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships and improves decision making. This is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education. Get all questions answered by emailing Jillian.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
Join us for MLK Sunday as we remember the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and re-commit to our ongoing anti-racism work.
Joint Sunday School with Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall
Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for a Sunday School hour opportunity. Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall will lead this time and give us a book talk on her forthcoming book. Her new book examines how religious rhetoric and preaching have shaped Christian nationalism in modern American history, and its title is "Erecting the Pulpit: Muscular Christianity from Teddy Roosevelt to Donald Trump." You can learn more on her publisher’s website. Contact Pastor Earl with any questions! pastorearl@uumc.org.
This opportunity will be in-person only. Thank you for your understanding.
Tween Lock-In
All 4th and 5th graders are invited to meet us at the church on Friday night at 5:30 pm. We will walk to Kerby Lane for dinner and then to the UT underground for bowling. We will head back to the church for snacks and a movie. Everyone will sleep in the youth room so please bring a sleeping bag and pillow. We will serve at Open Door on Saturday morning and parents can pick up at 11am. Can't wait!
Questions? Ready to register? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!
Thursday Morning Lesson: Short Stories and Lasting Wisdom
Join us Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. for a meaningful time of reading and sharing.
Each session will begin with a short story from around the world and from different time periods—across cultures and religions—followed by a lively discussion and interpretation. Together, we will explore the meanings and lessons these stories offer for our lives today. Please join us in person or via Zoom (please email Pastor Earl for the Zoom link.)
Writers' Group
For the last few months, on Wednesday afternoons, about 3 - 6 of us have met in the Church Library, from 1 - 3 p.m., to write. It provides a nice, quiet, regular place to just sit down and write, a place where, once you’re there, the “What I ought to be doing’s” might have a little less persuasion in keeping you from getting something written down. If you’d like to join us, please do. And, if you’d have any questions, please contact me, Mark Jones (512-749-3898), or Christy Moore (deebuss@gmail.com).
Caregivers Support Group
The Caregivers Support Group will meet via Zoom on the Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. It is a safe place for persons to gather and share confidentially about the joys and challenges of caregiving. This group is facilitated by Pastor Teresa. Please reach out to her at PastorTeresa@uumc.org if you have any questions or concerns.