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!
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 which celebrate God's gift of music in our lives. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the choir's offerrings in worship before they take a well earned summer break. Let's make a joyful noise together!
Vacation Church Camp 2025
You are invited back to Wesley Falls for a week of exploring stories of Jesus’ leadership, learning about community leaders and celebrating our place in this ever-changing, beautiful world.
Come to Wesley Falls and join our town’s efforts to grow leaders who will go out into the big wide world and live out Wesley Falls’ newest mantra: On Earth as it is in Heaven. In our world, love is needed more than ever. We have it here. We want YOU to be you, be a learner, be a servant, be a voice and be a leader. We’ll see you there,
It will take place June 2-June 6 from 9 am to 12 pm. Extended care from 12 to 4 pm also available! Parents welcome to volunteer. Email Jillian with any questions and make sure to register your child ASAP!
Lunch & Learn: What's Happening in Our Country?
Our UUMC Central Texas Interfaith leaders invite you to come and share your concerns about what is happening in our country. Perhaps you are concerned about immigration, the free press, the judicial branch, or the diminishing work of federal agencies. You will have an opportunity to share what is on your mind.
A short historic overview to provide context will be presented followed by small group discussions. Together we will identify common concerns and explore opportunities to respond.
Annual Conference Preview Concert
Please join us for this send off concert as our beloved Sanctuary Choir prepares to sing at the Service of Ordination at Annual Conference. Our choir will share a 30 minute concert with the congregation, following a thread of justice and hope including "Fences" by Andre Thomas, and Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A'Changin" arranged by Adam Podd. Join us for an evening of music and community. See you there!
Family Choir Rehearsal
Join us for this intergenerational singing event! Folks of all ages are invited to come with their children, parents, grandchildren, neighbors, and chosen families of all kinds. We will learn music in the aural tradition (by ear, and with call and response) and enjoy the magic of singing together as a family.
All participants are invited back on Sunday 6/22 at 11 AM to share music during worship.
All are welcome! Questions? Contact A. Villarreal!
Tenor & Bass Choir Rehearsal
Calling all tenors and basses of any experience level for this one-rehearsal one-Sunday pop-up choir. Last year's group was excellent, and this year I've decided we will sing the exciting BYU Vocal Point arrangement of "Nearer, My God to Thee."
This ensemble will lead music in worship on 6/29–when Representative James Talrico is preaching! Help us make this Sunday special and be a part of the tradition of excellent tenors and basses at UUMC.
After rehearsal we'll head to Draught House Pub & Brewery and share a pint and fellowship.
Questions? Contact AV!
This Beautiful Old Building: Understanding It's Challenges & Possibilities
A small group, including staff and lay leadership, has been meeting to discuss topics surrounding our building. This group has been tackling some big questions. How can we address concerns for our aging campus while imagining a future where we serve an even wider community?
Join us for this fifth Sunday joint Sunday School as we unpack these conversations and explore the possibilities of how we continue to be University UMC for generations to come.
Questions? Contact Chad for more information.
Guest Preacher: Representative James Talarico
We are thrilled to welcome Texas State Representative James Talarico as our guest preacher this Sunday. Talarico is a former public school teacher first elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives in 2018. He was raised at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin where senior pastor Rev. Jim Rigby is one of his mentors.
About Representative Talarico
Representative James Talarico is a former public school teacher and education non-profit leader who was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018. He earned degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University.
Rep. Talarico currently serves on the Public Education Committee, the House Administration Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee.
He was named one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Texas Monthly magazine for his accomplishments. During his three terms in office, Rep. Talarico has passed legislation to establish the first-ever cap on pre-K class sizes in Texas, equip schools with Narcan to fight teen overdoses, improve the quality and affordability of childcare, dramatically reduce prescription drug costs, and give incarcerated minors the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma. He is currently a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in addition to his work as a legislator.
“There’s this quote that “Justice is love out in public,” and so that’s how I was raised to understand our calling as Christians. Our faith has to move us from the sanctuary to the streets. Our love for God should move us to love our neighbors, and then our love for our neighbor has to be grounded and sustained by our love for God.”
Teen & Young Adult Choir Rehearsal
High Schoolers through Young Adults are invited to join to this one-rehearsal one-performance pop-up choir! We will sing Shawn Kirchner's timeless choral bop "Unclouded Day".
Bring a friend, bring your roommate, bring your partner, and get ready for some good clean choir fun! We’ll rehearse on Saturday 7/12 from 2-4 pm, followed by Ice Pops and fellowship. We will sing in worship on 7/13 at 11 AM (call time 10:15).
Questions? Contact AV!
MYF & Tween Time: Summer Adventure @ Emma Long
Tweens (outgoing 4th & 5th graders) and Youth (outgoing 6th - 12th graders):
Join Jillian and Natasha for a summer adventure to Emma Long for picnic and swimming. Pack your lunch and swimsuit–we will leave straight from church. Pick up and drop off at the church!
Ready to RSVP? Have Questions? Contact: Jillian (Tweens) or Natasha (Youth)!
Game Night
All are welcome to join Natasha and Jillian for Game Night! This is a group event–so need to bring your favorite board game–we'll play games like Family Feud and even Wolf (parents included!) in the Sanctuary. Pizza dinner provided!
Questions? Contact Jillian!
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)
Treble Choir Rehearsal
Calling all Sopranos and Altos of any experience level, join us in this one-rehearsal one-performance pop-up choir event! We will sing "What Happens When a Woman Takes Power" by Alexandra Olsavsky of Artemisia, a powerful percussive musical call to action.
We will rehearse on 7/26 from 2-4, and sing in worship on Sunday 7/27 at 11 AM. That same day, our congregation will vote to become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation.
Questions? Contact AV!
Watch Party: Lego Masters
Lego fan? Love supporting members of UUMC? Just wanna hang out with some of your church friends?
Come join us to watch the season premiere of Lego Masters including our own church member Justin Brady-Joyner!
If you'd like to bring a snack to share that would be great! Hope to see you there!
MYF & Tween Time: Park Cleanup & Pool Party
Tweens (4th-5th graders) and Youth (6th - 12th graders):
Join Natasha and Jillian in the Fellowship Hall after service. We'll head to the park for a picnic and cleanup. Then we'll go down the street to swim in Chad Jones' pool and celebrate the end of school! Please bring lunch! Pickup at the church at 2:30!
Questions? Ready to RSVP? Please email Jillian (Tweens) or Natasha (Youth).
Senior Sunday
We would like to recognize all UUMC 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.
Little Ones' Night In
Treat your smallest kiddos (ages 4 and under) to a fun night out with friends at UUMC! We'll have special age-appropraite play with extra staff. 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!
Questions or Concerns? Please reach out to Jillian!
Queer Fellowship: Potluck & Craft Night
Join us for our spring Queer Fellowship event- Potluck and Craft Night! Bring a dish to share, AV will have materials for friendship bracelets and coloring sheets with markers- OR feel welcome to bring whatever craft you're currently working on.
All LGBTQIA+ and questioning folks are welcome!
Email av@uumc.org with questions.
Youth: Summer Shareholders
Every Sunday in May, the youth will be fundraising in the courtyard. They’ll use the money for a service week in Bentonville, Arkasas, learning about economic justice!
They’re asking people to buy shares in the youth program at $10 a piece before or after worship for the next three weeks. The youth will cook and host a special dinner to thank all our shareholders and share photos of their week later in the summer!
College Senior Sunday
Join us for worship as we recognize our college seniors and graduate students during worship.
Questions? Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org!
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Jeehei Park
Join us for worship as we welcome Rev. Dr. Jeehei Park as our guest preacher. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Park to the pulpit during the month of May as we observe Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
About Rev. Dr. Park
Dr. Park is assistant professor of New Testament at Seminary of the Southwest and is an ordained deacon in The UMC. The Rev. Jeehei Park, Ph.D. holds a Master of Divinity (concentration in New Testament and Early Christianity) from Harvard Divinity School and a PhD in Christianity in Antiquity from Fordham University. Her research and teaching interests include the New Testament, race/ethnicity in the Roman world, material culture in early Christianity, and decolonial and postcolonial theories and theologies.
Professor Park’s work has been recognized with several awards and fellowships including the Forum for Theological Exploration dissertation fellowship and the Louisville Institute postdoctoral fellowship.
Confirmation Sunday
It’s Confirmation Sunday!
During worship, our confirmands will profess their faith and join as full members of University UMC.
To celebrate, confirmands and their parents are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour (9:45 - 10:45 am) for brunch.
Diversity Fellowship Dinner
Diversity Fellowship Dinners are 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—we'd love to connect with you!
Methodist Youth Fellowship & Tween Time: Kayak Adventure
Tweens (4th & 5th graders) and Youth (6th - 12 graders):
Meet Jillian and Natasha at church! We'll eat dinner together, then head out together for kayaking on Lake Austin, please bring water bottle and $10! Pick up at 8pm at the church!
Ready to RSVP? Have questions? Email Jillian (Tweens) or Natasha (Youth)!
Tuesday Night Lights: How Can We Name a Love?
Tuesdays April 29-May 20
This four week study is led by Pastor Earl and Pastor Teresa. We will explore how God is revealed in scripture, share how we experience God and together discover expansive language for God. This study uses curriculum from The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of The UMC. As Bishop Hope Morgan Ward says, "God is big, beautiful, and beyond our imagining." Join us in person or on zoom!
Art Studio Open House
There will be an Open House for the Art Studio following worship on Sunday, April 27th.
Ginger Geyer, a UUMC member and a local artist, is using the 4th floor of the UUMC Education Building as an art studio and is in the process of planning art ministry opportunities. Plan to stop by after worship, see the space, and visit with Ginger. If you are interested in helping her plan possible events and classes you can contact her at gingergeyer@gmail.com.
Bluegrass Sunday
Join us for our annual post-Easter tradition: a Bluegrass music Worship Service!
This year our Bluegrass band will feature familiar UUMC faces, led by Tom Caven, Paul Harper, and A. Villarreal. Let's lift up a joyful song with guitar and banjo!
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!
Help us have the Best Potluck Ever and sign up to bring a dish!
Easter Sunday
Join us for worship Easter Sunday! We will have two worship services this Easter at 9am and 11am. Both services will include special music by the Sanctuary Choir and guest musicians.
Easter Sunrise Service
Join us for worship Easter Sunday! We will have two worship services this Easter at 9am and 11am. Both services will include special music by the Sanctuary Choir and guest musicians.
Parents’ Happy Hour
Join Natasha for a parent happy hour! Bring your favorite drink or bite to eat. Please RSVP for the address (NOT at The Ulack House).
Need somewhere for your kids/youth? We’ll have a Parents’ Night Out with Jillian for the kids, and the youth will be helping decorate for the Easter Festival!
How to sign up for the April 19 activities:
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. Email Natasha for the address and to RSVP!
Questions? Email Jillian!
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? Natasha is hosting a Parents’ Happy Hour! Learn more.
Good Friday
At 7 pm in the sanctuary, we’ll have a reflective service featuring congregational singing, special music, scripture readings, and other selected readings centered on our ongoing work of justice and commitment to anti-racism.
Maundy Thursday
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.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Our worship service will begin with the traditional waving of palm branches and move into the story of Jesus' passion with scripture reading, congregational singing and special music.
ALL children and youth are invited to join in a palm and kazoo processional, walking up the aisle during the opening hymn at the beginning of worship. Please meet in the Children’s Sunday School Classroom (room 105) by 10:50 am to join the processional!
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 rest of the church on projects to keep the church nice and looking great for Easter. Pickup at the church at 2:30!
Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org or Natasha at natasha@uumc.org
Church Workday!
Wear your work clothes to worship!
We’ll be holding a workday on April 6 after worship. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall for a light lunch–thank you Pok-e-jos!–before breaking out into different areas.
We’re still finalizing the full list of tasks, but we know we’ll be working on some landscaping on Guadalupe and straightening up the sanctuary.
If you can make it, we’d love the help getting our space ready before we welcome new visitors for Holy Week and Easter!
Pipe Down: A State of the Organ Address
Join us for this fifth Sunday joint Sunday School. Our music director, AV, and organist, EunJoo, with Bill Bingham, will tell us about the status of our pipe organ, the repair options, and the process. For all of us who love and enjoy organ music in our worship services, this will be a good time to have an open conversation about how we can better care for and appreciate our beloved instrument.
Family Camping Trip
Happy Family Camping Trip! This year we will be camping at Gardner State Park. 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!
Regional Advocacy Webinar with Equality Texas
Please join us for a regional advocacy webinar provided by Equality Texas, the largest statewide nonprofit fighting for equality for LGBTQIA+ Texans. In this webinar, we will learn how to advocate more for LGBTQIA+ rights in this challenging time and have more information about the current state of equality in Texas, including key legislative developments and the ways to engage in advocacy efforts at the capitol, including tips for providing testimony at the capitol and how to effectively meet with your lawmakers. Please email Pastor Earl for the Zoom link.
Queer Fellowship Happy Hour
Join us for a happy hour fellowship sip and chat at Lazarus Brewery. All LGBTQIA+ folks welcome.
Questions? Contact AV at av@uumc.org.