You are invited to the Tuesday Night Lights talk series: Faith and Art: A Conversation on Beauty and the Sacred. Each Tuesday evening, we’ll welcome a different artist or art expert from within our congregation to explore the meaningful intersection between art and spiritual life as they share their stories and lead a conversation. Come for some evenings or join us for them all, and step into a space where stories, questions, and shared reflections can awaken our sense of wonder, stir our hearts with beauty, and renew our hope in a broken world.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.

About Christy Moore

I am a songwriter, an essayist, a sixth-generation Texan, and a lifelong Democrat who has been teaching writing to engineering students at the University of Texas for 30 years. I host the weekly open mic at New World Deli and a bimonthly songwriter showcase. I have a Masters degree in creative writing from Wilkes University and am currently finishing up a memoir made up of essays populated by a cast of memorable characters, from philandering cowboys to struggling songwriters, who are all trying to find hope in the ashes. 

A Q&A with Christy Moore

What would you like to share with us in your talk?

I'd like to talk about my journey as a writer. My friend, Patti Dixon, is a great, unknown songwriter with a great sense of humor. I once heard her describe herself as “a multi-faceted flop.” It was a description that resonated with me. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In all honesty I believe I’m called to write. I tried my hand as a novelist and a playwright before I switched genres again and took up songwriting. I want to talk about how hard and humiliating it is to give ourselves permission to try creative pursuits. In our society we seem to think that to be considered an artist you need to be making money at it or to be famous. That attitude makes many of us shut down a vital part of ourselves.

How did your interest in music begin and grow over time?

I was was forty, newly widowed, and fueled by grief when I decided to take up songwriting. It didn't take long to discover that I had paralyzing stagefright. On top of that I had no formal musical training. To my credit, I saw the error of my ways and gave up songwriting almost immediately. To God's credit, that was easier said than done. Ultimately I fell in love with and married someone who became my biggest booster and encouraged me to keep writing. Without him there probably wouldn't be much to tell. With him I kept taking baby steps and eventually found myself in a community of songwriters who faced the same challenges and reaped the same joy I did. 

In what ways do music and songwriting connect with your life and your faith journey?

1. I believe writing is a spiritual discipline that is as rewarding as prayer.
2. In my experience, music is as close as I can get to the divine. 
3. I've had some tragedies in my life. I believe that writing and songwriting, in particular, have saved me.

We’ll conclude our commitment to service month by celebrating our gifts in the fourth annual UUMC talent show! You’re 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 at av@uumc.org or find them after worship to sign up!

Are you visiting our church for a while and considering becoming a member? Here is a great opportunity for you join alongside others.

On September 28th, 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.

You are invited to the Tuesday Night Lights talk series: Faith and Art: A Conversation on Beauty and the Sacred. Each Tuesday evening, we’ll welcome a different artist or art expert from within our congregation to explore the meaningful intersection between art and spiritual life as they share their stories and lead a conversation. Come for some evenings or join us for them all, and step into a space where stories, questions, and shared reflections can awaken our sense of wonder, stir our hearts with beauty, and renew our hope in a broken world.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.

About Jeff Smith

I had the privilege of living in Europe, mostly in Brussels, as a teenager. I became fascinated by the medieval and early modern culture (800-1700 CE) and by artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder. That experience set me on the road to a Ph.D. (Columbia University) and ultimately a long career teaching Northern European art at the University of Texas from 1979 to 2023, when I retired. I held the Kay Fortson Chair in European Art from 2000-2023. I had the opportunity to travel in Europe with my graduate seminar students and to lecture around the world. My writings have focused mainly on German and Netherlandish art as well as on issues of religious culture.

A Q&A with Jeff Smith

What would you like to share with us in your talk?

As an art historian, I am fascinated by the power of art to communicate with various audiences over time. I am intrigued by the question of why people make art. Since I work on the historical culture of northern Europe between about 1350 and 1700, religion and the debate about religious art were central subjects. Much pre-Reformation art was created for churches and private devotional use. Luther, Calvin, and others challenged Catholic beliefs about the efficacy of art in aiding one’s salvation. Luther, at least, recognized its pedagogical benefits. As a teacher, I enjoy getting students and others to think about societies where art was one of the most powerful means of learning about faith.

Could you give us a brief preview of the talk you’ll be giving on Tuesday?

I’ve selected Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son as a vehicle for thinking about the deeper meanings and the human dramas of this story. How did Rembrandt translate the biblical account into, at least for me, a moving drama of human emotions and love. I’ll ask the participates to think about each of the “actors” in this painting. I shall also offer a bit of context about Rembrandt’s own life when the picture was made in the later 1660s.

Have you had the opportunity to see the painting in person? What was your impression?

I’ll be discussing Rembrandt van Rijn’s Return of the Prodigal Son painting. The original owner is unknown. Since Catherine the Great purchased it in 1766, the picture has been in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. I had the opportunity to see it in 2017 when I was invited to give a talk at the National Library of Russia in St. Petersburg. It is an incredibly impressive painting.

What does this painting mean to you in relation to your faith journey?

Most of what I know about religion and faith has been learned from my years of teaching and research. Even if one is skeptical about some claims (eg. the Virgin birth, Mary’s Assumption, the Trinity), art allows you to begin to understand how others, especially in past centuries, thought about these matters and how such beliefs impacted their spiritual journeys. I find deep humanity in certain art works, like this painting by Rembrandt, as the art grapples to find meaning and expression in a particular story.

UUMC's Sunday Schools will be introduced during the worship service, and we will get to know more about their exciting and meaningful programs and people. Following worship, you can also meet people from each Sunday School in the courtyard to engage in conversation and sign up for the Sunday School that interests you.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org!

Join us for an intergenerational queer fellowship event! All LGBTQIA+ and questioning folks are invited to this community-building event to share our joys and concerns, and eat tasty pancakes. Colored batter will be provided, and an opportunity to design your own pancake as unique as yourself. We’d love to see you there!

Questions? Contact AV at av@uumc.org!

You are invited to the Tuesday Night Lights talk series: Faith and Art: A Conversation on Beauty and the Sacred. Each Tuesday evening, we’ll welcome a different artist or art expert from within our congregation to explore the meaningful intersection between art and spiritual life as they share their stories and lead a conversation. Come for some evenings or join us for them all, and step into a space where stories, questions, and shared reflections can awaken our sense of wonder, stir our hearts with beauty, and renew our hope in a broken world.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.

Tweens (4th-5th graders) and Youth (6th - 12th graders):

Join Natasha and Jillian for a community service project to kick off our new Village People project. Our tweens and youth will be interviewing and learning about some of the magnificent folks we have in our congregation. They will learn about their careers, their life in the church, their service, and anything else they're interested in. Our church is rich with wise people and this is a great way for our kids to learn about all the ways that they can follow in their footsteps. Lunch provided!

Contact Jillian (Tweens) at jillian@uumc.org or Natasha (Youth) at natasha@uumc.org with any questions!

In September, we’ll celebrate our commitment to service and reflect on how we can use our skills to help this space we love so much.

On September 14, the Ministries of UUMC will be in the Fellowship Hall to share where they need help and how you can join. We’ll also have some delicious pies–homemade by y’all! Just another way we can share our gifts with our community!

Questions? Please contact Chad at chad@uumc.org.

Join us for a children-led, children-friendly worship service! This is our first family Sunday of the year so we will have tween Sunday School, Wesley choir performance, presentation of 2nd grade bibles and more. We can't wait to see you!

Questions? Contact Jillian!

Sundays
September 14 - 28

Are you interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church, including its history, core beliefs, mission, and structure? Pastor Earl will be leading a three-week Sunday School class for all who would like to come and discuss Methodism. The class will meet during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 am to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org

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.

JOIN US ON ZOOM

Trans, gender nonconforming, intersex, nonbinary folks of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome at the Trans Clothing Swap! This is an affinity space for gender non-conforming folks to freely share clothing, community, and resources with one another. Please bring items to swap AND any donations you may have for our neighbors on the street (they especially need jeans, caps, and shoes).

Allies - We can use your help to make this event a success! If you’re interested in helping out as a greeter, sorter, clean-up crew, or have another skill you’d like to offer, please contact AV!

Feel good, look good, do good. Questions? Want to volunteer to help? Contact AV at av@uumc.org.

Come eat lunch with Jillian to go over the Little One's calendar for the year. Childcare provided and infants welcome to hang around in the meeting! Looking forward to seeing you!

Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org

Are you new to UUMC and want to know more about the church? Join us for a simple breakfast and hang out with Pastors Teresa and Earl.

No RSVP necessary, just come as you are. If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.

College Students! Join us for a night of bingo, hosted by UUMC’s Unofficial-Official Drag Queen, Aria Rey!

We’ll have snacks and some excellent prizes available!

If you’re interested, we’d love to have you join us earlier for our first College Ministry Dinner and Fellowship of the semester! 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall!

Questions? Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org!

College Ministry starts a new school year! UT Students, join us for our first Sunday back. We’ll join together for fellowship and dinner, followed by Bingo hosted by Aria Rey.

Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org with any questions!

Tween Kick-Off! We will meet at the church right after service and drive to Deep Eddy for Pool Burger and swimming. Pick up at 3 pm at the church! Please bring water, swim gear and $15 for lunch.

Questions? Want to RSVP? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!

During the Sunday School hour, everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for a time with the staff and intergenerational conversation. The program staff will share some of the highlights coming up on the church calendar this Fall and then we'll have a fun time of connecting with one another. This Labor Day weekend is a great opportunity to be with the community we know and love as University UMC. Please come whether you're in a Sunday School class or not! A zoom option for this gathering will not be available.

It’s the first PNO of the school year! Parents: drop your kiddos off at the church with Jillian and childcare folks for fun, games, and pizza. Have the night to yourself or join other parents for your own fun and fellowship!

Click here to register!

Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org.

MYF Kick-off! Natasha will take youth (6th-13th) to Deep Eddy to swim and grab some Pool Burger. Drop off and pick up at Deep Eddy- please bring water bottle, swim gear and $15 for lunch!

Questions? Ready to RSVP? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org!

A fire drill will take place on August 24 during the Sunday School hour. Everyone is invited to begin the time in their classes as usual. We will exit the buildings as part of the drill and return in time for worship. More details to come next week. We appreciate your participation and patience as the Safety and Security Task Force continues its good work to help ensure that our church campus is safe and welcoming. 

Join us for Back to School Sunday! There’s something for everyone.

Parents, children and youth will all meet in the chapel at 9:45 (don’t forget backpacks to be blessed in service). We’ll send children and youth to Sunday School classes and Natasha and Jillian will hold a parent meeting with tacos and coffee.

Stay for Ice Cream after worship!

If you have any questions, or are unable to make the parent’s meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out for all the info!

Can’t wait to see you there!

– Jillian (jillian@uumc.org), Children’s Ministry Director
& Natasha (natasha@uumc.org), Youth Ministry Director

Pastor Kennedy Mwita is the pastor of the first Reconciling Congregation in Moheto, Kenya. His vision for an inclusive, equitable, and just UMC is both inspiring and practical. With an advisory board in Kenya and another here in the U.S., he has founded and opened the Wesley Mission School - a school for all children no matter their family, body, or identity. (His leadership and their commitment for intersex children is barrier-breaking.) Join us as he shares about his inspiring mission and the good work God has for us to do.

Wear your work clothes to worship!

We’ll be holding a workday after worship. We’re still finalizing our project list, but we think we have some organizing, cleaning and more to get done ahead of back to school!

Bring a brown bag lunch and we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall for lunch together before breaking off into groups.

Our August sermon series is inspired by one of our favorite new stickers that depicts Jesus saying, “Y’all, I Never Said That.” Pastor Teresa and Pastor Earl will share in this month’s preaching on relevant subjects including Christian Nationalism and The Prosperity Gospel as well as human experiences such as forgiveness and suffering. The sermons will take a look at common but incorrect assumptions about the sayings of Jesus while also exploring related sayings that are more accurate and perhaps even more challenging.

We gather together as a community for a time to share our collective grief following the flood in the Texas Hill Country. This time of prayer and reflection will include candlelight, special music, and held space to share with one another. Feel free to share this opportunity with family and friends. All are welcome.

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!

On Sunday, July 27 church members will vote on whether to become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation. The vote will take place in the sanctuary following worship and all members will have voice and vote. This vote follows various educational events and conversations among staff members and church leaders.

Participating congregations affirm the following three key principles:
* We trust and respect women and people who can become pregnant.
* We promise that people who attend our congregation will be free from stigma, shame, or judgment for their reproductive decisions, including abortion.
* We believe access to comprehensive and affordable reproductive health services, including abortion, is a moral and social good.

The Reproductive Freedom Congregation program is a part of Texas Freedom Network, an Austin-based grassroots organization of religious and community leaders who support religious freedom, individual liberties and public education. You can read more on our website.