Econnection: September 28, 2023

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Featured Events Tween Time & MYF Kayak Adventure Sunday  @ 12:00 am Youth! Meet in the Fellowship Hall to eat and check in. Then, we'll meet up with the tweens and head out together for kayaking on Lake Austin, please bring lunch and $15! We’ll return to the church for pick up. An Introduction to Centering Prayer Starting Oct. 3  @ 7:00 pm 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. Register Thursday Morning Lesson: Short Stories & Lasting Wisdom Starting Oct. 5  @ 10:00 am Join us Thursday morning at 10 am for a new class. Each class we’ll begin with the sharing of a short story, and then spending some time breaking down text and discussing the lessons each of these stories leaves with us. Register Worship | Sunday  @ 11:00 am Online or In-Person Join us for worship as we celebrate World Communion Sunday at our in person service at 11am in the Sanctuary. Pastor Earl will be preaching and his sermon title is “Ode to Bread.” The scripture reading is from the Gospel of John and we will hear these familiar words from Jesus: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” It’s also the day that Christians throughout the world celebrate World Communion Sunday. The Sanctuary choir will be singing a traditional praise and worship song from the Zulu culture entitled “Mangisondele Nkosi Yam” which is translated “Be Nearer my Lord.” As well, we will have Divya Srinivasa, a traditional Indian dancer, share with us during the offertory. Divya is a UT student and this semester has been using one of our classrooms to practice during the week. Lastly, we are excited to have Hannah Merrill (UT student) and Kenzie Slottow accompanying communion with a flute duet. We look forward to this exciting worship service!  The online service premiers at 11am on our youtube channel. If you worship online and are not able to get out because of health or any other concerns but would like to receive communion in your home, please contact Pastor Earl or Pastor Teresa and we will arrange for a time for in-home communion. Event Calendar October Tween & Youth Kayak Aventure 10/1  @ 12 pm Learn More An Introduction to Centering Prayer 10/3  @ 7 pm Learn More Short Stories and Lasting Wisdom 10/5  @ 10 am Learn More An Introduction to the UMC 10/8  @ 9:45 am Learn More Habitat for Humanity Build 10/14  @ 8 am Learn More Parent’s Night Out 10/14  @ 5 pm Learn More Tween Time & MYF Austin Walking Tour 10/15  @ 12 pm Learn More Fall Festival & Stewardship Lunch 10/29  @ 12 pm Learn More 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 October 6. Learn more and register for the event on the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminar’s website. 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. Age-Level Newsletters Get more specific updates from our Age-Level ministries by reading their newsletters! Want to get these newsletters directly in your inbox? Update your preferences! Children Youth 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 Jillian. 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