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!
Intergenerational Sunday School: I've Been Meaning to Ask
All Children, Youth, and Adults will come together in the month of July for a four-week Intergenerational Sunday School.
Pastors Earl and Teresa along with Jillian (Children’s Director) and Natasha (Youth Director) are planning a special time together each Sunday morning that includes simple refreshments, relationship building, conversation and learning around Bible stories, games and music by Choir Director AV.
Whether you've been a part of a Sunday School class for decades or have never attended a class, we hope you'll come!
Week 1: July 5
Question: Where Are You From?
Scripture: the creation story in Genesis
Week 2: July 12
Question: Where Does It Hurt?
Scripture: Hannah's story from I Samuel
Week 3: July 19
Question: What Do You Need?
Scripture: Job and his friends in the Book of Job
Week 4: July 26
Question: Where Do We Go From Here?
Scripture: the story of Ruth
July Sermon Series: I've Been Meaning to Ask
Our sermon series centers around four Old Testament lessons—the creation story in Genesis, Hannah's story from I Samuel, Job and his friends in the Book of Job, and the story of Ruth. During worship and in the Sunday School hour, we’ll use these stories along with curious questions to guide us as we build relationships with one another.
Becoming beloved community to one another begins with simple questions and the curiosity to truly listen. We hope this series will help us to learn more about the people of faith in scripture, one another, and help us to behold each other as images of the divine.
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.
Destinations include:
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Legacy Museum
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The King Center
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Tuskegee Airman NPS
Questions? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.
Want to help support their trip? Donate here!
Moms of Emerging Adults
Mothers of college and soon-to-be college students, recent graduates and young adults are invited to an afternoon of connecting and fellowship at the home of Julia Hoke.
Contact our Community Life Director, Natasha—natasha@uumc.org—for more information.
Sermon Series: Tell Me The Stories of Jesus
Throughout August the sermons in worship will focus on some of Jesus' beloved parables including The Lost Son, The Mustard Seed and The Good Samaritan.
Chamber Choir Presents Shawn Kirchner's "Heavenly Home"
Join us in worship to hear a special select chamber choir of UUMC singers and friends bringing you "Heavenly Home: Three American Songs" by Shawn Kirchner, a love letter to Americana music. You won't want to miss this special choral presentation, hear the full work spread throughout the service on August 2nd, at 11 AM.
“Hallelujah,” the opening movement of Heavenly Home, is a six-part a cappella setting of a beloved Sacred Harp tune with text by Charles Wesley. Extensive composed material is used as interlude and accompaniment throughout, with “hallelujah’s” leaping, plunging, and circling to the lilting 6/8 rhythms. The austere Sacred Harp harmonization is used with only slight modifications on each refrain, providing homophonic contrast to the mostly polyphonic verses.
“Angel Band,” the second movement and emotional heart of Heavenly Home, is an eight-part a cappella setting of the beloved William Bradbury tune (set to Jefferson Hascal’s text in 1862.) Simple, soaring descants, countermelodies, and rich harmonic textures give symphonic breadth to this arrangement that encompasses the full four-octave range of the “choral instrument.” Treble and Tenor/Bass choruses take turns at the first two verses before combining forces on the grand final verse.
“Unclouded Day” is the bright, final movement of Heavenly Home. A straight-forward first verse and chorus are followed by two verses in which traditional bluegrass vocal stylings combine with counterpoint and fugue in a crescendo of excitement that peaks in the roof-raising phrase “in the city that is made of gold.”
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)
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Resume
Sanctuary Choir is Back!
UUMC is proud of its rich tradition of outstanding music. Our choir began more than 80 years ago and continues to uplift our Sanctuary services with sacred music from a variety of genres and style periods.
We’re always looking for more people to come and make a joyful noise with us!
Our director AV (they/them) practices identity-affirming voicing and rehearsal language, and encourages singers to choose the section that is healthiest for their vocal longevity and their gender expression. If you’re ready to sing get in touch with AV at av@uumc.org!
70th Anniversary of Women's Ordination in the Methodist Tradition
This year marks the 70th Anniversary of ordination for women in the Methodist tradition. Annual Conferences and local congregations throughout the connection have been acknowledging this milestone this and here at University UMC we will celebrate this anniversary on August 9. The worship service will use liturgical resources from the Commission on the Status and Role of Women for The UMC and Pastor Teresa will be sharing about her call to ministry in the sermon. As well, we will express thanksgiving for the many women who have been appointed to UUMC in years past as well as give thanks for retired clergywomen and clergywomen appointed to extension ministry worshiping at UUMC.
Contact Pastor Teresa—pastorteresa@uumc.org—with any questions.
Backpack Drive
As the new school year begins, many families are replacing old backpacks with new ones. For three Sundays beginning on Back to School Sunday (8/16), we are collecting gently used backpacks to share with our unhoused neighbors. Rather than letting an unused backpack sit in a closet, please consider donating it and help someone who would be happy to use it.
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl–PastorEarl@uumc.org!
Shareholder Pasta Lunch
Our youth invite all to join us for a pasta lunch to thank their shareholders for sponsoring their summer trips. Come by for a youth-made pasta lunch and to hear about their mission trips!
Questions? Contact Natasha—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.
UT Students Welcome Lunch
UT students, you are invited! Join us for a Welcome Luncheon at University United Methodist Church! Enjoy a meal, meet other students, and connect with a welcoming community near campus. Whether you are new to Austin or returning for another year, we would love to welcome you. Come as you are and bring a friend!
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at pastorearl@uumc.org.
UUMC MasterClass
What happens when some of the finest teachers in our congregation bring their compelling lectures beyond the classroom?
This fall, MasterClass invites professors from our church to share their knowledge, passions, and best ideas with the broader public. Every Tuesday, a different lecturer will introduce us to a new subject through an engaging and accessible presentation. No academic background is required. This is for anyone who enjoys learning and asking questions.
Topics will vary from week to week and may explore theology, history, literature, science, culture, public life, and more. Whether the subject is familiar or completely new, each gathering is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage thoughtful conversation, and make meaningful learning available to everyone. Attend in person or on Zoom for a single lecture or return each week for a new topic and teacher! (For a Zoom link, please email Pastor Earl: pastorearl@uumc.org)
Queer Fellowship – First Fridays
Queer Fellowship First Fridays happen every month and rotate between host houses, restaurants, and UUMC. We chat, eat dinner and play games. This is a gathering of our LGBTQIA+ & ally UUMC folks and friends, all are welcome! Our first dinner is September 4th at 6:30 PM at Kenzie and AV's house. RSVP or email AV@uumc.org for address!
Methodism 101
Sundays
September 13 - October 4
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
Sermon Series: Love, Serve, Lead
In the Spring of 2025, The Council of Bishops, in conjunction with the Connectional Table, announced the unveiling of a new vision statement for The United Methodist Church. This vision reflects the Church's deep commitment to embodying God's dream for the world.
The vision states:
The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. In worship on Sundays September 13, 20 and 27 we will learn more about what it means to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. On Sunday, September 27 we will celebrate Laity Sunday and our commitment to service.
UUMC's Got Talent
Join us for our 5th annual UUMC's Got Talent! Everyone is invited to a potluck lunch to celebrate the many talented humans who make up our congregation. Sign-up to share your talents, anything from dancing to poetry reading, singing, science demonstrations, recitation of your favorite dinosaurs: the more the merrier!
Email av@uumc.org to sign-up, or find them after worship to sign-up in person.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez
We welcome guest preacher Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez on Sunday, September 20 as we continue our sermon series on The UMC's vision statement. This Sunday's theme is "Serve Joyfully" and Dr. Lopez will be sharing about his ministry experience serving along the US Mexico border.
About Rev. Dr. Lopez
Dr. Lopez is a United Methodist elder and currently appointed to Methodist Healthcare Services in San Antonio as Vice President of Pastoral Care Services. Previously he served in local parishes in the Río Texas Conference, as a District Superintendent and as Assistant to the Episcopal Office.
Family Choir Rehearsal
Rehearsal & Hang-Out: Saturday 7/11 from 2-3 PM at Batch Kolache!
Lead Worship Music: Sunday 7/12 call at 10:30, Service at 11 AM
Everyone is invited to join this Family Friendly Pop-Up Choir! Come see what your loved ones love about choir, and join us in song! Grab a coffee and a snack and enjoy easy music presented accessibly for all ages and ability levels- just a fun little party with a piano.
Questions? Contact AV!
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!
Treble Choir Rehearsal
Rehearsal: Wednesday 7/1 from 7-9 PM
Lead Worship Music: Sunday 7/5 call at 10, Service at 11 AM
All Sopranos & Altos are invited to join this Pop-Up Treble Choir! Sing Z. Randall Stroope's vibrant, emotionally evocative setting of "Psalm 23" with esteemed local musicians- flautist Kenzie Slottow & pianist Dr. EunJoo Fierro. Don't miss this special choral opportunity to be immersed in treble energy. One rehearsal, one service- come for community and song :)
Questions? Contact AV!
Farewell Reception: Megan Otto
Join us after worship for a cake reception to thank Megan for her years of service to UUMC.
Guest Preacher: Shae Wiens
UUMC is excited to welcome Shae Wiens to the pulpit on June 28!
About Shae Wiens
Shae is a seminarian and worship leader, originally from Colorado, who was not raised in any faith tradition—an experience which gives her a deep appreciation for the surprising ways God meets people where and as they are. She has been preaching since 2018, and is currently attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is a mother of two, a lover of music and liturgy, and someone who believes that good theology and good humor belong together.
Pride Picnic at Pease Park featuring the UUMC Choir
Join UUMC at the Pease Park Pride Picnic!
Pease Park Conservancy and Future Front Texas are hosting a Pride Picnic at Pease Park! There will be art installations, community resources, crafts, vendors, food and music. This is an all ages event full of fun opportunities for outreach and joy- wear your fave UUMC shirt or gay regalia and come join in the fun!
AV and our Queer Choir will lead a Sing-A-Long at noon that you won’t want to miss.
We will have a booth at the picnic to share about all the opportunities at UUMC. To make this work, we’ll need YOUR help! If you love meeting new people and UUMC: sign up to help here!
For more information about the picnic, including parking information, visit their website.
Tenor & Bass Choir Rehearsal
Rehearsal: Wednesday 6/24 from 7-9 PM
Lead Worship Music: Sunday 6/28 call at 10, Service at 11 AM
All Tenors & Basses are invited to join this Pop-Up Choir! Bring your whole self to sing the rousing, community building anthem "Do Not Leave Your Cares at the Door" by Elizabeth Alexander. One rehearsal, one service- come for community and song :)
Questions? Contact AV!
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.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Dave Dinneen
UUMC is excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Dave Dinneen to the pulpit on June 21.
About Rev. Dave Dinneen
Rev. Dr. Dave Dinneen is a retired Elder in the New Mexico Conference of The United Methodist Church, endorsed by the GBHEM as a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. He served as pastor of several churches in the New Mexico Conference before entering extension ministries where he worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and county detention facilities. He has been adjunct faculty at the University of Houston, College of Social Work, and a mental health consultant for the ministerial intern program at Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology. He is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved supervisor in the State of Texas. Before retiring, he was with Hill Country Mental Health in Uvalde, Texas, where he assisted with the recovery effort following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. He continues part-time ministry as a psychotherapist and spiritual director in private practice.
Dave is interested in the intersection of spirituality and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on healing the soul from life’s traumatic events, regardless of their magnitude. He teaches that the healing process begins with self-awareness and the desire to become a student of the moment. This attunement to the moment requires the ability to pause long enough to be curious about it and to study its effects on one’s inner world. He believes that our ability to be open to the healing energy of the Spirit is enhanced as our self-knowledge and understanding of the moment increases.
Dave lives in Canyon Lake, Texas where he enjoys sailing, woodworking, and numerous outdoor projects. He and his partner, Colleen, enjoy volunteering with Open Door Ministries, as well as camping and hiking in National Parks and simply growing old together.
Parents of Trans & Non-Binary Kids
Parents of Trans and Non-Binary Children will gather on Sunday, June 14 following worship for lunch and a time of sharing.
Contact Youth and Community Life Director Natasha Ulack at Natasha@uumc.org for time, location or if you have any other questions.
VCC Sunday
This special worship service will be led by our VCC participants! Come hear about they learned and did during the week in Wesley Falls!
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.
Queer Choir
All are invited to join a Pop-Up Queer Choir! 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.
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.
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.
Land and Legacy Update
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.
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!
What Do We Stand For?
First adopted by the 1972 General Conference, the Social Principles articulate Methodists’ ethical aspirations for the common good in our public policies and personal commitments. The 2025-2028 Social Principles especially address global social concerns, reflecting the diverse contexts of the worldwide church.
Pastor Teresa and Earl would like to explore with you what’s new in Social Principles and what we stand for as a Methodist church that does not separate love of God from love of neighbor, worship and personal holiness from working for holiness in society. Contact Pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org—with any questions!
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.
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.
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.
Tween & Youth: Environmental Care
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”).
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.
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.
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!
Queer Fellowship: Coffee & Chat
Join us for a Queer Fellowship Coffee & Kolach at Batch! Come and go from 10:30-12:30, low-key vibes. Share what you loved about the year and any dreams you have for Queer Fellowship in '26-'27!
Hope to see you there! Questions? Contact AV @ alicia@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.
