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!
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)!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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).
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!
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!
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.”
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.
Youth Lock-In
Youth! Join us for a lock-in. We’ll also take a haunted tour of Littlefield House!
Questions? Contact Natasha!
MYF & Tween Time: Open Door Sorting and Fashion Show
Tweens (4th-5th graders) and youth (6th - 12th graders), join Natasha and Jillian in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and fellowship. Then we'll sort and organize clothes for Open Door ministries with a fashion show thrown in! Please bring lunch. Pickup at the church at 2:30!
Lenten Sermon Series: Everything In-between
Our Lenten Worship Theme this year is "Everything In Between." As we journey with Jesus to the cross, this series carries us through the Gospel of Luke as we explore a number of stories that invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith. Each week there is a sub theme that explores an assumed binary such as "grief and hope", "rest and growth", and "faith and works." We will learn together that these concepts and the stories from scripture hold more complexity and nuance. Instead of an "either/or" approach, we will see that God often appears in the spaces in-between.
Ash Wednesday - Evening Service
We begin our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of remembering Jesus' journey to the cross and a reminder of our deep dependence upon God and God's continuous invitation to turn away from sin and towards God and others in love.
A 7pm service will take place in the sanctuary. Worshipers are invited to gather in the courtyard at 7pm for a brief ritual of burning last year's Palm branches led by Pastor Earl. If you still have yours from last year you are encouraged to bring them! Gathering music will begin at 7pm in the sanctuary, so worshipers not participating in the ritual of burning the branches can enter the sanctuary for a time of reflection prior to the start of the service. The evening Ash Wednesday service is designed by campus ministry directors Megan Otto and Rev. David McMinn, Director of the UT Wesley Foundation.
Ash Wednesday - Midday Service
We begin our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of remembering Jesus' journey to the cross and a reminder of our deep dependence upon God and God's continuous invitation to turn away from sin and towards God and others in love.
Join us at 12:15 for a brief Mid-day Ash Wednesday service including imposition of ashes.
Tuesday Night Lights: Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm
Join us for the six-session study through Lent on Emeritus Pastor John Elford's book Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy. This study, presented by the General Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church, will be facilitated by Pastors John and Earl. We will have a chance to reflect on the many ways that Anti-black racism in our history has harmed our Black neighbors and hurt our witness and mission as a church. We will also shine a light on how some Methodist Christians preached the prophetic gospel of inclusion and the hope of the Beloved Community. Join us in person or on Zoom!
Contact: Pastor Earl - PastorEarl@uumc.org
Shrove 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!
Little Ones Potluck
All families with kiddos under 4, join us for some playtime, food, and fellowship! Please bring a small dish to share. A main dish will be provided and Jillian will bring extra toys to share.
For more details, please email jillian@uumc.org. Can't wait to see you there!
UUMC Poetry Club
Do you like poetry (or tolerate it at least) and want to find community at the church? Come to Poetry Club! For this meeting I’d love for everyone to bring a spring time poem! It can be something you wrote, something you found on a random google search, or a poem near and dear to your heart. Do not stress about what you bring! We’ll go around and share poems and stories and all around have a great time. Feel free to bring a friend if you have someone interested as well!
Reach out to Blake Coleman for more info: blakeaverycoleman@icloud.com.
Lunch & Learn: Food Insecurity on UT Campus
Food insecurity while in college can detrimentally impact students’ academic performance and well-being. According to the fall 2023 National College Health Assessment, 43.7% of UT students have experienced some form of food insecurity, and 19.7% of those students experienced very low food security. Dr. Chad Seales, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and the Brian F. Bolton, Distinguished Professor in Secular Studies, will provide insights into the current food insecurity situation on campus, share with us the recent efforts to address this challenge, and discuss how we, as a congregation, can help support these initiatives.
Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org!
Advocating for our Immigrant Neighbors
So many of us want to know how to respond to the administration's recent actions that have struck fear in many of our neighbors who may be subject to raids and deportations. UUMC will be offering two Zoom sessions next week to learn more about how we can help our neighbors and discuss what we can do as a church community. Church Council Chair, Sandy White, and Pastor Earl will share some guidance and resources from the United Methodist Church's national and conference leadership, as well as information from other organizations working in this area. These conversations will serve as a starting point as we seek to serve Christ faithfully in these difficult times. We will also be offering this info-session on February 16th at 4 pm.
Email Pastor Earl for the Zoom Link!
PastorEarl@uumc.org