Econnection: August 31, 2023

EConnection
Written By Renee Moreno
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

Please Note:  The officer will be closed Monday, Sept. 4th in observance of Labor Day.  

Featured Events

Worship | Sunday  @ 11:00 am
Online or In-Person

Join us for worship on Sunday, September 3rd. It is Labor Day weekend, and our worship will include a United Methodist Social Creed affirming that, "God demands justice for workers in the marketplace."


We begin a new sermon series centered on "The 3 B’s" of Believing, Behaving, and Belonging. What we believe, how we behave (or practice our faith), and how we belong have long been central to many people of faith. Over time, our understanding of "The 3 B’s" has been changing. Pastor Teresa’s sermons will explore this in the light of recent writings from religions scholar Diana Butler Bass.


At our 11 am Sanctuary Service, our own Katie Bennet Hobson, Paul Harper, and Tom Caven will help us mark the importance of Labor Day with empowering music. We will also celebrate Holy Communion and hear a Mission Moment by David Woodruff on church security and welcoming.


“The Christian life is not about pleasing God the finger-shaker and judge. It is not about believing now or being good now for the sake of heaven later. It is about entering a relationship in the present that begins to change everything now. Spirituality is about this process: the opening of the heart to the God who is already here.” 

- Marcus Borg on believing

News

Parking on Sundays


There is a lot happening in the life of our church and Sunday mornings have been bustling. We want to remind everyone that the platinum parking lot is available and we validate parking on Sunday mornings for the San Antonio Garage. There is limited parking available in the church parking lot on 25th, and, when possible, we like to reserve that lot for those who might have some difficulty with the extra walking. If you are safely able to park in the platinum lot or San Antonio Garage, please consider doing so and leaving the closer spots open for our friends with limited mobility.

Altar Rail Offering: Habitat for Humanity


We’re continuing to raise funds for our upcoming Habitat for Humanity Build with this month’s Altar Rail Offering. As a partnering church, we are contributing $5,000 to the project and the special offering will help us raise the necessary funds. Donations can be made by visiting uumc.org/give and selecting “Special Offering” or writing “Special Offering” in the memo line of your check. We’ll be building October 14 & November 4. Click here to sign up and join the build!

30 Days of AntiRacism


The Racial Justice Ministry invites everyone to participate in the General Commission on Religion and Race's (GCORR) 30 Days of Antiracism in September. Each day we will engage in an activity that helps us to become more antiracist in the ways we think and act. GCORR invites you to share your progress with a picture or a reflection using #30daysofAntiracism. You can find the activities on their calendar. It’s available online or in the church office and Welcome Center.

Event Calendar

September

Around our Community

Texans for Public Education

Boot Vouchers Rally


On Saturday, October 7, there will be a rally at the capitol in opposition to Governor Abbott’s claim that all Texans want vouchers. The Voucher debate intersects with many other justice issues - as they disproportionately harm BIPOC and queer children as well as those in rural areas.  If you’d like to learn more or attend the rally, visit their website for details.

Justice for our Neighbors:

2023 Homecoming Fundraiser & Gala


The annual JFON fundraiser and gala is scheduled for Sunday, October 22 at 5pm. Austin Region JFON a non-profit law office, welcomes refugees and immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. UUMC and may of it’s members have a strong tradition of supporting JFON. Learn more about JFON on their website. If you are interested in attending contact Austin Region JFON Board Member Paul Harper at paul.harper@mac.com.

Northwest Hills UMC:

Rise Against Hunger


Northwest Hills is hosting a Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event on August 24 from 11:30 am - 5 pm. Rise Against Hunger events provide a fun, educational way for groups to lend a hand to people facing hunger across the globe. They encourage anyone four and older to join them in their packaging event. You can sign up on their website, and if you’d like more information, please contact Pastor Earl.  

Age-Level Newsletters

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Get Connected
Renee Moreno
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Children’s Newsletter: September
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Econnection: August 24, 2023