Econnection: November 23, 2023

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Featured Events Happy Thanksgiving! We’re so thankful to have y’all as part of our community. We know this is a busy week, week, but take a moment to read this week’s Econnection to learn more about what we’ve got planned for this Advent Season! Worship | Sunday @ 11 am Online or In-Person Join us for worship online or in person as we begin the Advent Season. The words from Psalm 126 “We were like those who dreamed” inspires our sermon series for this season. The Advent and Christmas season is filled with dreamers. The prophets and John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna, the shepherds and the Magi. They all received and discovered dreams. It is true that we live at a time when our hearts are often weighed down by the worries of the world. And it is also true that dreams are still being born. If we dare to notice and wonder. If we dare to step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams. If we dare to pray they shape our reality.  On this First Sunday of Advent, Pastor Teresa will be preaching and the sermon text is Mark 13:24-37 and the Sanctuary Choir will be singing a piece by Rosephanye Powell entitled “To Sit and Dream” with lyrics inspired by Langston Hughes. “It is a strange way to begin this time of Advent. Beginning Advent with weeping and lament? That is unusual! And powerful. This is where we need to begin. The coming of Advent jolts the church out of Ordinary Time with the invasive news that it’s time to think about fresh possibilities for deliverance and human wholeness.” – Patricia E. DeJong News #GivingTuesday Giving Tuesday is a movement of radical generosity sweeping the globe. Partner with others on November 28 as we continue the work that God has called us to do. The financial gifts received at UUMC for #GivingTuesday will go to Fig Leaf to help provide much needed items for the guests on Saturday mornings including clean clothing, hygiene items, backpacks, blankets, and more. Please consider sharing the donation link online or with family and friends who may be interested in supporting this work.  Make a difference in Austin by Giving for this worthy cause at uumc.org/give and selecting Fig Leaf Store. As valued and dedicated volunteers, this is also the ideal time to say thank you for all you do all year long to support Fig Leaf. From gathering donations in your neighborhood, shopping at local thrift stores, sorting and organizing clothing and donations, to distributing the items with care on Saturday mornings–THANK YOU!   Advent Devotional We’re excited to share this year’s Advent Devotional: Those Who Dream. It will be available as a printed copy in the sanctuary, or you can follow along on our website and Apple Podcasts! (Coming Soon to Spotify!) Poinsettia Orders Every year, we order beautiful poinsettias from Down Home Ranch to decorate our sanctuary for the Advent Season. Down Home Ranch is a local farm that helps provide social and vocational opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Our tradition at UUMC is to dedicate these poinsettias in memory, or in honor, of a loved one. Each plant is $12. You can order them on our website (credit card payments only). If you’d prefer to pay via cash or check, forms are available in the Front Office and Narthex. Poinsettias will be in the sanctuary through the Advent season and Christmas Eve.  We will list the memorials and honorees in the Lessons and Carols bulletin. The deadline for inclusion in the bulletin is December 3.  Stewardship Update So far, we’ve received 145 pledge cards totaling $701,197. If you haven’t had a chance to turn in a pledge card, there’s still time and members of the finance committee will be reaching out soon. Thanks again for all you do. Advent Season November 26 1st Sunday of Advent Advent Studies Begin 9:45 am Learn More December 3 2nd Sunday of Advent Children & Youth Caroling 12 pm Learn More Church Workday 1 pm Let us know you’re coming! Finals Week Fun 5:30 pm Learn More December 10 3rd Sunday of Advent Lessons & Carols 11 am Learn More Lessons & Carols - Evening Service 6 pm Learn More Christmas Caroling December 13 @ 7 pm Learn More Youth: Christmas Party and Lock-In December 15 @ 6 pm Learn More December 17 4th Sunday of Advent Christmas Pageant 11 am Learn More Advent Festival 12 pm Learn More Longest Night Service December 19 @ 7 pm Learn More Y’All Come Christmas Eve Choir December 20 @ 7 pm Learn More December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Services 11 am, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm & 10:30 pm Learn More Get Connected Children’s Ministry If you have kiddos that you’d like to get involved in our children’s ministry, or just to learn more, reach out to Pastor Heather. jillian@uumc.org College & Young Adult College Students and Young Adults, we have programs for you too! Contact Megan to get involved. motto@uumc.org Music Ministry UUMC is proud of its rich tradition of outstanding music. We offer opportunities for anyone, of any age or skill level. To get involved, contact Alicia. alicia@uumc.org Continuing Adult Education UUMC provides a variety of Sunday School groups, classes, and mission and justice ministries. Contact Pastor Earl to learn more. pastorearl@uumc.org Worship & Administration There are a lot of moving parts to operate this wonderful place. If you'd like to learn more or potentially volunteer, contact Pastor Teresa. pastorteresa@uumc.org 2409 Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78705 512-478-9387 Want to change how you receive emails from us? Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe or unsubscribe from this list