Our Blog

Holiday Civility

posted on November 23, 2011 by brooks

Experts know that too many holidays end up with hurt feelings as family gatherings often degenerate into arguments.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.  One of our commission members received two pre-Thanksgiving emails offering ways to have a civil discourse over difficult issues. 

The first, put out by the Environmental Defense Fund, is available here:  Tips For Talking Climate Over Turkey Without Starting A Food Fight.

The second is available here:  Talking Turkey With Your Loved Ones.

We hope you have a good holiday season.

Cradle to Prison Pipeline

posted on August 17, 2011 by brooks

A recent General Board of Church & Society Newsletter had a sad, but insightful article on the Cradle to Prison Pipeline, an issue all who care about justice should care about. When reading it, keep in mind the Austin District’s October 8 education forum.

Save Texas Schools---Statewide Conference

posted on July 8, 2011 by brooks

On July 15 & 16th, the Save Texas Schools organization will have a statewide conference in Austin at First United Methodist Church.  The nonpartisan group will host lawmakers to discuss the education issues and then have training to equip attendees to participate in the primary and general elections. 

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, click here.

Austin Interfaith Accountability Session --- April 10, 2011

posted on April 6, 2011 by brooks

Do you care about

  • Education
  • Immigration
  • Long-term Job training
  • Living Wages
  • Worker Rights
  • Neighborhood Safety

If so, attend Austin Interfaith’s accountability session to learn where public officials stand on these issues.  The session will be April 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at St Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church (126 W. Oltorf).

For more information, call 916-0100

Justice Workshop at University UMC

posted on April 4, 2011 by brooks

Justice workshop at University UMC

2409 Guadalupe Street (Cor 24th)

Austin, TX

Rev. Bill McElvaney – Saturday, April 9 & Sunday, April 10

This April, join peace and justice advocate Rev. Bill McElvaney at UUMC for a series of justice workshops. Bill is Professor Emeritus at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas.  Each gathering will begin with an opening prayer and a brief justice reading from Bill.  Featured readings will be:

  • Life After Mississippi - by James Autry
  • The Justice Project – by Brian McLaren et al
  • Justice – by Nicholas Wolterstorff
  • The Last Week – by Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan
  • Blessed Are the Peacemakers, a Lenten meditation – by Bill McElvaney

On Saturday morning, Bill will outline his reasons for writing the book Becoming a Justice Seeking Congregation: Responding to God’s Justice Initiative, experiences with the book, and some general observations about justice.  Saturday afternoon will include participation in a justice exercise.  On Sunday afternoon, we will consider where UUMC is in doing justice, including existing and possible new challenges.

The sessions on both Saturday and Sunday will proceed with narrative of doing justice, followed by discussion (action and reflection).  The sessions will conclude with Bill McElvaney’s reflections on a chapter of the book.  Along the way, we will consider questions at the end of each chapter.  Books will be available for sale for $10.

PLEASE REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME FOR THE WORKSHOPS.  DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, APRIL 5 AT 5:00 P.M. THANK YOU!

Email Rev. Susan Sprague at ssprague@uumc.org or call 512-478-9387 to RSVP. There is no charge.