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
November Donate-the-Plate – Redwood Community Center
This is the first time we have donated to the recently formed Redwood Community Center, Inc, DBA Centro Esperanza. Below is a letter from Ellie Stewart, Treasurer of the organization. Ellie joined us on November 8 to tell us about this organization. Please go to smuuf.org/giving to give generously to this worthy organization anytime in the month of November.
To the Congregation of San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship:
Dear Friends,
My name is Ellie Stewart. I am the Treasurer of Redwood Community Center, Inc. dba Centro Esperanza. First of all, I would like to tell all of you how very much we do appreciate being chosen as a recipient of your “Donate-the-Plate” program.
Many of you probably know about the small community of Redwood / Rancho Vista. Approximately 5000 people live in the area and the majority live below the poverty line. Our non-profit is trying to make life somewhat better for these needy families.
A donated 2-acre lot has finally been developed into a community gathering place. A small building has our office and a classroom where ESL, GED, computer classes and several other events take place. A large open pavilion is available for community events. We provide food delivery for qualifying families, health clinics, activities for children and host several special events. There is a playscape, a soccer field, and soon to be built, a ½ basketball court.
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 won’t have our usual big holiday events, we do plan a drive-thru “trick or treat” and a drive-thru Christmas party. Thanksgiving turkey dinners will be provided to those who need them.
Your donation will make it possible to hold these events! We once again thank you so much for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Ellie Stewart
Adult Religious Exploration
This Sunday – Social Justice Forum via Mano Amiga Zoom
Update on the Cite & Release Ordinance, with an Invitation to City Council Hopefuls to Clarify their Positions on the Pioneering Policy
Make sure to check your email for join instructions, watch on the SMUUF Zoom account, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/130640138596510
Mano Amiga, MOVE Texas and the San Marcos UU Fellowship will host an online forum assessing the status of the state's first City law to limit unnecessary arrests for low-level offenses, six months into implementation: the Cite & Release Ordinance, known as the "San Marcos model" to other cities across Texas now pursuing similar policy (Houston, San Antonio, Laredo, et al).
Last week, Stan Standridge assumed the helm of San Marcos PD's leadership as the new Chief, proclaiming in the Sunday edition of the Daily Record:
“The notion of incarceration working as a model of criminal justice is fantasy. Everybody recognizes that incarceration doesn’t work, especially for nonviolent offenses."
Presenters will give an update on the 2nd Quarterly Report on Cite & Release usage –– a data report required by the Ordinance for transparency –– as well as the controversy of the Police Officers Association vowing to undermine the Ordinance by eliminating warnings for minor offenses, in favor of needless criminalization.
Afterward, Omar Baca & Mark Gleason, candidates for Place 5, and Miguel Arredondo & Jane Hughson, candidates for Mayor, have been invited to participate & share their viewpoints on the Ordinance.
This event will be streamed to the SMUUF Zoom account, but please remember to join the Mano Amiga Zoom account for the best experience.
Upcoming RE Meetings
First Sunday: SMUUF Book Group @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 6: 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 December is Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
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, December 13: To be announced
Anyone who self-identifies as a woman is welcome to attend. 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: Usually open
Sunday, December 20: No topic scheduled
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.)
Fourth Sunday: Environmental Justice RE @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 27: 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.
Unitarian Universalist Association's Common Read | SMUUF Book Group's December Selection
The 2020–2021 UUA Common Read is Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry, published by Beacon Press.
Emotionally raw and deeply reflective, Imani Perry issues a challenge to society to see Black children as deserving of humanity.
She admits fear and frustration for her sons in a society that is increasingly racist and at times seems irredeemable. However, as a mother, feminist, writer, and intellectual, Perry offers an unfettered expression of love—finding beauty and possibility in life—and she exhorts her children and their peers to find the courage to chart their own paths and find steady footing and inspiration in Black tradition. Breathe offers a broader meditation on race, gender, and the meaning of a life well lived and is also an unforgettable lesson in Black resistance and resilience.
We are in the midst of a historic national reckoning with what it means to live as a Black or Brown American and systems of institutional racism that have been operating since our country’s founding. As UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, has written, “It matters that we support the uprisings whose goal is the liberation of Black people and communities who for too long have been crushed by white supremacy, militarism, and capitalism. We must find the sources within ourselves to give us courage in this moment. To resist. To risk. To sacrifice for this movement that needs all of us to succeed. To be midwives for a new era in which all of us will be free.”
Discussion materials will be available for download in late fall 2020. For more information about the Common Read program visit: www.uua.org/read
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.
We have completed our first Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Lifespan Sexual Education classes in Spring 2020! Thanks to teachers, families and young people in grades 7-9 and grades 4-6 that participated. We are excited to offer this program to our community again in the future.
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, November 27 - Thursday, December 3
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
December 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’ll reflect 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
Group 1: Every Tuesday Morning
Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15 (Bonus Discussion Dec. 22)
Live Screening @ 9:30 a.m., Group Discussion @11:00 a.m.
Group 2: Every Other Tuesday Evening
Nov. 10, Dec. 1, 15, Jan. 5, 19, Feb. 2 (Bonus Discussion Feb. 16)
Live Screening @ 5:00 p.m., Group Discussion @ 6:30 p.m.
The second program we’re launching is a 6 Session Adult Religious Education course (open to 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.
This Fall we’ll run two reflection groups, each will start 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
Next meeting: TBA
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 August and September:
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..
Weekly Events
SMUUF Choir - Meet via Zoom
The SMUUF choir will continue to meet for a social hour at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month until we are able to rehearse again in person.
Please contact Gayle Gaston (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 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 Member Dr. Ivri Messinger will be retiring in January. Ivri is a pediatrician at Corridor Primary Care, providing care for the children of Hays County for 24 years. SMUUF wishes her the best in retirement!
Two SMUUF Members Featured in Hays County Women in Leadership
The 2020 edition of Hays County Women in Leadership was published in the Sunday, November 22, edition of the San Marcos Daily Record. We are proud and pleased that two of our SMUUF women were nominated.
Anne Halsey, who serves on the SMCISD School Board, was nominated for her "Community Service," as a "Forward Thinking Visionary."
Deana Piñales, who serves as SMUUF's Religious Education Coordinator, was recognized for her leadership in "San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship" and "Mano Amiga." She was noted as being "Proactive."
Congratulations to these two extraordinary women!
- New carpeting available: Colleen and Daniel Rafferty have replaced the wall-to-wall carpeting with tile in two rooms in their home, and wanted
to offer the brand new (dark brown) carpeting and nicely thick under padding to anyone within the SMUUF Community who would like it. The carpet was replaced after they closed on the house, and before they moved in.
176sq ft.364sq ft. Here is the square footage that is available:
At the end of Nov./beginning of Dec. there will be another 233sq ft. available when they have another room tiled.
They are hoping someone would like the carpet very soon. Otherwise, it will be hauled away.
SMUUF Meeting Reports
SMUUF Social Justice Chair, Jeannie Lewis, attends several Zoom Social Justice Meetings each week. Below are brief summaries of a few recent meetings she attended. Any person in the congregation is invited to attend any of these free meetings. If you are interested, contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (512) 353-2872 and she will send you a link to join the meeting.
SMTX Mental Health Coalition Meeting – Wed. October 28, 1:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Our own SMUUF Member — and SMCISD School Board Member — Anne Halsey was the moderator for this local Zoom meeting. There were speakers from various Coalition entities. The new Director of Youth Services spoke. The main presentation was by Coalition member Eduardo Rios, whose teenage son with mental health issues recently committed suicide. He and his wife have formed a 501(c)3 Foundation called WillThrives named after his son William. The mission will be to improve access to mental health services.
Rios is leading a local initiative to help promote mental health resources for our youth during the pandemic, and discuss ways in which the Coalition and community can partner with and support these critical activities.
Rios said communication is vital — and connected to that are services / skills / fitness / nutrition. The first event the Foundation (WillThrives.org) is sponsoring is "I'm Not OK," a forum on teen anxiety and depression at the next meeting.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to reach out to Anne Halsey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) Meeting – Tue. October 27, 7:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m.
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.
International Women's Convocation (IWC) Meeting – Tue. October 27, 9:00 a.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00 a.m.
This organization is also known as the International Convocation of UU Women. It was formed several years ago but only since the Coronavirus pandemic have we been meeting on Zoom regularly. There are usually about 30 UU women worldwide who are now meeting twice a month. At this meeting we had UU women from across the US and around the world — Transylvania (where Unitarianism originated), Paris, Uganda, India, Japan, Canada, and elsewhere.
We break into small groups of about five to discuss a particular topic and then report back to the larger group. It is a very bonding experience!
Our topic for this time was as follows: "The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating effect on gender equality: the global health crisis threatens to undo a century’s worth of progress toward a more gender-equal world. The scale of this pandemic affects girls and young women in all aspects of their daily lives: their safety, wellbeing, education, economic security, health, nutrition, and access to technology.
"What advice would you give to a woman in her early 20s today? What do you wish someone had told you when you were that age? What advice would you give to your younger self?"
It was a very thought-provoking topic.
We'd love to have some more SMUUF women join us.
Homelessness Coalition – Fri. October 9, 10:00 a.m.
There was an outpouring of interest and support — from our local homelessness groups, to food and mental health providers, housing, education, and advocacy groups, as well as local elected officials, church leaders, and community leaders — in this first organizing meeting to address homelessness here in Hays County.
Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, attended this first Zoom meeting to bring together many local organizations who have a role in addressing homelessness. Rev. Krista was there to speak for SMUUF. There were 59 people who attended.
The HOME Center, which SMUUF has supported, reported on their Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted in January of this year in an attempt to get an accurate count of the homeless in Hays County.
Click the image to view larger, and view the more detailed report here: PIT Count
Jeannie counted 30+ local organizations who introduced themselves and described what they were doing to address homelessness in Hays County. Finally, a representative from the Texas Homeless Network gave a presentation.
Our next meeting is Friday, November 6, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you would like to attend — any interested person is welcome for free — please contact Deborah Carter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., follow the SMUUF News Flash or visit our Facebook page for the link to register.
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.
SMUUF Social Justice Executive Team Selects D-T-P Recipients for 2020
The Social Justice Executive Team met Sunday, November 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the UCM Fellowship Hall to examine and discuss the many applications received from prospective Donate-the-Plate recipients for the year 2020. We usually only select 10 recipients and save two open months for unexpected contingencies that seem to always occur. But for 2020, we decided to accept 11 and only leave one month open. We usually conduct D-T-P on the 3rd Sunday of the month unless the recipient organization requests another date that is best for them.
This is the tentative D-T-P schedule for 2020, subject to change:
Wimberley Pride (New) - February 16
Postponed - March 15
Mano Amiga - April 19
Indigenous Cultures Institute - May 17
Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos- August 16
Southside Community Center - September 20
Pet Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas (New) - October 11
PFLAG San Marcos - December 13
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!