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The Tradition Continues
2013 Capital Campaign
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Unanimous Approval for Our Church's Phase II Improvements
UUMC members voted unanimously on Sun. Mar. 17 to support the second step in our three-phase capital improvement plan. Phase Two improvements will include a new HVAC system, bathroom and kitchen renovations, and other changes that together cost about $2.15 million. From now until Pledge Day on May 5, there will be several opportunities to learn more about the many ways you may contribute to The Tradition Continues 2013 Capital Campaign. Pledge cards now are available in our information kiosks and in the Church Office. Please contact the Church Financial Office at finance@uumc.org or call 478-9387 ext. 224 for answers to your questions about pledging.
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Member Perspectives
UUMC and UT:
Complementary Endeavors
 In our faith community, John Wesley's enthusiasm for Christianity is a continuing inspiration. Less well known is Mr. Wesley's passion for the general enlightenment of society, long before the idea of free public schools arose. He understood that religious indoctrination and the diffusion of knowledge can be different and complementary propositions. He was, after all, an Oxford University scholar as were his brother and father. Wesley established his first school, Kingswood, in Bath, England, in 1748, for the children of coal miners, who were soon joined by the offspring of Methodist preachers.
Bishop Francis Asbury brought Wesley's ideas to America in 1771 and began establishing schools and colleges, promoting public education by accepting all, including Jews, who found congeniality in Methodist environments. Asbury and his successors eventually created more than 1,400 Methodist schools and colleges. Virtually all colleges were church-related until Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 based on the daring vision that it should be completely separated from religious doctrine. When land-grant colleges were spawned in the 1860s, they were public and non-denominational, leaving churchmen to ponder, "How can we save heathen students attending those godless up-and-coming universities?" The solution was to build a church next door. Since Methodists did not require membership, students in the earthly university had a free and optional haven to explore and discover their spiritual inclinations free of meddling evangelizers. There was a natural affinity between the rising public universities and Methodists -- and it was all for the common good.
Thus, four years after the University of Texas held its first classes in 1883, University Methodist began with its four members welcoming UT's 250 students, among them 45 women. Implicit in the hospitality was Mr. Wesley's plea, "If your heart is as my heart, give me your hand." The church owed its existence to The University and The University needed the church, if only in the court of public opinion. Across the state, The University was widely reviled as an "infidel institution." Texans being Texans, some were offended that the statute creating The University prohibited "any course of instruction of a sectarian character" or any religious qualification for admission or privilege. This prohibition created opportunities for the church; call them fertile voids that even today University Methodist can speak to.
The University's enabling statute, adapted from Virginia, is factor in the controversies swirling around the institution today. Critics still oppose The University's freedom of inquiry and rejection of dogmas. There is a wonderful paradox in the bold proclamation carved over the entrance of UT's Main Building: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32 KJV). Seemingly contradictory, it is true both in the theological world and the secular world, supporting inquiring minds in both realms. Mr. Wesley would understand this irony better than many latter day Texans. The critical purposes of University United Methodist Church still endure. Let us join hands to make it even better.
-- Thomas M. Hatfield, Ph.D.
Dean Emeritus and Director
Military History Institute
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History
The University of Texas at Austin
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Why Not Give to UUMC
Two tax-smart ways to give that
you might not have considered
1.) The IRA Charitable Rollover was renewed for 2013, allowing an individual older than 70.5 years to donate up to $100,000 from his or her Individual Retirement Account directly to a charity such as UUMC -- without having to pay tax on the donated amount. There is no charitable deduction for withdrawal/donation, but a required minimum distribution can be satisfied in this way.
2.) A taxpayer of any age can donate appreciated property (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate) to UUMC and not be taxed on the appreciated amount. Moreover, the donor can take a charitable deduction for the full value of the donated asset.
Rules governing these procedures can be tricky, so it is very important to confer with your tax advisor or financial planner before acting.
-- Rowland Cook, Capital Campaign Co-Chair
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Learn More
We've posted more information and previous editions of this newsletter on the Capital Campaign page of our website:
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We Need
Your Support
At University United Methodist Church, we have a long tradition of worshiping and growing together in the light of God's love. We offer an open door and compassionate heart to those in our community and world who are searching for a place where the truth is told and all are welcome.
To continue the UUMC tradition as a sanctuary and voice for God in the midst of a broken world, we must be ready to do our financial part to sustain our ministries.
Replacing our deteriorating HVAC system, building accessible restrooms and remodeling a kitchen that no longer meets city code are three improvements that now need your financial support.
We hope you will support The Tradition Continues 2013 Capital Campaign, which will help us make these and other vital improvements possible.
Watch for more information in the weeks ahead as we continue the UUMC tradition.
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Save The Dates
April 28: Advanced gifts to the Capital Campaign announced during our worship services
May 5: PLEDGE DAY Congregation members bring forward their pledges during our 8:30 and 11 am worship services. Special music will be offered by the UUMC Choir. A church-wide picnic at the Littlefield House will follow our late worship services.
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You may also call the Church Office at 478-9387 during regular business hours and before noon on Friday University United Methodist Church
2409 Guadalupe St.
Austin, Texas 78705
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