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 Kathleen Brady Stimpert

Kathleen Brady Stimpert has over two decades of experience within the cultural sector. She has held leadership roles at the National Academy Museum (NYC), the Blanton Museum of Art (Austin), and the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, among other organizations. Kathleen currently serves as deputy director of Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin. In this position, she leads strategic planning, and oversees daily operations including administration, collections management, education, and communications. Kathleen and her family (Richard and Sawyer) joined UUMC in 2015. 

Join us for our annual Fall Festival in the Courtyard and Fellowship Hall! We have fun planned for everyone. There will be games, photo booth, and all kinds of yummy food! Wear your costume to church and then head to the Fellowship Hall for Stewardship lunch from T Locs. Looking forward to celebrating the Fall season with you!

Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org!

Drop your kiddos and youth at church (5-8:30pm) with Jillian then join others for a parent happy hour! Bring your favorite drink or bite to eat. Please RSVP to Jillian at jillian@uumc.org for the address!

Treat your kids fifth grade and under to a fun night out with friends at UUMC! We'll always have crafts, recreation, STEM, pizza, movie and dessert. This month our theme is Halloween!

PNO is the perfect time to do something fun by yourselves or join other parents for community time together. We can't wait to see you there!

Questions? Contact Jillian!

Register Here by October 24

P.S. We’re having a Parents’ Happy Hour from 5:15 - 8:15!

Diversity Fellowship invites our community’s ethnically diverse members and visitors to join us for a joyful gathering! Come share delicious food, connect with others, and build meaningful friendships.

Have questions or want to know more? Feel free to contact Pastor Earl—we'd love to connect with you!

This week, we’ll watch Sonja’s interview with Pastor Earl, in which she shares her life and faith journey and discusses her “Street Stories” project—a series of portraits of the unhoused currently on display in Fellowship Hall. She will reflect on the project’s history, her painting process, and the stories behind the portraits. Following the interview, Pastor Earl will lead a discussion and share stories from the Open Door ministry.

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

About Sonja Kever

Sonja A Kever is the artist of all of the portraits hanging in the Fellowship Hall. They are part of a collection of 32 that were part of her project called Street Stories which traveled to 4 different venues around the city to raise awareness and money for organizations providing services for the unhoused. Many were sold raising over $27,000, 100% of which was given to the hosting entities. The remaining portraits were donated to those same organizations for their permanent collections. Sonja was born in a small town in northwestern Iowa, attended the University of Kansas as an art major and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science. She later achieved her Paralegal Certificate from then Southwest Texas State University. Her art education has been largely self-taught though she has studied with masters David Leffel, Sherrie McGraw, Stephanie Birdsall, Dominique Medici and many others. She has been married to Andy Kever for 44 years and has two daughters and two grandchildren. 

All families with kiddos under 4, join us for some playtime, food, and fellowship! Please bring a small dish to share. A main dish will be provided and Jillian will bring extra toys to share. To get the address, please email jillian@uumc.org. Can't wait to see you there!

Life in your 20s and early 30s can feel like everything is in transit—school, work, relationships, and faith. And that’s probably why we'd better gather together each week to navigate our path by sharing stories, asking honest questions, and exploring how faith connects with real life. Whether you’re in college, starting a career, or just figuring things out, let's build a welcoming community and fellowship here and grow in faith together.

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

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 Ginger Geyer

Austin artist Ginger Henry Geyer is known for her quixotic porcelains, detailed hand built sculptures that explore art history, vintage culture and theology. These are often accompanied by poignant and humorous stories on her website. Recently she has developed a related body of work in collage murals made from children’s books and wallpaper, exploring a lifelong interest in words connected to imagery. Ginger grew up in Arkansas and has been an Austin resident since 1988. She earned BFA and MFA degrees from SMU and a Masters in Pastoral Ministry at the Seminary of the Southwest. She has taught there and was Artist-in-Residence in 2022-2023. Her previous careers have been in art museum planning and collections management, and in art programming for a retreat center. She has an extensive record of exhibitions, publications, and speaking engagements.

A Q&A with Ginger Geyer

What would you like to share with us in your talk?

Art has been my driving interest since childhood when I wrote sappy poems in my treehouse, went to UMC Sunday School, coveted my aunt’s art history book, and ruined both bedspread and carpet with oil paints.

My education was in painting and museum studies at SMU, and my formative career was in art museums, where I marinated in Western European art. For over 30 years I honed in on porcelain sculpture which allowed me to play with the intersections of art, religion and humor. Lately I’ve used the more direct medium of collage to explore theological and political conundrums. Art making and storytelling connect all of these interests and always prompts deeper curiosity that fuels my fire. I’ll be sharing images from recent work in the UUMC studio and trying to integrate new ideas from recent travels.

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.

JOIN US ON ZOOM

In this Lunch and Learn, the Rev. Leyla K. King, Canon for Mission in Small Congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, will share highlights from her recently published book, "Daughters of Palestine: A Memoir in Five Generations," as well as reflections on the current humanitarian tragedy in Palestine and broader challenges in global politics.

About the Book

Leyla King has been a keeper of family stories since long before she sat down across from her grandmother with a tiny cassette tape recorder. And in this beautifully crafted memoir, she braids matriarchal memory into a vivid saga of love and survival as her ancestors flee war and poverty. From Haifa to Ramallah, Damascus, Beirut, and finally Texas, Leyla makes global politics deeply personal as family squabbles, ambition, mental illness, romance, and religion shape their immigrant journey.

Middle school and high schoolers meet in the courtyard after church. We’ll get lunch at Kismet and then head to Activate games. Pick up at UUMC at 3 pm. Bring $10 Cash or Venmo @Natasha-Ulack.

Questions? Contact Natasha at natasha@uumc.org.

Join Jillian for dinner and outdoor movie night at Chad Jones' house! If it's still warm enough, we will swim :) See you there!

Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org with any questions!

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 Christy Moore

I am a songwriter, an essayist, a sixth-generation Texan, and a lifelong Democrat who has been teaching writing to engineering students at the University of Texas for 30 years. I host the weekly open mic at New World Deli and a bimonthly songwriter showcase. I have a Masters degree in creative writing from Wilkes University and am currently finishing up a memoir made up of essays populated by a cast of memorable characters, from philandering cowboys to struggling songwriters, who are all trying to find hope in the ashes. 

A Q&A with Christy Moore

What would you like to share with us in your talk?

I'd like to talk about my journey as a writer. My friend, Patti Dixon, is a great, unknown songwriter with a great sense of humor. I once heard her describe herself as “a multi-faceted flop.” It was a description that resonated with me. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In all honesty I believe I’m called to write. I tried my hand as a novelist and a playwright before I switched genres again and took up songwriting. I want to talk about how hard and humiliating it is to give ourselves permission to try creative pursuits. In our society we seem to think that to be considered an artist you need to be making money at it or to be famous. That attitude makes many of us shut down a vital part of ourselves.

How did your interest in music begin and grow over time?

I was was forty, newly widowed, and fueled by grief when I decided to take up songwriting. It didn't take long to discover that I had paralyzing stagefright. On top of that I had no formal musical training. To my credit, I saw the error of my ways and gave up songwriting almost immediately. To God's credit, that was easier said than done. Ultimately I fell in love with and married someone who became my biggest booster and encouraged me to keep writing. Without him there probably wouldn't be much to tell. With him I kept taking baby steps and eventually found myself in a community of songwriters who faced the same challenges and reaped the same joy I did. 

In what ways do music and songwriting connect with your life and your faith journey?

1. I believe writing is a spiritual discipline that is as rewarding as prayer.
2. In my experience, music is as close as I can get to the divine. 
3. I've had some tragedies in my life. I believe that writing and songwriting, in particular, have saved me.

We’ll conclude our commitment to service month by celebrating our gifts in the fourth annual UUMC talent show! You’re invited to a potluck lunch to celebrate the many talented humans who make up our congregation.

Sign up to share your talents, anything from dancing to poetry reading, singing, science demonstrations, recitation of your favorite dinosaurs: the more the merrier!

Email AV at av@uumc.org or find them after worship to sign up!

Are you visiting our church for a while and considering becoming a member? Here is a great opportunity for you join alongside others.

On September 28th, we will celebrate the joining of new members as a group. So please don't hesitate to reach out to pastor Earl (pastorearl@uumc.org) if you are interested or if you want to know more about the meaning of membership and the process.

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 Jeff Smith

I had the privilege of living in Europe, mostly in Brussels, as a teenager. I became fascinated by the medieval and early modern culture (800-1700 CE) and by artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder. That experience set me on the road to a Ph.D. (Columbia University) and ultimately a long career teaching Northern European art at the University of Texas from 1979 to 2023, when I retired. I held the Kay Fortson Chair in European Art from 2000-2023. I had the opportunity to travel in Europe with my graduate seminar students and to lecture around the world. My writings have focused mainly on German and Netherlandish art as well as on issues of religious culture.

A Q&A with Jeff Smith

What would you like to share with us in your talk?

As an art historian, I am fascinated by the power of art to communicate with various audiences over time. I am intrigued by the question of why people make art. Since I work on the historical culture of northern Europe between about 1350 and 1700, religion and the debate about religious art were central subjects. Much pre-Reformation art was created for churches and private devotional use. Luther, Calvin, and others challenged Catholic beliefs about the efficacy of art in aiding one’s salvation. Luther, at least, recognized its pedagogical benefits. As a teacher, I enjoy getting students and others to think about societies where art was one of the most powerful means of learning about faith.

Could you give us a brief preview of the talk you’ll be giving on Tuesday?

I’ve selected Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son as a vehicle for thinking about the deeper meanings and the human dramas of this story. How did Rembrandt translate the biblical account into, at least for me, a moving drama of human emotions and love. I’ll ask the participates to think about each of the “actors” in this painting. I shall also offer a bit of context about Rembrandt’s own life when the picture was made in the later 1660s.

Have you had the opportunity to see the painting in person? What was your impression?

I’ll be discussing Rembrandt van Rijn’s Return of the Prodigal Son painting. The original owner is unknown. Since Catherine the Great purchased it in 1766, the picture has been in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. I had the opportunity to see it in 2017 when I was invited to give a talk at the National Library of Russia in St. Petersburg. It is an incredibly impressive painting.

What does this painting mean to you in relation to your faith journey?

Most of what I know about religion and faith has been learned from my years of teaching and research. Even if one is skeptical about some claims (eg. the Virgin birth, Mary’s Assumption, the Trinity), art allows you to begin to understand how others, especially in past centuries, thought about these matters and how such beliefs impacted their spiritual journeys. I find deep humanity in certain art works, like this painting by Rembrandt, as the art grapples to find meaning and expression in a particular story.

UUMC's Sunday Schools will be introduced during the worship service, and we will get to know more about their exciting and meaningful programs and people. Following worship, you can also meet people from each Sunday School in the courtyard to engage in conversation and sign up for the Sunday School that interests you.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org!

Join us for an intergenerational queer fellowship event! All LGBTQIA+ and questioning folks are invited to this community-building event to share our joys and concerns, and eat tasty pancakes. Colored batter will be provided, and an opportunity to design your own pancake as unique as yourself. We’d love to see you there!

Questions? Contact AV at av@uumc.org!

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.

Tweens (4th-5th graders) and Youth (6th - 12th graders):

Join Natasha and Jillian for a community service project to kick off our new Village People project. Our tweens and youth will be interviewing and learning about some of the magnificent folks we have in our congregation. They will learn about their careers, their life in the church, their service, and anything else they're interested in. Our church is rich with wise people and this is a great way for our kids to learn about all the ways that they can follow in their footsteps. Lunch provided!

Contact Jillian (Tweens) at jillian@uumc.org or Natasha (Youth) at natasha@uumc.org with any questions!

In September, we’ll celebrate our commitment to service and reflect on how we can use our skills to help this space we love so much.

On September 14, the Ministries of UUMC will be in the Fellowship Hall to share where they need help and how you can join. We’ll also have some delicious pies–homemade by y’all! Just another way we can share our gifts with our community!

Questions? Please contact Chad at chad@uumc.org.

Join us for a children-led, children-friendly worship service! This is our first family Sunday of the year so we will have tween Sunday School, Wesley choir performance, presentation of 2nd grade bibles and more. We can't wait to see you!

Questions? Contact Jillian!

Sundays
September 14 - 28

Are you interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church, including its history, core beliefs, mission, and structure? Pastor Earl will be leading a three-week Sunday School class for all who would like to come and discuss Methodism. The class will meet during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 am to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall.

Questions? Contact Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org

Trans, gender nonconforming, intersex, nonbinary folks of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome at the Trans Clothing Swap! This is an affinity space for gender non-conforming folks to freely share clothing, community, and resources with one another. Please bring items to swap AND any donations you may have for our neighbors on the street (they especially need jeans, caps, and shoes).

Allies - We can use your help to make this event a success! If you’re interested in helping out as a greeter, sorter, clean-up crew, or have another skill you’d like to offer, please contact AV!

Feel good, look good, do good. Questions? Want to volunteer to help? Contact AV at av@uumc.org.

Come eat lunch with Jillian to go over the Little One's calendar for the year. Childcare provided and infants welcome to hang around in the meeting! Looking forward to seeing you!

Questions? Contact Jillian at jillian@uumc.org

Are you new to UUMC and want to know more about the church? Join us for a simple breakfast and hang out with Pastors Teresa and Earl.

No RSVP necessary, just come as you are. If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Earl at PastorEarl@uumc.org.

College Students! Join us for a night of bingo, hosted by UUMC’s Unofficial-Official Drag Queen, Aria Rey!

We’ll have snacks and some excellent prizes available!

If you’re interested, we’d love to have you join us earlier for our first College Ministry Dinner and Fellowship of the semester! 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall!

Questions? Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org!

College Ministry starts a new school year! UT Students, join us for our first Sunday back. We’ll join together for fellowship and dinner, followed by Bingo hosted by Aria Rey.

Contact Megan at motto@uumc.org with any questions!