Econnection: May 29, 2025

HTML Econnection - May 29, 2025
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Service of Worship

Sunday @ 11 am

Scripture: Acts 1:1-14


This Sunday is Ascension Sunday when we recall Jesus’ ascension to heaven before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The scripture passage is Acts 1:1-14 and Pastor Teresa’s sermon is entitled “The Holy Work of Re-Membering.” We also celebrate Holy Communion and the special music is “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” Text- James Weldon Johnson, arr. Jarret Johnson & Alvin Chea.

In the Leaving

A Blessing


In the leaving,

in the letting go,

let there be this

to hold onto

at the last:


the enduring of love,

the persisting of hope,

the remembering of joy,


the offering of gratitude,

the receiving of grace,

the blessing of peace.

– Jan Richardson

News

Finance Committee Update


As we head into the summer months that always test our UUMC budgeting, I want to provide an update from the Finance Committee on the year so far.


First, thank you to all of our faithful givers. Through April, you have already given $333,894 in pledged giving, or 42% of the $787,995 pledged during last fall’s stewardship campaign. That year-to-date total is boosted by numerous members opting to fulfill their annual pledges in full in January and February, putting our pledged giving $71,000 ahead of budget. We are already seeing the result of so many people stepping up to help us (nearly) meet our stewardship goal to increase pledged giving by $100,000. Thank you for answering that call.


Our $35,820 in non-pledged giving, however, is running $18,000 short of budget and is trailing past years. Our non-pledged giving—essentially the Sunday offering and other gifts that aren’t tied to pledges—traditionally is strongest in the later months of the year, and we’ll need that trend to continue this year to meet our budget projection of $163,000.


All told, church income through April was ahead of budget, while expenses of $548,774 were slightly under budget. 


But summer always presents challenges for us, as utility costs soar and giving decreases with attendance. You can help by keeping current on pledges while you’re away this summer. As you make travel plans and kennel reservations, please also make plans for your gifts to UUMC.


Also please make plans to attend the June 29 presentation and discussion “This Beautiful Old Building: Understanding Its Challenges & Possibilities” during the Sunday school hour. Communications director Chad Jones will lead a discussion of our work with the Rooted Good initiative, a curriculum that helps churches reimagine their buildings and real estate to best serve their communities. As finance chair, I know that our aging campus presents some of our biggest financial challenges, from air conditioning to pipe organ, but that we also are blessed with a congregation ready to take on those challenges and to ensure a bright future at 24th and Guadalupe.


John Bridges,
finance chair

Becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation


Should UUMC become a Reproductive Freedom congregation? Under a program of the Texas Freedom Network (TFN), 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.


TFN is an Austin-based grassroots organization of religious and community leaders who support religious freedom, individual liberties and public education. We have been studying and considering this question for a couple of years now, and the Church Council is looking at bringing the above question to the congregation for a vote later this year.


You can find more information about this program on TFN’s website and on our website.

Megan’s Time at a College Ministry Retreat


Last week, May 12 - 16, Megan was at a retreat with eight other college ministers. They explored topics like vocation and discernment. You can read more about their time here.

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Econnection: May 22, 2025