|
| Church-Wide WorkdayAugust 10 | 12 pm | Fellowship HallWe’ve finalized our project list, and after the amazing help of Level-Up Camp and other summer volunteers, there’s just a few projects left to be completed: Painting the Tween Room (4 volunteers) Organizing the Kitchen (3 volunteers) Sanctuary Tidy-Up (10 volunteers - only 20 minutes or so)
We will not be providing lunch, if you’d like to help paint or organize, please plan on bringing a brown bag lunch. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Meet Pastor Kennedy MwitaAugust 11 | 6:30 pm | Fellowship HallPastor 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| UUMC Fire DrillAugust 24 | Education BuildingA 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Service of Worship Sunday @ 11 amScripture: John 20:19-28
This Sunday, we continue the new sermon series inspired by one of our favorite UUMC stickers that depicts Jesus saying, “Y’all, I Never Said That.” The sermons examine common—but incorrect—assumptions about Jesus' sayings, while also exploring related sayings that are more accurate and, perhaps, even more challenging. This week, Pastor Earl’s sermon will take on the Christian cliché, “God never closes a door without opening a window.” Our scripture reading will be the well-known story of “Doubting Thomas,” and together we will reflect on how this passage offers a deeper, more relational vision of how God is present with us—one that may challenge the implication of God behind the cliché.
This week, we will also celebrate the life of beloved sacred music composer Hal Hopson. Hal passed away on Sunday, July 20th, after a prolific career in which he published over 3,000 works of sacred music. His publisher, ECS Publishing Group, stated that his music is played weekly in congregations across the country. Hopson “composed music that was accessible to nearly all choirs and congregations, always striving to include rather than exclude.” Members of our choir here at UUMC shared many lovely experiences teaching, singing, and conducting Hal’s music; we’re grateful for his accessible, thoughtful works, including our opening hymn–which he gifted to University UMC: “God of Freedom, God of Justice.” With gratitude and love, we honor Hal’s memory with this service of his music. |
| “Make us truly siblings, family of whatever race or creed. Teach us to be fully human, open to each other’s need.” – Hal Hopson, “God of Freedom, God of Justice” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Offering Updatefor the Lydia Patterson Institute July's Communion Sunday altar rail offering was designated for The Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, a ministry of The United Methodist Church. We are happy to announce that because of your generosity a check for $965 will be sent to the school.
The only United Methodist secondary school in the South Central Jurisdiction, Lydia Patterson's graduating classes routinely boast a 100% college acceptance rate and nurtures future leaders who are faithful and community-minded. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department paused all new and some renewed student visa appointments to implement expanded social media screening. The policy was issued without notice and with no clear guidance for schools or families. Your gifts will help support this life-changing institution's ongoing work. Learn more on their website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UUMC Votes to Become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation |
|
| In a vote on Sunday, July 27, members of University UMC voted to become a Reproductive Freedom Congregation. The vote was 127 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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibit
The 4th Floor Gallery of First Baptist Church, will be hosting an exciting exhibit next month during Austin Pride. They’ll have 34 blocks of the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt on display from August 15 - 24th. There are a variety of events to accompany the display including space for remembrance and contemplation, movie nights, and a service of remembrance. Learn more on their website. |
|
|
|
|
| Sermon Series: Jesus Never Said ThatAugust 3 | 11 am |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Church-Wide WorkdayAugust 10 | 12 pm |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| UUMC Welcomes Pastor Kennedy MwitaAugust 11 | 6:30 pm |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Back-to-School SundayAugust 17 | 10 am |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Parents’ Night OutAugust 30 | 5 pm |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Community, Calendar & Connection! August 31 | 10 am |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| College Ministry ReturnsAugust 31 | 5:30 pm |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| College & Young AdultCollege Students and Young Adults, we have programs for you too! Contact Megan to get involved. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Continuing Adult EducationUUMC provides a variety of Sunday School groups, classes, and mission and justice ministries. Contact Pastor Earl to learn more. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
