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| Back to School Kickoff! August 1710 am | Parent Meeting | ChapelParents, Do you have questions about Sunday School? Are you ready to put event dates in your calendar? Curious about what we’ll be learning and doing this year? Come to the Parent Meeting to get answers to these questions, answer some of ours about your kiddos, and learn about all Children & Youth programming for the new school year. We’ll also have breakfast tacos! We’re so excited for what we have planned and can’t wait to share it with you!
11 am | Blessing of the Backpacks | SanctuaryStudents, Teachers, and other School Workers: Bring your backpacks or workbags for a blessing during the service!
12 pm | Sweet Treat in the CourtyardEveryone is invited to stay after worship for some Ice Cream and Fellowship in the courtyard!
P.S. Scroll down for some Throwback Back to School Photos from UUMC Staff! |
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| UUMC Fire DrillAugust 24 | Education BuildingWe'll have a fire drill -- our first this century -- on August 24, near the end of the Sunday School hour. Everyone will exit the buildings and assemble on the grounds of the Littlefield House, just east of UUMC; after the "all clear," we'll head to the sanctuary for worship. Sunday School leaders will have more details later this 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. |
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| Parents’ Night OutAugust 30 | 5 - 8:30 pm | Education BuildingParents! 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! |
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| Community, Calendar & Connection! August 31 | 10 am | Fellowship HallDuring 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. |
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| Service of Worship Sunday @ 11 amScripture: Matthew 20:20-28It’s Back to School Sunday! Worship will include a blessing for all students, educators and school employees. Join us on this special Sunday and remember to bring your backpack–youth and teachers with briefcases, too! We continue our sermon series “Jesus Never Said That!” and Pastor Teresa’s sermon is entitled “We’re number 1!: Jesus Never Said That.” At a time when Christian Nationalism is on the rise, we’ll take a look at the teachings of Jesus and the compassion of children who remind us of the call to humble service.
We’ll also have a time to hear briefly from Natasha Ulack and Chad Jones in worship as they begin their new expanded roles at the church overseeing community life and the building, respectively. Make sure to join us after worship in the courtyard for Amy’s Ice Cream in celebration of all students (those attending public schools, private schools and homeschooled!) as they begin a new school year. |
| God, bless this school year, this new season, this chance to discover the world anew. We sense the anticipation of something about to happen, of all our preparation and worry and excitement for new friendships and challenges and opportunities. – Blessing by Kate Bowler
A just society is that society in which ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.
– B.R. Ambedkar, “Annihilation of Caste” |
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Update from Queer CouncilUUMC’s Queer Council formed in March of 2024; in just over a year of its existence we’ve hosted several Queer Fellowship Events including brunches, potlucks, happy hours, and gingerbread house decorating! We planned and led the joyful Reconciling Ministries Network service at UUMC in February with a Queer Choir filled with LGBTQIA+ singers from our community as well as a Drag Children’s Sermon with UUMC’s official drag queen–Aria Rey. In 2024, we facilitated UUMC’s participation in the Austin Pride Parade. In 2025, after several discernment sessions with our queer membership here at UUMC, we decided to seek out a new Pride event to participate in. Some factors we considered were: safety of our folks in an increasingly hostile political environment, alignment of event organizers with the values of UUMC, and opportunity to have conversations and make connections with attendees. For these reasons, we decided to participate in the Pease Park Pride Picnic in June. |
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At this event we had a lovely table decorated by queer members and filled with our excellent church merch, and we made new contacts with dozens of folks interested in an affirming church community. AV and our Sanctuary Choir led a Community Sing with songs emphasizing queer joy, and we have continued to see the fruits of this event in new faces in our chancel choir throughout the summer! While the Pride Parade was a joyful time for many, we’re excited to continue exploring new ways to minister to queer folks in our community. |
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Staffing Updatefrom Pastor Teresa and Staff Parish Relations CommitteeThis year the SPRC has been meeting in consultation with Pastor Teresa and the Executive Committee to evaluate staffing needs and programing priorities and shares the following updates effective this month.
Chad Jones will continue in his role of Director of Communications while also taking on the oversight of the building. Many of you observed his enthusiasm and leadership earlier this summer as he presented "This Beautiful Old Building: Understanding its Challenges and Possibilities." Chad is enthusiastic about his new assignment. This will permit Cindy Reeves to more fully focus on her responsibilities as Director of Finance. As well, custodian Lisa Allen moves to part-time work here at the church while also accepting additional part-time work elsewhere.
Natasha Ulack begins her new full-time role as Coordinator of Youth Ministries and Community Life. Previously working part-time overseeing youth ministries, Natasha will additionally bring her gift for building relationships in support of the work of the staff and our individual ministries. This will include collaborating with and expanding existing ministries such as small groups and homerooms. Natasha is anxious to contribute to enhancing the sense of connection and belonging our members and visitors experience. |
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UUMC Votes to Become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation |
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| In a vote on Sunday, July 27, members of University UMC voted to become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation. The vote was 128 in favor and 1 against. Thank you to all who have participated in small group studies and learning sessions. Several members indicated interest in being part of a small group that is engaged in this work. Pastor Earl is leading those efforts and will be reaching out soon to those expressing interest. |
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| Back-to-School SundayAugust 17 | 10 am |
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| Parents’ Night OutAugust 30 | 5 pm |
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| Community, Calendar & Connection! August 31 | 10 am |
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| College Ministry ReturnsAugust 31 | 5:30 pm |
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| Newcomers BrunchSeptember 7 | 10 am |
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| Little Ones’ Parent MeetingSeptember 7 | 12 pm |
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| Trans Clothing SwapSeptember 7 | 2 pm |
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| Caregivers Support GroupSeptember 9 | 6:30 pm |
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| Children’s MinistryIf you have kiddos that you’d like to get involved in our children’s ministry, or just to learn more, reach out to Jillian |
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| Youth MinistryIf you have youth that you’d like to get involved in our youth ministry, or just to learn more, reach out to Natasha. |
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| College & Young AdultCollege Students and Young Adults, we have programs for you too! Contact Megan to get involved. |
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| Music MinistryUUMC is proud of its rich tradition of outstanding music. We offer opportunities for anyone, of any age or skill level. To get involved, contact AV. |
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| Continuing Adult EducationUUMC provides a variety of Sunday School groups, classes, and mission and justice ministries. Contact Pastor Earl to learn more. |
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| Worship & AdministrationThere are a lot of moving parts to operate this wonderful place. If you'd like to learn more or potentially volunteer, contact Pastor Teresa. |
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