Min. Krista's Office Hours: 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)
Do you need assistance with transportation or are you available to help out those who do?
We're implementing a new program to help coordinate rides and other transportation issues! Each week we'll have a designated Care Coordinator who will help match up those in need of a ride with trustworthy volunteers. To make arrangements prior to church email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before 6pm Saturday or speak with the Care Coordinator listed in the Order of Service on Sunday morning.
Adult Religious Exploration
Womens and Mens Groups
Women's UU Friendship Society (WUUFS) - Ivri Messinger, Program Coordinator for the SMUUF Legacy Society, will lead a discussion on our Legacy Program. She will have information on legacy giving in general, investment programs available through the Unitarian Universalist Association, in addition to activities that have tax advantages for participants. Regardless of your interest in legacy giving, our goal is to empower you to partake fully in the financial decisions of your families. Come and learn! No obligation!
Anyone who self identifies as a woman is welcome to attend. Childcare is provided.
Childcare is provided, with coffee available as we get closer to service time.
FUUDies (Fantastic UU Diners)
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 1 - "Numero UUno" are serving in November. 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 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 Chris Rambo at (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Dear SMUUF Families with Children,
We will begin our Soul Matters unit on "Attending" in our RE classes beginning Nov. 10. Our teachers are delving into this new curriculum and creating positive lessons to enrich the educational experience for your children. Children meet during the service. Make it a part of your weekly schedule!
We begin our Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Lifespan Sexual Education this Sunday. Young people in grades 7-9 will meet this Sunday, Nov. 10 from 2-5pm downstairs at SMUUF. . The O.W.L. classes will run for 13 weeks with breaks for holidays.
On Dec. 15 a parent meeting occurs for parents of children in grades 4-6. Their classes begin in January. Contact Laura Haygood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to register your child for either group of O.W.L. classes.
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.
Light and love,
Laura Haygood
SMUUF DRE
SOUL MATTERS THEMES FOR 2019-20 CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
October: Belonging
November: Attention
December: Awe
January: Integrity
February: Resilience
March: Wisdom
April: Liberation
May: Thresholds
June: Play
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:
| November 3 | O.W.L. Grades 7-9 begins, more details to follow |
| December 15 | O.W.L. Grades 4-6 begins, more details to follow |
(A calendar is posted downstairs with dates and themes)
SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
Week of Friday, November 8 - Thursday, November 14
Check the SMUUF Calendar for current listings of activities
New Events
SMUUF Building Update Meeting
Current Events
Central Texas Interfaith (CTI) Delegates Assembly
SMUUF is a part of Austin/Central Texas Interfaith, a coalition of over 50 congregations, schools, and social service agencies who work together to understand and address public issues facing families.
The Corridor Interfaith Alliance for Families we belong to is joining several other area organizations to form CTI. We need 10 SMUUF representatives to attend the assembly at St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin on the 10th. The purpose of the assembly is to ratify the agenda of issues for the coming year and celebrate the launch of CTI. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mike Russett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
CTI Gun Safety Petition
Petition asks Senator Cornyn to support a Senate vote on four House bills (two that have already passed in the House) covering enhanced/universal background checks, restrictions on high capacity magazines, and a federal "red flag" law. The Senate Majority Leader has so far blocked a vote on House-passed legislation. Petition cards will be available to sign on the table at the rear of the sanctuary Sunday (preferred), or can be submitted online at http://www.austininterfaith.org/gunsafety
Make sure to put SMUUF as your institution. Pass the word. You don't need to be a SMUUF member to sign the petition. The deadline to sign the petition is Nov 10.
Weekly Events
SMUUF Choir
Meets Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
UCM Sanctuary
Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to become a part of the choir, which sings for worship about twice a month. Please contact Gayle for directions.
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"
Meet at 10:00 a.m. @ Redbud Roasters for coffee, then a walk around the river or on a nearby hiking trail.
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..
Stand on Every Corner San Marcos - Fridays on the Square
We gather every Friday to protest the present administration, especially it’s mistreatment of emigrants crossing our southern Border.
Our hours are any time from 4:30 till 6:30 at the corner of LBJ and Hopkins, at the statue of Jack Hays. We have water and some extra signs.
Contact Ann Whitus: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A Call to Association for UU Music Ministries Members!
In an effort to better integrate the work of the Board and the Conference Planning Committee, expand and diversify the network of members in leadership positions, and broaden the scope of services to our members, we are seeking committed volunteers to participate in a new Team initiative in providing support to members and programming.
This initiative involves developing three teams. Each team will include 3-4 members, plus a Team Lead who has already been designated for 2020 and who will be seeking a successor for 2021. Team member selection will be based on knowledge, skill, and experience; with an emphasis on including those who bring diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, church size, type and other factors that reflect our broader membership.
Repertoire
The Repertoire Team will develop rep resources for our membership; maintain a database, lead hymn writing and composing initiatives, participate in webinars, etc... One task will be selecting rep for ourAnnual Conference based upon the direction of the CPC. David Glasgowwill serve as Team Lead in 2020.
Education
The Education Team will create educational resources, produce webinars, research and explore other opportunities to provide resources and support for our members in their role as music leaders. This team will also solicit and select (with CPC input) educational offerings during our Annual Conference. Sarah Jebian will serve as Team Lead in 2020.
Song Leader Convergence
The SLC Team will expand upon last year’s successful convergence by creating and facilitating programming that addresses the unique needs of song leaders in and around our faith. This team will work with the CPC to coordinate their offerings within the Conference. Matt Meyer will serve as Team Lead in 2020.
Team members will report to the Team Lead who in turn reports to the CPC and Board. The role of the Team Lead is to assign tasks, create an overarching vision for the work of that particular team, engage team members and hold them accountable for deliverables as assigned. Team Leads will work to identify and mentor rising leaders in the group to succeed them as Team Leads in the year(s) to come.
All selected Team Members will be required to sign on to the CPC covenant of conduct, and commit to being fully engaged in the work of the Team throughout the year. Team members will serve a 2 year term, with the option to renew for another term.
If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please submit a written response to the following questions:
1.) What vision do you have for this team to meet the needs of the AUUMM membership? (Select the team you are most interested in serving.)
2.) What knowledge, skills, experiences and insights do you bring to this team that will advance and enhance their work as it relates to the AUUMM mission and membership?
All submissions must be received by the CPC no later than December 1. You may email your submission to: Bea Ann Phillips, Conference Manager, on behalf of the CPC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions.
Many thanks for your interest!
Southwest Women's Unitarian Universalist Conference – Call for presentations and workshops
February 28 - March 1, 2020Do you enjoy leading group activities or discussions? Do you have a presentation that your fellow SWUUW attendees might enjoy? Have a great workshop idea that you've been wanting to put together? We'd love to see it!
We're looking for workshop proposals that address our theme "Break Not the Circle: UU Sisterhood in Acadiana" and fit within one of our 3 tracks:
- ACTIVISM & SPIRITUALITY: How you can make a difference, and/or living our UU values and principles
- ARTS: Creative writing, visual arts, or extended arts
- ACTIVITY (Physical): Drumming, yoga, and exercise, etc.
Workshops will be 90 minutes in length and will take place on Saturday February 29. We're accepting proposals until late October, so submit your idea today!
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).
- Oct 25-27 - Men’s retreat featuring Rev. Mark Skrabacz as the chaplain
- Nov 8-10 - Murder Mystery weekend hosted by Helen Sherwood and Olivia Carrender from Houston
- Dec 27-30 - Winter Family Camp featuring Rev. Betty Skwarek as the chaplain
- Feb 14-17, 2020 - Fiber Arts weekend - Bring your projects - new, unfinished, stalled and share, learn and work on those projects in a community of fellow artists of all levels of experience.
- April 3-5, 2020 - Contemplative Spiritual Practices retreat - Join Rev. Moore and Sandy in a weekend of contemplation, spiritual growth and renewal.
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.
San Marcos Contra Dance - 4th Sundays after SMUUF Service
San Marcos "4th Sunday" Contra Dance
All Dances are Prompted by a Caller... and Danced to Live Music!
Beginners Welcome! No Partner Necessary! This is a Family Friendly Event
We dance in the acoustically beautiful UCM Wesley Building, 510 N. Guadalupe Street, San Marcos TX. Free parking is available in the facility lot or the first level of the parking garage across the street.
$10 regular admission, with discounts for TAADA members and students.
For more information about Contra Dance: What is "Contra Dance"?
Check Out the Dance Hall in this You Tube Video for SM4sCD!
All dances held at:
United Campus Ministry 510 N Guadalupe San Marcos, TX
1:30-4:30pm
November 24, 2019
Band: Laughing Lizards
with Steve Bing on accordion, Donna Bing on guitar, and...
Caller: TBA
Sound: TBA
If you haven’t joined or renewed membership in TAADA, please bring the $20 and become a member. In addition to discounts on dances and access to dance reminders, your membership pays for our dance insurance and helps to keep dance prices lower.
Please come fragrance free for our dancers with allergies.
After the dance, some of us go to dinner at Italian Garden 2 blocks away to continue visiting. This is an open invitation and anyone can join us.
For more information and upcoming events, see our website https://sites.google.com/site/smcdtx
Joys and Concerns
SMUUF Hosts Allison Hess from the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) and Donates $1,000
SMUUF was very pleased to have Allison Hess, UU-UNO International Engagement Associate, as our speaker last Sunday. During Adult RE, she educated us on how the UU Office at the United Nations helps to influence the UN on our UU values. Her talk during our 11:00 a.m. Worship Service was on "Gender Equity" at the United nations.
Our congregation got the message and gave generously to support the UU-UNO — $1,000! Thank you all for your generosity! Gifts to the UU-UNO’s general fund keeps their office open year to year and allows them to be present at the UN advocating for Unitarian Universalist values of human rights, inclusion, justice, and peace. It helps them to pay their staff, keep their lights on, and organize and host events at the UN that help to influence the conversation at the United Nations. They depend on our contributions and we have done our part!
Much thanks to Rhoda Sterling for providing home hospitality to Allison Hess and a wonderful home-cooked meal Saturday night for Allison, Jeannie Lewis, and Mike Russett. And, likewise, much thanks to Mike Russett for providing transportation to and from the airport for Allison. The FUUDies enjoyed having Allison join us as our guest at Grins after church Sunday.
From left to right - Jeannie Lewis (SMUUF Social Justice Chair), Rhoda Sterling (SMUUF Treasurer), Allison Hess (UU-UNO International Engagement Associate), Krista Weber Huang (SMUUF Minister), and Mike Russett (SMUUF Member).
From left to right - Jeannie presents $1,000 check to Allison as Mike looks on.
UU-UNO Envoy Conference Call Tuesday, October 15
Jeannie Lewis, as SMUUF Social Justice Chair, is an Envoy to the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO). She participates each month in a conference call with UU Envoys across the United States with Allison Hess, the International Engagement Associate at the UU-UNO, as moderator.
Topics discussed on this call:
- UN Sunday, October 27, and our individual church plans for how to honor this day.
- Big conversation at UN about Turkey's invasion of Syria.
- Climate Action Summit in September.
- Panel Discussion on December 5 focusing on the impact of climate change on those most vulnerable.
- International Spring Seminar on Climate Justice April 5-18, 2020.
- Several other topics individual Envoys brought up for discussion.
Our next Envoy call will be in November.
TXUUJM Advisory Council Conference Call Tuesday, October 22
Jeannie Lewis, as a member of the Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) Advisory Council, participated in the monthly Conference Call with Rev. Chuck Freeman as moderator and other UU Advisory Council representatives from across Texas.
We discussed many social justice issues related to Texas. Jeannie informed the group about the UU-UNO International Engagement Associate, Allison Hess, coming to speak to SMUUF on UN Sunday, October 27. Jeannie also informed them about our monthly Donate-the-Plate collections and how we always get that information, with a photo, in the local paper. They were very interested!
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 Will Select Donate-the-Plate Recipients for 2020
The SMUUF Social Justice Executive Team will meet Sunday morning, November 24, to review the applications for Donate-the-Plate recipients for next year. 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.
2019 Recipients
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!
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!
To make a pledge or general donation at any time:
Legacy Society
Board Meeting Minutes available