Min. Krista's Office Hours this week: by appointment (you can also email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up another time to talk)
Adult Religious Exploration
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Lay Leading But Were Afraid to Ask
Please join us to learn how to give your talent to SMUUF. In the worship service, the Lay Leader represents the congregation, the ultimate authority according to our Unitarian Universalist faith. Serving as Lay Leader provides an opportunity to share your unique presence with our community.
If that seems daunting, remember that SMUUF worship services provide a nurturing environment where your actions are prescribed by routine and your words can be fully scripted, if you want them to be. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of a group. Min. Krista, Priscilla, and Jeff will lead this discussion; current active Worship Associates/Lay Leaders are encouraged to attend.
Please contact Marissa Fehler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in upcoming RE.
Coffee and childcare is available during adult RE, all are welcome to attend.
SMUUF Artist Exhibits
Sunday, July 21 after service
SMUUF is organizing a pop-up, one-hour SMUUF Artist Exhibit for after service on July 21. We know we have lots of artists in our congregation, and we’d like to showcase your talents. This event will also be a nice way to meet or better know other members of our congregation.
We ask artists to bring 3-4 works, each no larger than 18 inches across, to be displayed on tables in the fellowship/dining room. Please bring table easels for yourself, and if you have extra ones, please bring those too (with your name and contact info on back). If your art is too large for table top display, we might consider allowing space for 1-2 large easels each for 2 artists to display in the corners of the room.
Laura Haygood will facilitate a children’s table (or two) with a submission of 1 piece each.
Artists will provide cards or tags that identify the names of the pieces, artist name and medium.
We will set up before service at 10:00 am and take down by 1:30pm. The display tables will be pushed up against the walls in order to give space to view art and chat with the artists. All artists will be responsible for setting up and cleaning up afterward.
Please let Garrie Borden know if you’d like to participate by Sunday, July 14. She needs to know the final count of artists and pieces in order to provide exhibit space for all. You may contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Finance and Investment Committee Meeting
There will be a Finance and Investment Committee Meeting after service. All are welcome to attend. Contact: Ivri Messinger (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
FUUDies (Fantastic UU Diners)
This week: Shai Yo Grill, 700 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos
The Fantastic UU Diners eat together after church at a different local restaurant almost every Sunday. They love to have new folks join them! See Jeannie Lewis or Lee Bricker after worship. They’ll save you a seat!
Hospitality Teams get it done every Sunday! Searching for new Hospitality Team leader!
After two years serving as hospitality lead, Chris is looking for someone who she could gently transition into this position. It is a great way to get to know people in the congregation and serve in a really meaningful way to provide welcome to those attending. Please feel free to chat with her about what this entails or any questions you might have. Chris Rambo This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Members of Hospitality Team 5 are serving in July. Thanks to these folks for making coffee, providing refreshments, greeting, and generally making the church ready for worship and fellowship!
A great way to get involved at SMUUF is by joining a Hospitality Team. For one month approximately every 7 months, each team provides the refreshments for the SMUUF service, sets up the building, and cleans everything up afterward. It's a wonderful way to meet other SMUUF members and get right into service with us.
You may click here to download a copy of the Hospitality Team duties.
For information about how to join, contact Chris Rambo at (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
THERE ARE NO CHILDREN'S RE CLASSES DURING THE SUMMER
Dear SMUUF Families with Children,
SMUUF Summer Camp begins this Sunday, July 21
Bring children downstairs before service at 11:00 am. There will not be a time for all ages so that we can have plenty of time for our wiggly, giggly fun with the study of Bats. Camp will continue Sundays through Aug. 11. There is a special field trip to view bats on the evening of Aug. 21st. If you would like to sign up for that, please do so this Sunday.
Camp Schedule:
July 21- Bats
July 28- Bugs
Aug. 4- Birds
Aug. 11- Bees
I am trying to organize a related field trip to view bats. This would be an evening trip to Bracken Cave on Aug. 21st. Bracken Cave (near San Antonio) is the summer home of more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), making it the world's largest bat colony and one of the largest concentration of mammals on earth. The emergence of these millions of bats, as they spiral out of the cave at dusk for their nightly insect hunt, is an unforgettable sight. http://www.batcon.org/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/bracken-cave
The space is limited to twelve people so please contact me by July 1st if you are interested in attending the bat viewing. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SMUUF Family Invite
We are excited to announce an end of summer gathering to share, socialize and plan for the year of RE for our children. Here are the details:
SMUUF Families with Children Back to School Potluck 🌈
When: Saturday, August 17th at 5pm
Where: The Johnson’s House (Joel, Laura, Alice and Robyn)
1116 W. Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos TX, 78666
What to Bring: Potluck dish. We will have water, tea and juice. Feel free to bring your favorite drink. Towel and change of clothes for the littles for kiddie pool and sprinkler fun!
Pass the information on to families that may be interested in SMUUF. We look forward to seeing you there!
O.W.L. (OUR WHOLE LIVES: LIFESPAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION)
We hope to organize an O.W.L. classes for our young people. We have seven adults successfully trained as facilitators for grades K-1, 4-6 and 7-9, 10-12. Stay posted for information about classes for SMUUF Children and the wider community.
UbarU CAMPS
There is an event to be held at UbarU October 4-6 for grades 8-10. I would love for some of our YUUTH to attend this "Coming of Age" retreat. See the flyer:
There is much happening at SMUUF. We look forward to seeing you and your families each Sunday.
Laura Haygood
RE Class Time
Children meet downstairs right after "Time for All Ages". Parents are asked to help children pick up their name tag at the top of the stairs and go into service. Children are welcomed into service in order to help them link with our larger community. They will be sung out after the story and met by teachers to go downstairs.
Room and Teacher Assignments:
| Infant-3 years | Beatrix Potter Room with Deana Piñales |
| 4 years-Grade 2 | Seuss Room with Robyn Kendrick & Jillian Whitehead |
| Grades 3-5 | Susan B. Anthony Room with Monica Rasco & Marissa Fehler |
| Grades 6-12 | YUUTH with Laura Haygood |
Here are some upcoming events to mark in your calendar:
| July 12-14 | OWL Training in Dallas |
|
Sun. July 21 & 28;
August 4 & 11
|
SMUUF BATS, BUGS, BIRDS & BEES Summer Camp |
| August 17 | SMUUF Families with Children Back to School Potluck |
| August 21 (dusk) | Field Trip to Bracken Cave |
| October 4-6 | UBarU Coming of Age Retreat |
(A calendar is posted downstairs with dates and themes)
SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
Week of Friday, July 19 - Thursday, July 25
Check the SMUUF Calendar for current listings of activities
New Events
SMUUF Families with Children Back to School Potluck 🌈
Saturday, August 17th at 5pm
The Johnson’s House (Joel, Laura, Alice and Robyn)
1116 W. Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos TX, 78666
What to Bring: Potluck dish. We will have water, tea and juice. Feel free to bring your favorite drink. Towel and change of clothes for the littles for kiddie pool and sprinkler fun!
Pass the information on to families that may be interested in SMUUF. We look forward to seeing you there!
Weekly Events
SMUUF Choir - Join us on Sundays through the summer!
During the summer months, the choir will rehearse on selected Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to become a part of the choir, which sings for worship about twice a month.
Contact: Gayle Gaston (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Sewing Guild
Meets Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Allen Family home in Martindale
The Sewing Guild has made and delivered over 700 quilts to children in need.
Friday "Talk, Then Walk"
In July and August, we will meet at 10am at the Lion Club Tube Rental Parking lot to go tubing instead of walking.
Enjoy good company, conversation, refreshments and a healthy walk. We usually walk about 45 minutes around the San Marcos River, Lower Purgatory, Ring Tail, Spring Preserve and other nature trails. Hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Garrie Borden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Social Media Camps
Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: Take you business to the next level! Join one of the Social Media Camps being offered by our own Main Street Program! See Below!
Gloria Salazar
Program Coordinator
Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos
512-878-0640
If you have any questions, please contact Josie Falletta, Interim Main Street Manager, at 512.393.8430 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The San Marcos Main Street Program invites you to our FREE Social Media Summer Camp! We are opening our office doors for four hands on, interactive summer workshops. The sessions are all free, however RSVP is required, as seating is limited. Some laptops will be available for use, however we encourage you to bring your own. All sessions will take place from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at the Main Street office (317 N LBJ Dr).
RSVP for all sessions at: https://socialmediasummercamp.splashthat.com/
June 18th - Graphics for Non-Designers
Tips and tools for creating beautiful graphics, using programs with simple functions.
Featuring special guest, camp counselor Charlotte Wattigny, !nnovation Officer, San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau
July 2nd - Back to school: Self-Graded Report Card
How does your Facebook page score? Take our "quiz" to find out, self-graded, report for your own use.
Featuring special guest, camp counselor Sarah Smith, Social Media Specialist, San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau
July 16th - Creating a Successful Facebook Event
Create events the Main Street way! Learn best practices to make your event stand out and gain traction.
Featuring camp counselor Josie Falletta, Interim Manager, San Marcos Main Street Program
July 30th - Reaching a Larger Audience on Facebook
Explore free and paid options to expand your reach. Please feel free to bring a laptop!
Featuring special guest, camp counselor Sarah Smith, Social Media Specialist, San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau
Seeking Stories for “The Every Day UU: Now and Then.” Submissions due June 30
We are writing to you to invite you to submit stories for our collection, “The Every Day UU: Now and Then.” As part the UU History Renaissance Module, we were required to create a final project that would connect with what we had learned in the course. It became evident to us that although we have numerous stories that document the achievements of some UUs, many voices are missing. In addition, we noted that there are certain famous UUs that attract our attention for the huge efforts they made. But we don’t have a collection of stories about UUs, who in living their faith, make small differences every day. Moving forward we thought it would be great to begin this process of sharing stories about our congregants from the past and present.
What are we looking for?
Each submission should be between 300-500 words submitted as a Word Document. You may submit as many stories as you like. Please include details about the person and when and where the story took place. Please provide a picture of the person if you can.
The deadline for the initial collection of stories will be June 30, 2019. Depending on the interest in this project, additional collections may be requested in the future.
We envision this collection being used in several ways. Church committees may choose to read a story as inspiration at the beginning of a meeting. Religious Educators may find stories that would work for A Time for All Ages. Congregants might read a story each day as a spiritual practice.
Please send all stories, photos and release forms to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We look forward to receiving your stories. Release form and sample stories here.
Sincerely,
Joanne Dingus Director of Religious Education, Newport News, VA
Twinks Hastings, Children and Youth Ministries Director, Brewster, MA
UBarU Camp & Retreat Center Upcoming Events
There are some fun events coming up at UBarU Camp & Retreat Center! For more details and to register please go to www.ubaru.org. If you want to rent a cottage for a quiet weekend not during a retreat, email Robyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Click each date to view the flyer (if available).
July 28-Aug 3 - Sky & Earth youth science camp
Aug 4-10 - Human Sexuality camp based on OWL values - for rising 8-9th graders
UBarU Camp & Retreat Center is offering a Human Sexuality camp this summer. It is based on the values of Our Whole Lives targeted content for rising 8-9th graders (13-14 year olds) from Aug 4-10, 2019. Thank you for sharing this information with your families. Click here to view the informational flyer.
A week of camp at UBarU is a time to make new friends and reconnect with old friends. We will swim in the beautiful limestone swimming tank, ponder the Milky Way on clear evenings, do some community service, walk the labyrinth, and take field trips to enjoy the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. And of course, we spend some time having fun while we deepen our UU faith.
Joys and Concerns
SMUUF Donates $550 to School-Age Pregnant and Parenting (SAPP) Program Last Sunday, July 14
The SAPP Program in the School District operate a free daycare for the children of school-age who are parents so they can continue their education. See what Jennifer Vogel, the Program Coordinator, says below.
"Last year the funds from the Donate-the-Plate collection went to move the district-wide sex education plan to a comprehensive plan implementing training annually including LGBTQ sensitivity training. Teen pregnancy is the #1 cause for high school drop outs. Some of the issues include: poverty, low family education, domestic violence, dating violence, and repeat pregnancies. Repeat pregnancies in teen parents have dramatic outcomes for families and communities.
"In 2004, the School Parenting program developed the goal to reduce the number of teen pregnancies. The National average for repeat pregnancies of teen parents hovers around 65%. Prior to 2004, this statistic held true here in San Marcos. With a push for education and also working through the social workers conversations prior to birth about contraception following birth were implemented for all pregnant teens. The SMCISD teen parenting program has maintained a less than 1% repeat pregnancy rate for the past 10 years!
The School Age Pregnant and Parenting Program is honored to be apart of a community that respects its young people and wanting to support their educational efforts. This includes supporting healthy conversations about contraception and domestic violence especially in the teen parenting population. This year the program is studying domestic violence and hoping to establish goals and objective to be able to positively affect trauma on young families. This year’s Donate-the-Plate funds will be used to develop these programs.
Thank you San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for being active leaders in the San Marcos community.
Pictured from left to right: Jeannie Lewis (SMUUF Social Justice Chair), Jennifer Vogel (SAPP Program Coordinator), Jordan Buckley (AMUUF Board President).
Good SMUUF Turnout at Lights of Liberty Vigil to Protest Situation at our Border
SMUUF had 18 people show up last Friday, July 12, at 7:45 p.m. to protest the horrible events at the Texas border. There were many other community people on the Hays County Courthouse lawn. It was a very moving ceremony — could make you cry. We hope our presence made a difference and that we can take further action. Much kudos to Karen Muñoz and Jordan Buckley for organizing this!
Pictured from left to right: Front row - Gil Fulmer, Sarah Wren, Catalina (Judy Telford's granddaughter), Rhoda Sterling, Ann Allen, Jeannie Lewis. Back row - Jordan Buckley, Karen Muñoz, Taylor Tribbey, Kate McCarty, Molly Lawrence, Judy Telford, Becky Allen, Unknown. Not pictured - Lisa Arceneaux, Lisa and Jon Cradit, Jeanne and Bob Garthwaite, Lynn Williams.
Music video by Willie Nelson, Featuring SMUUF Family and UUs
Please listen to this recent social justice song performed by Willie Nelson about immigrants at our border. Do look for our SMUUF "father," Rev. Karl Brown featured in a solo photo in this video. Also, look for the yellow UU banner feathered in the photos.
Click here to view a letter to our Texas senators opposing detention and conditions at the border.
Report of TXUUJM Accomplishments During the State's Legislative Session
Our SMUUF Social Justin Chair, Jeannie Lewis, is on the Advisory Council of Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM), and participates in a monthly conference call with other UU Advisory Council members all over the state of Texas. The big conversation this week was what TXUUJM accomplished during the state's legislative session.
TXUUJM SENDS LEGISLATORS HOME SEEING YELLOW (FOR JUSTICE)!! HOW DID TXUUJM INFUSE UU VALUES INTO THE 86th LEGISLATURE?
Texas UUs,
This is TXUUJM's third legislative session since our founding in 2012. We are now 34 congregations strong. Our influence and effectiveness is growing. We have morphed from being unknown to being trusted and respected.
Here are many of the tangible ways TOGETHER we infused our UU values into the 86th Legislature.
* With the leadership of TXUUJM President Mike Phillips in partnership with the Texas Industrial Areas Foundation Network $4.45 million was restored to the Adult Career Education Fund which provides matching grants for community collage job training programs so that low wage workers can advance to family wage jobs.
Job training programs in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio will be able to enroll several thousand more low wage workers to train for high wage jobs!
* TXUUJM conducted Legislative trainings in Austin & DFW with 58 people engaged from 15 congregations.
* Rev. Freeman participated in the Interfaith Prayer Service of Public Witness at the beginning of the session.
* 100 Texas UUs from 19 congregations gathered at the Capitol for our 3rd Legislative Action Day to advance our values in the public square.
* TXUUJM issued 18 calls to action among our members across the state regarding Reproductive, LGBTQ, Environmental, Economic & Voter Justice.
* Along with our allies like Planned Parenthood and NARAL we helped to stop over 30 war on women bills.
* TXUUJM joined with partners like the Texas Freedom Network, Equality Texas, and Texas Impact to end 19 LGBTQ discrimination bills.
* Rev. Freeman and several UUs joined Texas Impact for their Legislative Lobby Day.
* TXUUJM was a primary partner with the Texas Freedom Network in promoting the One Voice for Justice Interfaith March and Rally focusing on Immigration, Reproductive and LGBTQ Justice.
* UU Rev's Chuck Freeman, Kris Cervantes, and Daniel Kanter were leaders in the Planned Parenthood Clergy training & Lobby Day.
* Rev. Freeman taught & preached in 10 Texas UU congregations during the legislative session to encourage, educate and inspire our members. This underscores TXUUJM's commitment to relational justice ministry.
Horizon UU members take a selfie in the House chamber during the TXUUJM Legislative Action Day.
We WILL Bend Texas and America Toward Justice Together!
Soulfully,
Call for Volunteers at Respite Center at the Texas border
The Sacred Heart Respite Center in McAllen is in desperate need of volunteers. This the Center to which our Sewing Guild has sent over 800 blankets. Volunteers and staff work with families seeking asylum. It is located at 209 W. Hackberry Ave, McAllen, TX 78501.
If you are interested in making a financial donation go to the Catholic Charities Rio Grande Valley Website for information on how to do so.
If you are interested in volunteering contact:
Hermi Forsaghe, Volunteer Coordinator
956 458 3331
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Interfaith Welcome Coalition in San Antonio is another volunteer opportunity. Volunteers meet families who are seeking asylum at the airport or bus station and help them make connections to their next destination. These families have been assisted at the border at one of the Respite Centers there. You can reach the Coalition by email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Volunteer coordinators are:
Paula Henderson
Jo Pendleton
Karen and Karl Brown, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 512-395-5467
SMUUF Social Justice Team Selects Donate-the-Plate Recipients for 2019
The SMUUF Social Justice Executive Team met Sunday morning, December 16, to review the applications for Donate-the-Plate recipients for next year. There were 18 applications for only 10 slots. We usually leave two months open for unexpected situations like Hurricane Harvey, which we donated to and the backpacks for the homeless that we are donating to for December.
We were actually able to select 11 recipients because we combined PFLAG (San Marcos) and WFLAG (Wimberley) to share one Sunday and split the donation 50/50. The recipients selected were:
The recipients are all very grateful. We are busy now trying to schedule them into months that are best for their schedule.
This Donate-the-Plate monthly giving program in SMUUF has created strong alliances with local nonprofits and gained great respect in the community. I frequently hear from community members that they appreciate what we do in the community! -Submitted by Jeannie Lewis, Social Justice Chair
For more information or questions regarding Membership please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For pastoral care concerns please contact our Caring Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you have joys or sorrows, church or community news you would like printed in the Flash, or Sunday announcements, email the SMUUF Admin email account at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Need a SMUUF Name Badge?
Sermon Podcasts
Our most recent sermons are available on the website under the Past Sermons tab, and as podcasts from iTunes and Stitcher. Click the links to go to the SMUUF channels and subscribe. If you would like to listen to a past service not in the list of podcasts, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Automate Your Pledge
Tired of writing checks for your pledges? There are three ways you can avoid check writing, and never miss a monthly gift.
- If your bank has bill pay, you can set up an automatic monthly check to SMUUF directly from your bank. It's simple, and it costs you and SMUUF nothing, it should be a free service if offered by your bank.
- You can authorize a regular withdrawal (known as ACH) directly from your bank to ours.
- You can authorize a regular charge on a credit card that SMUUF can process.
For the latter two options, use our donation app to set up recurring payments either by credit card or direct deposit. It's painless!