Rev. Krista Study Break/Office Hours Update

Rev. Krista will be dedicating some additional time during the month of July for study leave and will not be holding her regular office hours. Though she will still be available for Zoom conversations by appointment. 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/

Adult Religious Exploration  

Ongoing RE Meetings

First Sunday: SMUUF Book Group @ 9:30 a.m.

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 for September is American Like Me by America Ferrera.

If you have any questions, contact Jeanne Garthwaite at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Second Sunday: WUUFS Meeting

August Donate-the-Plate Recipient: Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos

On Sunday, August 16, SMUUF will host Dr. Ricardo Espinoza, Executive Director of Centro, to our Zoom service to tell us more about Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos. But you don't need to wait until August 16 to make your D-T-P contribution to Centro. See the step-by-step instructions on how to donate at the bottom of this article.

SMUUF has partnered with Centro for several years and we love it when they come to our services and share with us what is going on at Centro. Centro is a nonprofit organization that has been around for nine years, and they satisfy the educational and cultural needs of stake-holders from 3 to 99 years of age. Also, they provide meeting spaces for area agencies and entities and have a library, museum, and hallway gallery. The mission of Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos (Centro) is to serve as a community beacon for the preservation, development, promotion, and celebration of the Hispanic arts, culture, heritage, and values.

Like all organizations, Centro has been impacted by the COVID - 19 pandemic. Dr. Espinoza says, "We have migrated to doing virtual programming. Our ArtSpace, Camp Ole, and FAMA/NASA Programming are being done virtually with enrollees picking up supplies to create and share. We have added adult Spanish and French Conversational Classes and are moving toward making our Museum experience virtual. We are continuing to grow our partnerships and have added the League of Women Voters, Calaboose, and Texas Folklife as our new partners. Visit us on the web at www.sanmarcoscentro.org"

Centro has plans for how to use our donation. They want to purchase a portable floor for their Ballet Folklorico Program. They have applied for other funds but were not selected. They will continue to make other attempts to raise money.

Dr. Espinoza said, "On behalf of our stakeholders, employees, Board of Directors, and everyone else, we appreciate SMUUF's generosity in supporting all that we do at Centro. It is with the great support of organizations like yours that allow Centro to continue the great work that we do in being 'All-Encompassing' and 'All-Inclusive'."

You can go ahead and donate before the Sunday Service — or after. Go to www.smuuf.org/giving for more information.

Or snail mail a check or cash. Make out your check to SMUUF with D-T-P to Centro on the Memo Line, or include a note with cash. Mail to: SMUUF, P.O. Box 1053, San Marcos, TX 78667. Thanks for your continuing generosity to our D-T-P recipients who are having a hard time during this COVID-19 crisis. For more information contact Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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!

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.

Dear SMUUF Families with Children,

We have completed our first Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Lifespan Sexual Education classes! 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.

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.

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 through the summer

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:

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, July 31 - Thursday, August 6

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 any of the phone numbers below and enter the meeting ID

Meeting ID: 849 653 9395
+1 346 248 7799
+1 669 900 6833
+1 646 876 9923
+1 253 215 8782
+1 301 715 8592
+1 312 626 6799

SMUUF Membership Informational Call

Saturday, August 8, 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Central) via SMUUF Zoom

Are you new to SMUUF and interested in learning more about Membership? Join Rev. Krista Weber Huang and the Membership & Caring Committee for a Zoom call to learn more. Contact Rev. Krista at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

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 *TIME UPDATED*

Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

TGIF Happy Hour

Other Events

Corridor Interfaith Alliance for Families – Reopening Schools House Meeting

Tuesday, August 4th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

CTI and Texas Teacher Voices welcome you to share your voice on the reopening of schools with parents, teachers, and others from around the area.

Come share your experience with schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting you, your family, and friends.
This is an opportunity to begin to be part of the decision-making process to ensure our schools are safe for students, teachers, and the broader community.
Please take a moment to register in advance and invite others from your institutions to RSVP so that we may have a broad range of perspectives represented.

RSVP Here

Corridor Cluster Civic Academy: Corridor Action Agenda

Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

The CIAF invites you to a Civic Academy on the 2020 Agenda of Issues. During this Civic Academy you will be able to review and comment on our proposed CIAF agenda items and suggest any additions which you are passionate about:

• Direct Assistance during Covid-19
• Healthcare
• Workforce - Capital Idea
• Immigration Reform
• Racial Justice
• Community Safety and Policing

CIAF is non-partisan, our Agenda of Issues is our candidate.

Use the following ZOOM link to attend Civic Academy:
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7408543891
Meeting ID: 740 854 3891 / No Password req'd.

For further information or questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Civic Academy: COVID-19

Sunday, August 16th, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion with St. Christopher's Episcopal Church on how to keep our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will discuss where to get tested, local demographic trends, how the pandemic has affected us, and what we as a community can do to stop the spread of COVID-19.

RSVP Here

Academia Civica: COVID-19 ¡En Español!

Martes, 18 de agosto, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Únase a nosotros y la Parroquia Catolica de Emmaus para una discusión sobre cómo mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Discutiremos dónde hacer la prueba, las tendencias demográficas locales, cómo nos ha afectado la pandemia y qué podemos hacer nosotros como comunidad para detener la propagación de COVID-19. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Christina Leal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RSVP Ahora

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 - Meet via Zoom

SMUUF Choir

Sewing Guild

Meets Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom

The Sewing Guild has made and delivered over 700 quilts to children in need.

Friday "Talk, Then Walk"

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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.

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

SWUUW Admin Job Opening

This year SWUUW is planning to hire a new SWUUW Administrator. For the qualifications, see the position overview below and check swuuw.org or the SWUUW Facebook Page for the complete job description. For the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the Administrator’s role will include responsibilities related to the planning and technical management of the 2021 virtual conference. These responsibilities will be split with another Technical Co-Manager.

We ask SWUUW members and conference attendees to disseminate the job posting via your congregational communications. The deadline for receipt of applications is Aug. 31.

Part-time: 5-30 hours per month
Salary range: $16+/ hour | $2500 maximum budget for the year (TBD for 2020-2021)
Position Type: Contract

An Overview of the Admin position:

The SWUUW Administrator manages the SWUUW website, Facebook page, and mass email communications; produces imagery and artwork for these various channels; carries out administrative duties to support the Board of Directors, the Conference Committee and the membership; may provide Registrar support to the Conference Registrar; and assists with on-site AV needs during the conference.

Technical Co-Management of the Virtual Conference, Responsibilities:

Researching, recommending, and learning available video conferencing and virtual conference platforms
Assisting the board with planning the conference in a virtual environment, based upon the chosen platform
Creating guidelines and organizing rehearsal/training sessions for workshop, keynote, vendor, and other session presenters
Planning logistics and training for volunteer moderators
Providing remote technical help for presenters or attendees during the conference, as needed
Assisting with creating presentations and/or graphics, videos as needed
The Administrator plays a key role in the total management process of the organization, is expected to participate in decision-making activities affecting the operations, is a member of the administrative team and has regular interaction with all levels of the organization including the members of the Board, the Conference Committee, and the membership.

The Administrator’s responsibilities will be reviewed annually, and shifted according to skills available among Board members.

If interested, please forward your resume and three references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you have any questions or need for clarification of elements of the job prior to applying - please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The deadline for receipt of applications is Aug. 31, 2020.

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.

UBarU Camp & Retreat Center Upcoming Events - Check www.ubaru.org for postponements/cancellations

At UBarU, we have canceled events from March through July which includes our 4 weeks of planned summer camps including youth UU camps and Human Sexuality camp. We are sad, the youth who were looking forward to coming are sad. It is disappointing to not be able to be together at camp.

As of right now, camp is closed. Once the Stay Home orders are lifted, it might be an option for families to come to camp and stay in the cottages while taking the necessary precautions to stay safe. We will monitor the advise of local and state public health experts as we make decisions about events planned in August and later. UBarU will update with details as they become available.

If you have any questions, UBarU Director Robin Stout is happy to be in touch. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 830-460-6002.

Joys and Concerns

- Our good friend and SMUUF Board Treasurer, Rhoda Sterling, drove by care from San Marcos in early June to Corona (yes, Corona), California, to care for her 45 year-old niece who was undergoing intensive 9-hour chemotherapy treatments for advanced ovarian cancer. We just heard last weekend that her niece had a PET scan that indicated no remaining cancer. Yay! She has to have a few more treatments so Rhoda plans to stay until early August. We hope her niece recovers fully and that Rhoda can safely return to us. What a loving, self-sacrificing person she is. We can't wait to welcome her back home again!

- SMUUF Member Kate McCarty provided the following update on her mother: Mom passed peacefully into Dad's waiting arms at 6:26 a.m. today at her nursing home. Funeral and viewing arrangements are pending, but we expect viewing to be Saturday with a small graveside service for family and friends on Sunday afternoon, both in Gallatin, MO. The timing will depend on getting a permit to fly Mom out of state for burial.

- The Rasco and Attendee Management, Inc. families want to wish a Happy Retirement to Jeff Rasco! Jeff will officially step down as CEO from the event registration company he started out of his garage 20 years ago. We were able to celebrate Jeff via Zoom, inviting almost 50 of his closest friends, industry mentors and mentees, and family to share time and stories. Jeff also celebrated a birthday last Thursday, July 16. Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement, Jeff!

- A little bird told us that long-time loyal SMUUF member Barbara Jacobson will be celebrating her 80th birthday on Saturday, July 25. Let's think how we can help her celebrate and still maintain safe distancing. For more information, contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (512) 353-2872. 

- 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.

San Marcos Area Black-Owned Businesses - Updated as of 7/10/2020

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

Three SMUUF Church Leaders to Serve on the United Way Funds Distribution Committee

SMUUF President Joel Jordan, SMUUF Social Justice Chair Jeannie Lewis, and SMUUF Social Justice Activist Kate McCarty will be serving on this very important United Way committee. The Funds Distribution Committee determines which area non-profit organizations will receive United Way funding and how much each will receive for 2021. There are currently 16 different programs that are applying for funding.

We usually have in-person presentations from all of the programs spread over a couple of days. But this year, due to the virus, we will have a Zoom meeting on July 16 only for new organizations applying. Meanwhile, we have received all applications and score sheets by email and will study and score each program individually before returning our score sheets to United Way on July 17.

By serving on this Funds Distribution Committee, we will learn so much about organizations and many volunteers who are contributing to the good work that occurs in our beloved community. It is truly eye-opening and inspiring!

Reflections on Our July 12 WUUFS Meeting

We had 12 SMUUF woman gather on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, for the Women's UU Friendship Society Meeting. SMUUF Member Nancy Russell was our Discussion Leader. We had several questions to discuss, but people were so anxious to share their thoughts, we only discussed the first question shown below. We wanted to continue this discussion, so we decided to meet again on Sunday, September 13, to continue the discussion on the same topic and consider the other questions. Meanwhile, you are encouraged to read the book Proverbs of Ashes by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker. (Available through Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes & Noble Nook). Nancy has offered to buy a copy of the book and pass it around for those who would like to read it. Contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested.

Nancy took a few short notes during the discussion and we thought those of you who missed the meeting (or even those who attended) might like to see these below.

Question: What did you think about the death of Jesus on the cross when you were growing up? (No one said they had attended a Unitarian Universalist church as a child.)

Summary of comments:

• Why such a symbol?
• So cruel!
• Gory!
• Not love!
• Like suffering and deaths of other famous people who brought about change (Gandhi, Martin Luther King, etc.)
• Sacrifice!
• Upset by excruciating details so prayed outside all day and then saw a Bible in the yard!
• Cruel, but then he went to heaven so accepted this; then investigated – Why did his death save us?
• Babies born in sin?
• Atonement, saved from what? All are saved. Love, Resurrection, Legend of Blue Bonnet Sacrifice.
• Taught to question early; Just follows Jesus' behavior, not his death.
• Not told as a horror story; all about sacrifice and resurrection. How do you change things?
• Jesus could have led an insurrection, but he chose to give himself as a sacrifice. 
• Stoic, same story over and over, all very narrow.
• How does this tortuous death a couple thousand years ago save me from my sins?

We hope to see you on Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m. Anyone who self-identifies as a woman is welcome to attend.

Zoom Meeting of International Convocation of UU Women – July 14, 2020

The IWC, also known as the International Convocation of UU Women, has been meeting every week since the pandemic began here in the states in mid-March to share our experiences. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, has been meeting regularly with them. Now we are meeting twice a month. Our next meeting is Tuesday, July 28, at 9:00 a.m. Any SMUUF woman is invited to attend. Contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested and I will send you the Zoom link.

At our meeting this last Tuesday there were 28 women from all over the United States and the world — including Transylvania, Romania, Paris, Denmark, Canada, and others. As usual, after some casual talk, a welcome, and introduction of the topic, we broke into small groups of five or so to share our thoughts about the topic, then came back together as a group to share with all.

Our topic this week was to tell about one person in our life who came along when we were struggling and said or did something that had a strong positive impact on our life. We were given the topic ahead of time so we had time to think about it before the meeting. It was a very empowering sharing of life experiences.

I hope some of you will join us on July 28!

SMUUF Represented on CUUSAN Zoom Meeting – July 8, 2020

CUUSAN stands for Coalition of UU State Action Networks. It is a national organization that brings together state UU social justice organizations. Chuck Freeman, Executive Director of Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM), is on the Board of CUUSAN. Since SMUUF is a member of TXUUJM, we can have members of our church attend these national Zoom meetings — usually every other month — plus the Annual Meeting which was held during the UUA General Assembly on June 24. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, attended both the CUUSAN Annual Meeting on June 24 and this meeting on July 8 via Zoom. About 30 people from UU organizations from all over the U.S. attend the July 8 meeting. There are eight people on the CUUSAN Board and no paid staff. Staff are all volunteers. UU Mass Action handles the financial issues.

There was much discussion about improving the process during Annual Meetings — more transparency, following Robert's Rules of Order for elections, defining better who is qualified to vote, etc. They also suggested that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion should be spelled out in the Bylaws. They also thought a Covenant should be part of the Bylaws. The Board will continue to work on these issues.

Zoom Meeting of International Convocation of UU Women – July 28, 2020

This organization, also called the International Women's Convocation (IWC), now meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month for a Zoom gathering at 9:00 a.m. We usually have about 30 women from all over the United States and around the world — including Canada, France, Denmark, Romania, Transylvania, Australia, and others. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice Chair, always participates and would love to have other SMUUF women there with her.

IWC says, "Now is the time for community, solidarity, and love. As we move deeper into times of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, staying connected is vital. Even small expressions of solidarity can remind us that we're all in this together — and we're all here for each other. Join us to connect with UU women worldwide as you reflect, respond, and check in more deeply in small breakout groups. Let's connect, nurture community, and draw sustenance and hope for all."

Each meeting we're given a topic ahead of time to discuss in small group breakout rooms of 5 or so women. Our topic on July 28 was as follows:

Sacred Space: Where in your life do you go to experience the sacred? It could be a place you retreat to in your mind, or a place you go to once or twice a year to refresh or renew, or it could be a favorite place in your home.

Needless to say, there were varied answers — especially in this time of the pandemic. But most answers had to do with water — the beach, the lake, the water falls, and the San Marcos River (me) — or other nature locations — the mountains, the woods, the back porch swing watching the deer in the yard (me). It was a very deeply meaningful and thoughtful sharing.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 11, at 9:00 a.m. If you would like to join us, contact Jeannie Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Texas UU Justice Ministry Monthly Call – June 23, 2020

Jeannie Lewis is SMUUF's representative on the Advisory Council of the Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) and participates in a conference call the 4th Tuesday of each month. We had our first Zoom meeting in June hosted by TXUUJM Executive Director Rev. Chuck Freeman. Also present were Advisory Council members from Emerson UU in Houston, UUCBV in College Station, First UU in Houston, and Georgetown UU.

We discussed several upcoming events:

• UU Justice Ministry Workshop — "If I Can’t Dance, I Don’t Want To Be Part Of Your Revolution!"
• Chuck recommended that everyone should go to "Sign Up Take Charge, Get Out the Vote!" Register for Texas Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) Delegate's Assembly on Thursday, June 25. (Jeannie attended this on Zoom).
• UU-the-Vote plans to call more than 100,000 voters for the upcoming Texas Primary Run-off Election. It was recommended that congregations sign up for "Sign up for UU the Vote" phone banks.
• We will continue to have TXUUJM Advisory Council Meeting on Zoom from now on; Chuck is able to host Zoom worship services.
• Updating Advisory Council — TXUUJM Executive Assistant Cathy Marston will be contacting you/your congregation soon.
• Congregational sharing

UU-UNO Monthly Call Summary and Minutes – June 16, 2020

Jeannie Lewis and Becky Allen are SMUUF Envoys to our UU Office at the United Nations (UU@UN) in New York City, and are invited to attend a monthly ZOOM meeting with other UU Envoys from across the United States. Both Jeannie and Becky attended the June meeting. Also present were UU Envoys from Long Beach, CA; Watertown, NY; Lacombe, LA; Alton, IL and New York City. Some places had two or three Envoys. Allison Hess, our UU International Engagement Associate at the UN, served as our moderator.

UN News

• The global protests and actions in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have been extensive across the world. This is also showing up prominently at the United Nations where diplomats and civil society organizations are drawing attention to discrimination faced by People of African Descent all over, not just in the U.S.
• The UN Human Rights Council convened in person on Monday for the first time since COVID-19 began. A proposal put forth from the African Group calls for an urgent meeting to discuss systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters. The recording can also be watched afterwards: http://webtv.un.org/ (make sure the language tab under the video is set to English if you don’t understand French).
• Secretary-General Guterres called several weeks ago for a global ceasefire during the pandemic. The UN security Council has tried to endorse the S-G’s statement and hasn’t been able to do so because of conflict between China and the U.S.
• UN is committed to operating virtually through September.
• Upcoming in early July is the High-Level Political Forum to assess progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

News from the UU@UN:

• Two stellar interns started this week for their virtual UU@UN summer internships.
• UN Sunday resources will be all online this year, focusing on the theme of climate justice but also including content honoring the UN’s 75th anniversary. Look for resources later this month at www.uua.org/unsunday!
• From the International Office, will be hosting a webinar series in the fall about Unitarian/Universalist colonial legacy and asking the question: Are we an imperial faith? Co-led alongside ICUU and UUPCC.

There followed an in-depth session of questions and discussion from the Envoys regarding UN and global topics. We ended the meeting sharing what was currently going on in our local communities and congregations.

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:

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.

Additionally, we are planning to host an in-person Star Party at camp Aug 13-16. We have a few more private rooms available and camping is encouraged. Details about precautions we will take, registration and more are at https://ubaru.org/home/starParty

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.

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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.

1. 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.
2. You can authorize a regular withdrawal (known as ACH) directly from your bank to ours.
3. 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!

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Legacy Society

Board Meeting Minutes available