The Meaning of the Vote to Call a Settled Minister

by Posted in Uncategorized
On Sunday, October 29, the congregation of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin will be voting “to affirm the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to call the Rev. Chris Jimmerson as a Settled Minister.” Voting to call a settled minister is one of the most important votes you will cast as a member of this congregation. This is a unique type of vote – it is not the same as an election. You are not being asked to elect Rev. Chris. Instead, you are voting on the following issues:
  • whether the Search Process was comprehensive, inclusive, collaborative and transparent,
  • whether the congregation was heard and represented accurately by the Search Committee,
  • whether the Search Committee sees the qualities and gifts of the candidate are a good match for the congregation’s needs,
  • whether the congregation is willing to move into a shared ministry partnership with the candidate, and
  • whether this candidate is best for the whole congregation.
You are NOT voting on:
  • what is best for a particular individual within the congregation,
  • whether individuals think they would have chosen the candidate who was identified by the search committee on their own, given what they know about the congregation,
  • whether individuals think that every sermon the candidate preaches will or will not speak to the hearts and minds of every single member every single time, whether there might be a better match out there somewhere, or whether the candidate is the perfect minister.
In summary, this vote is not like a political election or popularity contest. Rather, it is the culmination of a process that identifies the church’s needs and asks whether the person we are considering, in this case Rev. Chris, has the qualities and gifts that are a good match for what the congregation needs.

Members of the Board will be available Sundays after each service to answer your questions about this or any other aspect of the Ministerial Transition.


Gretchen Riehl, Board President

Positive Climate Stories After Hottest September in Our History

by Posted in Green sanctuary

View Post

 

A Whole Week of Positive Climate Stories, Warmest September on Record, & an Inspirational Climate Voice

 
Most reporting on climate change emphasizes weather disasters; and while it’s important to understand the risks climate change poses, it’s inspiring and motivating to learn more about solutions that can help pave the way to a better future. That’s why, this week, I was so glad to see that NPR is focusing on creative climate solutions from across the U.S. and around the globe. More of this, please! 
 
In her introduction to the series, NPR’s climate solutions reporter, Julia Simon, said: “I know that things are bad right now. But what if we reframe the conversation? With climate change, it’s not like this is a meteor hurtling toward Earth and there’s nothing we can do about it. Humans are driving global warming. And that means we humans can find solutions to change our trajectory.” I couldn’t agree more! 
 
NPR’s stories cover a wide range of topics, from cutting healthcare’s carbon footprint to  “spongy” urban flooding solutions to a robot that cleans seaweed off beaches. They even curated a post of solely good news. They also cover how you can implement solutions in your own life, including induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, and electric bikes. Renters can take action too, such as setting your water heater temperature lower and buying a countertop induction burner.
 
You can listen to all the stories from the week here. And as always, please share what you learn.
 
 
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS: AUSTIN, TEXAS Sunday, October 29th at 4pm – Blanton
 
Sunday, October 8th at 11am CDT- “World Communion Sunday“ at Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney, TX – in person and live-streamed on Facebook
 
Sunday, October 29th at 4pm CDT – “Blanton Live: Conversations for Now,” a panel discussion at the exhibit at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, TX – in person

 

The Meaning of the Vote to Call a Settled Minister

by Posted in Uncategorized

On Sunday, October 29, the congregation of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin will be voting “to affirm the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to call the Rev. Chris Jimmerson as a Settled Minister.” Voting to call a settled minister is one of the most important votes you will cast as a member of this congregation. This is a unique type of vote – it is not the same as an election. You are not being asked to elect Rev. Chris. Instead, you are voting on the following issues:

  • whether the Search Process was comprehensive, inclusive, collaborative and transparent,
  • whether the congregation was heard and represented accurately by the Search Committee,
  • whether the Search Committee sees the qualities and gifts of the candidate are a good match for the congregation’s needs,
  • whether the congregation is willing to move into a shared ministry partnership with the candidate, and whether this candidate is best for the whole congregation.

You are NOT voting on:

  • what is best for a particular individual within the congregation,
  • whether individuals think they would have chosen the candidate who was identified by the search committee on their own, given what they know about the
    congregation,
  • whether individuals think that every sermon the candidate preaches will or will not speak to the hearts and minds of every single member every single time,
  • whether there might be a better match out there somewhere, or
  • whether the candidate is the perfect minister.


In summary, this vote is not like a political election or popularity contest. Rather, it is the culmination of a process that identifies the church’s needs and asks whether the person we are considering, in this case Rev. Chris, has the qualities and gifts that are a good match for what the congregation needs.

Members of the Board will be available Sundays after each service to answer your questions about this or any other aspect of the Ministerial Transition.

Gretchen Riehl, Board President

News From Inside Books Project

by Posted in Uncategorized

 

Our Inside Books Project wants you to know 2 important things: 

1.) Please hold your book donations.
The Texas Prison System has told Inside Books (IBP) to hold any new free book mailings. The prisons and a private E-Tablet vendor have replaced the prison free book program. The E-Tablet program, initially free, will start monetizing their services. The Prison system will reconsider if IBP and others will be allowed to continue sending free books and hopeful letters to prisoners. As an alternative IBP has started successfully reaching out to County Jails to help them create libraries. 
 
2.)There are openings for potential volunteers for the Travis County Del Valley Jail to teach reading, writing, arts, nutrition, exercise, job readiness and other classes.
If your interested please contact our IBP partner, Patricia Schiaffini: psv1990@hotmail.com. Tell her you heard about this from First UU Green Sanctuary Ministry.
 

Climate Crises, Save Money, Reduce Your Footprint

by Posted in Uncategorized

 Who’s Stepping Up to Address the Climate Crisis? 

 
Good News, Not so Good News, and what you can do.
 
Remember our Climate Action Meeting is the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in person, with food, in Howson Hall, and at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. Watch this space. 
 

Effecting the Climate with Your Home Appliances

How to Save you money, improve your energy appliances/transportation and our climate: 
 
Are you interested in money and tax credits that will help you buy an electric vehicle, new air conditioning, heat pumps, solar panels and more for your home, business or our church? Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Tax Credits are available NOW. Rebates will be on the street as soon as Texas is ready (4-6 months). Here is a link to an (IRA) slide show created by our church member Bob Hendricks that will give you an amazing overview. Watch this space for more IRA intel & info on available Rebates.
 
 
 
 

Wi$dom Path: Money and Self

by Posted in Uncategorized
Sundays, October 8, 22, and November 5 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
 
Money: we can’t live without it, but our culture tells us that the love of it is the root of all evil. So how do we truly understand our attitudes toward this “necessary evil”?

Wi$dom Path is an interactive program that explores the place of money in our personal and community lives. Through stories and exercises, we will explore our own financial histories, assumptions and values. Through these, we will determine how a healthy relationship with money helps us live a fulfilling life.

These first three workshops cover Money and Self: participants build awareness of their own “money story” and explore their own attitudes and experiences with money.
 
These workshops will be led by Karen Neeley. Bring a sack lunch.

* The first workshop, on October 8th, is a repeat of the workshop “Talking about Money” that was offered in May. If you attended that, feel free to skip the first session or join in again!

Monthly Special Offering for October

by Posted in Uncategorized

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

UUSC is our dedicated UU organization that advances human rights globally.  Its work reflects our UU principle that all people have inherent rights and dignity.
 
UUSC has a unique and effective strategy:  it works with and supports carefully selected partner organizations on the front lines where injustice is happening.  This enables UUSC to identify and respond to the most critical needs.  UUSC specifically focuses on immigrant rights, the rights of people at risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and communities affected by climate change and natural disasters.  
 
Currently, UUSC is responding to immigrant human rights issues at the US/Mexico border, and also works with organizations in Mexico and Central America.  UUSC is partnering with organizations protecting the rights of vulnerable people affected by violence in Burma and Ukraine, and people affected by climate change in Haiti.  Closer to home, UUSC is working with Austin Sanctuary Network right here to protect immigrant rights.  
 
You can learn more about UUSC and its work at https://www.uusc.org/.

National UU Pet Loss Support Group

by Posted in Uncategorized

Chaplain’s Corner

The Pet Loss Support Group that I lead is held on a monthly basis, and new participants are always welcome. The meetings occur in the evening, on the first Wednesday of each month, and last for one hour. Topics have included Stages of Grief, Grief Resources, Book Suggestions, Ritual and Mourning, and many others.

The next monthly Pet Loss Support Group will be held on  October 4th at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT. 

For a Zoom link and passcode, please contact Rev. Russell Elleven at: relleven@gmail.com (relleven at gmail dot com).

 

 

 

 

Wishing you peace, 
Rev. Russell Elleven, DMin
UUAM Chaplain & President
www.AnimalChaplain.net

Stewardship Helpers Needed!

by Posted in Uncategorized

To make the upcoming Pledge Drive a success, we need some volunteers.  We have lots of opportunities, from participating in a one time text bank on Sunday, October 8, to helping with Celebration Sunday on October 15, to writing thank you notes to those who have pledged.

If you are able to assist, please sign up here or at the Stewardship Table in the Howson Hall after the service. Thank you for supporting First UU and the Stewardship team!

2024 Pledge Drive

by Posted in Uncategorized

Rebuild. Renew. Rise Up.

With hearts full of hope and a spirit of unity, we invite you to join the 2024 First UU Stewardship Campaign. Commitment Sunday is coming on Sunday, October 1. This is the day that we will ask all members and friends to make their annual pledge to First UU.  We will then celebrate our pledges on October 15 with a Celebration Sunday Party. RSVP here!

Our theme, “Rebuild, Renew, Rise Up,” is an affirmation of our commitment to creating a world of justice, compassion, and boundless possibility. As we begin this year’s campaign, we invite you to reflect on the profound impact we can make when we come together as a community united by shared values.

Join the hundreds of Austin families committed to the spiritual practice of supporting our progressive faith community by pledging on October 1.  If you already pledge, we encourage you to increase your support of First UU in 2024.  Learn more about pledging and the 2024 Pledge Drive on the Stewardship webpage.

Ministerial Search Committee Focus Groups

by Posted in Uncategorized

 

Focus group meetings targeting specific groups at First UU Austin, who represent various demographic communities and ministries, have been planned as an important part of the ministerial search process. Feedback received during these meetings will help the Search Committee with its discernment of the ministry needs at First UU as we hear about lived experiences from group members.

The following Focus Group meetings have been scheduled:

  • Parents of Children in RE: Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. via zoom
  • Seniors: Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Noon in Howson Hall
  • New First UU members: Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in RE Classroom 15
  • BIPOC members: Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in RE Classroom 13
  • LGBTQIA members: Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in RE Classroom 13

Invitations are being emailed to these group members. If you identify with one of these groups and do not receive an invitation, please know you’re welcome to attend. Sign up through Church Center is appreciated, or email searchcommittee@austinuu.org

The Seniors Focus group is part of the September Senior Lunch and has already been announced. It’s open to all Seniors at First UU even if you didn’t receive the email.

We look forward to hearing and learning from you during these meetings.

Upcoming Decisions about our Next Called Minister

by Posted in Uncategorized

The Board of Trustees has prepared a flowchart for the congregation to better understand the implications of two upcoming decision points, whether the Ministerial Search Committee identifies Rev. Chris as the candidate (October 8) and, if so, whether the congregation votes to affirm their selection (October 29). This make clears how important it is that you participate in the opportunities the MSC is creating to make decisions that are best for the whole congregation. (click on the scenario links below the diagram to see details and implications).


Scenario A         Scenario B        Scenario C

Social Action Council

by Posted in Uncategorized
 
 
 

September Social Action

 
Wednesday, September 6
Team Leader Orientation and Q&A meeting for community housing repair projects
6-7:30 PM
2921 E. 17th St. Bldg. D, Suite 3
Register here
 
 
First UU Program
Breaking Barriers, Building Beliefs*
Saturday, September 9
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
ZOOM
Meeting ID: 859 317 6772
Passcode: Chalice
*more information will follow in a separate email


Public Affairs Forum 
Sunday, September 17 
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Howson Hall, First UU, 4700 Grover Ave. Austin, TX 78756
Learn about residential and business funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to improve energy efficiency. 
 
Rally at Republic Square 
with Extinction Rebellion (XR) Austin
Saturday, September 16
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
501 W 5th St.
in solidarity with the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels, the March to End Fossil Fuels, and the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit
https://www.facebook.com/XRAustin/


Rally at the Capitol
Organized by local faith leaders from the Laudato Si’ Movement in partnership with Action for the Climate Emergency
Sunday, September 17th
12 – 2 p.m.
LaudatoSiTexas@gmail.com
 
 
Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT)
Red Bench Conversation; Indigenous People: A Path to Reconciliation – Dawnland 
Tuesday, September 26 
Wildflower Unitarian Universalist Church 
View and discuss the documentary Dawnland – the untold story of Indigenous children’s removal from their families and placement in Boarding Schools and the impact on the Wabankaki people. 

 
 

Looking Ahead – Save the Dates in October!

 
Sierra Club Climate Crises Team 
Tuesday, October 2
Howson Hall, First UU, 4700 Grover Ave. Austin, TX 78756
in person & zoom: fun, food, hope and climate action


iACT’s Fall Fundraiser
A Night Under One Sky 
Monday, October 9 
at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
 
 
iACT with Refugees
Austin Refugee Roundtable
with Little Amal, a 12ft puppet of a 12 year old Syrian Refugee girl 
Friday, October 20 
5-6pm
at Huston-Tillotson University.


Hands on Housing: Raise the Roof
October 9-29
Volunteer to help repair houses in Austin. Consider forming a First UU Team!
hoh@interfaithtexas.org or phone at 512-386-9145 ext.307


Reach out to David or Frankie, Social Action Council Co-Chairs, at 551-206-5458 with any questions about these events or if you have information and opportunities for volunteers that you would like to share with the lists.

Commitment Sunday (Pledge Drive Kick Off) is Coming!

by Posted in Uncategorized

Rebuild. Renew. Rise Up.

With hearts full of hope and a spirit of unity, we invite you to join the 2024 First UU Stewardship Campaign. Commitment Sunday is coming on Sunday, October 1st. This is the day that we will ask all members and friends to make their annual pledge to First UU.  What is a pledge?  Making a pledge simply means declaring how much you expect to contribute to First UU during 2024.  

Our theme, “Rebuild, Renew, Rise Up,” is an affirmation of our commitment to creating a world of justice, compassion, and boundless possibility. As we begin this year’s campaign, we invite you to reflect on the profound impact we can make when we come together as a community united by shared values.

Join the hundreds of Austin families committed to the spiritual practice of supporting our progressive faith community by pledging on October 1st.  If you already pledge, we encourage you to increase your support of First UU in 2024.  We will then celebrate our commitment to First UU with the Celebration Sunday Party on Sunday, October 15 from 12 – 2 p.m.

Learn more about pledging and the 2024 Pledge Drive on the Stewardship webpage.

Important Critical Climate Actions to Report to You

by Posted in Uncategorized
 
On Tuesday, August 29th a hundred people including our congregation members showed up at the community input meeting at Austin Energy Headquarters to give their input to the new Austin Energy Resource Generation Plan Update. Renewables are cheaper and healthier they will help our rates go down, reduce climate over heating and increase our planet’s chance to thrive. People brought signs and voiced their request for renewables and their deep concern that the Fayette Coal Fired Power Plant continues to pump millions of tons of deadly toxic waste polluting our life giving Air, precious dwindling water and sacred Earth. Here is our Green Sanctuary Ministry’s Members terrific testimony: FAYETTE POWER PLANT RANKED 14TH DIRTIEST IN THE NATION.
 
Air pollution from coal-fired power plants is linked with asthma, cancer, heart and lung ailments, neurological problems, acid rain, global warming, and other severe environmental and public health impacts.
 
It’s not just air pollution, it is also ground water pollution. The Fayette Plant is among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of potential damage cases, indicating that it has potentially polluted groundwater or surface water at levels which threaten human health and the environment. Our Utility, Austin Energy, is making it’s customers sick.
 
Of coal’s many environmental impacts, none are as harmful, long term, and irreversible as global warming. Global warming is driven by emissions of heat-trapping gases, primarily from human activities, that rise into the atmosphere and act like a blanket, warming the earth’s surface.
 
(Fayette is responsible for 72% of AE’s carbon emissions but only generates 13% of AE’s total power.) Whenever this is brought up, the response is usually what about China and India. I can’t do much about those countries but I will continue to try to do something about the utility that I feel responsible for.
 
YOU CAN HELP: If you, your friends, and family would email and or call the Mayor & Austin City Council, tell them what you think about Renewables, Rates and the Fayette Coal fired Power Plant. If a hundred or more folks connect we can get their attention.
 
On another climate front: several church members have been working on a Nation Wide & Texas strong Team to stop the planned dumping of High Level “HOT” nuclear waste from every nuclear power plant in the USA  into west Texas. This a money grabbing scheme to capture the millions of dollars in decommissioning trust funds by shipping this deadly forever waste by rail to Allen county. This is the edge of the Ogallala Aquifer (A Shallow Aquifer) and the Permian Basin.
 
To stop the accelerated heating of our planet we must stop burning heat dome creating fossil fuels. Join with the Sierra Club & Green Sanctuary – Climate Crisis Committee on (Zoom) or in person. Held the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Howson Hall.
 
Beki & Richard Halpin, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin Green Sanctuary Ministry green@austinuu.org 512-917-6018 & 512-658-2599.
 
 
 
Together, we nourish souls, transform lives, and do  justice to build the Beloved Community