If you wish to learn more about prayer, hope to read and write prayers, or just chat about your experience or doubts about prayer, this group is for you. We will get together and deepen our theological understanding of prayer and explore different types and ways of prayer. In our time together, we will also get to write our own prayers and share them with one another. Contact Pastor Earl with any questions.

Click here to register!

Join Shan Saffer from Texas Freedom Network for a Lunch & Learn on what it means to be a Reproductive Freedom Congregation. Over the last year, members of the UUMC Church Council and staff have engaged in conversations about the possibility of affiliating with Texas Freedom Network's "Reproductive Freedom Congregation” program. We are in the beginning stages of exploring such an affiliation and this is a time of learning and discernment. Come to learn more. Wanting to ensure this is a safe space for all with regard to delicate subject matters, we come with our curious questions as well as a spirit of respect for others and the range of tender experiences this subject matter encompasses. You can learn more about Reproductive Freedom Congregations on the Just Texas website.

About Shan

Shan Schaffer is the Just Texas Faith Organizer at Texas Freedom Network. Born and raised in Austin, Shan is dedicated to ensuring all Texans have access to the health care they want and need and has experience providing community outreach, education, and support around reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ issues throughout the state and in Chicago, Illinois. Shan loves calling Texas home and hopes to make the state more equitable and just for all of those who live here.

Pastor Teresa and Earl invite you to join this joint Sunday school session about reproductive justice. There will be two offerings of the same session (2/4 and 2/11) during the Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45 am), so you can choose either of them that fits your schedule.

In the session, Pastors will briefly share pastoral experiences and theological issues, and a time of conversation will follow. You are welcome to come with open and honest hearts to discuss the topic, learn more about helpful resources, and have a chance to think about the meaning of becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation.

Pastor Teresa and Earl invite you to join this joint Sunday school session about reproductive justice. There will be two offerings of the same session (2/4 and 2/11) during the Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45 am), so you can choose either of them that fits your schedule.

In the session, Pastors will briefly share pastoral experiences and theological issues, and a time of conversation will follow. You are welcome to come with open and honest hearts to discuss the topic, learn more about helpful resources, and have a chance to think about the meaning of becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation.

This January through April, Elizabeth Hoffman is leading a monthly book club. She has chosen a variety of genres, authors, and voices that highlight different cultures, races, genders, and age groups. We’ll meet the last Monday of the month - 1/29, 2/26, 3/25, 4/29. Come to one or come to them all!

Our first book is “Grateful” by Diana Butler Bass. Let us know if you plan to attend!

Join us as we host Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D on January 27, at 7:00 pm. A presentation, “Awakening or Apocalypse: Reimagining the Times in Which We Live,” will take place at 7:00 pm in the University UMC sanctuary followed by a Q&A and book signing.

Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D will also be guest preaching at University United Methodist Church on January 28 at 11:00 am and all are welcome to attend.

Event Information

Doors

Education Building Doors and Sanctuary Doors will open at 6 pm.

Parking

The UUMC Lot and the Platinum Parking Lot will be available for free parking. If those are full, please utilize the nearby meters and San Antonio Garage. We will not be validating parking in the San Antonio Garage on Saturday evening. Parking in University of Texas spaces will require proper UT permits.

Signed Books

Following her speaking engagement, Diana Butler Bass will be signing copies of her books. “Grateful” and “Freeing Jesus” will be available for purchase for $20 on site. Credit cards preferred, but cash will be accepted. Please note, we will not be able to make change.

About Diana Butler Bass

Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D holds a doctorate in Religious Studies from Duke University. She is an award-winning author of 11 books and a trusted authority on religion and contemporary spirituality. She has been a New York Times syndicated columnist and has additional bylines in the Washington Post, USA Today, atlantic.com and cnn.com.

The Trustees is organizing a church-wide workday for Sunday, December 3 after worship. Come as you can to help us clean up a bit ahead of Christmas!

Items to work on include:

• Cleaning South Side Sanctuary Door

• Cleaning Windows on Balcony Stairwell

• Organize and Inventory Hymnals & Music Stands

• Mulch Over PVC

• Dust/Mop/Clean floors in Choir Area

Pok-E-Jos will be providing lunch for the volunteers from 12 - 1 pm. Please let us know if you plan to attend.

If you had a chance to build homes for those who need them most, would you like to volunteer? Our church is going to join Habitat for Humanity and other university-area churches to build houses in the Austin area on two Saturdays (October 14 and November 4). Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or you’ve never picked up a hammer, building with Austin Habitat will be a meaningful experience.

Registration for this event is full

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl.

Join us to learn this contemplative and meditative practice of learning to withdraw attention from our thoughts in order to rest in a gentle, open attentiveness to divine reality. Centering Prayer is about enhancing your relationship with God and transformation.

Participants will need a copy of Thomas Keating’s book Open Hearts, Open Minds. Copies are available in the front office for $15. You’re also invited to bring a wrap or cushion to make yourself comfortable.

Click here to register

Pastor Teresa will be leading a three-week Sunday School class (October 8, 15, and 22) for those interested in learning more about The United Methodist Church. The class will meet during the Sunday School hour from 9:45-10:45 in room 203.

If you had a chance to build homes for those who need them most, would you like to volunteer? Our church is going to join Habitat for Humanity and other university-area churches to build houses in the Austin area on two Saturdays (October 14 and November 4). Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or you’ve never picked up a hammer, building with Austin Habitat will be a meaningful experience.

Please sign up for this event!

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl.

Faith leaders, including Pastor Teresa, and anti-death penalty advocates will provide remarks at an Interfaith Vigil on Tuesday, October 10. TCADP and Texas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty will hold a World Day Against the Death Penalty vigil from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin (on the sidewalk in front of the gates on 11th St). On that same day, Texas is scheduled to execute Jedidiah Murphy, a Jewish man who has spent more than 20 years on death row.