Dear friends and members of University UMC:
My prayers this day are with all those who have been impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii. I learned more about what is taking place and how to help through our connection with United Methodists in the area. This link on the California-Pacific Conference website shares an update and ways to help. I especially have on my heart this day the people of Lahaina UMC. Their church building was completely destroyed by the fires.
I’m also thinking of those who are looking to the start of a new school year. I am incredibly grateful for all who teach and work in our schools. The teaching profession has always been a special calling and one of sacrificial giving. This is perhaps even more true today. If you teach - THANK YOU! I pray you have a great school year. For those of us who don’t teach, let’s find ways to express our gratitude and encourage them throughout the year. For parents of school-aged children, writing a simple note of thanks or delivering to them their favorite lunch at school are small but meaningful ways to say thank you. Below you will find a few prayers you can use at home as a new school year begins.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we celebrate Back to School Sunday complete with Amy’s Ice Cream following worship. A special note for parents of youth: on Sunday August 13th, Mary Ellen West will join the youth for Sunday School. She will facilitate a time of sharing and as we look to a new school year beginning and will offer tools to cope with nerves. Mary Ellen is a member of UUMC and an experienced psychotherapist and counselor for teens, adolescents, children and families in Austin. Thank you to all the adult Sunday School facilitators at UUMC and those who teach and lead our children and youth.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
