Econnection: October 5, 2023

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

Please Note:

Our office will be CLOSED Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. Staff will be available via phone or email for any urgent needs.

Featured Events

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


Join us for worship as we begin a new sermon series called “Abundant Life.” Pastor Teresa will be preaching and the sermon text is Philippians 4:4-20. We will hear this passage from a new translation of the Bible called First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament. As we remember Indigenous People’s Day on October 9, we will also be using the version of The Lord’s Prayer from this translation. Come to experience these ancient words from a fresh perspective!


Worship is at 11 am in the Sanctuary and the online service premiers at 11 am on our YouTube channel.


During this season we also look to Commitment to Giving Sunday on October 29 when members and friends of UUMC are invited to return pledge cards indicating their financial commitment to the ministries and mission of the church. This year’s theme, Abundant Life, reminds us that Jesus came to give a life that is abundant and the central message is the life-affirming joy we ourselves experience when we live our lives in service for others and all of creation. This weekend we’ll welcome Nathan Hardee and Sandy White as our Stewardship Speakers.


We are not what we have; we are what we give. Sharing is the measure of our faith, the simple test of how well we have learned the way of the Spirit - not to have more for the few, but enough for the many.

– Steven Charleston

News

NO Crossing Guard THIS SUNDAY

Due to the security demands of the Austin City Limits festival, Detective West Williams, will be unable to serve as our crossing guard this Sunday, October 8, and next Sunday, October 15. Please use 24th Street lights to safely cross Guadalupe when parking in the Platinum Lot and leave the UUMC Lot for those with limited mobility.  

Stewardship Season

Stewardship Season is here! During this season we look to Commitment to Giving Sunday on October 29 when members and friends of UUMC are invited to return pledge cards indicating their financial commitment to the ministries and mission of the church.


Our theme this year is “Abundant Life,” reminding us that Jesus came to give a life that is abundant. The central message is the life-affirming joy we ourselves experience when we live our lives in service for others and all of creation. Throughout October we will hear church members share about their own journey of giving and why they are excited about contributing to the work of Christ at UUMC. The weeks ahead are an opportunity to be in prayer as we each discern what our commitment will be.


If you have a history of giving and returning a pledge card, thank you! If you have not yet made the decision to contribute to the life of the church financially and/or have given in the past but not completed a pledge card, I invite you to consider doing so this year. You can find a copy of the pledge card here. Remember that you can complete and return your card at any time. As always, if you have any questions or want to be in conversation about this, do not hesitate to reach out to Pastor Teresa. 

Online Sanctuary Service

Did you know that in addition to the pre-recorded YouTube worship service, staff is also working to capture the in-person sanctuary service? On Monday afternoons you can find the sanctuary service on our YouTube channel.


So far you can go back and watch several weeks worth of services. Some of our favorites:

  • September 17, our first Family Sunday, featuring the Wesley Choir performance of “If You’re Happy and You Know It Say Amen!”

  • October 1, World Communion Sunday, featuring “Mangisondele Nkosi Yam” from the Sanctuary Choir, “Ode to Bread” sermon from Pastor Earl, and a performance of a traditional Indian dance from Divya Srinivasa, a UT student who rehearses at UUMC during the week!


Many thanks to the communications team who makes all this possible! We are still working out some technical issues such as sound quality but are glad to be able to connect with people online through these worship services. Watch them all here!

Diana Butler Bass Rescheduled

We’re so glad to announce we’ve rescheduled Diana Butler Bass’ visit to UUMC! She will now hold her presentation, Q&A, and book signing on January 27 at 7 pm and Guest Preaching during the 11 am service on January 28.

Event Calendar

October

November

Around Our Community

Anti-Racist Creatio Divina Workshop


The Racial Justice Ministry wanted to share an opportunity with the congregation to attend a workshop on October 14 from 9 am - 1 pm at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The worship will give community leaders, activists, or anyone interested in advocacy work the opportunity to incorporate faith and justice in creative ways. The 787 Collective of Austin Seminary is partnering with Six Square to help community leaders imagine new methods for incorporating racial justice advocacy into spiritual care routines. Registration is required by TOMORROW October 6. Learn more and register for the event on the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminar’s website.

Texans for Public Education

Boot Vouchers Rally


THIS 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.

Age-Level Newsletters

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Get Connected
Renee Moreno
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Econnection: September 28, 2023