Join us for worship in the Sanctuary as Megan Otto, Director of Campus & Young Adult Ministries,  preaches on "Some Days, I Don't Feel Like Being A Disciple" (Matthew 28: 16-20). During worship, we'll sing some of our community's favorite hymns as suggested by members. Have a favorite hymn you'd like to sing during worship in August? You're invited to write your requests on the "Additional Notes" pad in the registration books and place them in the offering plate. Our informal worship service in Harris Chapel is on summer hiatus through Aug. 24.
    
Praxis



University UMC's Social Justice & Mission Ministries 
Praxis is our online venue for news and conversations of social justice and mission at University UMC and the surrounding Austin community. Please contact Diana Dworin, our Communications Director, at [email protected] with mission or social justice updates, opportunities, pictures and event notices. Click here now to visit and bookmark Praxis as you learn more about:

  
News + Events
Staff Changes at UUMC
University UMC's Wesley Choir Director, Debra Erck, is leaving her position with the church's music program. UUMC is grateful for her development and leadership of this ministry, her deep love of children and the many ways in which she nurtured their faith formation. Debra and her family continue to be valued members of UUMC, and we offer them the support of our prayers and sincere best wishes during this time of transition and new beginnings.

Youth Transition Adventure | Fri. Aug. 15, 9:30 am to 4 pm

Help us welcome incoming Sixth Graders into our Youth Ministry program. UUMC Youth will head to Krause Springs with Natasha Ulack, director of Children's Ministries, and Heather Lee, our new Youth Ministry director. Meet up at church with a sack lunch, towel, sunscreen, reusable water bottle and clothes over your bathing suits. Cost is $7 for 12 years or older, $5 for 11 years or younger. RSVP to Natasha Ulack at [email protected].

Registration Opens Friday for Tuesday Night Lights Classes
Join us this fall for a new round of Tuesday Night Lights adult education classes at UUMC:
Judaism 101
Sept. 16 to Oct. 7 | 4 class meetings

Judaism
is one of the oldest religions still existing today and it is the first of the world's three Abrahamic traditions, which also includes Christianity and Islam. Learn about the core beliefs, holiday observances, worship practices, notable figures and history of this rich and vibrant faith. Facilitated by Rabbi Kerry Baker.

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time

Sept. 16 to Oct. 14 | 5 class meetings

One of the vital challenges facing thoughtful people today is how to read the Bible faithfully without abandoning our sense of truth and history. Join us for a study of "Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally" by acclaimed author Marcus Borg as we look for a solution to the problem of how to have a fully authentic yet contemporary understanding of the scriptures. Facilitated by Rev. John Elford.

Painting the Stars

Sept. 16 to Nov. 11 | 9 class meetings

View and discuss the popular DVD series "Painting the Stars: Science, Religion and an Evolving Faith." These videos celebrate the communion of science and faith, and explore the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality from the perspective of leading theologians and progressive thinkers. Facilitated by Rev. Richard Strait.

Godly Play for Adults

Oct. 14 to Nov. 11 | 5 class meetings

Godly Play is an approach to faith formation that combines story-telling with spiritual practices that help us explore the mystery of God's presence in our lives. It engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into -- and pursuing us in the midst of -- scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God's call in our lives. Facilitated by Natasha Ulack, UUMC's Director of Children's Ministry.

How Is It with Your Soul?

Oct. 14 to Nov. 11 | 5 class meetings

Bring into balance the inner and outer dimensions of the Christian life. Organized around four verbs -- pray, learn, mentor, transform -- this class will challenge you to become a more vibrant disciple of Christ as we study together "How Is It with Your Soul?" by authors Priscilla Pope-Levison and Jack Levison. Facilitated by UUMC member Ann McGinley.

Stop Beating Yourself Up: The Journey of Self-Compassion

Oct. 21 to Nov. 11 | 4 class meetings

Many people believe they need to be self-critical to motivate themselves -- but in fact, they just end up feeling anxious, incompetent and depressed. Join in our group study of Dr. Kristin Neff's book, "Self-Compassion: A Healthier Way of Relating to Yourself," as we explore how self-compassion helps us see ourselves more clearly and opens a path away from constant, debilitating self-judgment. Facilitated by Rev. John Elford and UUMC member Diane Ireson.

   

Sunday School Kick-Off & Blessing of the Backpacks | Sun. Aug. 24, 9:45 am
Celebrate the back-to-school season at University UMC as we begin a new year of Sunday School for children and youth. Gather in the Sanctuary at 9:45 am, meet your new Sunday School teachers and explore your new classrooms. At our 11 am Sanctuary worship service, children are invited to come forward for a special blessing of their backpacks. On this day, we'll also collect school supplies for Austin-area children in need. Drop off your gifts of notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pens, pencils and other supplies in our collection bins located in the Church Office and the Sanctuary and Chapel lobbies. Come out to the Courtyard after our 11 am services to enjoy cold cups of Blue Bell ice cream.

Chapel Service Resumes | Sun. Aug. 24, 11 am
Join Megan Otto, Director of Campus & Young Adult Ministries, in UUMC's historic Harris Chapel for a new experience in the worship life of our community of faith. This informal, creative worship service invites people of all ages -- especially those who are restless for God in their lives -- to come as they are.

Fifth Sunday Gathering | Sun. Aug. 31, 9:45 am, Fellowship Hall
Learn more about the missions at Parker Lane UMC as we host Rev. Tina Carter and special guest Mindy Johnson. Get inspired about the ways that our UUMC community can tag-team with Parker Lane in their ministry efforts and outreach in Central Southeast Austin. For more information, contact Heather Lee, UUMC's Justice Associate, at [email protected].
   
Intergenerational Summer Reading Project | "The Hunger Games" 
Head to your neighborhood library or bookstore, and pick up a copy of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" for some mind-opening summer reading. As part of an all-new Intergenerational Summer Reading Program, UUMC invites you to read this novel in preparation for the fall, when Pastor John preaches a new sermon series beginning Aug. 24 on themes from the book.    

Prayers at UUMC
Prayer requests are always welcome at UUMC. You're invited to write your requests on the "Additional Notes" pad in the registration books and place them in the offering plate. You may also email your requests to [email protected]. For more information about prayer requests or to join a Prayer Team at UUMC, contact Rev. Lisa Blaylock, associate pastor, at [email protected].

Austin's PRIDE Parade | Sept. 20
Plan to join us on Sat. Sept. 20 at Austin's annual PRIDE Parade. T-shirts for this event will be on sale in the Courtyard after church through Aug. 6. For more information, contact Heather Lee, UUMC's Justice Associate, at [email protected].

Youth Ministry Connections & Directions Report and Lunch | Sat. Sept. 27, Noon     
Come out for a lunch at church as we release an important report on our Youth program -- a ministry that reflects the vitality of the congregation at large. For more information, contact Heather Lee, UUMC Youth Director, at [email protected].

Meet-Up for New Young Adult Sunday School Class | Sun. Sept. 28, 5 pm
A new Sunday School class for young adults (ages 25-35) begins this fall on Sun. Oct. 12 at 9:45 am. Join us for dinner and conversation on Sun. Sept. 28 at 5 pm at church as we explore options for the class, which will be facilitated by UUMC member Trish Merrill. RSVP for the meet-up to Natasha Ulack at [email protected].   
 
Flowers Needed
Members are welcome to dedicate flowers in the Sanctuary for our Sunday services. UUMC volunteers later use the flowers to make and deliver arrangements for seniors on their birthdays as well as homebound and hospitalized parishioners. Available dates to reserve flowers include: Nov. 16, 23 & 30. Email the Church Office at [email protected] or call 512-478-9387 to reserve your preferred date.