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.

September 13: "Methodism: What and Why?" led by Pastor Earl
September 20: "What Do Methodists Believe?" led by Dr. David White
September 27: "The Methodist Story” led by Ángel Gallardo
October 4: "How Methodists Connect and Serve" led by Pastor Teresa

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org

And Who Is My Neighbor?:

Why Third Spaces and Neighboring are Good for our Mental Health

with Marlon Johnson, Associate Professor of Counselor Education

This lecture explores the conversation beneath the Parable of the Good Samaritan as it connects to our connection to space, to beloved community building, and to our mental and emotional wellbeing. This conversation will help us see the role of our church community as a useful Third Space for an ever-disconnected world and how we can identify other Third Spaces that help us and those around us live more flourished and engaged lives. 

About Marlon Johnson

Marlon Johnson serves as the Dean of Community Life and Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. His research centers the stories of Gay Black male relationships, the connections between spirituality and sexuality, and the exploration of third spaces to community wellbeing and racial healing. He owns both Johnson Counseling and Consulting, his private counseling practice, and the Bridgework Collective, where he partners with faith leaders, small organizations, and community advocates to transform good intentions into lived inclusion

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.

JOIN US ON ZOOM

Spiritual Cleanliness & American Culture

with Chad Seales, Associate Professor of Religious Studies

This lecture will show how the phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness," popularized by John Wesley, has been lived out in American culture, using examples from soap advertisements, banking, apparel, and agriculture.

About Chad Seales

Chad Seales is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Holder Designate of the Brian F. Bolton Distinguished Professorship in Secular Studies. He taught at New College of Florida in Sarasota and George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia before arriving at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned a B.A from the University of Florida, an M.T.S. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

His research addresses the cultural relationship between religion and secularism in American life. He is editor of the Routledge Handbook of Religion and American Culture (Routledge Press, 2025), and the author of Religion Around Bono: Evangelical Enchantment and Neoliberal Capitalism (Penn State University Press, 2019), and The Secular Spectacle: Performing Religion in a Southern Town (Oxford University Press, 2013), and has published articles and book chapters on religious comparison, religion and food, industrial religion, corporate chaplaincy, religion and film, and secularism and secularization in the United States. He currently serves as co-editor of the Iconologies book series with The University of Chicago Press.

We’re trying something new this year! We will provide childcare and plan a relaxing, rejuvenating, or fun outing for our parents of children and youth. Think Sound Bath, pilates, walks, kayaking, etc.

We’ll have our first Power Hour at the end of August!

Contact Jillian—jillian@uumc.org—with any questions or to RSVP!

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.

As we conclude our sermon series on Jesus’s parables, we turn to stories that may leave us unsettled—parables that appear to condone injustice, exclusion, or violence. This Sunday School class invites us to wrestle honestly with these difficult texts and consider how they have been interpreted across time. We may not arrive at easy answers, but all are welcome to bring their questions, concerns, and insights as we read and reflect together.

Questions? Email Pastor Earl—pastorearl@uumc.org!

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!

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.

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 :)

RSVP Here

Questions? Contact AV!

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 :)

RSVP Here!

Questions? Contact AV!

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.

Click Here to Donate!

Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

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.

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!

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.

Click Here to Donate!

Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

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.

Click Here to Donate!

Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

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.

Click Here to Donate!

Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

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.

Click Here to Donate!

Questions? Want to learn more? Email Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

Join us as we welcome Felicia Martin, President and Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network. Martin will provide an overview of the organization's mission and current efforts, including their critical work with the State Board of Education. She will offer clear, actionable ways for congregants to get involved and make an impact.

Felicia Martin is the President and Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network, bringing nearly two decades of experience in advocacy, strategy, and movement building. She has led impactful work across civic engagement, mental health, college access, and youth organizing, with a deep commitment to equity and progressive change in Texas. A seasoned leader and coalition-builder, Felicia is driven by a bold vision for a more inclusive and just democracy.

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

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).

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.

Click Here to Register

Questions? Contact Pastor Teresa at PastorTeresa@uumc.org.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.)

The Longest Night service is a reflective time when we will hold sacred space for any who are experiencing a difficult time, or for whom the Christmas Season can spark memories of grief or loss. For all who struggle against the darkness, we will sing meditative and peaceful music, including some Taizé selections.

Looking for some additional support? Check out our Longest Night Resources.

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 Paul Harper

Paul Harper is a musician and music educator. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass guitar. He grew up in Minnesota, then moved to San Antonio in 1981 to attend the Southwest Guitar Conservatory. He later studied classical guitar at UTSA, where he earned both a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree. He is an adjunct professor of music at Northeast Lakeview College in San Antonio. He sings in the bass section of the UUMC choir. He has played as an extra with the now defunct San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys hiking, birding, and watching baseball (go Twins!)