Our Ministries
Economic justice is a core value at University Church — and our Community Microloan Program represents a small step toward addressing income inequality in our greater Austin neighborhood.
Contact:
Janis Monger (English) — 512-296-8043; jmonger05@gmail.com
Darryl Borges (Spanish) — darrylborges@gmail.com / (512) 751-6790 (leave a message)
Fig Leaf Store | Saturdays from 8 to 9:30
Contact: Judy Trejo
Our Fig Leaf Store offers families the opportunity to shop for clothing and personal needs. While most items are donated to Fig Leaf, certain items such as underwear, socks and toiletries are purchased through the Fig Leaf budget. We welcome drop-offs of gently-used items during regular church hours. Fig Leaf welcomes volunteers to work in the store, sort donations or host clothing drives in support of this ministry.
Preemie Ministry
Contact: Tiffany Kay
UUMC’s Preemie Ministry supports the neo-natal departments of three local hospitals by providing knitted and crocheted layette items for their tiniest patients. The garments and blankets are tagged with a greeting from UUMC and blessed during a worship service in December. Because our primary focus is preemies, we need smaller items than typical newborn sizes. Blankets need to be about a quarter of the size of a regular baby blanket (15- to 22- inch squares, or 18-by-24-inch rectangles). We also need booties and hats (8- to 10-inch circumference and 4- to 5-inches high) as well as gowns or shrouds. We also appreciate items made of soft cloth, such as seersucker or cotton flannel. Soft pastel colors are also preferred, but please no yellow (preemies often suffer from jaundice). Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Items are collected at the end of each year and delivered to the hospital chaplain offices.
Economic Justice Committee
Contact: Trish Merrill
UUMC’s Economic Justice Committee believes that while works of charity for the needy are good and important, charity alone is not enough. UUMC must become engaged in activism for economic justice. The committee was created in 2012 and has spent its first year becoming educated about the causes and effects of our nation’s increasing income inequality and economic instability. The group is actively planning projects to raise awareness of economic justice issues.
Open Door | Saturdays from 8 to 9:30 am
Contact: Judy Trejo
UUMC’s Open Door Ministry began in 1991 as Saturday Outreach. It started as a Sunday School class project during Lent to serve sandwiches to homeless people in the University area. In response to the need in the community — as well as the transformation that occurred in the hearts of those serving — the program continued beyond Lent and a new ministry was born. Today, Open Door is a partnership between UUMC, a number of community and church organizations and more than a dozen homeless participant volunteers. On a typical Saturday morning, more than 200 brunch meals are served through Open Door. About 40 volunteers are needed each weekend to make this ministry possible.
Partners for Justice
Our Partners
Interfaith Action of Central Texas
Contact: Rev. Teresa Welborn
www.interfaithtexas.org
iACT cultivates peace and respect through Interfaith dialogue, service and celebration. Opportunities include: monthly small group interfaith conversations; bringing hope to those who need help with home repairs; helping provide English classes and other programs for our newest neighbors; and celebrate different faiths through a special annual Thanksgiving worship event. Members of UUMC may serve as representatives to iACT and help connect our congregation with the group’s programs. UUMC also co-sponsors a Muslim women’s group dinner for the homeless during Ramadan each year.
Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Contact: Kathy Barrett
www.tcadp.org
In accordance with the official United Methodist Church’s position opposing the death penalty and urging its elimination from all criminal codes, this group seeks to educate the community about the issue. TCADP strives to empower people and organizations to work for the elimination of the death penalty in Texas and across the globe.
Partners for Equality
Economic Justice Committee
Contact: Trish Merrill
UUMC’s Economic Justice Committee believes that while works of charity for the needy are good and important, charity alone is not enough. UUMC must become engaged in activism for economic justice. The committee was created in 2012 and has spent its first year becoming educated about the causes and effects of our nation’s increasing income inequality and economic instability. The group is actively planning projects to raise awareness of economic justice issues.
Partners Fighting Poverty
Micah 6
Contact: Jane Leifeste
Micah 6 is a coalition of 11 University-area faith communities working together to respond to the needs of the homeless and impoverished. Services offered through Micah 6 include access to food pantries; assistance with basic material needs such as clothing, medication and bus passes; crisis counseling, and fellowship meals. The Micah 6 program also includes specialty services for homeless youth. Learn more about Micah 6 Austin.
Methodist Federation for Social Action
Contact: Richard Bates
www.swtmfsa.wordpress.com
MFSA is an independent movement of progressive United Methodists taking action on issues of justice, peace and reconciliation. Founded in 1907, MFSA calls upon the United Methodist Church to expand its understanding and embodiment of the radical call of the gospel to be the inclusive, justice-seeking, risk-taking Body of Christ. The Social Principles and Social Creed of the United Methodist Church have their roots in documents developed by the MFSA in 1908. The Southwest Texas Chapter of MFSA is a group of United Methodist laity and clergy who have been active in Austin since August 2005. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month, except during the summer. Members participate in the MLK March, Pride Parade and anti-death penalty events. The group also sponsors recycling of batteries, oil, paint and antifreeze, as well as a luncheon at the Annual Conference for progressive issues.
Zavala Circle of Friends
Contact: Sandy Smith
UUMC plays an important support role to Zavala Elementary School. In the mid-1990s, UUMC and Zavala Elementary formed a partnership that has nurtured and supported improvements in the students’ performance and their attitudes about academics and success. The group has provided support for Zavala in a variety of ways: working directly with students, assisting teachers, improving the school and helping in the library, office and computer lab. Volunteers also assist during special school events such as Reading Rally Day. No matter what your interests are or how much time you have available, Zavala can match you with a program or one-time event that enhances student learning.