Rev. Krista Office Hours
Rev. Krista will be holding virtual office hours Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at https://uuma.zoom.us/my/smuuf or via phone. If you would like to meet at another time please contact her via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or text or call her cell phone at 515-450-2437.
Are you able to provide assistance during these uncertain times?
Our Caring team is extending their service to our community by coordinating help to those who need assistance, in particular those of advanced age or who are immunocompromised. Care Coordinators will help match up those in need. To make arrangements email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/smuuf/
SMUUF Relief Fund Established
The SMUUF Relief Fund has been established to give temporary support for those who are living out the mission and vision of our Unitarian Universalist faith. This fund was established using 10% of a generous anonymous donation given to our congregation in May of 2020 “to help ensure the continuance of liberal religion in our community” through the challenges of COVID-19. People who find themselves in need of temporary financial assistance are encouraged to reach out to the SMUUF Relief Fund Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The needs of those who have traditionally marginalized identities will be prioritized. Confidentiality will be respected.
The SMUUF Relief Fund Committee
Adult Religious Exploration
This Sunday: Environmental Justice RE @ 9:30 a.m.
We will watch a presentation on the impact of animal agriculture by Keegan Kuhn which touches on the environment, racism, climate change, and regenerative agriculture. He updates information from Cowspiracy: The Sustainable Secret and animal agriculture. We will have a discussion afterward.
Keegan Kuhn is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, director, producer and professional musician. He is the operator of First Spark Media, a film and video production company tailored to creating stunning visual media for non-profit organizations and conscientious businesses. His films focus on social justice topics of environmental, animal and human rights issues. We look forward to your attendance this Sunday.
If you have time to watch Cowspiracy: the Sustainability Secret and Kiss the Ground, both will be good background for this RE, but they are not necessary...
You may watch them after the RE or not at all. Feel free to recommend additional titles or papers at the RE.
Contact Environmental Justice Leader BJ Allen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.
Upcoming RE Meetings - If you'd like to schedule an RE, contact Rev. Krista Weber Huang and Admin Marissa Fehler (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
First Sunday: SMUUF Book Group @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 7: The book group will meet on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30 for chatting and start discussion of book at 9:45. The book selection for February is See No Stranger: A Memoir & Manifesto of Revolutionary Love.
If you have any questions, contact book group leader Jeanne Garthwaite (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Second Sunday: WUUFS Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 14: To be announced
WUUFS welcomes anyone who self-identifies as a woman. Contact WUUFS Leader Jeannie Lewis (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (512) 353-2872)
Third Sunday: Vegan Food Exchange @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 21: Come join a few friends to talk about vegan food and share recipes. All are welcome, whether you are a practicing vegan or not!
Contact Environmental Justice Leader BJ Allen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.
Fourth Sunday: Environmental Justice RE @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 28: To be announced
Monthly topics related to environmental justice, climate, and ethical eating.
Contact Environmental Justice Leader BJ Allen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.
SMUUF Donate-the-Plate for January: Calaboose African American History Museum
Dr. Skyller Walkes is the President of the Board of Calaboose and will be with us at our Zoom Worship Service on Sunday, January 10, to tell us about how Calaboose has fared during the pandemic. Meanwhile, you can donate anytime in January to Calaboose. Go to www.smuuf.org/giving.
Dr. Walkes said, “On behalf of the Calaboose African American History Museum Board, please accept our most sincere thanks for this donation and especially for your ongoing and continued support of our efforts. Although the museum has been closed to the public for most of last year due to the pandemic, we have used this time to review our exhibits, plan for future events and conduct some much needed repairs and maintenance on the building and the exhibits. We are grateful to have the support of the City of San Marcos for major repairs and maintenance of the building, but the museum also has operational expenses and supplies that are needed for events, exhibits, and upkeep. Generous donations like yours aid us greatly in these tasks, and we are humbled to have that support."
Calaboose Board President Dr. Skyller Walkes, Junior Docent Don Thomas, Poet and TXST Black Art Association former Executive Director Breanna Miller.
Dr. Walkes continued, "The Calaboose thrives because of the continued support of our community members, even though our doors have been shuttered to prioritize safety. Certainly, we miss the energy and enthusiasm of visitors both new and familiar, but we understand that in an effort to ensure the health and safety of all community members, we had to make that difficult decision. We anticipate that we will be reopening in March and will be sure to keep the community updated."
Even with the pandemic, the Calaboose has been very busy behind the scenes, while masked up, of course. They are proud to share that since they've been closed, they've added a colorful new sign out front, had their windows meticulously replaced, cleaned up their landscape, completed some small renovations inside the building, re-organized the layout of their permanent exhibition space, created a virtual historical talks series with nationally renowned and local authors / talent on their YouTube channel, presented their first ever and largest attended virtual Eddie Durham Jazz Tribute 2020 on their YouTube Channel, participated in a virtual Kwanzaa celebration with Texas State University’s Institutional Inclusive Excellence — Student Initiatives, developed an elaborate Kwanzaa window exhibit in the Masur Gallery in Lockhart, TX, with the organization Where We Thrive, and designed a new edition of the Calaboose Museum T-shirts that are now available for purchase.
Dr. Walkes said, "We would most specifically like to use the support provided by SMUUF’s Donate-the-Plate donation to purchase an outdoor message board that will allow us to post announcements and other information on the lawn of the museum, so that individuals who pass by the museum — even when we are closed — can actively learn about upcoming events / announcements. We are thankful to SMUUF for your gracious support! The Calaboose Museum Board of Directors"
"SMUUF has a long history of being a faithful supporter of the Calaboose," said Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, "and we hope to continue that relationship."
Donate-the-Plate Recipients for 2021
The SMUUF Social Justice Executive Team met on Saturday, December 12, 2020, to select Donate-the-Plate recipients for 2021. The members of the SMUUF Social Justice Executive Team include: Jeannie Lewis, Chair; Rev. Krista Weber Huang, Ex Officio; Becky Allen, Diana Garcia, Gil Fulmer, Jordan Buckley, Rev. Karl Brown, Kate Clayton, and Mike Russett. All were present for the Zoom meeting.
We had received 14 applications and could only select 10. We always like to leave two months open for contingencies, and we always fill them. The choices were difficult because all the non-profits are worthy. But we agreed on the final 10. The Donate-the-Plate representative is regularly scheduled to visit our SMUUF Worship Service on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
The Calaboose African American History Museum – Jan. 10
H.O.M.E. (Homeless Outreach, Mitigation, and Emergency) Center of Central Texas – Feb. 14
Immune Boosters of Central Texas – Mar. 14
Texas UU Justice Ministry – Apr. 11
Indigenous Cultures Institute – May 9
Hays County Child Protective Board – June 13
San Marcos River Foundation – July 11
Redwood Community Center, Inc., dba Centro Esperanza – Aug. 8
PFLAG San Marcos – Sept. 12
UU Office at the United Nations – Oct. 24 (UN Sunday)
Nov. – Open
Dec. – Open
FUUDies (Fantastic UU Diners)
Sundays after service
Postponed until further notice.
The Fantastic UU Diners eat together after church at a different local restaurant almost every Sunday. The FUUDies always welcome new people. Please tell Jeannie before or after the Sunday service if you plan to attend so we can save a seat for you!
Dear SMUUF Families with Children,
Thank you for being a part of the San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and for bringing your children to church! Our congregation is greatly blessed by their presence among us. While there is no formal children's program at the moment, please join us on Zoom before Sunday service around 10:30 a.m. for a Time for Children with our amazing teachers. There will also be small group breakouts during our time for sharing Joys and Concerns every Sunday, and we offer our families their own space to share.
Please click here to view our December Parents and Caregivers newsletter.
SOUL MATTERS THEMES FOR 2020-21 CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Sept: Renewal
Oct: Deep Listening
Nov: Healing
Dec: Stillness
Jan: Imagination
Feb: Beloved Community
Mar: Commitment
April: Becoming
May: Story
June: Play
RE Class Time – On hold for now...
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 |
Here are some upcoming events to mark in your calendar:
(A calendar is posted downstairs with dates and themes)
SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
Week of Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28
Check the SMUUF Calendar for current listings of activities
Ways to Access Gatherings and Groups using Zoom:
Link: https://uuma.zoom.us/my/smuuf
Or by calling in to 346-248-7799 below and enter the meeting ID 849 653 9395
Support Group Meetings
This upcoming week we’re going to test out support groups! All of our Support Groups are open to members, friends, and visitors and will be held in the same SMUUF Zoom we use for Sunday morning worship. Support Groups will start with a reading of our Covenant and Chalice Lighting, followed by Check-in and Reflection Questions. These conversations will not be live streamed or recorded to maintain privacy. Groups with at least 5 participants will continue meeting weekly. If you would like to attend but have a time conflict please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as we may make adjustments based on interest and availability. See instructions above on how to access Zoom.
Sewing Guild
Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.
Anyone is welcome. We're always happy to have new Sewing Guild recruits.
Vulnerable Populations
TGIF Happy Hour
SMUUF Launching New Programs
I hope you will join us in these opportunities to "journey together toward spiritual wholeness in working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community!" Contact SMUUF Minister Rev. Krista Weber Huang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Soul Matters Small Groups
January Meetings TBA
This is a monthly small group program to reflect more deeply and listen to one another’s stories around our Soul Matters theme of the month. For November, we reflected on the question “What does it mean to be a people of Healing?” These sessions will be a time for us to put our deep listening skills into practice as well as experience the power of being listened to. These small groups are open to anyone so please share with folks who you feel might benefit from joining us. The dates and topics will change each month so keep an eye out in the News Flash.
Trans Inclusion in Congregations
Contact Rev. Krista at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in joining or getting more information.
We’re launching a 6-Session Adult Religious Education course (open to SMUUF members, select friends and teens who have completed an OWL course) called “Trans Inclusion in Congregations” which we have purchased for our use as a congregation from the Transforming Hearts Collective. In this course we will “deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform yourself and your congregation.” It includes 6 recorded sessions, additional reflection material, and conversation guides. There will be multiple ways to engage this material over the coming year and beyond, and we are particularly excited that one of the course’s creators will be leading worship with us this coming February.
We’ll run a reflection group, starting with a live stream of the session lecture, followed by a ~30min break, and then group reflection for an hour. While we are able to make the content available to members and friends for individual engagement or for viewing ahead of time, we strongly encourage you to join one of the groups and we ask that you do not share the exclusive materials created by the Transforming Hearts Collective outside of the SMUUF community.
For more information visit https://transforming-hearts-collective.teachable.com
To register for the course or if you would like to engage with the material but are unable to attend the scheduled groups please email Rev. Krista at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Other Events
Upcoming Central Texas Interfaith Events
Understanding power, and how it operates in the social/political world is central to organizing our communities. We can either deal with the realities of power and how to build it, or we are "dealt with". This workshop on power is one of the core training sessions in the IAF network, and relevant for both new and experienced CTI leaders.
Led by Lead Organizer Doug Greco
Hays County Local Homeless Coalition (LHC)
Next meeting: Friday, February 5 @ 11:00 a.m.The agenda will be sent out at least 5 days prior to the meeting. Minutes from the January meeting will be sent via email to those on the mailing list.
We now have enough member organization representatives (7) to formally establish our voting membership and bylaws! We got to know our members and officers at our January meeting. We heard from the West TX Homeless Coalition about how their LHC functions and how it has benefited their community. We also took a look at a draft coalition website (thank you Dominique Gayle!)
We are still welcoming nominations for representatives from organizations committed to ending homelessness in Hays County. Organizations may send a letter or meeting minutes designating one representative to the LHC board. The nomination, and therefore the organization's membership, will be confirmed by a majority vote of the established LHC voting membership.
Contact the organizers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are willing to volunteer or want more information.
The International Convocation of UU Women Meetings
The International Convocation of UU Women, also called the International Women's Convocation (IWC) will conduct a Zoom meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Meetings are expected to continue through the fall. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, has been meeting every week with this group on Zoom for the past three months of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been so comforting and inspiring to meet with these 25 or so women from all over the U.S. and other countries to discuss what we and our congregations are doing to deal with this crisis. I hope some more SMUUF women will join in.
See the link below to join this meeting in January:
Zoom Meeting ID: 283 947 380
Password: 385478
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/283947380?pwd=Y2lndllPNFVPQktuUnl0b045TjVtQT09
Or via phone --- find your local number here: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdsBxNyMX8
I hope to see you there! For more information contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Unitarian Universalist Association Virtual General Assembly
June 23-27, 2021
General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. Although we give up the face-to-face interaction and hugs that are prevalent when we meet in-person, we retain our dedication to community and make our experience more accessible and more environmentally sustainable.
Weekly Events
SMUUF Choir - Preparing music for worship
The SMUUF choir will resume rehearsals when it is safe to meet in person. Until that time, we have begun recording individual singers’ voices and combining them in recordings for worship services. If you enjoy singing and would like to join us in this endeavor, please contact Gayle Gaston.
Please contact Gayle Gaston if you would like to receive email notifications about choir activities.
Contact: Gayle Gaston (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Sewing Guild - Meet via Zoom
Meets Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom
The SMUUF sewing group has traditionally made small quilts which have been distributed to various individuals, including to those crossing the Texas/Mexico border in search of a better life. We recently identified another outlet for those quilts and wanted the congregation to know. It is a group called Alzheimer's Texas; they are located in Austin and partner with various care facilities to provide comfort quilts to their residents.
Here is a link to the Alzheimer's Texas most recent newsletter that includes an announcement of our partnership.
Contact: Ann Allen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Friday "Talk, Then Walk" - Meet in person with social distancing, masks
Meets Friday mornings, text Garrie Borden at 401-793-6435 for meeting info
Join us for a weekly outdoor, socially-distanced meeting and walk in San Marcos' natural areas. Bring a chair, beverage and mask. We meet every friday at 10 am to chat for about a half hour, then go on an approx. 45-minute walk around the river or on our numerous nearby trails.
Garrie sends out a text every Thursday to let you know where to meet. To join the group, text her, and she'll add you to the list.
Contact: Garrie Borden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SWUUW SouthWest UU Women Virtual Conference 2021, Feb. 26-28, 2021
When we departed our most recent SWUUW conference in Lafayette LA on March 1, we said good-bye with the expectation that we would meet next year in Fort Worth Texas for our 2021 conference. Since that time almost five months ago and the dramatic turn of events for all of us due to the Covid19 pandemic, and the uprisings in the nation in the wake of George Floyd's death, the board has met regularly with our primary focus on moving forward with conference planning.
To that end we recently announced on our Website and Facebook pages that the next SWUUW conference will be held online as a Virtual Conference Feb. 26-28, 2021 and will be convened by the SWUUW Board. While we are still early in our planning and discovery of how to deliver a virtual conference, we are excited about the possibilities! We want to incorporate as many of the elements that have made our past conferences so meaningful and memorable - powerful women speakers, spiritual celebration, space and time to deepen friendships and make new ones, fun and entertainment. Our mission of supporting women will continue to carry us forward and we wholeheartedly invite you to attend and be a part of it!
Also, we have scheduled our annual SWUUW board retreat for the last weekend in August. Traditionally, this has been our time to gather together for business and planning, to renew and develop relationships, to support the local conference committee, and have fun. This retreat, like our next conference, will also be online using Zoom to bring us together. A good amount of our time will be devoted to virtual conference planning. In order to assist in the planning, we ask for your participation in a survey which is included here. We are grateful for your input into this survey. We will take it into consideration as we establish the major activities for the conference.
We're also reaching out for volunteers to assist the virtual conference conveners. If you have experience with video conferencing and think that your expertise can help us, we would love to hear from you. Or, if you lack the technical know how but have a desire to help us "make it work" we would love to hear from you too. The aforementioned survey contains a way for you to indicate your interest in volunteering.
We thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, and look forward to seeing you virtually in 2021!
The SWUUW Board
A non-profit organization that supports women through worship, learning, leadership, community and social justice, SWUUW addresses women's issues, explores feminist theology, promotes friendships and celebrates the diversities that make us unique women on our individual spiritual paths. SWUUW is an organization open to all UU women, particularly those women in the Southwest District of the Southern Region of the UUA.
SWUUW aligns itself with the spirit of Welcoming Congregations as depicted by the UUA. All who see themselves as women are welcome.
Joys and Concerns
SMUUF Sewing Guild Donates Quilts to Central Texas Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
The SMUUF Sewing Guild delivered 30 small handmade lap quilts to SMUUF Member Alex Mylius to use with Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. Alex is the Early Childhood Program Deputy Director in charge of the Home Visiting and Community Partnerships Program with Community Action, Inc.
Alex explained, "We serve low-income families with children from birth to age five. The quilts will be given to families enrolled in our program; often families are living in housing with inadequate heat, and these quilts will provide some warmth for the children. Our staff can determine which of the families we serve who have the most acute need. Our staff and families are grateful to the SMUUF Sewing Guild for this generous donation of quilts. Sharing the literal and figurative warmth of our Fellowship feels especially important now when we can’t physically be together."
Alex Mylius loading the the 30 small lap quilts in her car for delivery to the children in the Home Visiting Program. Her son Leon is demonstrating one of the quilts wrapped around him.
The SMUUF Sewing Guild has been gathering weekly for several years at Ann Allen's home in Martindale to sew handmade small lap quilts and other items to donate to mothers and children at the border, for people in nursing homes suffering from Alzheimer's, and now to young children in San Marcos served by the Home Visiting Program. Since the pandemic, the Sewing Guild has not been able to meet as a group and sew together, but have continued to meet via SMUUF Zoom each week to keep in touch. Some members have sewn at their own home and a few have met outside on Ann Allen's back porch to sew. The SMUUF Sewing Guild is composed of Ann Allen (leader), Barbara Jacobson, Becky Allen, Betty Dewsnap, Betty Watkins, Carolyn Robinson, Janet Wallgren, Jeanne Garthwaite, Jeannie Lewis, Judy Telford, Kate Clayton, and Rhoda Sterling.
SMUUF Donate the Plate to Redwood Community Center
Published in the San Marcos Daily Record, January 1, 2021
The San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SMUUF) selects a worthy, local non-profit to donate to each month that aligns with their religious values. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF social justice chair, said, “During this time of the pandemic, our attendance and donations at our Zoom online services are not what they were at our in-person services where we could actually pass the collection plate. But we are determined to keep giving to the community.” Lewis continued, “This is the first time we have donated to the recently formed Redwood Community Center, Inc, dba Centro Esperanza. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” In the small community of Redwood/Rancho Vista, approximately 5000 people live in the area and the majority live below the poverty line. Redwood Community Center dba Centro Esperanza is a nonprofit trying to make life somewhat better for these needy families.
From left to right: Sulema Arrecis, Center Director for Centro Esperanza (and only paid employee); and Ellie Stewart, Treasurer; on the porch of the small building that serves as the headquarters for Redwood Community Center, Inc. dba Centro Esperanza.
A donated two-acre lot has finally been developed into a community gathering place. A small building houses their office and a classroom where ESL, GED, computer classes and several other events take place. A large open pavilion is available for community events. There is a playscape, a soccer field and soon to be built, a half basketball court.
Ellie Stewart, Centro Esperanza treasurer, said, “We provide food delivery for qualifying families, health clinics, activities for children and host several special events. While some of our activities have had to be put on hold due to COVID, we have been able to continue the food delivery, which is extremely important now with many people having lost their jobs. While we didn’t have our usual big holiday events, we did have a drive-thru trick or treat for Halloween and a drive-thru Christmas party. Thanksgiving turkey dinners were provided to those who needed them.”
Stewart continued, “We would like to tell SMUUF how very much we do appreciate being chosen as a recipient of their Donate-the-Plate program. SMUUF’s donation helped make it possible to hold Centro Esperanza’s holiday events! We once again thank SMUUF so much for their generosity!”
Lewis, with SMUUF said, “We were very happy to donate to Redwood Community Center this year (2020) and we plan to donate to them in this new year. We admire the good work they are doing!” - Submitted to the Daily Record by Jeannie Lewis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SMUUF Past Meeting Reports
SMUUF Members stay active, representing our congregation at many UU, national, and local meetings and events. Check out the most recent updates below. If you attend any events that you would like to share with our members and friends, send an email to SMUUF Admin Marissa Fehler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
UU United Nations Office Envoy Meeting – Tue. December 15, 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: TBA
SMUUF envoys Rebecca Allen and Jeannie Lewis attended the December Meeting. Please click here to view the minutes from the meeting.
Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) Meeting – Tue. October 27, 7:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: TBA
The TXUUJM Advisory Council meets the 4th Tuesday of each moth from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Each UU congregation in Texas is invited to appoint two people to serve on the TXUUJM Advisory Council. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, has served on the Advisory Council for several years and is hoping to find another SMUUF member who'll serve with her.
TXUUJ's main purpose is to lobby the Texas State Legislature to support legislative initiates that align with our UU values. Before each legislative session, UU congregations are polled to determine what are top priorities for them. The five issues below are those representing 36 Texas UU congregations and 55,000 UUs, so that gives TXUUJM some weight when talking to legislators.
Below are the UU issues selected for 2021-2022.
- Racial Justice
- Environmental Justice
- Healthcare Access
- Economic Justice
- Voting Rights
After the results of the November elections and we see more clearly the makeup of the legislature, we will begin to plot strategies on our top issues.
TXUUJM Values Voting Recommendations Announced. For the first time in our history, TXUUJM is employing our 501(c)4 certification to recommend candidates to our members! We urge our members to be engaged in these campaigns on every level they are able and to vote for these candidates.
At the same time, we encourage you to do your own inquiry into their platforms and records, and of course, to always vote your individual conscience. We are only making recommendations for state offices in Texas that are considered swing races by political observers and allies. We vetted the candidates on the issues nominated by 19 of our TXUUJM member congregations. Locally, State Representative Erin Zwiener, Democrat for District 45, was endorsed by TXUUJM.
Texas Collaborative for UU the Vote Update and Opportunities. The Texas Collaborative has now reached out to 33,000+ voters! And we are still looking for volunteers. If you can phone bank or text bank, contact our minister Rev. Krista. She has access to phone lists. The Collaborative is also meeting regularly to discuss possible post-election scenarios and actions that may need to be taken. They do plan to gather and celebrate or protest on November 3 or after.
If you are interested in serving on the TXUUJM Advisory Council, please contact Jeannie Lewis.
Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) Announces Texas Legislative Issues for 2021-2022
After a 10 week process of nominations and voting 25 Texas UU congregations (including SMUUF) we have chosen these top issues for us to work on collectively from 2020-2022!
1. Racial Justice
2. Environmental Justice
3. Healthcare Access
4. Economic Justice
5. Voting Rights
After the results of the November elections and we see more clearly the makeup of the legislature we will begin to plot strategies on our top issues.
We WILL Bend Texas and America Toward Justice Together!
SMUUF Awarded 2019-2020 Blue Ribbon Congregation by the UU Office at the United Nations (UU@UN)
The Blue Ribbon Award is an annual recognition that the Unitarian Universalist Office at the United Nations grants to congregations who demonstrate their commitment to building a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. These congregations are awarded based on their financial support of and active engagement with the work of the UU@UN. Having a prominent place within the civil society community at the United Nations gives Unitarian Universalists the chance to let our values be heard and respected on a global stage. Unitarian Universalists have had an outsized impact by working with the United Nations and its Member States and agencies to promote Unitarian Universalist understandings of justice and inclusion in their work for human rights, peace, and climate action. UU@UN Envoy Teams allow UU congregations to have an impact locally through uplifting United Nations initiatives and the values of interdependence and multilateralism in their communities. The UU@UN’s work is only possible because of the generosity of congregations and individuals who support it. Congratulations and appreciation for all 2019-20 Blue Ribbon Congregations! - Allison Hess, the International Engagement Associate at the UU@UN (Allison came to speak to SMUUF on UN Sunday back in October of 2019.)
SMUUF deserves to be proud of this honor. We will be receiving a plaque that we can display when we begin in-person services again.
Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justin Chair, and Becky Allen, SMUUF Environmental Justice Chair, received the announcement from Allison Hess. Both Jeannie and Becky are UU@Un Envoys representing SMUUF congregation. There are monthly UU@UN Envoy Zoom meetings that we can participate in.
San Marcos Area Black Owned Businesses – Updated July 2020
Some local parents have compiled a list of local Black-owned businesses, with additions by many others in the community. Lamar Hankins and Ramika Adams have added some more names of Black-owned businesses to the list. We encourage you to patronize these businesses and to spread the word. For more information, contact Marissa Fehler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Food
Soulful Creations - Wonder World Park, 1000 Prospect St.
Binge Kitchen - 121 N. Fredericksburg (210) 442-8126
Hurry Back Catering - (512) 766-5515 and Facebook page
Krab Kingz food truck - 128 Guadalupe St.
J & W Honeybuns ( & donuts) on Fb, (830) 888-0574
Wright’s Emporium - 225 S. Main St, Kyle
Wayne’s Wings @wayneswings Instagram
Bar Jarz - Facebook page
Clothing/accessories
Zeal by Zakiya online boutique
Wallaby Clothing Co. - Facebook page
Visionary’s Peace @visionaryspeace Instagram
MOGUL women’s clothing, 5007 Parkcrest Dr., San Antonio, Tx
MacioTees - San Antonio @maciotees Instagram
Bath/body products
Adina Johnson’s Treasures - Facebook page
Services
Tay's Lawn Care - Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TaysLawn/
Mountain Movers - moving company
STR8 Training - gym
Hai Tarot - Tarot, readings, farmer's market
Mo Betta Cutz on LBJ in SMTX - barber
Raven Zachary - hairdresser
Simply Texas Vinyl - Facebook page
MJWoodCo etsy shop - woodowrking and home decor
Arrondi Creative Productions & Hoodwitch book - Facebook page
Ramika Adams Realtor - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Merry Mascots & Party Rentals
District 35 Security & Investigations, LLC
San Marcos Electric Services - Joseph Matthews (512) 644-6362
Xclusive Hair Salon on RR12
Bottom Line Tax Services on Hwy 123
Mae Watts Parish, Realtor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spot Barbershop on Hopkins Street
Healthcare
Aminatu Akande, MD Live Oak Health Partners
Booka Baby Doula - Facebook page
Education
Calaboose African American History Museum
Fathers in Hays County - Facebook page
UBarU Events Update
We hope you are safe and well! UBarU Camp & Retreat Center is offering e-events to help you connect with camp and with each other. All the details are at http://ubaru.org/home/e-events
The upcoming events are offered free of charge and donations are gratefully accepted at https://ubaru.org/home/Support.
Thank you for your support- past, present and future!
If you have any questions, I am happy to be in touch. Please email Robyn Stout, Executive Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at 830-460-6002.
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?
Join the Hospitality team!
Thanks to the Hospitality Teams, these folks do a great job making coffee, providing refreshments, greeting, and generally making the church ready for worship and fellowship! Our teams are still working to help out with our virtual services.
A great way to get involved at SMUUF is by joining a Hospitality Team. For one month approximately every 8 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 Colleen Lane-Rafferty and Daniel Rafferty () or Kayla and Tynan McGuire (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!